[brunoampm]

In a insane search for the perfect strong deep bass again in an IEM, I bought the MDR-XB40EX and now it is completely burned-in at about 100 hours.
First, it is a pain to use, so it is useless. The comfort is tragic. They are super heavy because of the huge size and the extra metal body that serves for nothing but stupid marketing. The new silicone anti-noise earbuds hurts the ear with that plastic inside and helps nothing for isolation, that is very poor. It is impossible to think how they transformed the most comfortable earphones for me (traditional ex-series) in one of the most uncomfortable.
Bass are bloated and congested. It doesn’t extend as deep and layered as the 5EB. Just tons of midupperbass alltogether and some bloated monotone low-bass. Now I like much more my 5EB and my EX-85 modded (just close the air vents with tape). Those have hi-fi bass in comparison.
The highs are mediocre, recessed and with harmonic distortion on the low-highs, giving that sshhhhsssss tones, sibilance. Can’t fix it with EQ.
Please, don’t spend your money with this, it is all about marketing stuff from Sony. They make some marvelous headphones, but this MDR-XB40EX is really bad.

 

[rhmelis]

I am by no means a headphone expert, so I can't compare the sound to other headphones. I do disagree with brunoampm on a couple of points.

I find the earbuds to be very comfortable. The silicone buds are a tight fit (the earphones come with 2 extra sets of buds, a smaller and a bigger pair). They do not feel heavy to me and do not hurt my ears. I don't jog or run but I don't feel them at all while walking or cycling.

As I am no audiophile, I can only say that they sound absolutely great. But then I listen to a lot of Drum 'n' Bass and breakbeat which relies on a whole lotta bass. Some tracks were unlistenable with other earphones because the bass drowns everything else out. With the MDR-XB40EX those tracks sound great because the bass exists next to the high and lows (so to speak)

I do have a few minor points: the soft silicone earbuds collect quite a of 'pocket dust' but clean easily. And the clip you can use to fasten the cord to you clothing is not securely attached to the cord itself. When you unhook the clip it also comes loose from the cord.

These headphones have greatly enhanced my music experience, the rumbling bass is almost physical.

 

[Aidsified]

Massive audiophile here, run a studio and so fourth, own a few Senheisers, Beyerdynamic DT770s, and the Sony MDR-EX90s etc etc.
 
Bought these recently and must disagree with the first review.
 
The sound on these is thoroughly enjoyable, and they fit their intended purpose well - deep, resonant, warm bass without fuzz or distortion. They also fit my ear comfortably. I would say that the two equal length cables running out to each earbud prevents you from slinging them round your neck when you're not listening, although the flatter anti-tangle cable is quite nifty. Besides that, they look ok, have a comfortable fit etc (remember all headphones will fit different ears differently! Don't give a biased review against a design that doesn't meet your preference due to an individual ear shape that will not apply to everyone!).
 
If you're looking for some incredible bass for some old school Tribe Called Quest/Leaders of The New School type hip hop, dirty drum 'n' bass, Aphex Twin, or technical Meshuggah, bass-prominent metal then these will kick the crap out of your eardrums. If, however, you're after some high clarity, studio monitoring level inner ear buds, then go for the MDR-EX90s without a shadow of a doubt.
 
Enjoy.

 

[Photofan1986]

"If, however, you're after some high clarity, studio monitoring level inner ear buds, then go for the MDR-EX90s without a shadow of a doubt."
 
"Massive audiophile here"...
 
Yeah, sure

 

[lebomb]

I agree with Aidsified, I think the MDR-XB40EXs sound great.  I purchased these along with UE superfi.4s and even thought the UEs had superior mids/highs...........not by a great deal, the bass was severely lacking compared to the Sonys.  It was almost like a whole portion of a song was missing, because there was no low end to discuss.  I auditioned both headphones for an 8hr period while I was working.  I returned the UEs because I just was not pleased with the lack of a full sound I require listening to music.  Great clear mids/highs in the UEs, but no bass to speak of. 

 

[xtasi]

this is a massive lol

 

[lebomb]

Quote:

this is a massive lol

Not really, since what sounds good to a person is subjective.  Like I said, the UE superfi4s sounded clear, but had no bass what so ever.  How is that a good set of IEMs?

 

[kkylet808]

hey im kyle.
 i found this site by looking for reviews but can these sony's reproduce more bass than a bose tri-port in-ear? these are my 2nd pair bose are they are starting to sound bad.
im mostly a bass head. the bose triports were able to hit very low with the right songs. sounded just as good as my 2 12" 2000watt rockford subs in the truck haha.
the bose were able to get that tickle feeling in your throat from the intense bass!
 
but i have two other sony's and they sound amazing with good bass but i need a pair of "extremely low bass" headphones to just have fun with. haha.
 
Do these sony MDR-XB40EX have louder bass that the tri ports?
if not imma save up for a Sony MDR-XB700
thanks guys!

 

[Cool]

I'm new here, but I think it's unfair or useless to compare the Sony XB40EX to Super.fi 5eb because of price.
 
Sony MDR-XB40EX - $35
Sony MDR-EX85LP - $38
Sony MDR-EX90 - ~$50
Super.fi 5eb - $190
 
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[veyrongatti]

 
Quote:

In a insane search for the perfect strong deep bass again in an IEM, I bought the MDR-XB40EX and now it is completely burned-in at about 100 hours.
First, it is a pain to use, so it is useless. The comfort is tragic. They are super heavy because of the huge size and the extra metal body that serves for nothing but stupid marketing. The new silicone anti-noise earbuds hurts the ear with that plastic inside and helps nothing for isolation, that is very poor. It is impossible to think how they transformed the most comfortable earphones for me (traditional ex-series) in one of the most uncomfortable.
Bass are bloated and congested. It doesn’t extend as deep and layered as the 5EB. Just tons of midupperbass alltogether and some bloated monotone low-bass. Now I like much more my 5EB and my EX-85 modded (just close the air vents with tape). Those have hi-fi bass in comparison.
The highs are mediocre, recessed and with harmonic distortion on the low-highs, giving that sshhhhsssss tones, sibilance. Can’t fix it with EQ.
Please, don’t spend your money with this, it is all about marketing stuff from Sony. They make some marvelous headphones, but this MDR-XB40EX is really bad.

i have to disagree with u they sound okay although abit fatigueing after a while
 

 

[alexand0311]

I would have to agree that these headphones feel very uncomfortable.They feel bulky and constantly fall out from my ears.It might be different for other users but for me they have been the worst headphones when it comes to fit and comfort.

 

[rocky01]

With all due respect the review is overwrought. The phones are by no means flat but quite useful if you like jazz, pop, etc. since you don't need bass boost in order to get satisfying low end. Sony has Sony EPEX10A/BLK Hybrid Replacement Earbuds  that solve the fit problem for a song. Also, there is an amazing app called ViPER4Android for your device that has model specific frequency response flattening curve for the SONY MDR-XB40EX (and others) that ends all discussion about seeking balance. And besides, there plenty of other Apps like Neutron and PowerAmp that can tweak EQ to your hearts content. Audiophiles are thus equipped to get a satisfying experience out of these Bass Endowed earbuds. Do be prepared for strangers stopping you and asking where did you get those. They do look snappy.. 

 

[rocky01]

This used to be a double post but it's now 2019 and I'm editing this to provide an addendum. Boy OP is entitled to opinion but way off base IMO. I still have these great Sony earbuds! I still use them with my newer cell phone and listen with Spotify mostly now. All the jazz, pop and R&B I listen to sounds great in these. I carry them in a little velvet bag in my front pocket everyday so I can pull them out when waiting for the train or whatever. I think why I hold onto to these is they have a nice bottom end without needing to EQ the heck out of everything with software. They are also clear and uncongested. The only thing i don't like is I have to keep pushing them in just a little in order to hear them best. They don't fall out but they don't stay snug tight if you're in motion. If you see them for a good price still somewhere, I would definitely say give them a whirl. As you can see they last if you care for them and they sound great.

 

[B9Scrambler]

  With all due respect the review is overwrought. The phones are by no means flat but quite useful if you like jazz, pop, etc. since you don't need bass boost in order to get satisfying low end. Sony makes silicone EPEX10A/BLK Hybrid Replacement Earbuds that solve the fit problem available on Amazon for a song. Also, there is an amazing app called ViPER4Android for your device that has model specific frequency response flattening curve for the SONY MDR-XB40EX (and others) that ends all discussion about seeking balance. And besides, there are plenty of other Apps like Neutron and PowerAmp that can tweak EQ to your hearts content. Audiophiles are thus equipped to get a satisfying experience out of these Bass Endowed earbuds. Be prepared for strangers to stop you and ask where did you get those. They do look snappy.

Did Neutron and PowerAmp even exist when the original review was written...

 

[rocky01]

Surprisingly enough both music players were around in 2010. My comments were to add perspective to a review that panned the product, albeit it late. This review comes up first in searches ....