MX400/500 vs. Apple Earbuds

[lester_l]

Hi all,

I am considering picking up either the MX400 or MX500 to replace my Apple earbuds, but was wondering how they compare in terms of size. I've heard a couple of complaints about them being too big to fit in a "typical" ear, but I'm thinking that if they are similar to the Apple earbuds, then they should be fine for my ears.

Can anyone compare and let me know? Thanks!

p.s. which one should I choose? MX400 or MX500?

 

[sigma]

Sound-wise, I'd take the MX500's. You can read a review in the full-length forum if you want. The added resistance made a slight but discernible difference.

Size-wise, I haven't used the iPod earphones before, so I can't help you there. But they fit me pretty well.

 

[lester_l]

Thanks for the tip. I checked out the full review on the MX400 vs. MX500, and the MX500 does look like the clear winner in the sound department.

Can anyone comment on the size of them? After wrestling with my new Sony EX71's for the entire afternoon and not finding a good fit, I am beginning to see how important comfort is with earbuds.

Thanks!

 

[Kirosia]

Wel, mxs are pretty small, they're not in-ear or anything so they just rest. I've never had comfort issues with any earbuds, but some do.

 

[bLue_oNioN]

I found the MX500s very comfortable until I tried on the EX71SLs -- after that, for some strange reason, the MX500s didn't feel too good. I'm guessing it's psychological, knowing that there's something better out there?

 

[toaster]

um, not sure what reviews have been read but, the mx-400 and mx-500 are exactly the same headphone.

the only difference is that the 500 is purple (uch) as opposed to the 400's black. and the 500 comes with an inline volume control, built into the wire. most people don't need this as they can just control the volume with their portable player.

the only real choice between the 400 and 500 is color. unless you really want that inline volume control, i'd choose the black 400 over purple 500 any day.

senn just came out with a 550 version of the mx's. those should sound better compared to the 400 or 500.

at less than 10 dollars, a hair over 10 dollars, and around 20 dollars, for the 400, 500 and 550 respectively, it's really hard to go wrong with whichever model you choose.

 

[Max Minimum]

I own probably five or six pairs of earbuds since they seem to come with everything these days. I'd say they're larger than average, but still very comfortable, and I have smallish ears.

 

[tradja]

I have both the MX400 and EX71s.

A few thoughts on comfort:

The MX400 hurt my ears (felt tender, like bruising) after only 15 minutes or so, so I filed down the plastic housing with a nail file to reduce the diameter. (the nice thing about <$10 earbuds is that you can have a go at them with a nail file without any guilt!) They're better, but still HARD plastic that I just don't like.

The EX71 I find very comfortable with the medium gaskets. Actually, I flew from Taiwan to San Fran yesterday and fell asleep with them in (their moderate isolation made them decent earplugs on the plane and kept me asleep). I woke up 7 hours later and removed them, and noticed some very minor and fleeting discomfort.

Earbuds seem like ski boots, headphones, and sunglasses -- comfort and fit are really a very, VERY individual thing and you really need to demo the item physically.

 

[skitlets]

Coming from a guy with small ears, they're too large for me. Sound-wise, I think they are quite similar to the shure e2, but the e2 simply bests it. Not a bad buy at ~15-20, however, if they fit you well.