[kjk1281]

Sony is going to release two new IEMs in October that are going to slot below the MDR-EX700. The design appears to be similar, except these more affordable models use smaller 13.5mm drivers as opposed to the 700's 16mm. Some websites have reported that the EX500 and EX300 are the successors to the EX90 and EX85, respectively.

The EX500SL will release in Japan for ¥12,390 (~US$112.64) while the entry-level EX300SL will cost ¥6,195 (~US$56.32).

MDR-EX500SL & MDR-EX300SL: Sony adds new Earphones to its N-U-D-E EX Series : Akihabara News .com

(Japanese)価格.com - ソニー、カナル型ヘッドホン「MDR-EX500SL」など

(Sony Press Release)http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/P...00808/08-0825/

 

[scytheavatar]

Speaking of which, how does the MDR-EX700 match up against the other IEMs of the same price range?

 

[kjk1281]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif Speaking of which, how does the MDR-EX700 match up against the other IEMs of the same price range?

According to ClieOS' excellent review (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/r...2-08-a-335851/), the EX700 seems to have harsh treble, and many have commented that the sound quality overall is somewhat lacking for a $300 IEM.

 

[robojack]

Yes, the EX700's, like most Sony products, carry a premium price.

 

[ClieOS]

Yeah, the EX700 really isn't an IEM I will recommend, due to the overall low price/performance issue. Hopefully the EX500 will be better on that..

 

[aBc.CaN]

There's a thread about it in the headphone section if you do a search.

Ignoring the price, I think it is a good IEM. The treble can be a bit harsh at times, but the other frequencies sound good to me and it has a nice soundstage. For me, easily comparable to the Klipsch.

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aBc.CaN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ignoring the price, I think it is a good IEM.

If Sony had priced it around $250, it would have been an excellent buy.

 

[kjk1281]

UPDATE: Some retailers in Japan have already advertised prices for the EX500 and EX300. The EX500 is listed at ¥9980 (~$90.75), and the EX300 is ¥4980 (~$45.30), which is in line with the EX90 and 85. Expect Amazon.jp and other online sellers to be cheaper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aBc.CaN /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's a thread about it in the headphone section if you do a search.

Pancakes! I did a search on EX500 and EX300 but came up short.

Link please?

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjk1281 /img/forum/go_quote.gif UPDATE: Some retailers in Japan have already advertised prices for the EX500 and EX300. The EX500 is listed at ¥9980 (~$90.75), and the EX300 is ¥4980 (~$45.30), which is in line with the EX90 and 85. Expect Amazon.jp and other online sellers to be cheaper.

Those price look pretty good. I just hope Sony won't jack up the international price.
Quote:

Originally Posted by kjk1281 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Pancakes! I did a search on EX500 and EX300 but came up short. Link please?

I think he meant EX700 and not EX500/300.

 

[babya]

Sony Australia's rrp for the EX85:$129, EX90:$199.
EX300 could be priced at $199, the EX500,$249.
ex700 is $700

 

[ClieOS]

With the price difference that high (b/w EX700 and the rest), I start to wonder whether Sony is using the old transducer on the EX90 series. If they did, than it would be pointless for me for getting one

 

[kjk1281]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClieOS /img/forum/go_quote.gif With the price difference that high (b/w EX700 and the rest), I start to wonder whether Sony is using the old transducer on the EX90 series. If they did, than it would be pointless for me for getting one

It's interesting that you mentioned that. Even though the press release stated that the transducers were "newly developed," when I compared the specs of the EX500 to the EX90 (and EX300:EX85), the sensitivity, impedance, frequency response, and driver diameters were exactly the same. Now I know specifications don't tell the whole story, but something smells fishy, especially when these new models will be available for almost the exact same prices (in Japan) as the phones they replace.

 

[babya]

So, I guess the price of the 700's will drop if Sony releases the 300/500 outside Japan-in Australia, almost $700 for the EX700.

 

[babya]

Is the number of included tips reduced compared to the MDR-EX700SL?

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babya /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the number of included tips reduced compared to the MDR-EX700SL?

Yes. EX700 has 7 different sized eartips, EX500 / 300 has only 3 sizes.