Just got some pictures to show the physical differences between the trio. Enjoy!!! The 800 is meant to be a studio monitor (ST for STudio i guess),
while the other two are consumer based EX monitor series. Oh and the EX800ST were released slightly earlier than the other 2 but only barely so.
Based on my observations the MDR7550 is the US version of the Japan only EX800ST, look at the how the housing port and the screw crown is similar.
Where the Sony logo is located on the EX800ST is also exactly replicated on the MDR7550.
Next also refer to the TEKNOROTE® flexible earguide hanger component. It is definitely of the same length as the EX800ST. My assumptions are based on these three similarities,
now if only we could confirm if the L miniplug is the same. Hmmm...
EX800st and EX1000 look like proper dynamics in that they are vented with a proper looking port. EX600 might have a pinhole vent somewhere within their hosing, but i cant seem to see one.
Therefore my guess is isolation will be better in the EX600, whereas EX800 and EX1000 will sound more open.
The screw crown on the EX800 is also unique while the EX600 and EX1000 share a similar crown
EX600 (left) - EX800 (middle) - EX1000 (right) [pic courtesy of - ctec3.blog.so-net.ne.jp] MDR7550 [pic coutesy of pro.sony.com]
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![](https://www.head-fi.org/attachments/100964/)
Next is the screw thread on the EX800 cables. They appear to be plated in gold as opposed to EX600 and EX1000 which are not gold plated.
Not that it matters, but it's the details of the EX800 that really look nice.
EX600 (left) - EX800 (middle) - EX1000 (right) [pic courtesy of - ctec3.blog.so-net.ne.jp]
The TEKNOROTE® flexible earguide hanger component is also shorter on the EX800 compared to EX600 and EX1000.
Looks good if you ask me as i find the EX1000s earguide to be too long for my liking.
Cable wise EX600 and EX800 similar in thickness, EX1000 is considerably thicker.
EX800 (left) - EX600 (middle) - EX1000 (right) [pic from - ffr41.air-nifty.com]
In addition, the 3.5" miniplug is a regular affair with proper strain relief. EX1000 strain relief is a joke compared to the other two.
EX800 (left) - EX600 (middle) - EX1000 (right) [pic from - ffr41.air-nifty.com]
Last but not least EX800 comes in a simple plain white cardboard case. Has a decent sized zipper case as opposed to the ridiculously large leather case that comes with the other two.
And the EX800 comes only with hybrids leaving the noise isolation tips out of their package.
[pic from - ffr41.air-nifty.com]
![](https://www.head-fi.org/attachments/100979/)
![](https://www.head-fi.org/attachments/100980/)