Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass Home Stereo Headphones with 40mm Drivers

2013-06-23T20:00:00

I'm not an audiophile... But these headphones are great. I've had 2 pairs so far, both have lasted 2 years. My first set broke when I had an oopsie and tore the cord and broke the plug. They've sure gotten me through school too. Being tossed around, handed over, squished, etc... Even worn as ear warmers in the snow. The design is great too. Out of the box, they feel solid and well built. But over time, it all starts to come a bit loose as it forms around your head and takes beatings. But they have not broke yet, despite all the punishment a student can throw at them. Would definitely buy them again, or step up to their bigger, better brethren when this pair breaks.

Nashten

Originally posted at

2012-12-28T19:00:00

I listen to all kinds of Dubstep, ranging across all of the various frequencies, and each note comes out crystal clear. These headphones are very comfortable, so I can listen with these all day and not worry about my ears feeling funny, except from the vibration of pure awesomeness provided by the massive speakers. If you can find any of these anywhere in good condition, these headphones are a must have.

jtblack95

Originally posted at

2012-09-30T20:00:00

The bass in these headphones surpasses anything to be expected for a headphone of it's pricerange. The boomy feel provides that hardcore vibe that EDM/Techno/Rap listeners love. When EQ'd properly, these headphones provide an incredibly solid, powerful bassline, that doesn't muddy up the highs or mids. The highs are powerful, and quite unique, actually, though without an EQ or amp, they can sound quite bright, or harsh at times. The mids unfortunately are not as defined, and unless you EQ them, they will not deliver as expected. These headphones are incredible for you dubstep heads out there, though for you metal fans, it may be better to stick with another line. However, even if you own a high-end pair of headphones , these headphones are a great, fun piece to add to your hi-fi collection, and they'll have you appreciating deep, powerful bass. These headphones truly live up to their advertising, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Bluefire4545

Originally posted at

2012-09-11T20:00:00

Had this set for about a year, the sound is great but now the plastic coating on the headband and ear cushions is flaking off in pieces and when I take them off I have black flakes in my ears. Last pair did not do this, however the right side driver on that pair failed. So for 80 bucks a pop I don't know if they are worth it compared to a Koss PRODJ100

Slighdiggity

Originally posted at

2012-08-09T20:00:00

these headphones are amazing. i have nothing bad to say about them.they are as good if not better than beats by dre studios. i know everyone eles says these are better than beats but in my honest opinion they are about the same. but then you look at the price of beats and the price of these and its odvious which one is better, these win everyday.

sirnuss23

Originally posted at

2012-07-10T20:00:00

The XB500s beat those Monster beats by Dr. Dre hands down! Go to Bestbuy and try both on, within 3 seconds you'll find the difference! GAME OVER!! GAME OVER!!!

Forstrong

Originally posted at

2012-07-03T20:00:00

LOVING THESE HEADPHONES!!! SONY HAS DONE A GREAT JOB IN THE HEADPHONES DEPARTMENT. SOUND QUALITY, COMFORT & PERFORMANCE WAS THE AMONG THE BEST COMPARED TO ALL THE OTHER HEADPHONES I OWN & TRIED SO FAR. FOR PLAYING GAMES, MOVIES, MUSIC & SONGS THIS HP IS MY FAVOURITE CHOICE.

HEABEATZ

Originally posted at

2012-05-09T20:00:00

When purchasing quite anything from SONY, you are always in for a great product that'll last long and for a reasonable price! After about 2-3 weeks of use I've got to say, these are not only the most comfortable pair of headphones I've ever worn but also, you can tell they'll last. As I am writing this review, I am using the XB-500's and I can say, their Bass is Amazing and not to mention, their mid's and high's aren't all that bad to the point where you can basically listen to just about any genre on them! Also if you're on a low budget or just don't want to spend so much money on headphones, these are the perfect choice i'd recommend, but even with such a low price they're comparison to other headphones, Bose or Dr. Dre Beats, they're simply incredible! I've also read a couple of the other reviews saying, "Don't wear in public! They atract to much attention!" and I would have to gladly disagree, sure they are big, who cares! Their Clarity is astounding, and their comfort are uncomparable to any other headphones and if anyone tries to say less, let them try them on, they'll immediately know they were wrong. At first people may recognize you because of them but they'll soon forget because that's just about how everything else works out. So, if your looking for some great priced headphones yet with some nice bass and quality, you're definately going to want to check these out!

ImprovHD

Originally posted at

2012-04-26T20:00:00

I had the for a little under a year. They just broke on me. The plastic around the screws on the right earphone broke and it made me sad a bit. Maybe I will get the 1000's or try repair.

ScooterMcGavin

Originally posted at

2012-04-19T20:00:00

Lets just start by saying if you have a under powered audio device and you are using these headphones you wont get the full bass. When you get something that can push these things to the max they will leave you in aww. The bass is very clear no muffling or distortion. I highly recommend these if you like Rap,Hip-Hop,Dubstep or any music full of bass. These heaphones are 79.99 their way better then beats and so much more comfortable. Great Job Sony

Theddubstepunleashed

Originally posted at

2012-04-10T20:00:00

Definitely a headphone for all you bass heads out there. Awesome for the price, the sound quality is amazing, sounds like I have some subs attached to my ears and I can hear all that bass I've been missing with other headphones. Comfortable, sturdy, stylish, and they come with an awesome carrying case. Buy these if you are looking for a good pair of headphones for listening to bass music for under $100

SCdub

Originally posted at

2012-03-29T20:00:00

the cushion on the top of the arch needs to be sturdier. I've had them since Christmas and they are fraying.

ttekculs

Originally posted at

2012-03-20T20:00:00

These headphones have such an incredible sound and the bass is very excellent, just as described. BY FAR these are the best headphones on the market in this price range. The one downside is that sound leaks. The leaks mostly occur from the three small openings on the outside of the headphones. I'm not totally sure why they are there, but I put a piece of electrical tape right over it and the leakage was minimal and I sacrificed no sound quality. I highly recommend these, but take care of the leakage!

JBradley

Originally posted at

2012-03-06T19:00:00

I loved these headphones best pair I've owned but I will always regret buying them I am buying another pair but these headphones attract alot of attention so if you live in a big city don't use them out side of your house or don't take them to school. But overall I think these are very good very comfy not like beats.

Diesan

Originally posted at

2012-02-23T19:00:00

I have had these for over 3 years, they are AMAZING and I'm probably gonna get a new set soon just so I can use my Sony points

Pooya

Originally posted at

2012-01-31T19:00:00

i didnt expect it comes with a carrying bag.. im totally super like this headphones..

dasaint

Originally posted at

2012-01-26T19:00:00

I compared these headphones to my friends 400$ pair of monster beats by Dr dre and I put him to shame. literally he walk away crying!! aha! he was so mad that my 80$ pair of headphones put his 400$ pair of headphones to shame:P so if your looking for some awesome headphones with great sound and bass buy these!!

timbitbran

Originally posted at

2012-01-17T19:00:00

these headphones are amazing for the price. i also have the 300's and Sennheiser hd280, Shure srh 440, Philips the stretch and many more. for when im in the studio i use my sennheisers or shures. i will do this to review more: bass 10/10 mids 8/10 treble 8/10 overall sound 9/10 build 8.5/10 looks 8/10 overall 9.5/10 btw if your thinking or getting beats by dre DONT THEY SUCK. get any of the sony mrd xb line there 10x better and cost much less.

DaMirikal

Originally posted at

2012-01-01T19:00:00

These headphones are fantastic. The bass is wonderful. It's like there are two subs right next to your ears. They always tell you to not turn it up to loud, but on occasion, do. It will blow your mind. The cord is nice and short, easy to deal with. The carrying pouch is a great thing to have too. If you are a classic rock fan, or a indie kid, that kind of music doesn't sound as good with these headphones. However, if you like hip- hop, or electronic music, or anything with lots of bass, you will soon fin yourself in heaven. They are by far the best headphones for <$100. A great buy.

TheMusicMan987

Originally posted at

2011-12-30T19:00:00

I've had high-end headphones since Around The Ear By Bose I loved them till the wire broke had the AE2 and a friend loved them so much he bought them off me and bought then I got Bose QC 15 and was very disappointing return them and I didn't wanna be like every other young guy and buy a pair of Dr Dre Beat's and just happen to see this little Sony display that lets you try your own music and not just stupid samples I immediately fell in love but my local best buy didn't have any in stock so i went home and started doing research on the human ear and learn it can pic k up between 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz the Studio headphones by dr dre deliver 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz not impressive considering that price tag of $299.99 at all these Sony MDR-XB500 deliver 4 hertz to 24,000 hertz I' don't favor brands I like quality the make of these headphones could have been a bit better but the sound is what sold me these headphone I would have love to been able to purchse the Sony MDR-XB700 but i was completely satisfied with the Sony MDR-XB500 so with the money i saved I got some clothing from the ralph lauren website

Newjerseymostnotoriouz

Originally posted at

2011-12-29T19:00:00

If you listen to Rock, Pop, Rap, or anything else these are the headphones for it. These are great headphones for every one! But if you dont like alot of bass then you might not want these headphones the bass is awesomely over powering (Just like i like it) 5 Stars!!!!! These are Great!

Tobymac

Originally posted at

2011-12-27T19:00:00

I am currently listening to these headphones as I write this review. these headphones have exceptional bass, highs, and mids, overall a very clear sound that bumps when the time comes. I listen to a lot of hip hop and dubstep and these headphones the heavy bass from both music genres. if you are worried about the sound leaking and want to know how loud it actually sounds, just put the headphones around your knee and add a little bit of pressure .....trust me it's not a lot of sound leakage so i wouldn't worry about it. overall these headphones have excelled my expectations especially since I saw them in the store on sale for 49.99 and then looked on here and saw they were 119.99 so I got a fantastic deal and got a great pair of headphones.

ryanmc1522

Originally posted at

2011-12-25T19:00:00

there are the best headphones i ever owed i had skullcandy and beats nothing can even get close to these the bass is amazing these are AMAZING

looper

Originally posted at

2011-12-20T19:00:00

I tryed these out at best buy, and as soon as I heard them, I put my beats solo HD up on eBay. I had to have them. The bass is AMAZING. These blow my solo HDs out of the water. And they were on sale for 63.99 so even better than the already low price. Get these! You won't regret it!

StoneTX3

Originally posted at

2011-12-14T19:00:00

Don't let the Cons turn you away from these awesome headphones. If you listen to music quite often and are looking to get you a decent pair of headphones...these are IT!!! I am an avid music listener (listen more than I watch television) and was thinking about getting the Beats. But, Sony being my favorite electronic brand, I had to give the company a chance at what it can offer. Boy did Sony deliver with this series model. I own the XB-500's and have enjoyed every listening minute with them. In comparison to the Beats, honestly, I think they sound just as excellent if not better!!! This is no exaggeration, these headphones will seriously keep your ears tuned into what you're listening to (especially when you begin to appreciate how beautiful the whole-some bass sounds!!!) I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile but if you are honest with yourself...these headphones are a sound investment to make without having to fork up a few hundred bills for a pair of Beats. Nevermind the Cons I mentioned, chances are you'll forget about them once these cuff soundly around your ears. Like I said earlier, if you're in the market for some headphones, you'll appreciate this post. You won't be disappointed!! Go Sony!!!

TeeRex

Originally posted at

2011-11-22T19:00:00

Spectacular deep bass, immersive sound quality, beautiful design, and great comfort. The Sony Extra Bass headphones achieve all of these attributes easily. These XB headphones present an acoustic epiphany between your ears. The Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass headphones deliver pulsating bass performance with superb vocal clarity for music, movies, and games. In reality, this Sony product represents the finest technological achievement in the stereo headphones product category. The Sony MDR-XB500 audiophile headphones offer ultimate comfort with its highly adjustable plush headband, and pillow quality king-sized ear cushions that cover the most advanced 40mm dynamic headphone drivers on the planet. I am unable to hear other outside distractions in my immediate environment when wearing the Sony stereo headphones. The Sony MDR-XB500 headphones are so comfortable that it is just disappointing to remove them after an exhilarating and lengthy private listening session. The concert venue sonic experience offered by the Sony headphones makes me feel as if a live band is performing right in front of me. No matter what musical preference that you have, the sound reproduction emanating from this beautifully designed pair of headphones is so wonderful, that there is no comparison in audio quality with other headphone brands on the market. The Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass headphones demonstrate extraordinary and prodigious bass output that is instantly addictive. In my judgment, the audio sounds better through this pair of Sony XB headphones, than a component stereo system playing through Hi-Fi tower loudspeakers. The Sony Extra Bass headphones sport an attractive appearance with its large over-the-ear design, sturdy construction, cloth-covered headband, silver ear cup exterior finish, and a 3.9 ft. flat Y-type cord. Of course, the Sony MDR-XB500 headphones feature a sealed acoustic design for improved sound isolation characteristics, direct vibe structure for the highest quality sound output, 3.5mm gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug for maximum signal transfer and compatibility with the widest range of portable audio, video, MP3, computer, and home audio equipment possible. The Sony Extra Bass headphones provide the following feature set for the dedicated deep bass fanatic : two channel stereo reproduction, 40mm diameter XB drivers, neodymium high-energy magnets, dome type speaker drivers, L/R ear cup placement markings, extended low frequency response diaphragm design, gaskets, pressure-relieving ear cushions, 1.8" ear cup thickness, 3.7" ear cup diameter, Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire Voice Coil, lightweight tangle-free flat cord, adjustable headband for maximum comfort, over-the-head circum-aural closed design, 1500mW power handling capacity, 4-24,000 Hz frequency response, 40 ohms at 1kHz impedance rating, 104db/mW sensitivity rating, black/silver exterior finish, and this unit's weight is 6.53 ounces without cord. The Sony headphones come packaged with a carrying pouch for storage or safe transport to another destination. I primarily use the Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass headphones with my Sony CFD-G700CP XPLOD boombox to achieve out-of-this-world exact sound performance. The Sony headphones include a 90-day parts and labor limited manufacturer warranty. The Sony headphones are suitable for use at home, at work, on the boardwalk, on the ferry, at the gym, the hotel room, business travel, at the library, the local coffee shop, and the bookstore. It's also an excellent choice for year round use to listen to classical music, classic rock music, hard rock, punk rock, disco, blues, jazz, opera, and country music. Please note that you will need a 1/8" to ¼" stereo headphone plug adapter to connect the Sony MDR-XB500 headphones to a home stereo system. I use a headphone extension cord with the Sony Extra Bass headphones when I listen to a component based stereo system. With its world class bass performance, exceptional midrange, and stunning vocals, the Sony MDR-XB500 Extra Bass headphones embody the ultimate portable audio accessory. Good Luck. Enjoy.

Computerhobbyist

2011-10-10T20:00:00

If your the type of person that loves to listening to songs with bass You'd be stupid not to get these headphones. These headphones are the best headphones i ever had the bass is in the headphones are amazing the really durable and there extremely light. These headphones make Beats sound like dollar store headphones Two Thumbs up. And there at a reasonable price to.

DeejayManafest

Originally posted at

2011-10-03T20:00:00

First off,I never write reviews,But having just received these i simply have to. 1. Unbelievably comfortable,could wear them for hours. 2. Amazing bass - Perfect for Dubstep especially. 3. 5times cheaper than dre's Beats. 100% Must buy for any music enthusiast.

Cokez

Originally posted at

2011-09-21T20:00:00

This is an excellent product with great design. The fluffy nature of diagphrams are very comfortobale. The bass is very promising! Totally its an excellent product from Sony! I recommend my friends/relatives to buy this.

MusicFreak

Originally posted at

2011-08-24T20:00:00

I would give these headphones a five star rating but, they leak alot of sound.The sound quality is perfect and they look like they are goin to last me a while.

noe777

Originally posted at