Sony MDR-XB300 Extra Bass Home Stereo Headphones with 30mm Drivers

2013-07-25T20:00:00

Spending hours reviewing headphones to find a pair of cans with decent bass, I noticed a lot of good reviews on the MDR-XB series so I decided to try out these XB300s. And I'm very glad I did, these $40 headphones beat out my cousins Beats Solo when it comes to bass and sound quality. We all agree this is definitely the best headphones out there for the price. Way to go Sony!!

BestFromTheWest

Originally posted at

2012-08-14T20:00:00

I bought these headphones after my skullcandy ones broke. They have the same cons, but these have so much better sound and bass. They cost a lot less than most headphones out there and are prob better than most as well. For $50, this is more than i was expecting. However, after about 30 mins of use, my head started to get uncomfortably hot, and my jaw starting getting sore. Another con is the leakage. I don't play these on full vol because they are very loud, i play them on about 70-85% vol and people still tell me to lower it because they can hear it and all. I would MOST DEFF recommend these to anyone. However, I would not recommend using these on a bus or something because people can get mad. They are perfect for home or in a car and what not. I wish these were slightly more comfortable, but for $50 these are the best headphones available. Inexpensive and amazing.

JamesCarter

Originally posted at

2012-05-09T20:00:00

These headphones have pretty good sound quality and delivered their promise on extra bass, but i feel like these headphones are too centered on the bass and that the vocals and the other instruments are just kind of a background to the music. Also, after about 15 minutes of listening, the headphones started to make my ears sore. Even though the cushions are very soft and spongy, they start to hurt after a relativity short period of time. Plus, the plastic headband isn't the best either. Overall, these headphones would be good if you would use them lightly and if you didn't want to spend too much money, but choose something else if you are looking for the best overall experience.

RemingtonT

Originally posted at

2012-04-24T20:00:00

I often take airline trips that exceed 20 hours (with a stop and layover). I play Drum and Bass music very loud to relax. I have found these to give quite a full range of sound, great for music immersion. Also because I am wearing these extensively, they don't give that pain on the top and bottom of the ears or the jaw. I can sleep with them on, due to the comfortable pads and music clarity. They also drown out the surrounding noise well such as aircraft engine noise or a whiny boss. Unfortunately these do tend to leak the sound in detail. Sometimes people sing along, sometimes they tap me on the shoulder. Either way, I don't recommend them for using in public or the office.

WhereThereIsAWilliam

Originally posted at

2012-03-24T20:00:00

Prior to purchase, i was not sure how the MDR-XB300 would hold up, yet i have had these for almost two years and they are still in pristine condition, despite being used daily in all sorts of conditions. The bass is amazing, and the sound in general far surpasses that of the popular "Beats" headphones by Dr. Dre. The sound, quality, and all around looks are fantastic, and these were a great buy. The MDR-XB300 by Sony is definately worth its price and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a great pair of headphones.

Mondo16

Originally posted at

2012-03-02T19:00:00

Every time i listen to music with thess headphones i feel like i m in a club! It s AMAZING ! I use it on my VAIO PC mainly listening to electronic music on Pandora. The bass are incredible as well. I love it.

Vicko

Originally posted at

2012-01-17T19:00:00

these headphones are amazing for the price. i also have the 500's and Sennheiser hd280, Shure srh 440, Philips the stretch and many more.i use these sometimes but not often sense i have the 500's but when i want a less heavy option i use these. these also do not look very good but its fine i dont really care about looks. 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 7.5/10 overall sound 9/10 build 7/10 looks 6/10 overall 8/10 the cable on mine started to short after 3 months so i stoped using them after another 3 months i used them again and the problem was gone?!?!?!? i dont know how but i was happy. over all these are nice but the 500's are much better i suggest getting them unless you dont want big headphones or you have less money. 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

2011-10-29T20:00:00

I have bought two of these headphones in the last three years, the first one broke as I was outside in a park, the headphone jack came off, and i was stepping all over it in the mud...But one side still worked! I grew onto these headphones, so i decided to invest in another pair, and to my luck they were cheaper than before! Overall clarity is amazing, the bass shakes my brain around in my head. I use these for work at a carpentry shop, and even with all the abuse, dust, and noise, I take no notice. The only bad thing is that they tend to get a bit less tight than when there brand new, which doesn't make them very useful when working out, but there so loud I usually just keep them on my neck! Great investment, I can see years to come with these, as long as i don't step on the jack!

Raptafairious

Originally posted at

2011-10-28T20:00:00

A brisk winter morning. Bright sunshine. Frigid conditions. Snow on the ground. The bus stop. A cool breeze pressing against the face. A tense day ahead. Sudden warmth and comfort over the ears. Sonic accuracy. The morning commute. Relaxation. Perfect. The Sony MDR-XB300 Extra Bass headphones plunge you into a stunning world of deep bass performance bliss. The sound quality coming from these headphones is so good that it will just bring a smile to your face on a cold winter day. To state that the Sony XB stereo headphones are lightweight, snug, and produce natural sound tones from music, movies, and computer games is a profound understatement. This pair of headphones offers supremely comfortable oversized cushioned ear pads that cover the most acoustically accurate 30mm dynamic stereo headphone drivers on the market. The Sony headphones are compatible with virtually any audio, video, TV, DVD player, VCR, digital video recorder, portable video game system, or computer product that features a 3.5mm or ¼” component stereo headphone jack. The 3.9 ft. Y-shaped durable headphone cord provides optimal length, reduced tangles, and freedom of movement for the Sony Walkman that I have connected to it. This item’s gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini-plug connector offers seamless connectivity to your portable entertainment devices and maximum signal transfer from the source component to your ears. The expertly constructed headband is highly adjustable for maximum flexibility during a lengthy private listening session. I don’t notice any other outside noise distractions while wearing this item, but I admit that I am always engrossed in the music that is playing from these sophisticated stereo headphone drivers. Vocal clarity is superbly transmitted across a lush dynamic audio landscape. Midrange response, where most musical instrument reproduction resides in the audio universe, is nicely-defined, balanced, and harmoniously detailed. This unit’s overall sound quality is warm, delicate during select musical passages, nuanced in the treble range, and not the slightest bit rolled off at the low or high end frequency ranges. If you are passionate about portable musical reproduction, then the Sony MDR-XB300 headphones are the best choice in the over-the-ear headphone product category with respect to its price class and driver type. The Sony MDR-XB300 XB stereo headphones offer an audiophile feature set for the budget conscious consumer. Those high class portable audio features include: The Sony Extra Bass headphones sport an attractive appearance with its large over-the-ear design, sturdy construction, adjustable headband for maximum comfort, silver ear cup exterior finish, and a 3.9 ft. flat Y-type cord. The Sony MDR-XB300 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 compatibility with the widest range of portable, MP3, computer, and home audio equipment possible. The Sony Extra Bass headphones provide the following portable audiophile accoutrements: stereo reproduction, 30mm dome type XB driver units, neodymium magnet high-energy speaker drivers, two diaphragms and gaskets for extended low frequency response, king sized pressure-relieving ear cushions, left/right ear cup placement marks, 1.2" ear cup thickness, 3.1" ear cup diameter, over-the-head supra-aural design, Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire Voice Coil, lightweight double-sided flat cord, 1000mW power handling capacity, 5-22,000Hz frequency response, 24 ohms at 1 kHz impedance rating, 100db/mW sensitivity rating, and this unit's weight is 4.23 ounces without cord. The Sony headphones includes a 90-day parts and labor limited manufacturer warranty, handsome black/silver exterior finish, Sony logo, high quality product packaging with printed limited warranty statement, and it comes with pamphlet-style operating instructions. With its excellent stereo channel separation, localization of sound between string and percussion based instruments, exceptional low bass reproduction performance, transparent midrange tonality, clear voice quality on news, weather, or sports talk radio broadcasts, and clear vocals on country, rock, grunge, blues, alternative new wave, and disco music forms, the Sony MDR-XB300 Extra Bass stereo headphones provide a spectacular portable audio experience that amount to a riveting personal listening experience. The Sony Extra Bass headphones are more than worthy of their very economical price tag. The Sony headphones are ideal for use at home, at work, outdoors where portable audio is required, traveling, the daily exercise routine, listening to the radio, and a quality audio experience through any of the yearly seasons. I spend most of my time with the Sony MDR-XB300 headphones while listening to my assortment of Sony boomboxes for an utterly amazing privately enjoyed portable audio performance. I also use a headphone extension cord with the Sony Extra Bass headphones when I listen to a component based stereo system. The Sony headphones do not come with a carrying pouch for storage, in-line volume control, or a gold-plated unimatch stereo plug adapter for connection to a component stereo headphone jack. Please note that you will need a 1/8” to ¼” stereo headphone plug adapter to connect the Sony MDR-XB300 headphones to a home stereo system. The Sony stereo headphones are compatible with a portable FM/AM radio’s 3.5mm monaural earphone jack. The customer will be able to hear audio out of both speaker drivers from the pocket radio with the use of a 3.5mm monaural-to-stereo headphone plug adapter that is attached to the stereo mini plug connector of the Sony Extra Bass headphones. I believe that elite headphone drivers must be able to reproduce high frequency or treble notes accurately in order to present a realistic concert venue listening experience to the end user. The high frequency range ordinarily includes high-pitched vocals and/or instruments like cymbals and keyboards. The low frequencies or bass notes that are produced by headphone drivers originate from bass guitar or drums. Midrange driver frequencies contain most vocals and musical instruments such as guitar, keyboards, and drums. The Sony headphones reproduce midrange and low bass frequencies with extreme competence. This pair of Sony Extra Bass headphones offers dome type drivers, compelling stereo sound, and they can produce the entire spectrum of sound that is associated with today’s music. Ultimately, headphone speaker driver quality and its subsequent audio reproduction depend on multiple factors which include the type of materials that are used to make the drivers, the sensitivity rating of a particular speaker driver, and the quality of the source component that the headphones are connected to. Stereo headphones with a higher sensitivity rating can play more loudly, with less distortion, without turning the volume up on the connected component to maximum volume. The Sony Extra Bass headphones feature a high sensitivity rating that is measured in decibels. Additionally, the better performing Sony headphones feature neodymium magnet units, large speaker driver diameter that is measured in millimeters, advanced diaphragm design for deep bass response, high-end voice coils, super comfortable ear pads, adjustable headband, professional build quality, tangle resistant connecting cord, a gold-plated mini plug connector, and they can reproduce bass notes that are on par with a home theatre’s dedicated subwoofer. Low bass response should be realized without the assistance of custom or preset equalizer sound modes on the source equipment. The Sony MDR-XB300 headphones meet all the criteria listed above rather easily to become an outstanding headphone product that trounces its competition in terms of overall sound quality. It is obvious that this Sony product can recreate a live band, studio, or night club musical atmosphere anywhere headphone use is considered appropriate. Lastly, the Sony MDR-XB300 Extra Bass headphones transmit glorious, full-bodied, and rich sound tones from any stereo component that it is plugged into. Good Luck. Enjoy.

Computerhobbyist

Originally posted at

2011-10-07T20:00:00

these head phones are amazing, skull candy has head phones with similar prices but seem to be years away. I think that even easily compare to Dr.Dre. durability is good, but i think dr.dre's are better for durability. plus they wont catch your hair when adjusting them, much like most skull candies do.

mdog

Originally posted at

2011-08-28T20:00:00

i love them they are great

darkzider

Originally posted at

2011-08-20T20:00:00

The only reason I didn't give these headphones 2 stars was because of the price. As soon as you turn up the volume, the sound starts distorting. They sound like cheap headphones. On the bright side atleast the bass is good...

sp25

Originally posted at

2011-07-31T20:00:00

I've always bought Sony headphones since the 80's along with my first Walkman. I've never been disappointed. Especially with the bass. Music and television sounds great.

starqueen

Originally posted at

2011-02-26T19:00:00

Been listening to them for last couple of days, been playing a lot of Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Gomez. Brilliant sound on all of them, with the volume up on a bassy track you'll feel the bass as well as hear it. Small enough to be carried around in public without embarrassment although I would prefer to have been charged a couple of pounds more to get a carry bag with them like you do with the XB500. I was in a group of seven people when I bought these and promptly passed them round so they could have a listen. all were impressed by the sound, looks, weight and size. Excellent purchase, just hope they out live all my other headphones, they appear quite flimsy but there's a rugged feel about them that makes me think they'll last.

GrantMcD

Originally posted at

2011-02-11T19:00:00

This is A+ product. Sony as always has demonstrated transformation of one great idea into one very cool, reliable, and superb product. Thank you Sony!

ConoverLaw

Originally posted at

2011-02-08T19:00:00

These headphones are awesome if you are seeking something with great bass and real good quality at a affordable price. although the cord is a little to short and it be better if the headphone was fold-able but overall this thing is sweet!

jet300

Originally posted at

2011-01-31T19:00:00

These headphones are AMAZING, ive owned tons and tons of pairs but these are one of the best. The bass is extremely great and the sound quality is awesome, especially when watching movies.

Francoreviews

Originally posted at

2011-01-30T19:00:00

At first i have purchased MDR-XD 200 which were really pretty good especially for Movies and when on my next visit to sony saw these beautifully craved phones and when i listened to a song i felt as if am having woofers around my ears ooooo they r superb , excellent i just scratched my credit card and bought these ..compared these with Apple's but SONY rocks . But they leave a remark when we talk about high end sounds in films . But i prefer these for MUSIC LOVERS and the ear cups are small in size and we can carry these in our neck without any problem but it would have been better if sony provides carry case and charge some more extra bugs for case.

SANDEEP2305

Originally posted at

2011-01-27T19:00:00

For headphones that are called extra bass they really don't have that much kick. At least the 30mm don't. Other wise great headphones.

nosheeps

Originally posted at

2010-12-24T19:00:00

these headphones are not worth the 50 dollars spent on them my 9 dollar pair of headphones from the gas station have more bass! these are junk i just got them for Christmas and they are super disappointing. id rather go get some skullcandys seeing how atleast the bass will be clear and triple the amount of these junk sony headphones! do not buy!

bigchief37

Originally posted at

2010-11-11T19:00:00

I've had these headphones for about a month or 2 now and overall they are very nice. The sound quality is very good, especially if you have some high quality audio/mp3 files. My only 2 complaints about these headphones are that they dont have the ipod control remote on them and i'd like the design more if it was just a one-sided cord. I do like the flat cord though. It never gets tangeled up. Other than that these are some really nice cans and I'd recommend them to any one who is looking for some quality headphones.

kumar773

Originally posted at

2010-10-29T20:00:00

Just got these headphones; wearing them as I write this review. The wires are very well made, no signs of imperfection. The plastic used however wasn't ideal; there are signs of imperfections, mostly at the edges and the plastic band on top. Looks like the plastic is under stress (faint markings where the parts are pieced together). The bass is very nice, especially for the price right now. Much more comfortable than some of the older models at a similar price range. The headphones rests very comfortably on your ears without hurting your ears. I wear glasses, and oftentimes, when I wear headphones, my glasses gets shifted very awkwardly, but the MDR-XB300 seems to be fine. Oh, and it's kind of chilly outside; these headphones double as the most awesome earmuffs ever. At least it doesn't make you look dorky walking across campus.

DeathAbyss

Originally posted at

2010-09-27T20:00:00

These are very good. The highs, lows and mids are surprisingly strong. But bass is where these excell. Excellent for portables and laptops.

Parkay

Originally posted at

2010-08-14T20:00:00

These headphones has a lot of bass. The design of the headphones overall is pretty good. The king size cushions are really comfortable on my ears, and the cord will never get tangle. I first heard these shocking headphones when I was on a trip to Las Vegas. As soon as i pressed play, I knew i had to buy them once I'd get back home. The only problem with these headphones is that there isn't a carrying case, but that does not take away from the headphones

blackberry3322

Originally posted at

2010-07-25T20:00:00

Wow. Truly FULL SOUND. I went from the XB500's down because of money and the impractical size for my uses- mostly portable, on the move.. and these things sound every bit as 'Big' as a 40mm or driver set of phones. EASY. Don't be fooled by the 30mm setup and the lower sensitivity spec. I went on a hunch, and reviews, as I had the bigger XB500's and these delivered right on the mark. The bass IS thick and full to the point of quite literally feeling it on the ears. I use an iPod Touch with the Treble Booster preset, just to bring the highs up to my preference and I'm in love. I believe the WHOLE 'XB' series is designed with the intention of the average users applying some EQ, as most inevitibly do, with Sony thinking ahead. I can only imagine the presence and fullness after they've burned in for a few days!! Speaking of which, I'm not quick to judge these on first impressions alone, especially with the Sony XB series as I have the XB40 ear buds too, because they DO get even better with a good burn-in/break-in: NOT horrendous and bassy volume either. Just average listening will do. The sensitivity is again impressive as just over mid-way on my Touch and I'm 'there'. Don't let the 100db sensitivity spec fool you!! Mouse powered players will, like the XB500's and the XB40's, drive these with no problem- and with thick sound. Yes, the volume level needs to be just the slightest hair higher but not in the least bit an unreasonable amount. The high and mids seem muffled at first, especially before hitting the EQ, or EQ Preset, but it's misleading- With just a slight boost in the high and mid ends the 'Sony' presence is quite 'there'. And the ear-pad design is QUITE misleading at first glance as the driver cups are completely covered over- not open so you can see the driver area- and snug up on the ears. When I first saw them I couldn't imagine how any highs and mids would even get through!!- but as Sony's site notes where the actual engineer/designer is pictured as well as described and qouted, he had a specific sound and 'feel' in mind for the XB full-size series and when you hear it you'll be convinced he nailed it.. Don't go by the unorthodox look AT ALL. Bottom line is I'm in audio bliss once again and wanted to share this breakdown. I hope it helps. I'm VERY critical of sound and I've been through 4 or 5 sets now before finding a great sounding, portable-use-acceptable set of cans. I listen to an extreme mix from Yello, Keiko Matsui, Basia, to Pantera, Queensryche (I'm 43, now go easy!!) and literally everything in between- just a crazy mix: and these things cover IT ALL, and oh so WELL. According to a self-procalimed 'audiophile' in another review, these sound "Unrealistic". BULL. Whoever says the low end is lacking has GOT TO BE KIDDING. The lows are 'true' lows- clean and enriching to the overall sound, not just 'boomy' trash. Maybe I'm an 'audiophile'. Maybe not. Don't even care- I know full, engrossing, and killer sound when I latch onto it and these things DO NOT disappoint. ENJOY!!

AudioScopic

Originally posted at

2010-06-29T20:00:00

If you are looking for headphones with great sound you should invest in these. They bring great bass and are surprisingly comfortable. the only problem I have faced is that if you get it a little too loud the sound may leak. These headphone are worth the money and are just as good as 200 dollar bose headphones. If you watch a movie on your laptop with these they feel like you are at the movies. If you want great quality sound but cheap price get these headphones

meltingscarecrow

Originally posted at

2010-06-07T20:00:00

I love this product and i would tell any one in heart beat to get this product.

abcv

Originally posted at

2010-04-22T20:00:00

Really the only thing I could find wrong with these headphones in my opinion is that they dont have the hinge that allows them to be foldable like other models of Sony's, other then that I freakin love these headphones. The extra cushy ear pads are like wearing a pair of ear warmers it took a little while to get used to them but they are so so comfortable. I love that when you wear them people can you see that your listening to music and not to disturb you unlike those wimpy ear buds. I have been using them on my Ipod touch the past couple of hours and they handled the bass perfectly. I got the entry level pair and am really happy with my purchase. The design is awesome other then my gripe, I really like how the hinges that adjust to fit your head are on the inside and the outside band stays solid, oh yeah maybe because I have not purchased premium Sony Headphones in a while I just noticed that Sony has a new flat thin grade of cord instead of the older grade which I think is cool. The form factor is great, buy them!!

RickJessieSpringfield

Originally posted at

2010-02-22T19:00:00

continuing cons: not a good balance of sound. Bass tends to get mushy. Ok, i got these and listened to them for a couple of days. Overall, i was a bit disappointed. there was the bass, which was expected, but it was too much that it was kinda hard to hear the mids and the highs. you could hear it, but it was a bit too much. if u have an iPod, like i do, then u could set the equalizer to "treble booster". it sounds a bit more balanced. the lack of balance was heard through most songs. on the bright side, the earpads were really comfortable. their soft and almost squishy, like memory foam. i really liked them. they also have flat cords, which i find really cool. it has a modern design that was both cool and somewhat sophisticated. i think it was priced fairly, and didn't feel too cheap, even though it was mostly plastic. there is a lot of boomy bass, which is good if ur into that kinda stuff. i really love bass, but this wasn't the right one for me. in the end i returned them. but i thought it would be nice just to share my thoughts. i have nothing against sony, because their products are built with quality in mind and mostly reliable. i suggest you go to a sony store or a walmart or something and test them out there. if u need extensive testing, then you should probably buy just to test out. i'd recommend this to someone who loves bass and only bass, but if you prefer more of a balanced sound then you should look elsewear. instead of these, i just bought the Panasonic RP-HTX7-W1, which seem pretty good. i hope this helps!

timothyln12

Originally posted at

2010-01-28T19:00:00

Great bass, at a cheap price! I crank these headphones and they sound perfect! Good job Sony!!

Bassallday

Originally posted at