Sennheiser CX300 vs. Sony MDREX32

[reksteen]

Hi

I want to buy some in-ear headphones to replace the ones I got with the iPod nano.

I've narrowed the choices down to the following two options:
Sennheiser CX300 (White)
Sony MDREX32LPW (White)

They cost more or less the same on Amazon, and both have relatively good reviews with one or two nay-sayers.

I would appreciate some actual experiences from people who own these models, or a comparison from someone who have used both.

It seems the Sennheiser has very good sound quality (probably better than the sony) but some people complained about 1) making noise on the cable when you move 2) it breaking after a few months of use. I'm leaning towards the Sony, as it also includes a cable winder, but I want to make sure it's the right choice because I know Sennheiser is rated very highly in terms of sound reproduction and quality.

Thanks
Riko

[pbirkett]

I got my CX300 when they first came out. They've had a HARD life, including a sliding wardrobe door going over the cable. They still work perfectly. They get used in the gym every day, as well as out and about. They get stuffed in my pocket with little sympathy.

I recommend them. Maybe those who complain of reliability are using fakes.

[knightrider]

I've got a pair of CX300's, and the following:

Sony MDREX85
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-MDREX85...773346&sr=1-13

Creative EPH630's
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Lab..._sbs_ce_img_10

I would say that with whatever MP3 player or phone i choose to use, they all sound great. As far as i'm aware, there isn't too much difference between the Senns and Creatives, so for the price i would recommend the Creative headphones.

Regarding the Sony one's you were considering, i don't have any user experience but if it were my choice i would actually go for either of the others.

[Marcos]

be aware the CX400 and 500 are out now

[reksteen]

Wow, knightrider, that's a really good price from amazon on the creative ones, and based on what people are saying on the web it sounds like they could be "rebranded" CX300's (i.e. just as good).

It's a pity that amazon is only selling it in black (that's what it looks like), as it's also available in white on creative's site. I'd prefer a white pair to match my ipod, but it's not the overriding factor.

[reksteen]

Yes, but the CX400 and 500 cost almost twice as much as the 300...

[knightrider]

Yes, sorry i should have mentioned that. As far as i'm aware, they are just rebranded CX300's as the sound quality is identical, and depending where you look on the web, the specs appear the same.

I use them with my Zen Vision:M, the Sony's with my Sony A818 and the Sennheisers with my SE W960i, and am pretty happy.

[weckart]

Originally Posted by knightrider

Yes, sorry i should have mentioned that. As far as i'm aware, they are just rebranded CX300's as the sound quality is identical, and depending where you look on the web, the specs appear the same.

They are very different, despite the similar appearance:

Sennheiser: Plastic, stiff L-shaped wraparound cable. Good middle and treble, weak to non-existent bass. L-shaped jack

EP-630: Rubberised non-tangle Y-shaped cable. Average middle and treble, good bass separation. Straight jack.

I have both and overall, I much prefer the Creatives. Currently very cheap on Amazon.

[reksteen]

I went with the Sony MDR-EX32LPW's instead of the Sennheiser's in the end.

Two reasons:

• They were slightly cheaper (£14.75 on Amazon).
• They come with an ear-phone holder that you can use to safely store the earphone buds when not using it, and to wind the cable round when you're using it to change its length.

I must say I am very happy with them. One of my colleagues at work has a pair of CX300's, and both he and I feel that the base on the Sony earphones is much better, and the mid-range sounds are at least the same.

I can also confirm that (at least for me) I could pick up some noise when the CX300 cable brushed against my clothing, while the MDR-EX32LPW's does not have the same problem.

Of course the real proof is not the first impression, but the experience with continued use. I may post another update after I've used them for a while for anyone that's interested.

[mjpartyboy]

I've had my CX 300s since early last year and I use them pretty much everyday and can't fault them. There is cable noise but I only get it if the cable is loose and knocking against my clothes. This is easily rectified by running the cable underneath your T-Shirt, sweatshirt, vest, etc. I do wish the cable was bit longer though.

[arj154]

Originally Posted by knightrider

I've got a pair of CX300's, and the following:

Sony MDREX85
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-MDREX85...773346&sr=1-13

Creative EPH630's
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Lab..._sbs_ce_img_10

I would say that with whatever MP3 player or phone i choose to use, they all sound great. As far as i'm aware, there isn't too much difference between the Senns and Creatives, so for the price i would recommend the Creative headphones.

Regarding the Sony one's you were considering, i don't have any user experience but if it were my choice i would actually go for either of the others.

sorry to hijack the thread a bit but im thinking of buying the sony MDREX85s or the CX300 so i was wondering which one is better?

[Jason]

Can anyone tell me the cable length on the Creative EPH630's?

Thanks.

[chrish16]

I know this thread is a bit old but if you want the Sony's then ibood have them on offer today for £7.43

http://www.ibood.com/site/uk/ibood.php

[blizeH]

Hi guys, looking at a similar thing to replace my crappy iPod headphones (that have fallen apart despite taking good care of them)

I'm currently looking at...

Sony MDREX32 - £16.99
Sennheiser CX300 - £17.66
Panasonic RP-HJE300E-W - £16.26
Creative Labs EP-630 - £8.90
http://www.store.apple.com/uk/produc...Ng&mco=MTU4MTA - £25.00

... if I'm honest the Apple ones are possibly the least appealing, as well as the most expensive but I'm still considering them, despite everyone at work having iPods, and everyone of those people having had their regular headphones wrecked.

I'm very tempted by the Creative ones because they get good reviews, they're a good price and generally they seem decent. If only they were white.

[mjpartyboy]

Originally Posted by blizeH

Creative Labs EP-630 - £8.90

From what I understand these are essentially the same as the Sennheiser CX 300, except they've got a straight jack instead of an 'L' shape and a conventional 'Y' style headphone layout instead of one side longer than the other for going around the back of the neck.