The MDR-E818LP's deliver a quality sound, even with their small size. The headphones use sixteen millimeter drive units for a deep bass and clear treble. Sony also uses neodymium magnets which provide more energy per ounce than other conventional magnets. The PET diaphragm gives the headphones a high rigidity for minimum distortion. Finally, Sony's Acoustic Twin Turbo circuit achieves high sonic output by utilizing sound chamber and duct technology. The cord is one meter long (3.3 feet) for ample range of movement.

What's in the Box
Sony MDR-E818LP headphones

I'm continuously blown away by how well these stack up against other models way out of its price range.

This wouldn't be an unbiased review without some shortcomings:
- they are easily jarred loose with lots of bodily movement (good for desk jockeys and rollerblading, not running)
- they don't come with extra foam ear covers. Lose one and they're worthless.


Great Earbuds!   February 22, 2004
 31 out of 38 found this review helpful

SONY's Fontopia Ear Bud Headphones provide a wide range of natural sound. They have a sleek black and silver finish, a Y-shaped cord that is a little over three feet long, and an L-shaped Stereo Mini Plug. The ultra compact headphones fit snugly, and comfortably, inside the ear, eliminating the need for a headband. The MDR-E818LPs come with slip-on ear pads. These are in a small plastic pouch hidden behind the cardboard insert in the clear packaging. Be careful when you first open the container, as it would be easy to throw out the ear pads by mistake.

These particular headphones would be especially good for movement -- such as while jogging, mowing the lawn, running, or lifting weights. They only weigh 5 grams. After a few minutes, you will scarcely notice you are wearing them. The Silent Cap on the ear buds stops sound leakage, so you're less likely to disturb someone sitting next to you while you enjoy your music. I use these with my laptop if someone else in the room is watching TV, or sometimes when I take my laptop out to a cafe, eatery, or Starbucks

The MDR-E818LPs use Neodymium Magnets for powerful bass, and clear treble in a compact design. Neodymium is far more powerful than conventional Samarium Cobalt or Aluminum Magnets, two other kinds of magnets commonly used in the production of headphones and other personal electronics. Neodymium is also common in the production of bass amps, boat speakers, car audio products, computer hard drives, flat panel speakers, game systems, microphones, motorcycle parts, mp3 jukebox players, and travel speakers, in addition to headphones.

Neodymium is not just some marketing tag invented by SONY either, I did some research on the internet and found out it is actually a rare earth metal, and can be found on the Periodic Table of Elements (60Nd). Neodymium is a component of didymium used for coloring glass to make welder's goggles, Neodymium salts are used as a colorant for enamel paints, Neodymium is also used to color glass in delicate shades ranging from pure violet through wine-red and warm gray, and Neodymium is also used in doped glass lasers. Neodymium is also used in electric switches, lense filters, junkyard magnets, phone receivers, refrigerator magnets, magnetic or non-magnetic screwdrivers, and a host of other everyday products you wouldn't suspect. Considering it is a "rare" earth metal, I'm surprised that it's used in so many products.

Other brands of bass amps, boat speakers, car audio products, computer hard drives, flat panel speakers, game systems, headphones, microphones, motorcycle parts, mp3 jukebox players, and travel speakers also make use of Neodymium, such as: Altec Lansing, Apple, Audio Technica, Boston Acoustic, Coby, Creative, Directed, Dynaudio Acoustics, Hitachi, JBL, Kenwood, Koss, Labtec, Microsoft, Morel, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Polk, Sennheiser, Skylon, Stanton, Tech 21, and others. It's not like this feature is unique to SONY.

Neodymium Magnets are apparently the strongest that can be found. I couldn't find a really technically proficient explanation as to why Neodymium produces better sound, but after a little research, I'll accept that as fact.

These SONY Fontopia Headphones were Made in Korea. If you need to exchange them, they can be replaced through the SONY Parts Center in Kansas City, Missouri. SONY has a toll-free line for frequently asked questions. Dial 1-800-222-7669 if you need to know more about their products. If SONY can't answer your question over the phone, you can always write them at their SONY Direct Response Center in Fort Myers, Florida.

I'd just like to point out that these headphones are actually a replacement for an older pair of ear buds from SONY that I can no longer find, and as such were purchased from FYE for only $8.99. They are the best little pair of cheap ear buds you are likely to encounter.

Specifications:

Product Type: Headphones
Features: Silver-plated plug, L-shaped plug
Form Factor: Ear-bud
Frequency Response: 16 - 22,000Hz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Magnet: Neodymium
Power handling capacity: 50mW
Recommended Use: Portable Audio
Sensitivity: 104dB/mW
Weight: 5 grams

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 8.99


Best headphones for under 10 bucks   April 15, 2006
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I don't know what those bad reviews are talking about. These headphones are simply the best ones I've had so far. After a horrible experience with Koss P4 headphones, I decided to look for other headphones under 10 bucks. I came across these in a local store one day and decided to try them out. It was a wonderful surprise to hear good bass response as well as feel a comfortable fit.
What's good:
1) Great bass which doesn't block out the treble/mid range and isn't muddy at all
2) Good fit, with or without the foam padding. I prefer it without the padding, since it just slips in and doesn't fall out.
3) Good case to protect the cord, etc. Kept it safe in my backpack.

However, there are of course somethings that could be improved, but aren't that bad:
1) Short cord, but I've learned to deal with it and either hold my mp3 player or put it in a closer pocket.
2) Does get unconfortable after about an hour - other reviewers have explained that the headphone isn't circular in shape, but is a bit pointed on one corner. This may help it stay in the ear, but annoys me after a while.

Sadly, after about 6 months of use the connection at the plug seemed to have broken a wire and the left earphone stopped working. But at under $10 I plan to buy them again.


Art's miniDisc   January 27, 2005
 4 out of 11 found this review helpful

I made a mistake here.
The cloth covers for the earbuds tore while installing them (cheap)
The earbuds are very uncomfortable. They don't fit into my ears properly & keep falling out.
From what little I could hear from them the sound seems v. good.
I just can't use them... Too bad since they look great.

I'll have to find something else to use w/ mz-n510 ck MD unit. The supplied phones are really bad!!!



Insult to music Listeners   September 8, 2005
 4 out of 10 found this review helpful

I just recieved my earbud which i ordered through Amazon. And with the first few minutes, I was disappointed. The earbud sounds more crappy than cheap imitation earbuds sold by the roadside . I was suprised as to how horrible Joe satriani sounded using the 818LP.Music sounded flat without depth or bass and absolutely tasteless . Anyone who even looks for even basic listening pleasure better look elsewhere.I expected much more from a brand like SONY.