Earphones: Sony MDR-EX700LP (top of the line).

Yes these are the top of the line earphones from Sony. The impression one has when plugging and listening to the ear buds is that they are smooth as silk and the "Wow" factor on the musical impact although high is not one that is unforgettable. They sport no less then 16mm sized driver units. Although smooth, I did notice that there was not any gut wrenching bass and I noticed that Sony's new 'phones are far more concerned with the mid-range than the highs. Nonetheless the music was very delicate, refined and polished. Overall these are warm sounding earphones and would be suitable for vocals and folk music from my initial listening.

However as with high end cans the burning in of the cans will likely make a dramatic impact on the optimization of the sound quality and this remains to be seen over the coming weeks ahead. After a listening session of 2 hours, I did not find any discomfort at all, isolation is good but they are not the best. There is room for the high frequency range to improve and I hope with further burning in that this will occur. Sony has supplied no less then 7 sizes of ear tips!

Sony's High end Earphones at US$299.99

Featuring 16mm driver units and a thin magnesium housing, these MDR-EX700LP ear bud headphones faithfully reproduce your favorite music with stellar results. The multi-layer diaphragm design makes even the most subtle sounds heard, while the seven included silicon ear buds ensure a proper fit.

16mm driver units

New 16mm driver units for reproducing precision sound faithfully (108dB, 4-28KHz)

Thin magnesium housing and new closed vertical style

Provides for a comfortable fit while and performance

Newly developed multi-layer diaphragm

Allows for reproducing high-resolution sound

Technology:

New 16mm driver units for reproducing precision sound faithfully (108dB, 4-28KHz)
Thin magnesium housing and new closed vertical in the ear style provide wearing comfort
Newly developed multi-layer diaphragm for reproducing high-resolution sound
7 sizes of hybrid silicone ear buds for achieving more comfort and secure fitting

Audio

Driver Unit : 16mm diameter, dome type(CCAW adopted)
Frequency Response : 4-28,000Hz
Impedance : 16 ohms at 1kHz
Sensitivity : 108dB/mW

Speaker

Diaphragm : Multi Layer Film
Type : Closed, Dynamic

Power

Power Handling Capacity : 100mW (IEC)

General

Case Type : Leather with slide out tray to hold headphones
Magnet : Neodymium (440kJ/m3) for outstanding bass performance in a small driver
Plug : Straight stereo mini plug (Gold); L shaped stereo mini plug (Gold)

Weights and Measurements