Sony MDR-AS40EX Active Style Earbud Headphones with Moisture Guard

"I noticed a lot of negative feedback for these, so I HAD to post a review so people reading don't miss out on a great product. I've had them for over a year, and i've put them through running, work outs, mowed lawns, skating (and a lot of falling), and last night, my wife washed AND dried these, and they're STILL going hard. Great headphones, strong, and sound great! For in ear design, these are by far the most durable headphones out there, and they sound great too."

"I purchased these headphones about 9 months ago to listen to my iPod while I run. The design of the over-ear clips is nice, and the ear cushions are very comfortable. Sound performance was also solid. However after about 9 months one earpiece stopped working. Although these headphones are not excessively expensive, I'd expect them to work for at least a few years. I have a similar pair (without ear clips) that I listen to when I'm not working out and have never had a problem. I do not recommend using these headphones for exercising."

"I have two pairs and my wife has one, three pairs NO problems after over a year with the first pair. Well, actually the right ear went out in my first pair and after inspecting the phones I found that wax had built up in the channel which caused the issue. Clean them and that will probably fix the issues listed here. What is great about these headphones is they stay in place comfortably because of the hooks. I use them running, lifting, snowboarding and mountain bike riding (please don't use them on the road that is too dangerous). I have used them for HOURs at a time w/o any problems biking. The sound is great ( I own a 7 speaker Infinity surround system with 130 watts per channel and I know good highs and lows). if you are like me and hate the little buds that fall out of your ears when doing anything active, you will love these headphones. I sweat a lot and have never had an issue with performance when very active outdoors in 90 degree heat. The issues I have are minor. One the connection between the two cords can pop loose if you put any pull on them. This is typical if used for lifting or especially doing situps ;) In a few cases though it has been helpful - like during mountain bike crashes. The trick I use during gym work outs is to use two shirts and let the cord hang between them as this seems to reduce the issue. The second issue which is even less important to me is the case. For the cord to wrap up in it well I have found that I need to remove the alligator clip. I just don't use it. Instead, I have found that to reduce tangling of these phones, I slide the chin tightener up to the top and fold the cord up in half a few times and tuck in the shuffle clip. Comes out untangled every time. BTW, the short cord option is great if you have an MP3 player that clips to your camelbak. Works like a charm with no "cord" issues."

"I fully agree with "runner's" review. I've had two consecutive pair, thinking the first was just a fluke, shorted out on the right channel after just a few months (about four). Just out of warranty. I bought a new pair again in October 2008, and here I am, early January 09, and same think, complete short out on right channel. Again,JUST out of warranty. I'm so disappointed, I've used Sony fontopia pods for years, and have loved them. Have been hard pressed to find anything with comparable frequency range. I loved the design, and was very happy with that aspect, fit and stayed without having to adjust all the time, great when cycling or other activities. To bad this model seems like a dud, and I'm glad to find it's not just me. I am looking at a similar product Sony offers, and going to give it a try - MDR-EX81LP/B"

"I bought myself a pair of these headphones around a month ago and have to say I am amazed that such small drivers can produce such high quality sound with so much bass. I use them mainly with my iPod, and used to think the original Apple ear-buds had reasonable sound quality. Now I think the Apple ear-buds sound tinny and lack bass.

To get the best out of these headphones you really must make sure they seal well inside your ear. They are supplied with three different size silicone rubber seals to achieve this (the default size worked for me). They also come with three sizes of removable ear-hoops (which I have removed). In my case, the ear hoops tended to pull the ear buds out of my ears reducing the bass reproduction.

I was looking for ear buds that would fit inside the hearing protectors I use when cutting the grass. I find that when inserted in my ears the headphones cut out enough of the mower sound that I don't need to use the hearing protectors at all (no sweaty ears - bonus!)

They are supplied with a 2ft cord and a 2ft extension. The idea is the headphones are used without the extension if you wear your media player on an arm-band, and with it if the media player is anywhere else. I find the cable a little long with the extension in place but you can always loose some in a pocket.

A carry case comes in the package too giving you something to wrap the cord and headphones up in neatly. A removable cord clip is supplied too.

I did find it hard to tell the left and right apart at first, they have minute L and R letters at the base of each silver stalk. To make it easier to tell them apart, the left earbud has a little pimple above the letter. Since I realized that was there I've had not problem telling them apart, even in low light levels.

The sound quality is really good. Their frequency response sounds pretty flat across their range, but I would guess there is a peak in the <120Hz range with the amount of bass they can reproduce. According to the information enclosed, their frequency response goes down as far as 10Hz. At louder listening levels there is little if any signs of distortion across their frequency range. I've heard too many headphones that sound painful when you turn up the volume.

Despite making a good seal with the ear, there is still some sound leakage (I guess from the rear of the driver). My daughter heard the original 'blue-box' THX logo sound across our family room & kitchen. These headphones could still be irritating to other folk nearby if you like it loud.

All in all I would recommend these headphones, and have done - I'm surprised my local BestBuy hasn't sold out! I recently bought a pair for my mother."

"I bought these earphones today. I am very surprised! The bass is fantastic, the rubber earpieces are really comfortable...what more could you ask for in a great earphone? The accessories that come with them are very helpful, especially if you have large or small ears (as I do). The only thing I don't like about them is the treble sometimes gets to be a little overwhelming. But most of the time, it's good! I use it with my iPod and my laptop and it works good both ways! You can't go wrong with these!"

"I'm a jogger, so I was looking for some headphones that would actually stay in my ears while working out. On day 1, I grabbed them and headed out the door - only to find out that I needed the cord extender for my headphones to even reach my iPod, which was in my running backpack.



Not to be deterred, I tried again on day 2. And day 3. And day 4. I find I have to readjust them and push them back into my ear every 2 blocks or so.



They're okay when it comes to sound quality and comfort when I'm sitting on a plane or at my desk. There' just not stellar to work out with."

"Look, i don't know how anybody could be dissatisfied

with these. i have a pair of high end Bose earphones and these Sony's definitely hold their own against them. if you're having any doubts , just look at the name brand. SONY!!!!! they have one of the best reputations for putting out quality products. i didn't know such huge sound could come at such little expense and size."

"FIT: I have been through numerous pairs of headphones over the last two years. I prefer the feel of earbuds instead of over-the-ear and I mainly wear them while I am running. So I tried these because they seemed the most flexible from a fit standpoint because they come with three different sized ear clips and ear pieces. Afrer trying a few different combinations I found the best fit and I couldn't be happier with the way they feel. I didn't think I would like the ear clips but they are surprisingly comfortable.

SOUND: My only complaint is minor. If you are an "audiophile" then these are not for you. There is very little bass at all. Overall sound is fair to good. But keeping in mind that I bought these to use primarily while running, the sound isn't the most important factor for me. It's certainly good enough for what I'm using them for. So if you're just looking for something to wear during working out I think these are a good choice."

"Great sound is important to me...



This product is great! I bought a Sansa Fuze mp3 player and the earbud headphones that came with it do not fit my ear. I've had terrible experiences with earbuds (the hard plastic kind). They fit my wife perfectly.



I went out BestBuy and bought some Skull Candy Headphones since they are highly recommended. The bass was out of this world though! They have good sound, but the highs weren't crystal clear. I could live with it though, but what I COULD NOT live with was that they don't stay in my ears if I sweat. I work out a lot so it is very important for them to stay put while working out. Also, they weren't comfortable either.



So, I took them back and found these Sony headphones (for the same price). I love them! They are EXTREMELY comfortable, and come with three earbud sizes, and three ear clip sizes. They also come with a case and a detachable extension cord that make is 4 feet total. All in all I needed something that would stay put when working out, even if I'm sweating and also has great sound.



I'm also a music artist, so I know good sound. Now, bear in mind, these are studio monitor headphones, so don't expect anything like that. But these are still GREAT for what they are and for working out. Even for casual music listening too.



The cons I listed above I can live with! No biggies.



I highly recommend these buddies right here!"