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Sony EPEX10A/BLK Hybrid Replacement Earbuds (Black) by Sony
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Sony Format: CD Release Date: 2012-04-12 Model: EPEX10A/BLK Color: Black Product features: Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony EPEX10A/BLK Hybrid Replacement Earbuds (Black)Customer Review: Best bet for replacement ear tips Summary: 5 Stars
A package of these represents close to what Sony provides with its ultra-expensive, top-of-the-line, audiophile earphones, the MDR-EX700s, which come with 7 different-sized tips. The EX-300 and EX500 earphones come with three. They're called "hybrid" by Sony because of a double-layered hard and soft-shell construction to ensure a bubble-like seal around the ear canal. And to take some of the guess work out of the selection process, Sony tips--providing they're official, Sony-made tips--are color-coded on the inside (you can match them up with a color-graded chart on the back of the package).
The other primary route taken by audiophiles using IEM phones (in ear monitors) is Comply Foam Tips. Sony, however, explicitly recommends using their silicone hybrid tips, at least with Sony phones, rather than foam. Although I have found foam preferable in a few instances (Altec Titanium earphones, for instances), I'm convinced Sony tips work best with Sony phones, which moreover deliver the most pleasing, natural, open and full-spectrum sound over the long haul.
As for price, Comply Foam tips come to approximately 5 bucks per pair; Sony tips, just a little over 2. Moreover, Comply foam can wear out, get kind of ratty, torn and dirty, and in as little as 2 weeks. I have yet to wear out a pair of Sony tips.
The question of size is not as easily answered as some users, and even manufacturers, suggest. I've found that it's not simply a matter of "getting fitted" and then forgetting about it. There are times that the larger size seems more effective (remember that the Sony tips are soft on the outside and hard on the inside, allowing for a large surface area to cover the ear canal and providing full sound without completely sealing out environmental sound). And there are times when the smaller size, permitting insertion further into the canal, seems preferable. Moreover, unlike the foam tips, the Sony tips never produce that slight irritation, and even "itchiness," that I've experienced with foam. Foam tips make me conscious of their presence; these Sony tips, especially when worn with Sony earphones, do not.
In short, give the foam tips a try, especially if you're a skate-boarder, or highly active listener. But don't discount these Sony packs, whether you prefer them in black or white.
Description of Sony EPEX10A/BLK Hybrid Replacement Earbuds (Black)Replacement earbuds
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