If you like bass, you'll love the Sony MDR-EX71 headphones. Online opinions say that the bass is too thick and muddy and that there are no highs, but they're only half right. Our oscilloscope tests show that the bass is quite clean, not muddy in the least, and also that it extends noticeably deeper than that of other canal phones. The MDR-EX71s are actually a very good companion for players that are weak in the bass. We also found a double bump in the frequency response at 1.25 kHz and 5 kHz; the strong mids can overwhelm the highs, which tail off rapidly after 6.3 kHz.

Despite the sonic imperfections, the MDR-EX71s sound decent for the money—they are inexpensive for this type of headset—and they are very comfortable for extended wear. The headphones don't extend very far into the ear canal, but fortunately, they do stay put. Sony bundles three sizes of eartips, so you're guaranteed a good fit. We're not fans, however, of the short left/long right cords. Quieting: 10 dB; Frequency response: Bassy and bumpy; Comfort: Excellent.