• Earbud headphones are closed type to reduce outside noise
• Neodymium magnets for high power and low weight
• Soft, silicon earbuds are washable, removable and replaceable; two sizes of earbuds included
• 9 mm driver units for powerful sound
• PET diaphragm extends bass and frequency range

Reducing outside noise for high-intensity listening, the MDR-EX71SL is Sony's first closed type Fontopia Design Bud Style Headphones. Hear the powerful, resonant bass response. Additional features include a super-light in-the-ear design, new, super-small 9 mm drivers which are ultra-compact drivers that produce powerful sound with space left over for the sonic isolation of the newly-designed soft silicon earbuds. Two sizes of earbuds that accommodate a full range of ears, an ultra-high-power neodymium magnet, a hard carrying case, and earbud holder are also supplied. Sony makes listening on the go even better - the MDR-EX71SL.

Please note: the newest version of these headphones available are the Sony MDR EX71SLA Fontopia Bud Style Headphones.

The Sony Fontopia Headphones combine an in-ear design with the supply of premium sound and superior bass to your ears. The white design accented by silver and gray fits well with your iPod but can also works just fine with other portable audio players. Fontopia's 9 mm drivers provide a comfortable fit and sonic isolation through soft silicone earbuds. Meanwhile, an L-shaped gold-plated mini plug ensures the smooth transmission of your stereo's sound. Three different sizes of earbuds are included to accommodate different ear sizes, and you'll also find an ultra-high-power neodymium magnet, a hard carrying case, a 1-meter extension cord, and an earbud holder in the package.

i bought this as a backup for my older headphones of the same style. i love for two reasons: the one long side fits well behind my head and out of my way (takes some getting used to) and the extension cord lets me easily plug into my ipod when its on my armband without a long cord hanging around. these buds are great on the subway to work and also at the gym. they block out ambient noise and are plenty loud with good range at the right price. sony even improved this version by shortening the extension cord.

These headphones have great sound--great bass and they stay in your ears during a good run. The noise cancelling is really good especially for the price.

Sony earphone are very nice to use.I bought the product from amazon,after reading the customer review,I bought this product.The only disadvantages I found from this product is the wire length is too long and they have a connector which was connected to it,So basically the wire length will became longer.The sound quality is very nice.

I was first introduced to what we now call the 71EX series by a good friend from Beijing who let me borrow hers: I fell in love and had to get a pair when I made my first trip to Japan. Those were Fontopia N.U.D.E. EX70 series - soon to be replaced by the 71EX with less clingy cords and more trim heads (same driver/innards).

In short - these buds are pretty awesome. Since that first pair, I've owned two other sets (3 total), due to rain, a washer, and a washer/dryer run respectively.

Here's a breakdown:
- Comfort: The tops. Easy to sleep/nap in - its entirely possible to forget you're wearing them. Still, inner-ear buds aren't for everyone. If you're new to this style, give these a fair chance to get used to em' before declaring them uncomfy ;).
- Isolation: Great. Effective enough to avoid using these while driving/cycling/attending a lecture. VERY nice feature when trying to take a nap or otherwise tuning out noisy surroundings.
- Inexpensive... certainly a plus as you won't break the bank if you break em' or decide inner-ear buds aren't right for you
- Sound quality: Fair mids, crisp highs, and strong but somewhat muddly lows (i.e. rapid bass drum hits will sound more like "thummm-thummm" than "thmp!thmp!"). If I had to rate these on sound quality alone, I would probably give these 3/5 stars, but the above benefits bump it up higher, and are the reason I kept buying the same buds even after accidentally ruining them multiple times.

In summary: A highly recommended introduction to the world of inner-ear buds. Great way to try the style out without diving head-first with your wallet.

For a step up in quality/price, search amazon/google for CX300 (~$30), EX85/EX90 (~$60), V-Moda Vibe (~$75). Also recommend studying up at the ilounge headphones forum - invaluable resource for nonfanboy observations regarding these and many other models.

These are great headphones. They block out outside noise very well. I also love that they come with extra buds so that you can get the perfect fit.