Strengths:Adjustable fit with three sizes of interchangeable silicone buds: excellent bass response; seem more durable than similar models; two included cases greatly reduce wire tangles; nice styling/design.
Weaknesses:Earhooks are hard to put on, don't aid in fit and actually seem to make fit worse, thus reducing bass response; more prone to tangle than similar models (without use of included cases).
Posted Oct 28, 2005 - I have purchased a few Sony earbud-style headphones in the past for a few good reasons: (1) great sound; (2) low price; (3) great fit/comfort; (4) I don't get more than a year or so before they break! I seem to be rather hard on these in-ear wonders, most often having the wires catch on something and thus taking out one or the other earphone less than a year after purchase. I opted for this new model, the MDR-EX81LP, on the off chance that the earhook design would have more durable wire connections to the earphones.
By that standard of durability, whether by me being more careful or the design being more sturdy, these headphones are a success. Even when I do catch the wires, instead of the 'phones being rudely and painfully jerked from my ears, I just get a strong telltale pull *around* my ear, but never so hard as to actually pull the 'phones out. That pull is warning enough to make me stop whatever I'm doing before there's enough force to yank the buds out of my ears.
That said, the earhooks are otherwise in the way. After having used them for a while, it's much easier to put them on, but it's still more difficult than similar Sony models without earhooks. The extra weight isn't directly noticeable, but with it up and above the earphones, and the hooks not really hooking the ear that securely, they don't stay fitted as well as Sony’s similar hook-less earbud headphones. Besides having to fidget with them more often, it also reduces overall sound quality, as this earbud design relies on a snug fit to provide an exceptionally solid bass response.
As you might expect, adding two hooks to already tangle-prone wires isn't the most sensible idea, but Sony provides TWO cases to minimize the effect. The large case is ovular, with a central well to hold the earbuds surrounded by a track around which the wires are wound, and a small hole in either side to fit the plug. Slip the dark grey translucent cover on and the headphones are kept neat and clean. This is almost exactly the same design as the case provided with Sony’s low-end earbuds, save two significant design differences on the “low-end” case: (1) the cover is hinged; (2) the center of the case spins, as does the center of the lid. So after placing the earphones in the “low-end” case and closing the lid, you can then reel the wires into the case by spinning the center, using the provided finger depression for leverage. Why you get this AMAZINGLY convenient feature with the low-end headphones and not these better-sounding ones, I can't tell you.
The smaller "case" is much more ingenious. It encloses only the actual earbud portion of the headphone assembly, holding them parallel to each other. This arrangement all but entirely prevents the earhooks from tangling with the rest of the headphone wires. It's an extremely clever design and works much better than the similar "capsule"-style case provided with the hookless version of these headphones.
In sum, I really like these headphones. They sound great and after about three months, they seem to be much more durable than other Sony earbud headphones. The earhook design probably contributes to the durability, but it also makes them a little harder to put on and keep them on securely enough to get the best sound quality. I wouldn't say they're worth the $49.99 list price, but for the discounted $28 I paid, it's a very good value. The next step up in quality are the low-end Shure and Etymotic earbuds, but at nearly four times the cost, I really don't want to bet that kind of money that those headphones are as durable or better than these (though I might give 'em a try if/when these 'phones fail and if the price comes down some or can otherwise be discounted). I like the sound, the design is nice (though somewhat counterproductive to a good fit) and the price was right. They're good 'phones, just don't expect a panacea.
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Rated 
Sony MDR-EX81LP/B - Great Bud for the Buck
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