Sony's three new models of retractable headphones

Sony just loosed a bevy a new headsets in Japan. The ¥3,098 ($26) MDR-LE30LW pictured above comes in the additional colors of blue, white, and black and offers a double-retraction system for both the headphones and audio player cable. You'll be the envy of the janitorial boys when slung from your beltloop along side your keys. Also on the retractable tip come the 16.5-mm thin, 38-gram model MDR-Q38LW (¥2,468 / $20) and 43-gram model MDR-Q68LW (¥3,675 / $30) headphones. They offer 104dB/mW with 20Hz to 24kHz range or 108dB/mW with a slightly wider range of 16Hz to 24kHz, respectively. Like the MDR-LE30LW, the MDR-Q68LW offers double-cable retraction at the push of single button. Click-on for all the colors.

[hesh @ Feb 5th 2007 9:32AM]

I got a pair of their MDR-Q66 retractable headphones from Target. They're pretty decent and make things a bit more convenient, but I think the $29.99 price tag from Target is a bit much. $19.99 would be a much better price, but they're easy to put away and carry around in your bag for ipod or portable game system of your choice.

[strider_mt2k @ Feb 5th 2007 9:40AM]

How do they sound though?

I can't see 'em when I'm using 'em.

[hesh @ Feb 5th 2007 10:20AM]

The ones I have are decent. Probably your average headphones. They could definitely use more bass but other than that, they're okay.

[NeoteriX @ Feb 5th 2007 10:00AM]

"How do they sound though?"

For $20-30, I think the answer is pretty obvious.

[hesh @ Feb 5th 2007 10:53AM]

Well they're definitely not for the audiophile, but for portable gaming and light music listening, they're pretty decent. I've used mine to play PSP and DS as well as listening to music at work.

[A.A. @ Feb 5th 2007 10:22AM]

I've already read the service manual for the MDR-Q38LW/Q68LW.
Link for Sony ASP's:https://service-asc.sel.sony.com/SonyESI/pdf/98875010.1/manual.pdf

By the looks of it-these are replace only products (like iPods).

[Alex @ Feb 6th 2007 10:59AM]

The first impression i got when i saw that image was that it was some sort of contraceptive device.

Don't ask.

[Gus @ Feb 6th 2007 5:50PM]

You can buy a decent pair of IEMs for $30. Why even bother?

[h @ Feb 7th 2007 4:35PM]

ok, I'll bite. In Ear buds sound great but they are a bit specialized. Since they block out sound they're good for airplanes but not so good for jogging near traffic.

These on the other hand look nice and some people would prefer the convenience of the dual retractable cords, especially if you're only listening to mp3s.

[Gus @ Feb 7th 2007 6:22PM]

Ah well, to each his own, I suppose.