Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After reading a review on Head-Fi.org that these had the best bass for IEMs (in-ear monitors), even better than Shure's SE846 (which costed me ~$1k), I decided I had no choice but to purchase these, if for no other reason than to compare to the more expensive in-ear monitors (IEMs) I own. Without going into a long, drawn out review... In short, I will say the Sony MDR-X90EX was the clear winner in the Bass category (with a lots of clarity to boot), when compared head-to-head against my Westone UM3x RC, my Shure SE846, and my Westone UMPro 30 (to name a few). I compared all the monitors through my Fiio E17 K Alpen 2 Amplifier/DAC, listening to 'Mirror Maru' by Cashmere Cat (an excellent track) via Spotify's highest Bitrate sampling, followed by various Deep House tracks on the Monika Kruse station on Spotify. Before owning the Sony MDR-XB90EX, my favorite IEMs were my Shure SE846s. However, after listening for hours with my Sony MDR-XB90EX, I'm having a hard time deciding which set truly sounds better. I've decided although Shure's SE846 falls short of the amount of bass the Sony MDR-XB90EX provides, Shure's sound signature is tighter, more flexible, and overall less artificial (to me). They are also less fatiguing and more comfortable to wear for longer stretches of time. (Now whether or not they are 10x better for ~10x the price is debatable.) That brings me to my next point... Although Sony's MDR-XB90EX earbuds are undoutedly worth every penny, they are not perfect. Here are some noetable cons (in my opinion): 1. They are not as volume sensitive as any of the 'higher-end' IEMs in my repotoire; I had to raise the volume ~20-25% higher than my other IEMs to 'make the beat drop'. In fact, Fiio's E17k Alpen 2's amplifier came to the rescue in this department... Still, most portable music players should have no problem pushing the power out of these... Just be prepared to raise the volume past the halfway mark. 2. Although sound isolation is very good (especially with the comply tips), the earbuds leak out sound. This is a bit of a dissapointment, since I am reluctant to use these in quieter settings (i.e. library) or sitting next to someone on a the train or bus. Don't get me wrong, these aren't like Beats by Dre's sound leakage problem (which is much more pronounced), but when compared to Westone and Shure models (which virtually leak NO sound at all, even at higher volumes) it's something to take into account. *It's never cool to be the obnoxious dude with loud earphones disturbing the peace. 3. Really bassy tracks can get a bit muffled when you *try* to overextend the bass. Solution: EQ with caution! Don't push the Bass past it's distortion limit. (Keep in mind, although Shure's SE846 can actually handle more Bass Frequency input without distorting, the Shure's lower frequencies will need to be EQ'd to hit as impactful as Sony's MDR-XB90EX hits out-the-box). 4. Comfort: when compared to the Shure and Westone models, these buds take a backseat in the comfort arena. I can actually rest my head on a pillow with any of the other aformentioned IEMs. With these, I cannot. Also, these buds were not as secure fitting with the supplied eartips. I winded up purchasing Comply's Foam (200-line) ear tips which made all the difference in further enhancing sound isolation, signature, and overall comfort. 5. Build Quility: Compared to any of the more expensive IEMs I own, these feel cheaper constucted. I cannot say they feel so cheap they're going to break on me with regular use, but I will say the grade of plastic used is not as strong as that used on the more expensive IEMs I own. Yet... Even with all it's flaws, there's no question these earduds are worth absolutely EVERY penny. If hard hitting bass and clarity are your thing, these will not dissapoint. And at this price point, these are a steal. Although I would NEVER trade in my more expensive IEMs (which all have a special place in heart), Sony's MDR-XB90EX has won my respect and will surely be used when I want to have fun immersing myself with some bassier tracks. If these are the first and only noise-isolating IEMs you decide to purchase, you WILL be glad you did... Heck, you may even have hard time justifying the purchase of pricier IEMs down the line. So... Treat yourself.... Get yours now, while supplies last! They are worth it & more. ***THUMBS UP if you appreciated this review. Thanks ;)