If you are an audiophile or sound lover looking for a headphone that can meet your lofty expectations, you should “seriously consider” the Sony MDR-EX650AP.
These outstanding Sony headphones will possibly tick almost all (if not all) the right boxes in any audiophile’s checklist. They are the real deal — small but powerful. You won’t regret buying them.
Sony promised these headphones would be worth the while of every audiophile, and, truly, the Sony MDR-EX650AP has lived up to the billing. These Sony in-ear headphones are strong contenders for the best under $30 headphones ever known in the audio industry.
This insightful review aims to show you why these headphones are stealing the spotlight in the audio market and why they could be the perfect fit for you.
Let’s dive right into the details.
Specifications of the Sony MDR-EX650AP
Here are the specifications of the Sony MDR-EX650AP:
- Weight: Approx. 9 g
- Closed type: Yes
- Headphone type: Binaural
- Wearing style: In-ear
- Acoustic system: Closed
- Recommended usage: Calls/Music
- Driver unit: 12 mm dynamic — Dome type
- Driver size: 0.47 in
- Dynamic type: Yes
- Plug: Stereo mini plug
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Impedance: 16 ohms (1kHz)
- Frequency response: 5 – 28,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
- Power capacity: 100 mW
- Diaphragm: CCAW
- Cord type: Y-type, round cord
- Cord length: 1.2 m
- Plug: Four-conductor gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini-jack
- Wearing style: Closed earbuds
- Body material: Metal | Silicone
- Unit of microphone: Electret condenser
- Direction of In-line Microphone: Omnidirectional
- Color: Black and Brass
- Connectivity technology: Wired
- Category: Travelling/commuting
What is in the Box?
- Operating instructions
- Earbuds
- Headphone cord length adjuster
- Soft carrying pouch
Comfort
Your comfort during extended listening sessions is important — and Sony knows this. So, it’s no surprise that the Sony MDR-EX650AP offers the comfort that every sound lover deserves.
Thanks to the small footprint, angled nozzles, and solid construction of these headphones, you can listen to your favorite for a long time without feeling any discomfort or pain. Now, you can take the music with you whenever you are commuting or traveling. No worries!
Durability
You can easily tell these headphones are designed to last for a long time when you see or touch them. Hence, you need not worry about the durability of the Sony MDR-EX650AP. You can bank on them for years to come.
Design
These headphones have an extremely sturdy brass housing with a good mix of plastics here and there, making them fairly lightweight and portable.
They also come with angled nozzles that provide a firmer and deeper fit for every user. Furthermore, the cables are impressively built, featuring a rubberized finishing that prevents them from tangling, gives them enhanced strain resistance, and, possibly, reduces fiction microphonics.
There is also a 3.5 mm plug with a 90° angle and a top metal plate sharing a similar color, design, and finish with the earpieces. No doubt, these headsets are not only durable but also they are attractive.
Control and Operation
The Sony MDR-EX650AP offers users a 1-button function that is customizable on Android devices, thanks to the introduction of the free Sony Smartkey app.
Statistics show that this app has been downloaded up to a million times by different individuals around the world.
Using the Sony Smartkey app with the Sony MDR-EX650AP makes your listening experience more exciting and convenient.
The Sony MDR-EX650AP one button with default functions is pretty straightforward.
Here is how you can use it to trigger your preferred function:
Call
- Press the button once to answer or reject calls.
Music
- Press the button once to play or pause your songs.
- Press the button twice to move to the next track.
- Press the button thrice to return to the previous track.
Idle
- Press the button once to start the music player.
- Pressing the button twice leads to no action.
- Pressing the button thrice leads to no action.
But you know what?
This button can carry out more functions with the Sony Smartkey app. All you have to do is customize any of the aforementioned button functions to achieve what you want.
Here is the wide variety of available custom functions you can choose from when you use the Sony Smartkey app:
- No action
- Voice search
- Voice command
- Volume down
- Volume up
- Start music player
- Redial last nimber
Below is an example of how a customized function would be:
Music
- Press the button twice to increase the volume of your songs (without customization, pressing the button twice would have taken you to the next track).
So, you see, you assume control of the Sony MDR-EX650AP when you use the Sony Smartkey app.
Sounds promising, right?
Sound
These headphones produce impressive sound quality that will turn the heads of any sound lover. You can use them to listen to any genre of music without any distortion.
Below is a detailed sound profile of the Sony MDR-EX650AP:
1. Bass and Sub-bass
Like most popular Sony headphones, the Sony MDR-EX650AP comes with 12 mm dynamic drivers and solid neodymium magnets that enhance their bass performance.
These headphones have one of the greatest bass responses with extremely deep sub-bass and punchy mid-bass.
The Sony MDR-EX650AP can never fall short when it comes to bass. Regardless of the genre of music, they will always provide a rich, lively bass response.
2. Highs and Treble
These headphones have highs with sufficient detail and brightness that will satisfy normal listeners.
On the flip side, you might feel the piercing highs peaks when extremely high pitch notes come up. Additionally, there is a bit of sibilance. But not to worry, it is nothing too awkward.
3. Mids and Vocals
These headphones mids have warm lower vocals that do not sound distant or laid-back irrespective of the mid-bass bleed.
The lower mids sound smooth and nice, while the higher mids are properly resolved without sounding fatigued or harsh.
Sound Leakage
These headphones are so loud that they leak out a lot of sounds, meaning that the person beside you can hear whatever you are listening to, to some extent.
Although the sound leakage could be better, it doesn’t change the fact these headphones are worth their weight in gold.
Sound Isolation
Need to shut out external sounds while traveling or commuting? The Sony MDR-EX650AP has got you covered. These headphones can effectively isolate sound, allowing you to get lost in your music world without any distraction.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Impressive bass response — deep and punchy
- Comfortable
- Secure fit
- Clear and warm mids without harshness
- Clear and crisp enough highs
- Functional and valuable Sony Smartkey app
Cons
- Average sound leaking
Final Words
From fit, to sound, the Sony MDR-EX650AP is everything an in-ear headphone should be. These Sony headphones are as good as they come.
They are practically almost flawless. And what’s more fascinating is that you can purchase one of these headphone gems for just under $30. In other words, you won’t have to hurt your pocket to get the high-quality phone that you deserve.
So, all things considered, the Sony MDR-EX650AP is undoubtedly the dream headphone of every audiophile.
Why don’t you make your dream come true by purchasing the Sony MDR-EX650AP at this unbelievable price?
It will be worth every penny.
Ultimately, you will be glad you went down this road.