MDR-E565

(7.5/10) The MDR-E565 is a well-balanced earphone overall, offering detailed highs alongside tangible, satisfying bass that is noticeably more present than on the MDR-E472. Its overall presentation is more neutral, with a greater emphasis on the mids and highs compared to the MDR-A20, while still retaining the character of Sony’s classic 1980s tuning. Its detail retrieval and clarity are also quite impressive, and in my opinion, its overall performance places it somewhere between the MDR-W50 and MDR-A50LV. One thing I did notice is that the E565 seems to offer a slightly smaller soundstage, even compared to the MDR-A20. However, it trades some of that spaciousness for a more “in-your-face” presentation, with greater immediacy, detail, and a well-balanced overall sound that I find particularly enjoyable. These earphones are also quite comfortable, in addition to having a UniMatch plug. Overall, the MDR-E565 is another great entry from Sony. ($40 in 1995)