MDR-W501

Review / Info: (7.5/10) The Sony MDR-W501 features a noticeably bulkier design than the other models in its lineup, as it was intended as a sports-oriented earphone and was bundled with the WM-AF79. The larger housings and heavier earpieces make them less comfortable than the MDR-W20, especially during longer listening sessions. Sonically, the MDR-W501 is very similar to the MDR-W20, sharing much of the same overall clarity and tonal balance. However, the W501 offers slightly stronger bass with more punch and presence, giving low frequencies greater depth. This improvement may be partly due to the larger housing and the acoustics of its design rather than the driver alone. In contrast, these changes have made the bass at times bleed over details in the mids and highs, sometimes appearing muddy. It is definitely the warmest of the MDR-A series that I have listened to. I have also acquired and listened to an MDR-W501L, with the only physical change compared to the MDR-W501 being the “gold” plated headphone jack. There are differences in specifications, but this may be due to changes in testing or advertising common for the time, as I did not note any musical presentation differences between the two. Besides its more bulky and uncomfortable design, these earphones have a more fun, boomy, and “loud” presentation compared to other earphones in the MDR-A/W lineup.