Ok, I want one of these (is SP because of remote) but unsure which to get since they are the same price. Audiocubes says the MDR-E930SP is the newer one (2005) while the MDR-E931SP dates from 2003. The specs of the 931SP looks better I think but I'm not sure if higher or lower values are better ofr the specific specs. Plus on the E930SP AC page there is some dude who says the E930SP is a improved version of the E931SP. I don't know, which should I get? Translated version of Japanese Sony Specs and Audiocubes page for each model:

MDR-E930SP:
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&am...hl%3Den%26lr%3D
http://www.audiocubes.com/category/Headpho..._Earphones.html

MDR-E931SP:
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&am...hl%3Den%26lr%3D
http://www.audiocubes.com/category/Headpho..._Earphones.html

Thanks,

Specifications tell nothing about perceived sound quality. Try before you buy.

I do not know how you got to get your mind set on these Sony earbuds, so I do not know how 'open' you are to other recommendations... but hey, here it goes.

I got the E0931's as stock-buds with my RH1 (European version). While they do make great stock-buds (not as lousy by far as the ones I got with the NH900) they definitely do not warrant the $29 price Audiocubes want for them!

If you want cheapo but pretty good sounding earbuds (though a bit on the bass-light side) get some Sennheiser MX300, MX350 (about $5-10) or MX400, MX450 (about $10-15)

if you are open for other types of phones than earbuds, there are even better cheap but great-sounding options like the Sennheiser PX100 (over the head, about $30-40) or panasonic RP-JE50 (in ear...$20-30) or the grado SR60 (very open and over the head but still brilliant rock headphones... $30-40 IIRC) and the Koss KSC75 (or KSC35 but these only sell through the Koss site and only to N-Am... these are great sounding clip-on phones...$10-20) all available at roughly the same price and sounding much better!

you should also read 'the almighty headphones under $100'-thread in the phones section as this shows even more options if you would be able to stretch your budget a bit

So are you buying based on price, if it's SP, or both? When someone asks for SP-corded, there are 2 that come to mind for me. The Sony EX90SP (LP version here in the USA) is getting some good reviews lately. There is also the legendary Sharp MD33 (also short) that a lot of MD users promote. I agree with Volta - I wouldn't pay Audiocubes' prices for stock earbuds (I think the E931 comes stock with the Japanese RH1). You may get a better deal by placing a Waiting-To-Buy ad in the classifieds if you're set on the E931/E930. Good luck.

Ok, thanks for your opinions but no one has ansewered my question yet. Since I can't try them, I guess spcifications is the only one to go by. So, which is better the MDR-E930SP or the MDR-E931SP?

And yes it is all about the short cord. And I am going to get them from Price Japan. My sister also needs a pair of cheap but good value headphones also SP since she uses MD like me. So Price Japan wants $50 shipped for both. So that will cost me $25 dollars with shipping which I think is a good deal. But once again I have a choice of the MDR-E930SP or MDR-E931SP for the same price. So which should I take.

To be honest, I didn't tell you which one to buy because sound quality is highly subjective - it will be hard to agree on an ultimate "better" or "best," in my opinion. And, I would never buy stock earbuds. I prefer an upgrade or something different from stock (like headphones or canalphones).

But, since you're looking for some sort of answer, how about this? Buy one of each. Listen to both. Keep the earbuds that you prefer. Give the other one to your sister.

It is often claimed that women hear high frequencies better than men. If the MDR-E931SP do actually go up to 23,000 Hz and the MDR-E930SP only to 22,000 Hz, she may hear a difference and find the 931s overly shrill, where a guy wouldn't notice.

Ok, what exactly does that mean. Which one is better?

A440 is saying that your sister may find the E931 to be unpleasant, while you won't notice it. So, since you're still after what's better:
- E930 could be better for her (I say "could" because A440 said she "may" notice a difference. Who knows, maybe she'll like the E931. That's why greenmachine said it's better to audition them rather than rely on specs.)
- E930 or E931 for you

So again, get both (or 2 x E930).

honestly, since we're talking about Sony stockbuds... I don't think 'better' is a good word

I do not know where you are from, finalcoolman, but look around in brick and mortar stores locally as I'm sure you'll find the Sennheiser MX300/350/400/450 which are much better value for money earbuds (still these have long cords)

I can understand you want to upgrade, I just can't understand someone would import stockbuds all the way from Japan. If you really want to import, get some Sony, Sennheiser or Panasonic in-ear phones with short cord or get the D66SL eggos (short cord, great sound, look very good, Sony (can be considered a plus or a minus ), healthier to wear than earbuds,...)

There is no general 'better' or 'worse'. It all depends on your personal perception/habits. Some people may prefer one, you the other. There is no perfectly linear headphone yet (and propably never will be), but even if there was, some people might find it 'flat and uninteresting' or something like that. Reading reviews might give you an average opinion, but your hearing still may differ. You won't know which one's better for you unless you try them. If you can't try beforehand, good luck with your choice. Hope we've confused you enough now.

I'd recommend the MDR-EX90SL, I think they're great.
They're a bit more expensive but definitely worth the investement.
Strong build, great design and finish, and most important, wonderfull acoustics.
Nice full sound, balanced tone, bass not as overly boomy as in other similar models, clearer mid-range and trebles. (5 - 25.000 Hz range)
Fit nicely too, don't fall off like the MDR-E931SP.
Bear in mind that they're an in-the-ear model (3 different adaptors provided) too though, and not solely open-air bud-type earphones.
You'll hear things on these earphones that you hadn't noticed before. Treat yourself to high-definition for your ears.

Why the hell you want these earphones,IMO E931 sucks .As said by Greenmachine ,try them first before you buy them .

@ finalcoolman: where are you located? (this could help to see what your options are)

Stuge: Easy there. He already said why he wanted them and that he could not audition prior to purchase. lol And, don't flip-flop on your opinions because it will make your opinion seem less trustworthy. I did a quick Google search to see if there were any E931 reviews and found this:
http://www.atraclife.com/forums/index.php?...ost&p=10716
"E931 are good." -Stuge

Earlier, I also suggested the EX90SP, but finalcoolman stated that he wanted some "cheap, but good value" headphones. I think if he gave a price range (in addition to location), it would be easier to suggest more.

*imagine a 'broken record' or 'irritating parrot'*

- best value for money upgrade earbuds if you do not want to spend much money: Senn MX350 (+/- $5-10) or MX450 (+/- $10-15)

- best value for money upgrade in-ear phones: Panasonic RP-JE50 (+/- $25-30) and Senn CX300 (not really expensive, but I don't really know price range)

- best value for money 'great little headphone': Sennheiser PX100 (I paid $40 and haven't regret any cent of it yet)

and there are more options...

LOL.

*robot voice*

Thanks for your opinions, Volta, but you still haven't answered my question. Which is better - the E931 or E930? And, by the way, I asked for ones with SP cords and only one of your suggestions has that.

Edit: typo.

... ah but: *imagine the voice of a snotty, wisecracking six-year old*

- I only have the 931 so I can't honestly answer the question not even for me personally (and for anyone else would be very difficult as I don't know someone elses ears )

- if short cord and a good headphone is the main point, get the panasonic RP-JE50 (they DO have a short cord and they sound better than any stock-buds I've heard before...including the 931) or if you want to go for short cord and class: get the Sony D66SL eggo's... just under $100, sound great (I heard, mine should arrive further this weak) and look the bomb

*trembling robot voice*

My budget is $30 and I don't like Panasonic. Maybe I'll just flip a coin.

well...

*posh british schoolmaster's voice*

ordering either the 931 or the 930 for that price from japan without listening to them first is quite like 'flipping a relatively expensive coin and not catching it in the end'

PS: budget is $30... get three Sennheiser MX350/450 (depending on the local price) and learn to resolder a miniplug and make your own short cord (and if you're good at it, you could resell the extra pairs)

PPS: there's a trick where you clip the remote to your belt and use a mid-long cord (the senn MX350/450 and the PX100 have a 80cm cord... unlike the Senn HD497 that carry a hefty 3m

*angry robot voice*

Resolder??? Mid-long cord??? Does not compute. I just want to know which is better??? E931 or E930. What about any of the other Sony EX series with the SP cord? Will any of them suit my needs? I really want the SP cord or similar. Under $30 with shipping, of course.




Sidenote: lol This role playing may actually help out finalcoolman and his thought process and decision-making. If not, oh well, I'm surely having some fun with it.

Haha, thanks for standing up for me there jaylen, lol. But ya, thats all I want to know. $25 dolars shipped sounds like a good deal to me, all I want to know is which is better, E930 or E931 so I can order them. The E931s by the specifications have a bigger driver, which is a good thing so would that mean the E931s are better? Thanks,

Oh ! Sorry!! I shd have explained myself .At the same time they are very uncomfortable(Even after putting foam) ,that's why they sucks .I still own E931 ,which i got bundled with my walkmans & they are still need to be used .
Sound of E931: They have have only Treble ..no Bass or one can say weak bass .They are only good for listening Jazz music ..no pop ,Rock ,Gangsta etc


http://forums.minidisc.org/lofiversion/index.php/t15572.html

Settle for nothing less than a sennheiser mx400/500

I think you should go for the Sony MDR-E888 or the Audiotechnica CM7 Earbuds

Bigger drivers could be more uncomfortable in the ear. Everything's a tradeoff.