Sony MDR-AS20J Active Headphones

More on this product: review; user reviews; specifications; compare; shop

Share
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
- Reddit
- Facebook
E-mail
Print

CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
Detailed editors' rating

Average user rating:
Write your own review
See all user reviews

Product summary

The good: The Sony MDR-AS20J earphones are inexpensive, uniquely designed, and offer an understated style. A detachable clip keeps the cable out of the way during activity.

The bad The bad: The Sony MDR-AS20J ear loops are not adjustable and some users will not be able to achieve a secure fit. Package doesn't include a case or any extras. Some music sounds muffled.

The bottom line: The Sony MDR-AS20J Active Headphones are a suitable choice for MP3 player owners who simply want a more secure pair of earphones for the gym, but don't need better audio quality than that of stock earbuds.

Specifications: Product type: Headphones; Design: Over-the-ear; Weight: 0.5 oz; See full specs

Price range: $15.99 - $19.99

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Jasmine France
Reviewed on: 06/10/2008
Released on: 03/15/2008

Although the headphone market continues to burgeon with new models, it can be surprisingly tough to find a decent, fitness-friendly pair. A few companies, such as Sennheiser, have stepped up to the plate with sport-branded earphones that feature design attributes meant to keep them secured on the head during activity. Now, we can add Sony to the list. The company has released an impressive array of Active Headphones, the $20 MDR-AS20J among them. These interestingly designed earphones are suitable for the gym, although not all users will be able to get a good fit, so runners should take heed. Also, they're not the best-sounding set in the Active line, but they are the cheapest, making them a solid option for fitness buffs on a budget.

Each model in Sony's active line is distinguished by a slightly different design element meant to keep the earphones secure during activity. The MDR-AS20Js are the least adjustable of the bunch, so fit could be an issue for some users. A plastic earbud similar to those found on stock sets juts out from a molded ear loop that surrounds the entire outer ear. The loop is bendy, but it cannot be adjusted to ear size, and so it felt unsecure on my small ear. Although it stayed in place during a jaunt on the elliptical trainer, thanks namely to the stability offered by the earbud resting inside the ear, it had a tendency to fall out while I was jogging. However, this should not be an issue for those with average-size ears, as that is what the MDR-AS20Js are sized for. Also, I found them plenty comfortable for about an hour or so, but could see the hard plastic 'buds irritating some ears.

See more CNET content tagged:: earphone,; Sony Corp.,; earbud,; headphones,; activity

User reviews

Average user rating: 0 stars Not yet available
Back to product review
My rating: 0 stars Write review

Showing 1 of 1 user reviewSee 1 user review
4.0 stars

"Great product, Great Price"

by joedmartinez on June 12, 2008

read more
See 1 user review Write review

Submit your review

Sony MDR-AS20J Active Headphones

1. Rate this product:: (Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.): 0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.): 0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.): 0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.): 0 of 5000 characters; Submit