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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 7 reviews
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Product summary
The good: Lightweight; earpiece reflectors; single-side cord prevents tangles; designed to match Sony's S2 Sports players.
The bad: Average sound; no carrying case or folding band.
The bottom line: This headset has the athletic aesthetics of Sony's S2 Sports music players, but its performance is just average.
Specifications: Product type: Headphones ; Design: Behind-the-neck ; Color: Metallic silver ; See full specs
Price range: $17.99 - $29.99 check prices
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 01/16/2004
- Released on: 06/15/2002
Designed to complement Sony's latest Sports Walkman portable audio players, the company's MDR-G57G headset features white earpieces, each with black trim and an orange safety reflector at the rear. These neckband headphones, or back 'phones, retail for $30.
For a few days of traveling, we carried the G57G with some other items in our laptop bag, and one of the foam earpiece pads got a little tattered. Sure, most comparable models probably would've sustained similar damage, but a carrying case or a folding neckband (like the one on Sony's MDR-G72LP) could have easily remedied the problem. On the plus side, Sony does supply a set of replacement pads.
The G57G fit well and didn't slip during our jog. And unlike headband models, which press against the scalp, these 'phones didn't cause irritation when we got sweaty or--even better--muss our hair. The earpiece reflectors are a safety benefit during nighttime exercise outdoors. Since it runs from only one earphone, the cord is less tangle-prone and more workout-friendly than dual-side options. It terminates in a straight (shaped like an I as opposed to an L), gold-plated 1/8-inch minijack.
We paired the G57G with our portable audio player and fired up one of our Outkast CDs, The Love Below. These relatively efficient (104dB) 'phones delivered adequate volume, but the snare drum in "Hey Ya!" lacked the snap and the depth that we heard through the G72LP, which overall sounded livelier and more dynamic. The deep electronic-bass line in "Love Hater" was acceptably present on the G57G, but the midrange and the treble could've been airier. Vocals had clarity but could've used a little more sheen. The bottom line is that we prefer the $40 G72LP for its folding headband and its superior sonics. Nonetheless, though it was far from impressive, the G57G sounded acceptable.
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- portable audio player,
- portable audio,
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 7 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 3 of 7 user reviewsSee all 7 user reviews
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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"Have bought and heard 10's of headphones, still this 3 year old headphones is my first choice"
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Where to buy
Sony MDR-G57G:
$17.99 - $29.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$21.39 | Yes |
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$21.53 | Yes |
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$29.99 | Yes |
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