Sony MDR-Q55SL SLD

CNET Editors' Rating

2.5 stars
    Overall score: 5.7 (2.5 stars)

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Average User Rating

16 reviews

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CNET Editors' Review

CNET Editors' Rating

2.5 stars OK
    Overall score: 5.7 (2.5 stars)
  • Reviewed by: Nathaniel Wilkins
  • Released on:
  • Reviewed on:

The good: Exceptional bass presence; clear midrange and treble; bandless earclip design; braided cord with an extension.

The bad: No carrying case; no replacement earpiece pads.

The bottom line: The three Q55SL earclip 'phones emphasize style without sacrificing performance.

Review: Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.

Sony has expanded the concept of headphones as fashion accessories with its Elements Of Style MDR-Q55SL models, part of the company's Wear line. The SLD version is targeted at the "house and trance lifestyle," but aside from its silver color, its external design accents, and its marketing hype, it's identical to its ... Expand full review

Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.

Sony has expanded the concept of headphones as fashion accessories with its Elements Of Style MDR-Q55SL models, part of the company's Wear line. The SLD version is targeted at the "house and trance lifestyle," but aside from its silver color, its external design accents, and its marketing hype, it's identical to its gold LQD and blue AIR siblings. All three are earclip headphones that deliver solid performance and especially impressive bass response. They retail for $30.

At about 20 inches, the braided cable is fairly short, so there's no slack when you hook up the headphones to a portable audio player's in-line remote. If you don't have that accessory, a provided extension cord increases the length enough for direct connection. The package doesn't include extra foam earpiece pads, so if the existing set suffers wear and tear, you're stuck with it. You don't get a carrying case, either.

To enhance bass response, Sony gave each driver casing a port--a trait borrowed from stereo loudspeakers. The design decision was a good one; these headphones deliver considerably more bass than typical portables. The robust kick drum in Alice DeeJay's techno track "Better Off Alone" was tight and didn't easily distort, even at loud volumes. And the kick drum, the vocals, and the melodic elements all had adequate breathing room in the mix, thanks largely to the Q55SL's relatively airy sound.

Though a bit snugger than the clips of some similar models, the Q55SL's aren't too tight, and we found the fit comfortable. Plus, the driver casings' lightweight design kept the 'phones from tugging our ears too much during physical activity. Anyone with earbuds that pop out of place at inopportune moments will appreciate these traits. All in all, these modestly priced Sony headphones are an especially good choice for bass aficionados on the go. Hide Review

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Audio-Technica ATH-EW9

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Sony MDR-Q55SL LQD

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Average User Rating

3.0 stars out of 16 user reviews

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star: 0
  • 4 star: 8
  • 3 star: 5
  • 2 star: 3
  • 1 star: 0

My Rating

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Most recent user reviews

Showing 3 of 16 reviews

4.0 stars

"These are very good headphones ... But, are not the ones for me!" By SkySgt

Pros: Sharp looking design. Sound quality better than most I've tried ... very good bass response.

Cons: Rattling noise in LEFT earpiece (see cause & fix below). The "behind the ear" clips definitely not designed for a HUMAN ear. What, no carry case !!!!

Summary: I am currently looking to purchase a second pair of headphones to supplement my current Sony MDR-828LP earbuds ... Which are still going strong for over a few years now!

The Sony MDR-Q55SL is the third pair that I have tested in the past week (I've also tried a pair

... Expand full review

3.0 stars

"not for life on the go" By iwannarock

Pros: Look sexy, affordable, good sound all around

Cons: Cords are way too much of a hassle, don't stay put on your ear.

Summary: These things are some of the coolest lookin headphones ever. That's what made me wanna buy them. When they stay in you ears, the sound is great, bass is good and doesn't overpower the acoustics and treble.

However, these things are too much of a hassle. I bought

... Expand full review

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Specifications

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Quick Specs

  • Headphones Type: Headphones - Binaural
  • Product type: Headphones
  • Design: Clip-on

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