i-Meaning EP501

ø11mm Dynamic Driver

$5~$10
1.0/5.0

i-Meaning EP501 are a replica of Sony MDR-EX650. I don't know how the MDR-EX650 sound, but I'm pretty sure that they sound much better than EP501. These earphones are very dark, they emphasize the bass and the low-mids, but the extreme lack of highs make the sound very colored and unnatural. The mids have some potential, but are dark and lack any detail.

Pros

  • A very good bass response. You can feel the sub-bass on higher volumes.
  • Decent volume without any amplification.
  • Very nice looks and build quality, resembling the Sony MDR-EX650 build quality.

Cons

  • The mids and highs are dark, off-tone and lack significant detail and brightness.
  • The cable retains bends very easily.

Package & Accessories

Package:

Soft paperboard + soft plastic (clear)

Ear Tips - Single-Flange:

S+2×M+L, black, ø6mm bores

Build & Materials

Housings:

Metal + plastic (matte), ø5mm nozzles, soft strain reliefs

Remote:

Plastic (matte), single-button

Y-Split:

TPE, no strain reliefs

Cable*:

1.25m, TPE, semi-soft, bent

Plug:

Plastic (matte) + metal, 90° angled, short, soft strain relief

Comfort & Fit

Even though the included ear tips aren't that great (they are actually just generic black tips), when used with tips that fit you well, these earphones are quite comfortable.

Lows / Bass

Massive bass with plenty of sensuous sub-bass. Very punchy and swift, not distorted easily, and you can feel tickling sensation on high volumes. Very impressive. Unfortunately, they leave no room for higher frequencies and sound like a huge fart.

Mids / Vocals

The mids and vocals are very dark. They lack detail because of the muffled highs. You can hear that the mids have some potential, but the lack of highs, which are responsible for the brightness and detail, has an impact on the mids' quality.

Highs / Treble

The highs are completely muffled and dark, there is no brilliance, nor detail.

Frequency Response

Published on 2016-01-25 12:16:27 (GMT)
EP501