well I admit it , I be a base-head who like a healthy volume too . I try several Sennheiser and Koss product and they be ... well ok . I even try the super expensive ety 's -lrb- 4p 's -rrb- and while the sound be good with the Ety 's they be very uncomfortable in the ear after 20 minute and the `` microphonic '' effect be a bit much .  however , the Sony 71 's insert very smoothly , feel comfortable for hour and stay put ! . they sound incredible with a luscious deep bottom end that you feel . high be crisp and mid-range be smooth as well . they be also 16 ohm in impedance so they be remarkably efficeint and do not require a lot of power to drive to good volume . so many portable headphone be 32 Ohm and even higher and thus require a lot more power to drive to decent level , which result in faster battery drain .  one earbud cord be intentionally longer than the other to allow you to run the cord behind the head -lrb- if you want -rrb- and drape straight down to the side you be wear you portable unit . `` same-length '' earbud cord result in the main cord have to run awkwardkly `` across '' you body . a very nice innovative touch from Sony ! give these a try folk . the Amazon price `` be '' one of the lowest out there ! I be order a second back-up pair !