Splash Damage: MDR-ZX700, MDR-EX310s, NWZ-E354
A few months back, I unilaterally declared Shure SRH-840s one of the best closed cans on the market, period.
I may have to eat those words.
Well, to be precise, the SRH840s from Shure is the best closed can that you can buy for more than $150. There are quite a few cans that claim that title, such as the Ultrasones and the Sony MDR-7509HDs (which are quite good by the by). But let’s face it, in the realm of cl0sed cans, it’s the MDR-7506 (aka the V6), and everyone else. For the price and durability along with quality, nothing really compares to the MDR-7506.
Meet the MDR-ZX700, but you may call him the rightful heir to the MDR-7506, if you may.
Everything is almost just right about these cans, from the build and isolation to the soundstaging (and not bad of a soundstage at that, for a closed can even!) to the absolutely fantastic sound quality. It took me all but 4 minutes of demoing to steer me away from my intended purchase of MDR-EX600. I’ll have more on them, but needless to say, they are one of the best closed cans, and at $120 or less, well worth your cash.
Grade: A
The MDR-EX310s are intended to be replacements for my beat up MDR-EX500s. I had originally intended to get the EX600 as replacements, but with the addition of the ZX700s, I gave these a try.
Very reminiscent of MDR-EX500s at the onset, if a little more claustrophobic? I reserve judgement on these.
The NWZ-E354? The best MP3 Sony’s released outside of the X Series. Alas, too little, too late.
Grade: B
