Cheap upgrade for Sony MDR-EX71 headphones

I was always loosing the rubber earpieces from my Sonys, so I found some reaplacements, which actually work better (to my ear)

Step 1 Buy earplugs

I found these ear plugs at a local camping/outdoors store. They're designed to reduce outside noise by using a removable plug to antentunate either high frequencies (in-flight noise) or low frequencies (snoring)

I use them for work because I sometimes spend periods in a loudly air conditioned server room.

The plugs are made by a company called "Design GO" and cost 6UKP

Comments

[astagl]

I just did this mod last night to my ex71s. I had to order the earplugs overseas, but the result was well worth it. These silicon nips will more than likely not fall off like the originals and they block more sound as well. Excellent instructable!

[astagl]

I forgot to say that if you yank the foam insert out of the earplugs case, it makes for an awesome case for the headphones! 2 for one!

[Quelkin]

Changd nothing, but the ear-stretching tip improved the low end greatly. just registered in order to thank Bowdie.

[jbond]

Got the plugs, did the mod, mostly pleased. They're now quieter than the originals but still not quite as quiet as I'd like it. But then I'm using them underneath a motorcycle helmet at 90mph... They do also stay in better than with the Sony plugs. I used to have troubles with the ear plugs falling slightly out unless I wedged them in really firmly.

[bowdie]

Cool, I'm glad to hear they worked. I find the plugs fit, and isolate, better if you pull your ear up while fitting them. Just reach around and pull the top of your ear up and slightly back and then push in the plugs. They seem to go in easier too.

[userman]

When you lift your ear up and backwards you straighten out the ear canal, making it easier to put anything in it.

[jbond]

Where did you get the ear plugs? I looked on the Design Go website and they don't seem to sell them any more. I also tried Millets but they have their own brand of this stuff.

[bowdie]

Oh, mine came from my local Blacks (which I gather are owned by Millets) I think Boots the Chemist sell them too. I'll check tomorrow for you.

[bowdie]

Turns out, they're actually called "Q-zone"

http://www.justsportandleisure.com/Details.asp?PID=4489

[bowdie]

Apologies for replying to myself so much.

http://www.musicianshop.com/cgi/musicianshop-uk.cgi/pageaccessories/4435a2740cfd

Looks like thery're popular with musicians too (although probably more for the roadies!)

[Revolverkiller]

WOW! I have a pair of Ear Subs for my PSP and just recently one of the silicone ear bud thingies broke off.....IN MY EAR!!!! and while the full sensation in my ear was interesting, I don't recommmend it! I gently remeoved the offending piece of silicone Macguyver style, with the handle of my fingernail clippers on my keychain (i was at work) but I now have a 20$ pair of earbuds that I only can use one side. and I had considered using this type of earplug to replace the silicone, and you confirmed it! now where in hades do i find a pair in my neck of the woods? Revo

[ShrimpCrackers]

Shure isn't the only one, many many other companies make 'Canalphones', like Etymotic, Ultimate Ears, Sharp, Aiwa (Sony), Panasonic, even Coby. More to be found at www.audiocubes.com.

[dirtysocks]

Shure makes a headphone that look and performs exactly like the ones you made (the E4c), the only difference is that the Shure phones cost $299. Great instructable. www.shure.com