Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
For those who complain of muddy bass - here is a discovery I''ve made. You got to try this. If you remove the so-called rubber earbuds and replace it with the normal foam earpads, what you actually obtain is very good sound. There will be no more muddy bass or muted treble, in fact the resulting sound can be likened to the balanced quality of MDR-E888LP’s! Apparently, the rubber earbuds blocked the sound of the treble. SO by removing it, you allow the treble to come out. The earphones will, however, not fit as snugly as before. But the curved structure of the earphone still helps to provide certain resistance against the earphones from dropping out.

Strengths:
The following strengths only apply after you removed the rubber earbuds and replaced it with foam pads. -Strong bass, strong treble, low priced

Weaknesses:
Without the rubber earbuds, the earphones will not be as securely worn as before! No gold-plated plug. Treble may sound inconsistent sometimes.

Similar Products Used:
Sony MDR-E888LP

Price Paid:  $25.00 from Some cheap audio store.

Summary:
I was fooled by these reviews posted on audioreview.com and purchased the 228s. I was very dissapointed because these earphones had absolutely no treble at all. The bass was all muffled and it dominated the sound of the earphones. It was extrememly painful to wear. Even after a week, the earphones induced pain and I couldn't get used to its stuffy sound. Don't waste your money this horrible set of earbuds. You'll regret it.

Strengths:
Err... it kinda looks cool.

Weaknesses:
NO treble. Overpowering muffled bass. Painful to wear.

Similar Products Used:
A bunch of other earbuds.

Price Paid:  $19.00 from Argos

Summary:
Super-fantasic. Best I've heard yet. Comfortable, easy to wear, and sound brill. Get 'em

Strengths:
Absolutely brilliant bass. Nice, clear sound. The actual earpiece is nice and flexible, so it will flex for comfort. Stays in the ear well. Compared to my old phillips ones (almost the same, but wit rigid earbuds) they are like a dream.

Weaknesses:
Not sure how easy to clean they are

Similar Products Used:
Phillips SBCHE550
Same shape earbud

Price Paid:  $19.00 from circuit city

Summary:
great sound for 20 dollars
strong bass
extremely durable
this is the second pair i bought
the first one died after taking a year of abuse from snowboarding
considering the sennheisers broke when it accidentally got pulled from my ear(!)

Strengths:
great fit once you get used to it
perfect for outdoor activities such as skiing snowboarding because they dont fall out
great sound quality, good bass response
highs arent exactly as pleasing as sennheisers mx4's but they're clear enough

Weaknesses:
if you're not used to the bass booster design of the earpiece, it can hurt after listening for a while
no gold plated plug

Similar Products Used:
sennheiser mx4
other sony headphones

Price Paid:  $19.00 from circuit city

Summary:
great sound for 20 dollars
strong bass
extremely durable
this is the second pair i bought
the first one died after taking a year of abuse from snowboarding
considering the sennheisers broke when it accidentally got pulled from my ear(!)

Strengths:
great fit once you get used to it
perfect for outdoor activities such as skiing snowboarding because they dont fall out
great sound quality, good bass response
highs arent exactly as pleasing as sennheisers mx4's but they're clear enough

Weaknesses:
if you're not used to the bass booster design of the earpiece, it can hurt after listening for a while
no gold plated plug

Similar Products Used:
sennheiser mx4
other sony headphones