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The once-great Sony wired earbud models continue to decline

Pros: + Silicon inserts are less comfortable, but much more durable than rubber. + Sound far better than cheaper EX15AP model + Built better than cheaper EX15AP model Cons: -- Left channel died after 4 months of careful usage - These 12mm buds sound worse and have less deep bass response than old 9mm models such as EX115 and EX61. - Cord is stiff and wants to twist worse than any buds I've owned over decades Details: I prefer Sony's old 9mm models, but the recent versions of those, such as the MDREX15AP, are utterly worthless; they sound tinny and stop working within hours. Do NOT buy those; they are an embarrassment to the Sony name. After learning that lesson, I found these EX255AP's with 12mm drivers new in their original packaging at a good price. They are a ... MorePros: + Silicon inserts are less comfortable, but much more durable than rubber. + Sound far better than cheaper EX15AP model + Built better than cheaper EX15AP model Cons: -- Left channel died after 4 months of careful usage - These 12mm buds sound worse and have less deep bass response than old 9mm models such as EX115 and EX61. - Cord is stiff and wants to twist worse than any buds I've owned over decades Details: I prefer Sony's old 9mm models, but the recent versions of those, such as the MDREX15AP, are utterly worthless; they sound tinny and stop working within hours. Do NOT buy those; they are an embarrassment to the Sony name. After learning that lesson, I found these EX255AP's with 12mm drivers new in their original packaging at a good price. They are a relatively recent version as they include silicon earbuds, which should last longer that the old ones that swelled and deformed over time. The sound is good with much better bass than the ultra-cheap EX15AP model that is not worth having even if they're free, but not as good as the classic EX115 and EX61 models with 9mm drivers. Larger drivers should be better, but these EX255's have a pronounced mid-bass sound that makes voices sound unnaturally thick. This is preferable to the thin EX15AP sound that I cannot tolerate at all, but still not as neutral as the old EX115/EX61's that I've used for over a decade. If you have an EQ, these EX255's benefit from a slight boost around 5kHz. These do appear to be built better than the terrible EX15AP's, but I'll have to keep looking for an affordable earbud that offers the neutral sound that I'm looking for and which previous budget models from Sony offered. UPDATE: The left channel went out after 4 months with no obvious abuse, but afterward I observe that both cords slide rather loosely a few millimeters in and out of the earbuds themselves, suggesting that they might have no stop inside to reduce damage from pulling. This is normally done with either a knot or a wrap around a molded post or bend. Regardless, I got less than 5 months of use from what Sony considers a mid-tier model. With this rapid failure after only a few months of careful desk usage, I cannot recommend the EX255AP's even though they are easily superior to the less expensive EX15AP's. Those looking for wired earbuds in 2023 that combine high quality with high value should keep looking; I certainly haven't found them.