Wired IEMs
Sony MDR-EX800st
62Average
$300
Full review dataSony MDR-EX800st vs Twistura Woodnote: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Twistura Woodnote comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Twistura Woodnote - Great overall at around $160.
Wired IEMs
Twistura Woodnote
82Great
$160
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Twistura Woodnote leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Sony MDR-EX800st
- Twistura Woodnote
HearWiki score
62
82
Sound
7.5
8.5
Value
6.5
8.0
Price (USD)
$300
$160
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Twistura Woodnote is 15 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 15 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- MDR-EX800st2010
- Woodnote202515 yr newer
Specifications
MDR-EX800stWoodnote
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $160
- HearWiki score
- 62
- 82
- Released
- 2010
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 16 mm dynamic
- 10 mm driver
- Driver type
- dynamic
- -
- Driver size
- 16 mm
- 10 mm
- Impedance
- -
- 18 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 108 dB/mW
- -
- Weight
- 7 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Sony MDR-EX800st
The Sony MDR-EX800ST is a professional-grade wired in-ear monitor crafted for stage use, born from a collaboration with a major recording studio. Its 16 mm dynamic driver delivers a clear, accurate sound profile suited for live performance monitoring, while the detachable cable and lightweight build (7 g) offer practical durability and comfort for musicians on stage. With no active noise cancellation, it relies on a secure fit to isolate sound, making it a specialized tool for audio pros rather than casual listeners.
- Pro:Accurate, monitor-style tuning ideal for critical listening
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended stage sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or customization
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may intrude
- Con:Open to the elements and not built for rough handling
- Con:Pricey for those not needing professional-grade monitoring
Twistura Woodnote
The Twistura Woodnote is a wired single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a warm, natural, and musical sound while remaining technically capable, with particularly strong imaging. Its standout feature is an interchangeable nozzle system that lets listeners shift the tuning from bass-heavy to a cleaner, more treble-focused profile, adding versatility. With excellent build quality, comfort, and a generous accessory set, it presents a compelling value for around $160.
- Pro:Versatile tuning via interchangeable nozzles and ear tips
- Pro:Warm, engaging, and natural sound with good detail retrieval
- Pro:Excellent build quality and comfortable fit
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so isolation depends entirely on fit and tips
- Con:Stock tuning may be too warm for those seeking a neutral or bright signature
- Con:Requires tip rolling or nozzle swapping to fully unlock its potential
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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