Design
Sony's redesigned Street Style headphones will stay put when you're blading, jogging, or just grooving to your music. Like other Street Style headphones before it, the Sony MDR-G54LP (AU$52.95 RRP) has an ultra-light design and wraps behind your neck instead of over your head, so the headphones won't mess up your painstakingly coiffed hairdo. Our only quibble from an ergonomic standpoint was that the headphones' clamp-style design applied a little too much pressure on the ear; the fit may be a little tight for some.

Features
The MDR-G54LP weighs almost nothing -- just 45g -- but it doesn't fold up, so it's more likely to be damaged when you stash it in your pocket or carry bag. The 1.5m-long cord is fitted with a gold-plated stereo 35mm mini-jack. On the inside, the headphone's streamlined silver ear cups house powerful neodymium magnets and 30mm drivers. Sony's Acoustic Turbo Circuit is said to deliver extended bass response.

Performance
For our auditions we relied on an iPod and a Jens of Sweden MP-110 MP3 player. The G54LP's sound was detailed and clear. Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones rocked with conviction, but we would have liked more bass. Our Sennheiser PX 30 headphones' sound was warmer and more laid back but lacked the resolution of the G54LP. However, the Sony model's aggressive tonal balance might be fatiguing over extended listening sessions.

The MDR-G54LP headphones offer a cool design and decent performance at a bargain price. But if you're a fan of the Street Style look, check out the MDR-G74SL, which adds a folding neckband and notably better sound quality. For an additional AU$20, the upgrade is a no-brainer.