Pioneer SE MJ591 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£200
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Pioneer SE MJ591 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.6

Technical Score

20.0%

6.7

User score

Good
5.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Good
6.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

4.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(69)
amazon
3.6
(19)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(69)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(19)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • pioneer-se-mj591
  • pioneer-se-mj591
pioneer-se-mj591
pioneer-se-mj591

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Pioneer SE-MJ591 is a premium on-ear audiophile headphone featuring 40mm drivers with aerospace-grade plastic and an aluminum diaphragm, designed to deliver a wide frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz. It has a 32-ohm impedance and high sensitivity of 108dB, making it easy to drive from portable devices, and includes a detachable 1.2m cord and a compact folding design for travel. Its main pros include exceptional imaging that rivals high-end speakers, a sturdy build with aluminum alloy components, and high portability with a leather-type hard case. However, notable cons include excessive clamping force that can cause discomfort during long sessions, a lack of deep bass response, and a sound signature that some find thin or unnaturally filtered in the mid-range.

Technical Specifications of Pioneer SE MJ591

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

5.6
Pioneer SE MJ591 has a technical score of 5.56 points, which is higher than that of 67.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

4.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(69)
amazon
3.6
(19)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(69)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(19)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.7
Pioneer SE MJ591 has a user score of 6.72 points, which is lower than that of 83.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
4.1
Pioneer SE MJ591 has a popularity of 4.1 points, which is lower than 52.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

6.9
Pioneer SE MJ591 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Pioneer SE MJ591 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Pioneer SE MJ591 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Pioneer SE MJ591 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Pioneer SE MJ591 reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Pioneer SE MJ591 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Pioneer SE MJ591 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Pioneer SE MJ591 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Pioneer SE MJ591 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Pioneer SE MJ591 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Pioneer SE MJ591 supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Pioneer
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

170 g
Pioneer SE MJ591 weighs 170 g, lighter than 64.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Pioneer SE MJ591 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Pioneer SE MJ591 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE MJ591 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 22% lower weight
    Pioneer SE MJ591 is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Pioneer SE MJ591 is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.170 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 22% lower weight
    Pioneer SE MJ591 is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 28 dB higher max SPL
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (138 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Pioneer SE MJ591 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • Not headset-ready
    Pioneer SE MJ591 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Pioneer SE MJ591 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Pioneer SE MJ591 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2012
  • No voice assistant support
    Pioneer SE MJ591 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Pioneer SE MJ591 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    Pioneer SE MJ591 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE MJ591 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Pioneer SE MJ591 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 19% lower user score
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.72 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Pioneer SE MJ591 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.72 vs 8.000).6.72 vs 8
  • 2.22x more expensive
    Pioneer SE MJ591 is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).
    Pioneer SE MJ591 is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).£200 vs £90
  • 5 years older release date
    Pioneer SE MJ591 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Pioneer SE MJ591 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Pioneer SE MJ591 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Pioneer SE MJ591?

  • High-quality imaging and depth, often compared to high-end speaker setups
  • Detailed sound performance especially suited for mobile devices and low-power sources
  • Premium build quality featuring aluminum drivers and a solid, foldable design
  • Compact and highly portable for a flagship model
  • Excellent clarity in the midrange, making it favorable for vocal and instrument-heavy tracks
  • Low distortion levels even at higher volumes

What customers dislike about Pioneer SE MJ591?

  • Comfort issues due to high clamping pressure on the ears during long sessions
  • Lack of low-end bass punch or sub-bass response
  • Poor passive noise isolation, making them less ideal for loud environments like airplanes
  • Sound can feel 'filtered' or unnatural on certain pop and rock recordings
  • Revealing nature may make low-quality or poorly encoded audio files sound harsh

Expert reviews

H
head-fi.org
08/06/2012

The Pioneer SE-MJ591 on-ear headphones are characterized by a highly musical, mid-centric sound profile, offering addictive and expressive vocals suitable for portable, unamplified use. Featuring premium, compact design, these headphones are praised for their aesthetics and portability, along with a non-fatiguing audio signature. Conversely, the user experience is hindered by...Read more

S
soundandvision.com
08/08/2012

The Sound & Vision review of the Pioneer SE-MJ591 highlights exceptional build quality and outstanding comfort, noting that the soft, swiveling earcups eliminate typical on-ear discomfort. These headphones offer versatile, efficient performance across various audio sources and are well-suited for long listening sessions. However, the review notes significant sonic limitations,...Read more

A
audioholics.com
20/05/2012

The Audioholics review of the Pioneer SE-MJ591 highlights these $300 on-ear headphones for offering exceptional, detailed sound quality and superb instrument separation that rivals far more expensive equipment. Praised for their robust build using brushed aluminum and soft, comfortable memory foam pads, the unit also features a collapsible design and a detachable, replaceable cable....Read more

X
xataka.com.mx
09/08/2012

The Pioneer SE-MJ591 is a commemorative on-ear headphone model released to celebrate Pioneer's 50 years of development in the headphone industry, retailing for 3,999 Mexican pesos. Designed for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound, these headphones boast an impressive frequency range of 5Hz to 40,000Hz, a 32-ohm impedance, 108dB sensitivity, and a maximum input power of 1,000mW....Read more

Video reviews

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