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Sony MDR 1A Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£190
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR 1A review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.5

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%

5.8

Technical Score

20.0%

9.1

User score

Good
5.8

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%

5.1

Features

10.0%

6.9

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

5.8

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Good
9.1

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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(971)
amazon
4.5
(128)
amazon
4.0
(71)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(971)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(128)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(71)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 3.8
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    8.0

    Companion app

  • 3.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-mdr-1a
sony-mdr-1a

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Sony MDR-1A is a premium, high-resolution wired over-ear headphone featuring 40mm aluminum-coated liquid crystal polymer (LCP) dynamic drivers that deliver an expansive frequency response of 3Hz to 100kHz. Known for its lightweight 225g build and exceptionally plush pressure-relieving earpads, it offers a warm, bass-forward sound signature with high sensitivity (105 dB/mW) and low impedance (24 or 48 ohms depending on the region), making it easy to drive from mobile devices. Main pros include its legendary 'all-day' comfort, spacious soundstage for a closed-back design, and a comprehensive accessory package featuring detachable 1.2m cables with inline remotes and a carrying pouch. However, notable cons include a bass response that can sometimes sound bloated or loose, and its passive isolation is relatively weak, which may allow too much ambient noise in loud environments.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 1A

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%

5.1

Features

10.0%

6.9

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

5.8

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

5.8
Sony MDR 1A has a technical score of 5.81 points, which is higher than that of 70.4% 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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(971)
amazon
4.5
(128)
amazon
4.0
(71)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(971)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(128)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(71)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.1
Sony MDR 1A has a user score of 9.14 points, which is higher than that of 90% 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.
10
Sony MDR 1A has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

7.4
Sony MDR 1A has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 72.4% 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
Sony MDR 1A 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
Sony MDR 1A 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
Sony MDR 1A 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

3 Hz
Sony MDR 1A reaches a lowest frequency of 3 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Sony MDR 1A does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Sony MDR 1A is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

1
Sony MDR 1A has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

no
Sony MDR 1A does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
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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
Sony MDR 1A 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
Show more
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
Sony MDR 1A 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

?
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

yes
Sony MDR 1A supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

N/A
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
Show more
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

Sony
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

over-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

225 g
Sony MDR 1A weighs 225 g, heavier than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

3.1
Sony MDR 1A has a clamp force of 3.1, lower clamp force than 77.3% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Show more

Sony MDR 1A vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR 1A 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

    Sony MDR 1A has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR 1A has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 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

    Sony MDR 1A has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.3 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 80,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (100,000 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

    Sony MDR 1A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (100,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.100000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • In-line controls
    Sony MDR 1A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR 1A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    Sony MDR 1A has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    Sony MDR 1A has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.3.1 vs 4.3
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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

    Sony MDR 1A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 15x higher input power handling
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,500 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

    Sony MDR 1A has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1500 mW vs 100 mW
  • 14.3% higher user score
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.14 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.
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.14 vs 8.000).9.14 vs 8
  • 1.2 lower clamp force
    Sony MDR 1A has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (3.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR 1A has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 15 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR 1A has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (3 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 80,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (100,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15x higher input power handling
    Sony MDR 1A has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • In-line controls
    Sony MDR 1A includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    Sony MDR 1A has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    Sony MDR 1A has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (37 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    Sony MDR 1A has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR 1A has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.54 mm vs 60 mm
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    Sony MDR 1A has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (37 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR 1A has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (37 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.37 mm vs 43 mm
  • 2.11x more expensive
    Sony MDR 1A is more expensive than the average headphone (£190 vs £90).
    Sony MDR 1A is more expensive than the average headphone (£190 vs £90).£190 vs £90
Total
Overall
Design

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR 1A and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
971 Reviews
amazon
4.5
128 Reviews
amazon
4.0
71 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
971 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
128 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
71 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR 1A?

  • Exceptional comfort with soft, pillowy ear pads and a lightweight design suitable for long sessions
  • Rich, powerful bass response that is deep and engaging for genres like hip-hop and electronic music
  • Sleek, premium build quality featuring a mix of sturdy plastics and metal components
  • Detailed and smooth treble that provides clarity without being sharp or aggressive
  • Includes two detachable cables, one of which features an inline remote and microphone for mobile use
  • Easy to drive with standard smartphones and portable devices due to low impedance

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 1A?

  • Mediocre noise isolation for a closed-back design, making them less ideal for loud commutes
  • Bass can occasionally sound bloated or loose, potentially muddying the midrange
  • Soundstage is somewhat narrow and 'in-your-head' compared to open-back alternatives
  • The earpads can get a bit warm during extended use
  • Inline remote functionality may be limited for some smartphone users (especially on iOS)
  • Proprietary recessed jack design may prevent some standard aftermarket cables from fitting properly

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
21/04/2015
Sony MDR-1A review | What Hi-Fi?

Sony MDR-1A Review Summary The Sony MDR-1A over-ear headphones are stylish, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable, featuring soft, elongated earpads that offer a plush, "slipper-like" fit ideal for long listening sessions. Boasting a wide frequency range of 3Hz to 100kHz and sporting a hi-res audio logo, these wired headphones feature a redesigned 40mm aluminum-covered driver....Read more

R
rtings.com
11/05/2018
Sony MDR-1A Headphones Review - RTINGS.com Would you like to see a comparison of how the Sony MDR-1A's technical specifications stack up against newer...

The Sony MDR-1A headphones offer a well-balanced sound profile suitable for neutral, critical listening, featuring a lightweight, comfortable design with an integrated microphone for gaming, according to RTINGS.com. However, the review notes they lack active noise isolation for commuting, feature a slightly unstable fit, and have a wired-only design that may feel dated.

C
cnet.com
16/04/2015
Sony MDR-1A review: An already excellent over-ear headphone gets some small but key upgrades

The Sony MDR-1A is a lightweight, exceptionally comfortable over-ear headphone priced around $300 that serves as the successor to the MDR-1R. Weighing just 7.94 ounces, it introduces key design improvements, including softer, slightly angled ear cushions and earcups that rotate inward so the headphones can rest flat and comfortably against your neck when not in use. In the box,...Read more

X
xander51.medium.com
27/04/2016
Sony MDR-1A Headphone Family — The Comfort Champ

In the Medium article "Sony MDR-1A Headphone Family — The Comfort Champ," reviewer Alex Rowe highlights the Sony MDR-1A as a top-tier performer in the $300 price bracket, emphasizing its exceptional long-wearing comfort and lightweight, angled ear cup design. The 40mm aluminum-coated liquid crystal polymer (LCP) drivers provide competitive audio quality, making them an excellent...Read more

H
head-fi.org
27/10/2014
Sony MDR-1A Premium Hi-Res Stereo Headphones - Reviews

The Sony MDR-1A headphones on Head-Fi are praised for an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight design featuring soft padding and a durable, premium build. Sonically, they offer a wide soundstage with airy treble and a powerful, V-shaped bass profile suitable for various genres, though the sound is often described as warm rather than analytical. However, the reviews frequently...Read more

T
thephonograph.net
10/08/2018
Sony MDR-1A - Review

ThePhonograph.net describes the Sony MDR-1A as a highly energetic, bass-forward headphone, featuring an excellent build, two detachable cables, and a fatigue-free sound profile. The review highlights the deep sub-bass and strong mid-bass punch as major pros for casual listeners. However, the review cites significant cons, including noticeable mid-bass bleed that causes congestion...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
27/05/2016
Sony MDR-1a Review - Major HiFi

The Sony MDR-1A is a lightweight yet solidly built closed-back headphone that offers a highly dynamic sound profile well-suited for rock, metal, and hip-hop listeners. In terms of performance pros, it distinguishes itself with a robust, impactful low end packed with strong detail, a relaxed and non-piercing high end, and spot-on vocal reproduction in the mid-range. It is highly...Read more

P
pcmag.com
09/03/2015
Sony MDR-1A Review - PCMag

The PCMag review of the $299.99 Sony MDR-1A headphones highlights an exceptionally comfortable design with plush, deep-cushioned earpads and a sleek, luxurious aesthetic. Performance-wise, they deliver a dynamic, sculpted sound profile characterized by deep lows and crisp highs, and they include two detachable cables for versatile connectivity. However, the review notes significant...Read more

S
stereo.de
No Date
Sony MDR-1A DAC - Test results

The Stereo.de review highlights the Sony MDR-1A DAC as an excellent closed-back, over-ear headphone featuring an integrated DAC/amplifier for high-quality mobile audio. Key pros include an exceptionally balanced, spacious sound profile and a comfortable design for long listening sessions. However, the 296-gram weight is noted as a con compared to the standard model, alongside the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
28/10/2014
REVIEW: Sony Hi-Res Duo MDR-1A (Headphones) and Walkman NWZ-A15

The AREA DVD review highlights the Sony MDR-1A over-ear headphones and the Walkman NWZ-A15 digital audio player as a highly capable, budget-friendly high-resolution audio duo tailored for mobile music enjoyment. The MDR-1A headphones ($200 UVP) feature a wide 3 Hz to 100 kHz frequency response, large 40 mm dynamic drivers, and an incredibly lightweight, comfortable 225-gram frame...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
10/02/2015
Sony MDR-1A On-Ear Headphones Review

The Sony MDR-1A is a closed-back, over-ear headphone tailored for mobile use, blending a discrete, elegant design with a lightweight 225-gram construction. It features highly comfortable, generously proportioned cushions that distribute weight evenly, making it an excellent companion for travel. Built with a 40-millimeter broadband driver utilizing an aluminum-coated liquid crystal...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
27/06/2015
Sony MDR-1A: Over-Ear Headphones Review", "Sony MDR-1A: Headphone Review

The Sony MDR-1A over-ear headphones deliver an exceptionally comfortable listening experience despite weighing a solid 223 grams. They feature plush leather ear cushions that exert very little pressure, allowing users to forget they are even wearing them during extended sessions. The headphones include swiveling ear cups for easy, flat storage and are equipped with 40-millimeter...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
trucsdemec.fr
12/05/2015
Sony MDR-1A and NWZ-A series review", "Sony MDR-1A and NWZ-A series: Review and impressions

The Sony MDR-1A headphones and NWZ-A Series MP3 player offer a high-end audio setup engineered to enhance compressed formats and deliver studio-quality sound. The MDR-1A headphones (€219) feature a vintage design made from robust, high-quality materials. Key pros include their incredibly lightweight build (225g), rotating earcups for flat storage, and anti-pressure ear cushions that...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
audiophiledebutant.fr
14/04/2020
Sony MDR-1A Review | A Good Hi-Res Audio Headphone", "Sony MDR-1A Test | A Great Pair of Hi-Res Headphones

The Sony MDR-1A, as highlighted in the Audiophile Débutant review, is a lightweight, comfortable, and stylish Hi-Res headphone designed for long listening sessions, featuring 40mm aluminum-coated liquid polymer crystal (LCP) diaphragms that offer an ultra-wide frequency response. It is highly versatile, providing excellent comfort with plush earcups and a very easy-to-drive design...Read more

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01net.com
01/10/2014
Sony MDR-1A Review: A Very Good, Versatile High-Definition Headphone

The 01net review gives the Sony MDR-1A an excellent overall reception, highlighting it as a highly versatile, over-ear "Hi-Res Audio" headset. The reviewer praised its luxurious, lightweight design (254 grams) featuring fine leather-covered, heavily padded circum-aural earcups that swivel to comfortably fit the user's head without crushing the skull. Sonically, the review notes that...Read more

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audiocasque.fr
30/04/2015
Sony MDR-1A | REVIEW | Hard to get more comfortable", "Sony MDR-1A | REVIEW | It doesn't get much more comfortable than this

The Sony MDR-1A is a highly comfortable circum-aural wired headphone that serves as a refined evolution of the older MDR-1R model. It features a lightweight design with thick ear pad padding, a generous headband cushion, and 40mm liquid crystal polymer diaphragms that rotate inwards to rest comfortably on your collarbones. Sound performance is balanced, clear, and precise across a...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
30/10/2014
Sony MDR-1A Review: Rich and Detailed Sound

The Les Numériques review awards the Sony MDR-1AGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. wired headphones 4/5 stars for their excellent sound quality and comfort at a competitive price. Weighing only 225g, the headset provides a secure, comfortable fit for various head shapes, aided by great ergonomics. Its 105 dB/mW high-sensitivity drivers deliver an immersive, dynamic...Read more

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pcreviews.es
19/03/2015
Sony MDR-1A Review

The review by PCReviews praises the Sony MDR-1A as an exceptionally comfortable and versatile pair of headphones, ultimately awarding them an overall score of 8.3 out of 10. On the positive side, the reviewer highlights the outstanding, lightweight design built from flexible cast aluminum and equipped with high-quality synthetic memory foam earpads that permit over 4 hours of...Read more

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robadainformatici.it
05/12/2017
Sony MDR-1A Over-Ear Headphones - Full Review | RDI

The Sony MDR-1A over-ear headphones are highly praised in this review for delivering premium high-end audio performance and exceptional comfort at a mid-range price point. The reviewer highlights their excellent build quality and ergonomic design, featuring real leather ear pads and an adjustable headband that ensure comfort during long listening sessions. On the technical side,...Read more

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qualescegliere.it
09/01/2019
Sony MDR-1A Review - QualeScegliere.it

The Sony MDR-1A is a pair of mid-range, closed-back over-ear headphones designed primarily for use on the go, earning an overall score of 8 out of 10. They feature 40 mm drivers, an impedance of 24 Ohm, and an exceptionally wide frequency response ranging from 3 to 100,000 Hz, which enhances sound accuracy and delivers excellent bass performance. Weighing only 225 grams, the...Read more

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tweakers.net
26/10/2016
Sony MDR-1A Silver, Black - Dragony - Product reviews

The Tweakers user review by Dragony gives the Sony MDR-1A Zilver, Zwart a strong 4 out of 5 stars (Good) rating. Having purchased the over-ear headphones to replace an aging Turtle Beach x12 headset, the reviewer expresses immense satisfaction after a few days of use and highly recommends them. The core highlights of the product include its high-quality build materials, an appealing...Read more

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tweakers.net
16/08/2016
Sony MDR-1A Silver, Black - Stefan de Bokx - Product reviews

In this Tweakers product review, Stefan de Bokx gives the Sony MDR-1A (Silver/Black edition) a perfect 5 out of 5 stars (Excellent) rating. Tested on a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using Spotify Premium on "extreme quality," the reviewer highlights that these premium-built headphones immediately reveal the necessity of high-quality audio files. The pros emphasized in the review include...Read more

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