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Sony MDR 1R Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.6

Good

5.2

Good

7.4

Very good

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
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
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%
0.0
Companion app
3.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.7
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

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Sony MDR-1R is a premium closed-back circumaural headphone featuring 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) film drivers designed for balanced and high-accuracy audio reproduction. It boasts an expansive frequency response of 4 Hz to 80 kHz, an impedance of 24 ohms for easy drivability, and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW. Key characteristics include an 'Inward Axis' structure for a stable fit and 'Silent Joints' to minimize mechanical rattle. Its main pros are exceptional long-term comfort due to soft pressure-relieving protein leather cushions, a lush and mid-centric sound signature with energetic bass, and a lightweight 240g build. However, cons include a lack of deep sub-bass extension, occasional mid-bass bloat that can muffle busy tracks, and a non-folding design that limits overall portability.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 1R

Overall score

5.6

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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.

Sound

5.5

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

5.0

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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

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

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

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

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

3.2

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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

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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Features

4.5

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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

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

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

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Battery

4.4

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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

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Design

6.8

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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

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

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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Sony MDR 1R vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR 1R better than the average headphone?

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14 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 1R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 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 1R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
60000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 1R has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (80000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 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 1R has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (80000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.80000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
In-line controls
Sony MDR 1R 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 1R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
17 mm more spacious earcup width
Sony MDR 1R offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 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 1R offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.60 mm vs 43 mm
7 mm more spacious earcup height
Sony MDR 1R offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (67 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 1R offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (67 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.67 mm vs 60 mm
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sony MDR 1R 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 1R 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 1R has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1500 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 1R has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1500 mW vs 100 mW
17 mm more spacious earcup width
Sony MDR 1R offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (60 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
7 mm more spacious earcup height
Sony MDR 1R offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (67 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 1R has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
60000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 1R has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (80000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sony MDR 1R 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 1R has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
In-line controls
Sony MDR 1R includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sony MDR 1R worse than the average headphone?

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1.5 higher clamp force
Sony MDR 1R has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
10.1% higher weight
Sony MDR 1R is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony MDR 1R has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
5 years older release date
Sony MDR 1R was released earlier than the average headphone (2012 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
September 2012
0.7 % higher distortion
Sony MDR 1R 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%
Sony MDR 1R 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 %
1.5 higher clamp force
Sony MDR 1R has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 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 1R has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.8 vs 4.3
2.89x more expensive
Sony MDR 1R is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
Sony MDR 1R is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
10.1% higher weight
Sony MDR 1R is heavier than the average headphone (240 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
Sony MDR 1R is heavier than the average headphone (240 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.240 g vs 218 g
5 years older release date
Sony MDR 1R was released earlier than the average headphone (2012 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.
September 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
Sony MDR 1R was released earlier than the average headphone (2012 vs 2017). The average headphones were released in 2017.2012 vs 2017
8.4% lower user score
Sony MDR 1R has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.38 vs 8).
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 1R has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.38 vs 8).7.38 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR 1R and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR 1R?

Exceptional comfort, often described as 'pillows' for the ears
Sophisticated and stylish design with a premium presentation
Rich and liquid midrange that is particularly sweet for female vocals
Wide and airy soundstage for a closed-back headphone
Lightweight and sturdy build quality despite being primarily plastic
Dual detachable cables (one standard, one with inline remote/mic)
Non-fatiguing, smooth treble with good sparkle and no harshness

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 1R?

Bass lacks sub-bass extension and can feel bloated in the mid-bass
Subpar noise isolation due to venting on the ear cups
Large, non-folding U-shape makes them less portable than competitors
Average instrument depth; soundstage can feel disproportionately tall
Cable connection can occasionally swivel or rattle, creating noise
Midrange response is uneven, with a recessed lower-mid and forward upper-mid
Supplied carrying case is a soft pouch rather than a protective hard case

Expert reviews

headfonics.com

14/03/2015

Summary of the review

Sony MDR1R Review - Headfonics.com Medium

The Headfonics review describes the Sony MDR-1R as a comfortable, "genre master" closed-back headphone offering impressive, fatigue-free sound with forward, airy mids and excellent instrument separation. While pros include high comfort, great stereo imaging, and engaging vocal intimacy, the cons feature a thin sound signature lacking the physical substance and realistic weight found in competitors. The review concludes that the headphone is a great value if found for under $99, but not recommended at its original full retail price.

soundvisionreview.com

18/07/2014

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Review - SoundVisionReview

The Sony MDR-1R is a stylish, closed-back, over-ear headphone priced under $300 that balances premium construction with a lightweight, comfortable design weighing just 7.94 ounces. Built with high-quality workmanship, it features unique liquid crystal polymer drivers and swivel ear cups that fold flat for easy portability. It is highly optimized for mobile use, offering a detachable 3.94-foot cord complete with an omnidirectional inline remote and microphone to easily handle smartphone calls and music playback. A major strength of these headphones is their outstanding, almost weightless comfort and an open, well-balanced soundstage featuring a tight, extremely well-controlled mid-bass register. On the downside, the sound profile can occasionally feel thin, particularly with male voices, and lacks presence in the lowest sub-bass octave, making it less suitable for listeners who want skull-splitting bass. Additionally, while the closed cups attenuate external noise, they lack active noise cancellation, though performance can be significantly elevated by pairing them with a dedicated headphone amplifier.

reviewed.com

30/09/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Review - Reviewed

Sony MDR-1R Review Summary The Sony MDR-1R over-ear headphones ($299.99 MSRP) provide exceptional comfort and outstanding physical durability, featuring large, plush leather ear pads and a highly flexible, cushioned headband designed for hours of fatigue-free listening. Additional notable pros include an exceptionally responsive mic/remote, a tangle-resistant and completely removable audio cable, an included backup cord, and highly minimal sound leakage. Performance-wise, the headphones boast incredibly low, virtually inaudible sound distortion and offer reliable high-frequency noise isolation, reducing mid- and high-range background ambient chat or shrill beeps by up to 1/16th of their original volume. Despite these positive traits, the headphones ultimately earn a middling score due to specific acoustic and design flaws. The most critical performance con is a severe volume drop-off of up to 6.9dB between 4kHz and 6kHz (specifically peaking at 5600Hz) in the high-midrange frequency response. This underemphasizes upper notes for instruments like harps, guitars, and brass, making them unsuitable for audiophiles or audio mixing. Furthermore, portability is heavily restricted because the large U-shaped headband cannot fold or collapse, requiring a massive carrying case. Lastly, the headphones...

medium.com

31/05/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Review | by Martin - Medium

The Sony MDR-1R, as reviewed on Medium, is highly praised for its exceptional comfort, deep bass, and overall sound quality within its price range, note the inclusion of two detachable cables, one featuring a microphone. The headphones offer a non-distracting, premium experience that is hard to beat without spending significantly more, making them a top recommendation for comfort-focused users. Medium·MartinWhile the MDR-1R offers great value, the review notes the inline microphone requires conscious effort not to shout during calls. Additionally, the reviewer highlights that to achieve better sound performance, one would need to invest double or triple the price, reinforcing the unit's strong price-to-performance ratio. Medium·Martin

pocket-lint.com

16/04/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R 'prestige headphones' - Pocket-lint

The Sony MDR-1R over-ear "prestige headphones" offer a highly stylish, lightweight, and sturdy design featuring three-dimensional flex earcups that provide excellent comfort for long listening sessions. Priced at a steep £300 on the official Sony Store, they can be found for a more reasonable £200 at other online retailers. The audio profile is far from neutral, delivering great sound separation with a significant amount of "snap" in the mid-range and impressive sparkle in higher frequencies. Included in the box is a convenient carry pouch alongside two serrated, non-tangle cables, including one with a remote optimized for iPhone users. However, these headphones come with notable drawbacks, particularly regarding their low-frequency performance and isolation. While the mid-low bass is subtly present, it lacks the rumble and impact found in higher-spec models, likely due to a rolled-off sub-bass. Furthermore, they struggle with external sound isolation, making ambient environments like the London Tube degrade the audio clarity, which means they are better suited for home listening rather than on-the-go travel. Finally, some users may find that their ears touch against the exposed internal driver...

stereophile.com

17/04/2013

Summary of the review

The Solid Sony MDR-1R, MDR-1RBT, and MDR-1NC

Tyll Hertsens' review of the Sony MDR-1R, MDR-1RBT, and MDR-1RNC for Stereophile highlights exceptional comfort, ergonomic design, and excellent build quality as primary pros across the lineup, with the wired MDR-1R specifically praised as a high-value, versatile portable headphone. The wired model delivers articulate midrange and clean imaging, making it a strong contender for comfort-focused users, despite a slightly loosened mid-bass emphasis. However, the review notes significant cons in sonic accuracy, including a slow impulse response and a lack of deep sub-bass rumble. While the wired version holds up, the MDR-1RBT and MDR-1RNC variants suffer from diminished audio fidelity, sound imbalances, and, in the case of the noise-canceler, low performance for the price, causing the reviewer to recommend competitors like the Sennheiser Momentum for superior sound. YouTube

pcmag.com

05/04/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Review - PCMag

The Sony MDR-1R, priced at $299.99, offers a clean, well-balanced, and distortion-free audio experience designed for critical listening rather than artificial bass boosting. Its design is noted for being exceptionally comfortable and stylish, featuring luxurious materials and two detachable cables, one of which includes a remote and microphone. PCMagHowever, the review points out the lack of a 1/4-inch jack adapter in the box, which is a common accessory for home audio setups. While the sound is balanced, it may lack the punch desired by bass enthusiasts, and some listeners might prefer more high-mid presence.

uk.pcmag.com

01/04/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R - Review 2013 - PCMag UK

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1R is an over-ear, circumaural pair of headphones designed for serious music lovers, earning an "Excellent" 4.0 rating for its balanced audio performance across multiple genres. The reviewer praises its sophisticated aesthetic, which features a graceful matte black finish, padded leather, and subtle red accents. Ergonomically, the headphones stand out for their supreme, pillow-like comfort, smooth headband adjustment, and swivel joints that contour to the user's head. A notable design highlight is the inclusion of two detachable cables—one featuring an inline microphone and remote control—which adds substantial value and long-term durability since cables are typically the first component to fail. Sonically, the headphones deliver a powerful and refined bass response alongside crisp highs, maintaining complete clarity without distortion even at top volumes. While the manufacturer boasts an astronomical frequency range of 4Hz to 80kHz, the actual acoustic profile leans close to an audiophile's ideal flat response without aggressively boosting the low-end. Specific testing on tracks by Bill Callahan, Jay-Z, and John Adams demonstrated an excellent balance between low frequencies, high-mids, and treble. On the downside, the...

cnet.com

13/12/2012

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R review: Rich sound with bass prominence

The Sony MDR-1R Premium Headphones are designed for the luxury market with an elegant, full-size over-the-ear design. A major pro highlighted in the review is their extraordinary comfort, featuring unusually soft, pliant, racetrack-shaped leather earpads that completely enclose the ears and provide a great seal to block out external noise. Visually and structurally, they impress with a build quality that outshines competitors, boasting metal earcups that pivot both horizontally and vertically, a sturdy frame despite plastic yokes, and unique 40mm offset drivers designed to deliver more realistic, front-facing acoustics. Sonically, the headphones stand out for their rich, refined, and spacious sound signature that delivers highly accurate audio. They feature a potent, well-defined bass that remains free of boom or bloat, making harsh MP3s or streamed audio much more tolerable. Additionally, the package includes strong accessories: a soft carrying case, a 6.3mm adapter, and two 47-inch cables—one of which includes an Apple-compatible remote and microphone. However, the review points out several notable cons regarding their design and universal fit. Despite having earcups that fold flat for storage, the rigid headband lacks...

headmania.org

07/10/2014

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R - Review - HeadMania

The Sony MDR-1R is a highly comfortable, closed-back headphone praised for its tasteful design, sturdy build quality, and engaging, euphonic sound signature, particularly at its European price point of around €130. Its standout feature is an addictive and rich midrange that delivers natural-sounding vocals and a tube-amplifier-like musical warmth. The headphones offer an energetic presentation with a fast, punchy bass kick, sparkly yet non-harsh treble, and a surprisingly tall and open soundstage for a closed-back model. However, the review highlights several technical shortcomings, noting that the MDR-1R falls short when compared to competitors like the AKG K545, NAD VISO HP50, and Focal Spirit Classic. The primary cons include a lack of sub-bass depth and lower-end detail, alongside incomplete or overly short instrument decays. Additionally, while the soundstage is spacious, its proportions feel unnatural due to a lack of width and depth relative to its height, which occasionally causes instruments and complex sound layers to blend together during crowded musical passages.

whathifi.com

07/02/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1r review | What Hi-Fi?

Sony MDR-1R Review Summary The Sony MDR-1R over-ear headphones deliver a wonderfully natural, warm, and spacious sound profile across the midrange and treble, offering precise detail and excellent instrument separation from top to bottom. Despite Sony collaborating with dubstep artist Magnetic Man during development, the audio leans toward the low-frequency side of neutral with a strong, warm upper bass response, rather than possessing a heavy, overwhelming bass bias. Tested at £210, these wired cans are noted for providing an airy and highly detailed sonic experience. The primary strength of the MDR-1R lies in its spacious and natural soundstage, which serves as its biggest pro. However, the main drawback is a noticeable lack of power and kick at the very lowest frequencies, leaving reviewers wanting more energy and impact at the low end. Ultimately, they trade raw low-end punch for overall tonal warmth and precision. If you want, tell me

trustedreviews.com

21/01/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Review - Trusted Reviews

The Sony MDR-1R over-ear headphones are highly praised for their excellent hardware design, exceptional comfort, and street-friendly styling designed for commuters. Design pros include remarkably soft synthetic leather padding, a lightweight, durable frame, a tangle-free cable, and effective noise isolation for public transit. Sonically, the headphones deliver a smooth, warm sound with punchy, well-defined bass. Trusted ReviewsHowever, the review details notable performance cons, pointing out an artificial-sounding mid-range emphasis that limits instrument separation and detail. The treble is relatively weak with a noticeable roll-off, making them better suited for casual listening than critical, high-fidelity audio monitoring.

head-fi.org

11/09/2012

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1RGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

The Sony MDR-1R is highlighted as a visually appealing and exceptionally comfortable closed-back headphone, featuring lightweight, sturdy construction with premium comfort, plush ear padding, and a detachable cable. Acoustically, they offer a fast response and a textured, forward upper-midrange. Conversely, the review notes an odd, uneven, and potentially fatiguing sound signature with a distinct midrange recession that makes it hard to recommend without a demo. Additionally, the $300 MSRP is cited as a major drawback, offering a poor performance-to-price ratio, ultimately recommending them only at a discounted, used price point. Head-Fi.org

netzwelt.de

10/04/2016

Summary of the review

Headphones on Test: Sony MDR-1R

The Netzwelt review awards the Sony MDR-1R closed-back over-ear headphones a purchase recommendation for their exceptional craftsmanship and highly balanced, neutral sound signature. Weighing 232 grams, these headphones offer a lightweight, high-end design primarily made of high-quality plastic with luxurious leather padding on the headband and ear cushions. A major highlight is the remarkable comfort that allows for hours of strain-free listening, complemented by a smart 1.20-meter anti-tangle serrated cable design that effectively eliminates mechanical scratching noises. The generous headband adjustments even allow them to be worn over a winter hat, and the package generously includes a velvet-lined transport bag alongside a second cable featuring an integrated inline remote control and microphone for seamless smartphone compatibility. However, the reviewer notes several drawbacks regarding the acoustic and structural design. While the liquid crystal polymer-coated 40-millimeter drivers deliver an ultra-wide frequency spectrum of 4 Hz to 80 kHz that perfectly separates intricate instrument arrangements, they noticeably lack a powerful, deep sub-bass punch. This neutral tuning might disappoint fans of heavy bass or expansive stadium-rock genres, though it excels at reproducing minimalist tracks...

hifitest.de

25/02/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Hi-Fi Headphones Review - Very Good

The Sony MDR-1R over-ear headphones earn a 4.0 out of 5-star "Spitzenklasse" (top-tier class) rating from HifiTest.de for their strong performance as a mobile audio solution. Retailing at around 250 Euros, these closed-back headphones are built with high-quality, finely machined aluminum ear cups connected to a flexible headband covered in soft leather. The reviewer praises the design for its exceptional, plush comfort that securely wraps around the ears, alongside a very generous accessory package. This package includes two detachable cables—one measuring 120 cm featuring an inline remote control and microphone tailored specifically for iPhone compatibility—and a dedicated carrying case. In terms of sound performance, the review highlights that the MDR-1R features a lively, warm audio signature that aligns with modern trends by heavily favoring deeper, lower frequencies. While this provides an energetic and engaging listening experience, it introduces a notable sonic drawback: the emphasized bass tends to mask the treble, causing certain tracks—particularly those with female vocals—to lack their final sense of brilliance and upper-end clarity. Ultimately, the review concludes that Sony successfully honors its legacy as the creator of...

01net.com

22/11/2012

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R review: Comfortable and effective headphones

The Sony MDR-1R is a premium, over-ear (circum-aural) headphone retailing for €249 that balances strong audio performance with high physical comfort. Weighing 250 grams, it features a well-padded, leather-lined headband and deeply cushioned, height-adjustable rotating earcups that apply very little pressure, ensuring long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions. It features an impeccable physical build and comes packaged with a thick fabric carrying pouch alongside two detachable 1.2-meter cables. One of these cables features an omnidirectional microphone and integrated remote designed exclusively for Apple mobile devices, delivering crisp and clear call quality. In terms of performance, the headphones deliver a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound profile driven by 40mm drivers, featuring a heavy bass-forward emphasis that makes them ideal for contemporary music genres like rock, rap, and electronic music. However, the prominent low-end means the headphones lack presence in the treble right out of the box, requiring manual equalizer adjustments to fully balance the sound. Additional drawbacks include its slightly weak passive noise isolation, which requires turning up a connected device's volume to halfway just to block out nearby commuters. Furthermore,...

lesnumeriques.com

12/04/2016

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R: best price - Les Numériques

The Sony MDR-1R is a circum-aural, over-ear headphone weighing 250 grams that originally debuted in 2012. Tested by Les Numériques, it achieved an overall editorial rating of 4 out of 5 stars. While it functions as a standard wired headphone, it features a built-in hands-free kit for calls. However, users looking to block out surrounding noise completely should note that this specific model lacks active noise cancellation (ANC). The review highlights several strengths, notably its overall audio rendering, excellent wearing comfort for long listening sessions, and a generous set of included accessories. User feedback praises its high-quality packaging, flat-folding design for practical storage, and clear, rich sound quality that performs exceptionally well with rock music. On the downside, the primary audio complaint is a lack of punch and impact in the bass response. Additionally, the build materials were critiqued as a weak point, the cable feels like cheap plastic, and the design is highly sensitive to headwind, creating a distracting continuous noise when walking outdoors. If you are looking for other alternatives, could you tell me your maximum budget or...

on-mag.fr

28/10/2014

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1RBT Bluetooth Headphones Review - ON-mag", "Sony MDR-1RBT Bluetooth Headset Review - ON-mag

The Sony MDR-1RBT is highly praised in this review as a luxurious, technologically advanced, closed-back circum-aural headphone. It distinguishes itself from its sister models by incorporating Bluetooth 3.0, AAC/SBC codec support for near-CD quality wireless streaming, and NFC "one-touch" automatic pairing. It features high-end 40mm liquid crystal polymer film diaphragms powered by Sony's proprietary S-Master digital amplifiers when used wirelessly. It can also be plugged in via an included detachable mini-jack cable to operate as a passive headset. Ultimately, the reviewer considers it the best-sounding Bluetooth headphone they have ever tested.

audiocasque.fr

10/01/2014

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R: Full Review | Comfortable and High-Performance Headphones

This review of the Sony MDR-1R highlights it as a highly comfortable and high-performing circum-aural (over-ear) wired headphone. It features an elegant, luxurious, and durable design with large, plush, replaceable ear cushions. Weighing 240 grams, it exerts ideal pressure to stay securely on the head while remaining lightweight enough to be forgotten during long listening sessions. Sonically, the MDR-1R features a 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer driver that delivers a rich, spacious, and well-balanced audio signature with punchy bass and highly precise vocal reproduction. It is highly recommended for multi-genre audiophiles and watching movies. The primary pros of the headphone include its outstanding comfort, solid build quality, excellent passive noise isolation, and a fantastic performance-to-price ratio. It also provides great functional versatility by including two detachable 3.5mm jack cables, one of which features an inline microphone and remote tailored for iOS devices. On the downside, the review notes a few cons: the headphone arceau (headband) cannot fold down completely, making it bulky to travel with. Additionally, the included soft carrying pouch does not offer enough rigidity or protection given the original...

lesnumeriques.com

11/07/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Review - Les Numériques

The Sony MDR-1R is a wired, over-ear (circum-aural) headphone that earned a 4 out of 5 rating from Les Numériques. As the most neutral and purely analog model in the MDR-1 lineup, it side-steps the battery dependency and signal interference common in wireless alternatives. On the positive side (pros), the review highly praises its overall sound rendering, which delivers a distinct, clean soundstage where instruments are easily located. Comfort is described as "royal" and lightweight, featuring thick faux-leather earpads and a flexible headband that completely eliminates pressure and ear overheating. Additionally, it scores well for its practical accessories, including a semi-rigid travel case that accommodates the flat-folding swivel ear cups, a detachable cable, and a mobile hands-free kit extension. On the negative side (cons), the review points out a lack of low-end punch, noting that the sub-bass reproduction feels slightly recessed and lacks strong impact. Sound delivery also experiences a slight dip around 5 kHz, which can occasionally make the presentation feel a bit dull. Furthermore, the construction materials drew criticism. While the assembly is solid, the heavy reliance on...

quechoisir.org

21/05/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R Headphones Review - Archive - UFC-Que Choisir

The Sony MDR-1R is a high-end, over-ear (circum-aural) headphone praised by Que Choisir for its excellent audio quality and superior build construction. It features a smart design with earpieces that can rotate 90 degrees, allowing it to be easily packed into the included rigid storage pouch. One of its standout functional design choices is the detachable cable system. The package includes two high-quality cables: a simple, well-made standard jack cable and an additional cable equipped with integrated volume and playback controls. However, the review points out several distinct drawbacks, particularly regarding its high price and average noise isolation capabilities. Additionally, the device is noted to be slightly heavy (240 g) and bulky to carry around. A major usability limitation highlighted by the tester is that the inline remote control functions exclusively with iOS devices. This means Android and Windows smartphone or tablet users cannot utilize the built-in volume, play, or pause buttons. Finally, Que Choisir warns buyers to double-check their choice prior to purchasing, as Sony sells separate wireless Bluetooth (MDR-1RBT) and active noise-canceling (MDR-1RNC) variants of this same model.

01net.com

07/11/2012

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1R specifications - 01net.com

The Sony MDR-1R is a high-end, circum-aural, over-ear headset with a total cable length of 1.2 meters and a weight of 250 grams. Priced at 249 euros, this closed-back wired headset includes a detachable cable interface and comes bundled with both a standard cable and a dedicated iPhone/iPod/iPad cable, alongside a convenient carrying pouch. Its core acoustic signature delivers stereo sound reproduction engineered to perform exceptionally well with contemporary genres of music. Reviewers highlight several notable advantages and drawbacks regarding its functionality. The main advantages include a highly comfortable and effective design, an excellent audio performance rich in bass, and the practical integration of an inline microphone control on its detachable cable. However, the device has distinct limitations, such as a non-folding design framework and the total lack of an active noise cancellation system. Additionally, the headset lacks a built-in microphone directly integrated into the earcups and does not include an extension cable in its retail package.

air.iuav.it

15/07/2016

Summary of the review

Auditory depth map representations with a sensory substitution device

This paper introduces a novel sensory substitution algorithm designed for real-time blind wayfinding by converting continuous 3D depth maps into synthetic fluid flow sounds. The system divides an acquired depth map into ten equal vertical sectors, each operating an independent instance of a physically based bubble sound simulator to ensure effective source separation. Key spatial metrics—including map density, average obstacle distance, and average elevation—are directly transformed into specific audio parameters such as bubble generation rate, maximum bubble depth (influencing loudness), and pitch rise factors. Horizontal sector directions are spatialized via binaural Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs). By directly processing raw depth statistics, the system avoids the heavy real-time computational load and noise associated with intermediate object segmentation steps. In a preliminary evaluation, 20 sighted participants compared the system against the well-known vOICe sensory substitution algorithm in a scene-recognition task. A significant pro of this fluid flow system is its overwhelming superiority in user pleasantness, with the vast majority of participants explicitly preferring the natural bubble sounds over the frustrating, artificial tones of the vOICe algorithm. It also achieves comparable recognition accuracy...

hardware.info

15/01/2013

Summary of the review

Sony MDR-1RNC review: An oasis of calm

The Hardware Info review highlights the Sony MDR-1RNC as a stylish, solidly constructed over-ear noise-cancelling headphone. Weighing 330 grams, it features an elegant black color palette with distinct red metal rings around the ear cups. For audio performance, the unit relies on 40 mm drivers made of "liquid crystal polymer," designed to deliver an accurate frequency range of 4 to 80,000 Hz. The package includes two tangle-free grooved cables—a 1.5-meter standard cable and a 1.25-meter smartphone-compatible cable with an integrated remote—alongside a micro-USB cable to charge its active noise-cancelling battery. Pros include exceptional long-term wearing comfort provided by foam-layered ear cushions, silent headband adjustments due to built-in silicone rings, and a grooved cable texture that prevents tangling. Additionally, the thick cushions provide strong passive noise isolation, and crucially, the headphones continue to play music passively even when the battery runs out. On the flip side, the primary cons are the prominent use of plastic instead of premium metals, which is disappointing for its high price bracket, and the relatively heavy weight of 330 grams.

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