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Sony MDR 1rnc Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£320
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

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

8.0

Excellent

8.0

Excellent

7.8

Very good

3.2
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%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
4.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
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
5.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.5
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#12 in Best Sony Headphones
#12 in Best Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
#104 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#104 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#111 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#111 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Sony MDR-1RNC is a premium closed-back headphone featuring 50mm liquid crystal polymer film diaphragms and dual noise sensor technology that claims to reduce up to 99.7% of ambient noise. Key specifications include a frequency response of 5Hz–24kHz, a sensitivity of 103 dB/mW when powered on, and a rechargeable battery providing approximately 22 hours of active noise cancellation. Main characteristics involve the integration of an S-Master Digital Amplifier and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) to improve compressed audio quality, alongside a comfortable design with pressure-relieving cushions. Its primary pros are exceptional build quality, high-resolution sound with rich bass, and the ability to continue operating in passive mode if the battery dies. However, common cons include a high retail price, significant changes in sound signature when noise cancellation is active—often resulting in thinner bass or more brittle highs—and a bulky frame that may be heavy for some users.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 1rnc

Overall score

8.0

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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

9.7

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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

9.1

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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

6.6

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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

6.2

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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

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

5.9

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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

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

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

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

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Design

5.2

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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 1rnc vs the average headphone

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

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Active noise cancellation
Sony MDR 1rnc supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Sony MDR 1rnc supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR 1rnc 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 1rnc has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Sony MDR 1rnc uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Sony MDR 1rnc uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 1rnc 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
Sony MDR 1rnc 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
Clear call microphone
Sony MDR 1rnc offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Sony MDR 1rnc offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR 1rnc 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
Sony MDR 1rnc includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
Sony MDR 1rnc includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR 1rnc includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sony MDR 1rnc 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 1rnc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Active noise cancellation
Sony MDR 1rnc supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR 1rnc has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
10 mm larger driver size
Sony MDR 1rnc uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 1rnc has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 1rnc has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
75% higher battery capacity
Sony MDR 1rnc has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (1,050 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
Rechargeable battery
Sony MDR 1rnc has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR 1rnc includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Sony MDR 1rnc offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Sony MDR 1rnc includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Sony MDR 1rnc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
1 more microphones
Sony MDR 1rnc has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
Sidetone support
Sony MDR 1rnc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Calls & Controls

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

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51.4% higher weight
Sony MDR 1rnc is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
40 mm tighter earcup height
Sony MDR 1rnc has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (20 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
5 mm tighter earcup width
Sony MDR 1rnc has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
8 hours shorter ANC battery life
Sony MDR 1rnc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
5 older release date
Sony MDR 1rnc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2012
51.4% higher weight
Sony MDR 1rnc is heavier than the average headphone (330 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 1rnc is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.330 g vs 218 g
40 mm tighter earcup height
Sony MDR 1rnc has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (20 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 1rnc has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (20 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.20 mm vs 60 mm
8 hours shorter ANC battery life
Sony MDR 1rnc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
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
Sony MDR 1rnc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (22 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.22 hours vs 30 hours
3.56x more expensive
Sony MDR 1rnc is more expensive than the average headphone (£320 vs £90).
Sony MDR 1rnc is more expensive than the average headphone (£320 vs £90).£320 vs £90
5 mm tighter earcup width
Sony MDR 1rnc has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 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 1rnc has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.38 mm vs 43 mm
5 older release date
Sony MDR 1rnc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 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 1rnc 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 Sony MDR 1rnc and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR 1rnc?

Premium build quality with a sturdy, luxurious design
Exceptional long-term comfort due to soft, pressure-relieving ear pads
Natural and clear sound reproduction, especially in the midrange
Continues to play audio in passive mode even when the battery is dead
Effective low-frequency noise cancellation for airplane engine drones and humming
Includes a comprehensive set of accessories like a durable carry case and multiple detachable cables
Internal battery is conveniently rechargeable via micro-USB

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 1rnc?

High retail price compared to competitors with similar or better features
Significant change in sound profile when noise cancelling is active, often thinning out the bass
Less effective at blocking high-frequency sounds like human voices or office chatter
Bulky and heavy design compared to more portable rivals
Some users find the earcup depth insufficient, leading to ears touching the driver plate
Occasional issues with cable 'jack rattle' or noise from the connection point
Microphones can pick up wind noise, causing a tearing sound during outdoor use

Expert reviews

uk.pcmag.com

10/04/2013

Sony MDR1-RNC Review - PCMag UK

The Sony MDR1-RNC headphones provide exceptional, distortion-free audio performance highlighted by rich bass, crisp highs, and an incredibly comfortable over-ear design ideal for long listening sessions. They feature a stately matte black design with luxurious plush black leather and distinct metallic red accents. Sonically, the headphones maintain remarkable clarity even at top...Read more

gavinsgadgets.com

09/12/2015

Sony MDR-1RNC Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – 3-Month Review", "Sound & Vision

The Sony MDR-1RNC Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are evaluated as a premium, highly comfortable audio solution tailored for travelers. A major pro highlighted in the review is the automatic, dual-sensor active noise cancellation (ANC), which adapts effectively to environmental sounds like airplane engines and outperformed a top-tier Bose competitor in side-by-side testing. The...Read more

headfonics.com

10/05/2015

Sony MDR-1RNC Review | Headfonics

The Headfonics review highlights the Sony MDR-1RNC for its exceptional aesthetic design, premium build, and superior comfort, specifically praising the soft synthetic protein leather earpads. Performance-wise, the active noise cancellation (ANC) excels at reducing low-frequency ambient sounds, offering an immersive audio experience with a forward, intimate midrange. However, the...Read more

stereophile.com

17/04/2013

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

Tyll Hertsens' Stereophile review highlights the Sony MDR-1R as a top-tier portable headphone, praising its exceptional styling, comfort, and balanced sound, which earned it a spot on the "Wall of Fame". The MDR-1RBT offers similar comfort and competent wireless performance, though it falls short of the wired model's audio quality. The review notes that for purists, the Sennheiser...Read more

pocket-lint.com

16/04/2013

Sony MDR-1RNC noise cancelling over-ear headphones review

The Sony MDR-1RNC noise-cancelling over-ear headphones deliver exceptional build quality, comfort, and style, but they fall short as a complete package given their high price point. On the positive side, these "prestigious" cans feature a striking black and red design with soft, three-dimensionally adjustable earcups that sit gently on the head without clamping too tightly. When...Read more

pcmag.com

15/04/2013

Sony MDR-1RNC Review

The Sony MDR1-RNC headphones offer strong, distortion-free audio with rich bass and crisp highs, paired with effective active noise cancellation that avoids high-pitched hiss. They feature an exceptionally comfortable design, passive audio mode for when the battery dies, and include useful accessories like an inline remote and microphone. However, the $499.99 MSRP is high compared...Read more

whathifi.com

25/02/2013

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

The Sony MDR-1RNC headphones feature an impeccable, luxurious build quality that delivers excellent comfort and a great physical weight, easily looking and feeling like a premium product. When the active noise-cancelling feature is turned off, they provide fantastic detail, a wide soundstage, and a warm, friendly sound full of guts and punch. However, at a high standard retail price...Read more

soundandvision.com

17/12/2012

Sony MDR-X10 Simon Cowell and MDR-1RNC Headphones Review | Sound & Vision

The Sound & Vision review sharply criticizes the Sony MDR-X10 "Simon Cowell" headphones, noting their "big fat boom" sound with incredibly loose, sloppy bass that ruins acoustic tracks. While praised for acceptable comfort and a tangle-free cord, they feature questionable, high-positioned in-line controls and a mixed-quality aesthetic. In contrast, the $500 Sony MDR-1RNC digital...Read more

avguide.ch

07/04/2013

Test of 8 Noise-Canceling Headphones - Sound of Silence

The Sony MDR-1RNC is a beautifully styled, high-quality, around-ear headphone that operates exclusively via a wired connection, powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that delivers roughly 22 hours of playtime. It features an automatic, triple digital noise-cancelling system that adapts to planes, trains, and offices, requiring zero manual adjustment from the user. While...Read more

computerbild.de

17/02/2014

Sony MDR-1RNC Review: Testing the Premium Noise-Cancelling Model", "Sony MDR-1RNC: Test of the Elegant Noise-Cancelling Model

Review Summary The Sony MDR-1RNC is a premium, large-format over-ear headphone designed for travelers, featuring an exceptionally comfortable fit due to its soft leather ear cushions and a stable aluminum headband,. Its standout feature is a highly effective, switchable electronic active noise-cancelling system that outperforms competitors like Beats by filtering out ambient cabin...Read more

on-mag.fr

18/03/2015

Sony MDR-1RNC: A Benchmark Audiophile and Noise-Cancelling Headphone

The ON-mag review highlights the Sony MDR-1RNC as a high-end, closed-back active noise-canceling headphone priced at 400 €. Developed in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, it features a heavy, robust, and professional build reminiscent of studio equipment. Despite its massive size, the ergonomics are excellently designed with a well-padded headband and thick faux-leather...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

29/11/2012

Sony MDR-1RNC Review - Les Numériques

The Sony MDR-1RNC over-ear headphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. deliver a mixed performance, receiving a 4 out of 5 rating due to a compromise between high-quality craftsmanship and mediocre active noise cancellation. On the positive side, the headphones feature excellent, robust build quality combining plastic and metal, a flexible and highly durable headband, and...Read more

hifi.nl

16/10/2016

Sony MDR-1000X Review (Includes Comparison to MDR-1RNC)

The Sony MDR-1000XGo to product viewer dialog for this item. is a premium 270-gram wireless, noise-cancelling headphone available in matte black or beige, praised for its high comfort, soft earcups, and excellent passive/active noise isolation. It competes directly with top-tier models, offering a 20-hour battery life and innovative features like a conversation mode—which disables...Read more

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