Name: Sony MDR 27
Brand: Sony

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 27

Overall score

3.6

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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

3.5

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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

Calls & Controls

3.4

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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

N/A

Connectivity

6.2

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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

Features

2.7

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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

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

Battery

3.0

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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

Design

5.0

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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

Sony MDR 27 vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR 27 better than the average headphone?

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30 mm larger driver size
Sony MDR 27 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 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 27 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.70 mm vs 40 mm
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 27 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 27 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
80,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 27 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 27 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
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR 27 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 27 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Foldable design
Sony MDR 27 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR 27 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
2.57x cheaper
Sony MDR 27 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
Sony MDR 27 is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
Foldable design
Sony MDR 27 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
30 mm larger driver size
Sony MDR 27 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR 27 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
80,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR 27 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR 27 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Sony MDR 27 worse than the average headphone?

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53.7% higher weight
Sony MDR 27 is heavier than the average headphone (335 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Fixed cable
Sony MDR 27 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Sony MDR 27 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Sony MDR 27 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
98% lower input power handling
Sony MDR 27 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (2 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR 27 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Sony MDR 27 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR 27 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
53.7% higher weight
Sony MDR 27 is heavier than the average headphone (335 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 27 is heavier than the average headphone (335 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.335 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR 27 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR 27 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Sony MDR 27 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR 27 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
21.4% worse value for money
Sony MDR 27 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.55 vs 6.736).
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.
Sony MDR 27 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.55 vs 6.736).5.55 vs 6.74
4.65x less popular
Sony MDR 27 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Sony MDR 27 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
No travel bag
Sony MDR 27 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR 27 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
98% lower input power handling
Sony MDR 27 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (2 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 27 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (2 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.2 mW vs 100 mW

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony MDR 27?

Exceptional long-term comfort due to plush, ergonomically angled leather ear pads and a well-padded headband
Impeccable build quality featuring a high-density aluminum frame and solid metal housings
Wide, open soundstage that is remarkably spacious for a closed-back headphone design
Rich, warm, and natural sound signature that is non-fatiguing for extended listening sessions
Strong, impactful bass response that provides a grand sense of scale without being overly aggressive
Highly efficient and easy to drive from mobile devices, though they scale significantly with a dedicated amplifier

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 27?

High retail price is frequently cited as a barrier, with several reviewers suggesting they are better values when purchased used or on sale
Complete lack of a carrying case or protective pouch at a premium price point
Bulky, non-folding design makes them poorly suited for travel or portable use
Treble response is often described as rolled-off or blunted, which may lack the precision required for critical studio work
Lower noise isolation compared to other closed-back models due to the presence of air vents on the ear cups
The stock 10-foot (3-meter) cable is often deemed too long and unwieldy for desktop or home office setups

Expert reviews

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28/05/2019

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The Sony MDR-Z7 is a closed-back, high-end headphone originally released in 2014, featuring massive 70mm dynamic drivers and a robust, metal-dominated build crafted in Japan. The reviewer notes that while the headphones are comfortable, lightweight (335 grams), and exceptionally spacious for large ears, they require a dedicated DAC/amplifier to reach their full potential and control...Read more

Sony MDR 27 Review | 93 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Sony MDR 27

Sony MDR 27 vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR 27 better than the average headphone?

Why is Sony MDR 27 worse than the average headphone?

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR 27 and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony MDR 27?

What customers dislike about Sony MDR 27?

Expert reviews

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