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Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

4.0

Poor

9.2

Exceptional

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sony MDR-MA900 is an iconic open-back dynamic headphone featuring massive 70mm drivers, a wide frequency response of 5Hz – 40,000Hz, and a notably low 12-ohm impedance with 104dB/mW sensitivity. Key characteristics include its extremely lightweight 195g build and a unique 'acoustic bass lens' designed to focus low-end performance despite the fully open-air design. Its main pros are class-leading comfort for long sessions, a spacious and natural soundstage, and clear midrange reproduction. However, common cons include a lack of deep sub-bass extension, a somewhat flimsy and fragile physical feel, and poor sound isolation that makes it unsuitable for noisy environments.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR MA900

Overall score

5.0

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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

4.3

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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

1.2

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

N/A

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

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

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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

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Battery

1.0

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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

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Design

6.0

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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

open-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 MA900 vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR MA900 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
30 mm larger driver size
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 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
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR MA900 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Sony MDR MA900 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Sony MDR MA900 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 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 MA900 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
Open-back design
Sony MDR MA900 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR MA900 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sony MDR MA900 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR MA900 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Sony MDR MA900 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sony MDR MA900 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Open-back design
Sony MDR MA900 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
10.6% lower weight
Sony MDR MA900 is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR MA900 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
30 mm larger driver size
Sony MDR MA900 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR MA900 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Sony MDR MA900 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sony MDR MA900 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Sony MDR MA900 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2.4 higher clamp force
Sony MDR MA900 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR MA900 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Sony MDR MA900 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
Not headset-ready
Sony MDR MA900 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR MA900 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Sony MDR MA900 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2012
No passive noise reduction
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Sony MDR MA900 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 MA900 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
Sony MDR MA900 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR MA900 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
2.4 higher clamp force
Sony MDR MA900 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 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 MA900 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.6.7 vs 4.3
Tangle-prone cable
Sony MDR MA900 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Sony MDR MA900 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2.89x more expensive
Sony MDR MA900 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).
Sony MDR MA900 is more expensive than the average headphone (£260 vs £90).£260 vs £90
7.8% worse value for money
Sony MDR MA900 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.25 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 MA900 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.25 vs 6.736).6.25 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR MA900 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR MA900?

Exceptional comfort, often described as 'almost imperceptible' due to its light weight (195g)
Extremely wide and airy soundstage with excellent imaging and positioning
Easy to drive from any source (12-ohm impedance) without needing a dedicated amplifier
Lively and transparent midrange that excels with vocals and classical music
Impressive bass performance for a fully open-back design, aided by a 70mm driver

What customers dislike about Sony MDR MA900?

Flimsy and 'cheap-feeling' build quality despite the use of magnesium parts
Sub-bass roll-off that lacks the deep impact required for EDM or hip-hop
Fixed, thin, and excessively long cable (3m) that is difficult to replace
Zero noise isolation and significant sound leakage to those nearby
Discontinued status makes them difficult to find and potentially expensive on the used market

Expert reviews

headphonetestlab.co.uk

No Date

Sony MDR-MA900 - Headphone Test Lab Are you looking for more technical measurements like frequency response graphs, or do you need help finding where...

The Sony MDR-MA900 is a circumaural, open-back, moving-coil headphone that was originally supplied by Sony UK and reviewed in Hi-Fi News back in 2012. Evaluated using legacy measurement parameters, this vintage model features a distinct acoustic profile tracked across uncorrected, corrected, and leakage response tests. The testing data highlights its technical performance through...Read more

head-fi.org

30/05/2015

Sony MDR-MA900 Over the Head Style Headphones

The Sony MDR-MA900 is highlighted for exceptional comfort, featuring an ultra-lightweight design under 200 grams, massive 70mm drivers, and minimal clamping pressure suitable for long listening sessions. Users praise the highly open, airy soundstage, detailed mids, and efficiency, which allows them to be driven easily without an external amplifier. YouTube· However, the headphones...Read more

head-fi.org

23/05/2012

Sony MDR-MA900 Over the Head Style Headphones - Reviews

The Sony MDR-MA900Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is highlighted for its exceptional, lightweight comfort and a warmish-neutral sound signature, featuring large 70mm drivers that are notably easy to drive without an amplifier. The open-back design provides a wide, speaker-like soundstage and excellent instrument separation, making it ideal for long, casual listening...Read more

head-fi.org

15/10/2013

Sony MDR MA900 Full Review + Comparison with DT880

The Head-Fi review compares the Sony MDR-MA900 and Beyerdynamic DT880, highlighting the Sony's superior comfort due to its 195-gram weight and low clamping force, alongside an expansive soundstage from 70mm drivers. While the MA900 is easily driven without amplification, it is criticized for a fragile plastic construction, limited sub-bass, and a non-detachable cable compared to the...Read more

overearmania.wordpress.com

30/03/2021

Sony MA-900 - Over-ear mania - WordPress.com

The Over-ear mania review evaluates the Sony MDR-MA900, a discontinued, fully open-air over-ear headphone released in 2012. A major standout feature is its ultra-lightweight design, weighing just 196 grams, which combined with 70mm angled drivers and low clamping force provides exceptional comfort. Sonically, it delivers a balanced, relaxing, and slightly warm tonality reminiscent...Read more

superbestaudiofriends.org

06/02/2016

Sony MDR-MA900 Impressions and Measurements

The SuperBestAudioFriends review characterizes the Sony MDR-MA900 as a lightweight, open-back headphone with a warm, near-neutral sound signature, featuring a wider, more natural soundstage than the Sennheiser HD6X0 series. Key pros include exceptional comfort due to a <200g weight and an engaging, spacious, and easy-to-drive design suitable for casual listening. Super Conversely,...Read more

stereo.de

01/01/1970

Sony MDR-MA 900 - Test results - stereo.de", "Sony MDR-MA900 review: 1.8 (Good) - Testberichte.de", "Sony MDR-MA900 - A top-class open-back headphone"...

The Sony MDR-MA 900, reviewed by STEREO, is an exceptionally lightweight (216g) open-back headphone designed for maximum comfort during home use, offering a nearly imperceptible fit. While praised for its balanced sound, the model features a lean acoustic signature that lacks significant volume or heavy bass. Conversely, the review notes a lack of sonic warmth and thickness, making...Read more

connect.de

13/07/2012

Sony MDR-MA900 Review - connect

The Sony MDR-MA900 is an open-back, top-model headphone designed specifically for indoor home listening, retailing for around 300 Euros. It stands out due to its lightweight design—weighing only 195 grams—and highly flexible, thin headbands that ensure excellent long-term wearing comfort. On a technical level, the headphones house massive 70-millimeter drivers, strong neodymium...Read more

forum.tellementnomade.org

26/07/2013

Brief introduction to the Sony MDR-MA900

The Sony MDR-MA900 is an ultra-lightweight, highly open-back dynamic headphone featuring unusually large 70mm drivers and a very low impedance of 12 ohms, making it exceptionally easy to drive without powerful amplification. Derived from the legacy MDR-F1 design, it utilizes a unique physical structure that leaves physical space between the earcups and padding, angling the drivers...Read more

fwdmagazine.be

18/07/2026

Sony MDR-MA900 Review - FWD Magazine", "Sony MDR-MA900 Headphones Review - FWD Magazine

Review Summary: Sony MDR-MA900 The Sony MDR-MA900 is an exceptionally lightweight open-back headphone, weighing just 195 grams, constructed with a premium aluminum and magnesium frame that features almost no plastic parts. It is highly praised for its extraordinary all-day wearing comfort, achieved through a unique angled housing design that leaves a gap between the ear pads and the...Read more

fwdmagazine.be

17/02/2014

Review: HiFiman HE-400 - FWD Magazine (Comparison with MDR-MA900)

The HiFiMan HE-400 is an open-back, planar-magnetic headphone that offers an outstanding sonic experience at a significantly reduced price point of 299 euros (down from 399 euros). Its primary strength lies in its remarkable sound quality, characterized by a massive, highly detailed soundstage and unexpectedly punchy, robust bass that provides a rich foundation for genres like rock....Read more

techpulse.be

24/12/2012

The best headphones of 2012 - TechPulse

The TechPulse 2012 Headphone Review highlights five premium models, each catering to different audiophile preferences. For the luxury tier, the Sennheiser HD700 stands out for its wide, spacious soundstage and punchy bass performance, proving to be much more forgiving on lower-tier audio equipment than its pricier sibling, the HD800. However, it remains a highly expensive luxury...Read more

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