Sony MDR-1A Prestige Overhead Headphones - Black

Product Information

If you’re lured-in by the promise of high-resolution sound, we recommend considering the Audio Technica ATH-M50X instead.

It seems to strike the balance well - but, of course, one can only hear so much with 180,000 attendees speaking loudly right outside a listening booth. PerformanceOn tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife 's "Silent Shout, " the MDR-1A delivers a thunderous low frequency response. For those looking for what seem like standard extras, airline adapter, 1/4" adapter, hard case, and then some…you'll be disappointed. Bass response is top drawer, punchy without being over the top, while mid-level and higher frequencies are crisp and clear.

Tonally the wired and wireless sound from the Sony MDR-1ABT is similar, but the treble appears ‘tamed’ in the wireless feed. This is a common issue with over-ear headphones with pleather (rather than velour or alcantara or the like) ear-pads, so it's something I really don't mind very much at all, and it's not to an excessive degree since the pads are still quite breathable. The pads are the softest material I have ever felt, and because the headphones are so light I forget they’re even on my head.

Two years ago we complained of too-easy-going treble, but the MDR-1A provide detailed but smooth treble that offers plenty of higher-frequency information while sticking within a harshness-fee signature. It's a little hard to explain, but it mostly has to do with pressure distribution on the headphones in the case of impact or bending. We had to hand it to Sony, though, despite sounding almost pompous they were very impressive over-ears, delivering quality in both the build and sound departments. The mids are nice, very clear, a little creamy sounding, and just the right "distance" for my preferences.

Note, my Xiaomi 4x output is slightly warm sounding and bassy (a solid 3-5db more bass) compared to audio from my Ipod 5th gen and my computer (I5 core). Especially with high hats and cymbals which sound unnatural and a bit splashy when compared to the 600. They’re not quite as clear as some of the highest-end headphones at CES but, for the money, they look to be an ideal introduction to Sony’s ever-expanding world of hi-res audio.

The MDR-1A and both of it’s color options offer a lot of modern appeal with the use of clean, rounded shapes, soft and supple (fuax? The balance of bass, midrange and treble is as smooth as can be, the stereo soundstage is spacious, and dynamic range is, well, dynamic. It does have adjustable ear cups, but they only increase in size which might not be suitable for everyone. You almost can't wait to put them on, and the fit doesn't disappoint: The MDR-1A is very comfortable, even over long listening sessions. Headband top is also nicely padded; same pleather material as pads except might be a little thicker.The separation of sound gives an all-encompassing stereo listen that's really engaging - more so if you have high-resolution audio files - and although it's not a neutral listen, the Sony MDR-1A add the exact kind of pomp we like our audio to have. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus.