First Look: Sony MDR-1A Hi-Res Headphones Unboxing

Retails for $299 USD
Get it here for less: www.amazon.com/...

[@carlossalazar972]

I was actually lucky enough to find a brand new, in box, pair of these for 20$. It was imported from Germany with free shipping and it took a little under 2 months to get here. But all things considered.. this is an amazing pair of headphones! and for 20$ that's a steal. Definitely reccomend getting them, because their a GREAT value and only getting cheaper!

[@vesanius1]

I just found them on sale for 139€ and received them yesterday and what can I say except that they amazing headphones. For the price there's no comparison and over the next few months they should sound even better after they are burned in. So I can definitely recommend this for anyone in need of quality closed headphones that can be used both at home and on go.

[@HiFiInsider]

these are much much better than the original 1R. IMO, the 1R was a disappointment. Get these if you can.

[@DmytroBaldr82]

In Russia, we got only MDR 1R(((

[@IMAXXHEW]

I think the "A" stands for Android, if they come out with a model that is iPhone certified... it will be called the Sony MDR-1i

[@HiFiInsider]

MAXXHEW LOL.. I think Sony has moved away from the Apple cert.

[@greatdima91]

MAXXHEW the A stands for aluminum

[@SirRobinII]

received him today, I also have the prev version, the 1R. The 1A is more comfortable and seems to have better sound quality.

[@leetcheez]

Thanks for reviewing the 1A and comparing them against the 1R--I was trying to pick between the two. Very helpful to see them side by side.

[@ZacharyT94]

Noticed that they seem like they fold flat with the cups on the chest this time covering the drivers, that's gonna be so much more convenient IMO.

[@alanladdseinekatze859]

The surface finish of the metal is such a great step forward compared to the one featured on the 1R. It is a great eye catcher especially for folks with an expert level knowledge on metal surface finishing like myself. Hopefully people recognize and we finally get rid of lame solutions like brushed or carbon imitating surfaces.

[@Alex-vs9ks]

I have pretty much been through two MDR X10s in less than 1 year, I was pretty fed up.. The cloth material just wouldn't hold up, first was the ear pads coming undone then was the top headband - Sony has agreed to mail me a pair of these, so hopefully they last longer than a year ...

[@shark99live1]

Im glad ur back mike, great video, as always. Im looking forward for ur next first looks. Cheers

[@HiFiInsider]

Xian Ramirez THANK YOU so much for being supportive. :)

[@skirmich]

Not disrespect or anyting to You @hifiguy528 but Unboxings aren't that amazing to forget to REVIEWs of several other Headphones you have pending.. I was actually eager to see the review of the MDR-Z7s that you were so speedy to tease us with 2 Videos. I know you have to keep your sponsors happy but man!! Unboxings don't tell the whole story, It actually don't tell us anything aside from the looks and box content.

[@HiFiInsider]

skirmich work had me traveling a lot along with my workload. I wish doing YT videos was my full-time gig, but it's not because I don't make enough to keep the lights on. :(

[@skirmich]

***** That's Alright and all man but I mean if you can do Unboxings you can do Reviews Right? Even MICRO-REVIEWS would do with just your thoughts. I mean I really appreciate your Reviews and your whole Personal Opinion so much that I had pulled the trigger on a couple of Headphones just by your review.

[@HiFiInsider]

skirmich I appreciate your feedback. :)

[@afrog2666]

And build quality..

[@SyNtH1fEyEd]

I got my MDR-1AM2's today! I need a longer cable with it though and I might get a Dragonfly amp :)

[@bkwism]

I was waiting for this one. Thanks for the unboxing! Great video!

[@HiFiInsider]

Bryan Wolsing Thank you for your continued support. Sorry for the long delay. These new Sony cans were not easy to get because everybody wants one.

[@konna200]

I love all youre videos keep the same style of approach to these unboxing/reviews

[@SChapps]

Really good looking (and probably sounding) headphones

[@HiFiInsider]

ImXtinct sounds good, but I would wait for the price to drop.

[@A_guan]

I wish sony would create the XB Classic edition! Which really means bringing back the amazing XB 500 700 and 1000 because I really wanted the 700 but I found out they discontinued them

[@HiFiInsider]

Tech Defender bring back XB1000!!!

[@papo7850]

Hi Mike, I have been doing some research for weeks trying to find the right pair of headphones. I have been watching many of your reviews for guidance but just can't seem to find the perfect pair. So I figured I would ask you for recommendations. I have been using the same SONY MDR-XB700 for years now. I absolutely love them! They sound great and can really take the power I send them through my headphone amp. But I have used them so much that a lot of the material has started to rub off from the headband and cushions. So I have been on the market for a similar pair for a while now. It seems as though the market for large diaphragm ON/OVER EAR headphones has kind of inflated since I purchased these. But I have been having such a tough time finding a pair that comes with EXTRA LARGE cushions like these. Some of the parameters which I would be willing to compromise would be materials/sturdiness/clarity/portability. I really only care about one thing, which is comfort. I purchased a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MK2 and although I was impressed with their build/sound quality, compared to my XB700s they're incredibly uncomfortable. Any chance you can help me find a new pair of headphones with GIANT cushions? Thanks

[@husnainanwaar1992]

tell us about the audio review the headphones don't just open the box and say buy it

[@HiFiInsider]

reason to buy is in the comments in response to viewer questions. :)

[@elijahmodnar1]

Balanced input (the 4pole 3.5mm input) have you tryed them with the pha-3 ? You'd need to get the cable. One 4pin 3.5mm to two 3pin 3.5mm

[@LloydGenis]

We're waiting for the review or at least a quick test of these. How is the build quality?

[@resottolamontagna904]

Can you explain to me the differences from MDR-XB950 and MDR-1A ? I seen the price difference but I want know which are the differences with mids and highs. Thank you.

[@benevolentsoul8920]

How would you compare these to the Logitech UE 6000 ? Would you say these have good bass ? I'm looking for something that's more bass heavy for music like techno/trance and music that is bassy.

[@TechnikKing18]

which one are better? the AKG k545 or this sony mdr 1a? thanks for an answer :) great video!

[@ALeoHughes]

First question. Are these good for rock and pop music? Second question. Are they good for gaming?

[@caveman1586]

Hello Mr Hifi, Can you make a video comparison of the german maestro gmp 8.35 d with audio technica ath-m50x and ultrasone pro 900. Thanks.

[@duongvietphuonghuynh]

can i replace ear pad on Sony MDR 1a ?

[@markrigorlunes1398]

Torn between MDR-1RBTMK2 and MDR-1A. Does the 1A sound better?

[@kyoazakura]

Hi im a bit confused is this similar to Sony MDR-1RMK2/B i know its too late to ask but please help me with this whats the difference if so.

[@Uemitay]

Wonder how the MDR 1ADAC compare...

[@HiFiInsider]

Ümit Ay No plans on getting those. Z7 and Z5 are next. Maybe the PHA-3 too.

[@MrAbraham546]

Can anyone tell me what is the differents between this sony mdr 1a than sony mdr 1adac,please reply because I am going to buy one of those

[@TheLexxt]

Hi, Mike! How about the sound comparing to the MDR-1R? Thanks.

[@MingTv-8]

Can this plug the v moda boom mic? Please tell me if you can, I'm trying to buy this headphones with a detachable mic on..

[@ulfenstyle]

LOL GOT THESE FOR 50% OFF TODAY! yes YES! am so happy!

[@itsarapongintoum1584]

Seriously you make me confuse as I saw ATH-MSR7. Don't know what to choose may be I have to try both.

[@HiFiInsider]

Itsarapong Intoum I like to try that one.

[@La_Hormiga]

Are these better than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?

[@federicodubbini-composer]

I would buy them, can you tell me if those headphones are good for listening to epic orchestral music, like two steps from hell, vindictus, ecc.. not electronic. now i have philips shp8000 and they are not the best in the bass..

[@HiFiInsider]

fuurboo wait till the price drops. ;)

[@federicodubbini-composer]

***** so which type of headphones are good for my kind of music and classical too? Other brands are good too

[@ricardoanton-ifiaudio]

Great Video!!

[@billyb9573]

is it really worth an extra (£70) $100 compared to the 1R?

[@HiFiInsider]

B Bethell it's an improvement over 1r. Wait for the price to drop a bit.

[@billyb9573]

thanks hifiguy528 I will wait then

[@estebanaranda6353]

Wich you recomend between mdr 1a and v moda crossfade m100?

[@neerajschannel]

when are you gonna review all these recent headphones you unboxed? im really curious how some sound...

[@HiFiInsider]

Neeraj Advani Have the new RHA T10i review coming.

[@Daniel-md1fm]

How do you find the Sony MDR-1A's compare to the Sennheiser Momentum's? Especially for the difference in price.

[@HiFiInsider]

Daniel Stein I like the 1a more. it fits better.

[@Daniel-md1fm]

***** is the build quality pretty mediocre compared to the momentum's? I owned the 1R's and the plastic build ( including the jack rattle) didn't sit very well for me, especially for the price.

[@burns0100]

Hi everyone, im really looking for a nice headphone, over ear, open back would be nice but if they sound good ill go with closed, I really want a balance with quality and comfort something like these Sony headphones would be great, im just not 100% on anything sony though, they have let me down in headphones a lot. Was looking at Beyer, Bose, AKG, Grado, Senns but they all offer a wide range of headphones in the price range of $150-300 ( could go higher for Beyer headphones as I know they are good ). A recommendation of atleast 5 headphones would be nice as I can shop around and see which I like best.

[@ibangpandas]

Bro go with the Bose quiet comfort 25 there really balanced out, best noise canceling on the market, really comfortable / light, and personally really good looking.

[@burns0100]

Mr_Mau5 Yer when I tried them on they really took me to a new place with my music, from my normal Senn HD518s. I'll go give them another run in and then shop around for a good price. Thanks.

[@ibangpandas]

Good luck :)

[@klaasdeceuster6269]

+burns0100 those only sound good with noice cancelling though there are better sounding options, just no anc

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Will you unbox the MDR Z7M2 also the 1AM2?

[@user-de7bh6oo9w]

Why you can compare them to xb10? do they have same bass or they more detailed in sound?

[@HiFiInsider]

Сергей Калинин will do that when I get back. XB950 vs. X10.

[@liveintrop]

***** yes, i post it in wrong video )), xb950 v x10 right.

[@ArchDragoon-Arm]

By the way. Did you ever try marshall monitor ? Which one is better for rock/metal genre between this mdr-1a and marshall monitor ?

[@HiFiInsider]

Itsarapong Intoum I have tried those. They are ok... not HiFi

[@williamfunaki4477]

Does Sony MDR-1A leak out sound

[@TheRoshan89]

you never reported back... :( are these hifi??

[@MegaCon12]

Yes, they are

[@husnainanwaar1992]

which one are more detailed philips fidelio x2 or sony mdr 1a

[@HiFiInsider]

Rick wubba lubba dub dub have not tried the X2 yet.

[@husnainanwaar1992]

what about sony mdr 1a vs philips fidelio x1

[@renebt2207]

Can you review the mdr 1adac?

[@arisdarmawan]

Which one is better? MDR-1A or philips fidelio X2?

[@HiFiInsider]

aris darmawan have not tried the x2. Those are open-back so not the same as 1A.

[@arisdarmawan]

***** I know I shouldn't compare closed back headphone with open back. Is MDR-1A good at mainstream and modern music?

[@tomandmatt1000]

Getting rid of my beats studio 2.0 for these can't do with there shit no more

[@nerdherd1796]

+Average Teenager You have entered the world of good audio ;)

[@tomandmatt1000]

had these for a while now, they're clear, open and still have nice deep bass.

[@henlolneh]

bruh youre telling me my man -___-... I have the studio wireless and the beats professionals which I got through discount at half off retail. even then I wouldn't recommend them for shit. I just got a pair of these mdr1a's for $149 and omfg I should have gotten rid of my beats a couple of years ago when I fucking BOUGHT THEM!

[@afrog2666]

*their.. :/

[@SyNtH1fEyEd]

What headphone amp would you recommend with these? Thanks man! ;)

[@chriswaters9267]

In documentation for Sony PHA 1A Dac Amplifier, they recommend this headphone.

[@janpetervanirsel831]

These or denon mm 400

[@blackscorp]

can i use any inline cable or is it proprietary

[@HiFiInsider]

Mr. Delano it's a proprietary 4 pole connector to the cups. :(

[@blackscorp]

Thanks a lot , I just order the mdr 1rbt 's do I shall see how they sound thanks again

[@marcogonzalez624]

Are these bass heavy

[@HiFiInsider]

Marco Gonzalez not at all. A bit hot on the treble so pair carefully.

[@AsianTaeHyun]

I WANT THIIIIIIS!

[@HiFiInsider]

Tae Hyun Kim these are good. Much better than original 1R. Can be a bit hot on the treble so pair carefully. :)

[@AsianTaeHyun]

Thanks for the information! Definitely wanted to get the MDR series for a while since the 10 came out, but I heard it was worse than its predecessor model. Waited a bit for the rumored MK2s, but I don't think they came out in America (did they?) Will definitely pick these up!

[@HiFiInsider]

Tae Hyun Kim the MK2 is the same as 1R. Only difference was the additional longer cable.

[@Rumblefan]

Can an audiophile please tell me what is better, Bose or Sony? I'm referring to the higher priced Sony headphones like these by the way.

[@ZacharyT94]

Sony by far IMO, they sound more energetic to similar priced Bose and have better sound quality overall, however I suggest you also take a look at Sennheiser, they are also very good.

[@HiFiInsider]

ZacharyT94 Sony is better

[@HiFiInsider]

CorkyBurrito Sony is better

[@Rumblefan]

Thanks for the responses guys. About 5 months ago I bought a pair of 2012 beats studios, and they were $300, but they sound only slightly better than my $30 earbuds. I am very disappointed in them. And I have to keep changing the batteries for noise cancelation that doesn't work that well at all. Seriously the noise cancelation doesn't seem to make a difference on these headphones and they don't work without it. I recently tried out my friends pair of Bose headphones and they sounded FAR clearer than my beats. But then I heard that Bose is similar to Beats when it comes to tricking the average consumer into thinking they're buying a High End product by adding extra bass and LOTS of advertising. I've always been a fan of Sony products, so I was just curious if Sony actually made real high end headphones or if they were just similar to Bose, but you guys pretty much answered my question. Also, from what I have heard, Sennheiser is one of the best headphone brands along with Audio Technica, AKG, Grado, Beyerdynamics, Pioneer, etc. The only reason I'm interested in Sony more than these other brands is because I want to own headphones from a "popular" brand, but don't want to buy anymore Beats as they are just overpriced and I feel like a show off when I wear them. Bose aren't quite as "popular" as Beats, but they do sound better and are still like the second most advertised headphones tricking you into thinking you get the best sound. I think Sony is definitely the way to go for my personal perspectives. Finally, I am sorry about the LONG comment and sorry if some of this comment was kind of random.

[@ZacharyT94]

CorkyBurrito No problems at all, Sony would definitely be the best bet for you then, they actually produce good quality headphones with great sound, I fell in love with Sony headphones when I bought a set of the XBA-4's, will be checking out the XBA-Z5. Want to see reviews first to see if it will be worth the $800 AUD or not.

[@1coreywest]

Are these wireless/Bluetooth?

[@Bakkefication]

+Corey west no

[@Sataniat_]

My dream headphone :(

[@joelsoumsa]

What about Bluetooth ones?

[@ahnafalislam7155]

This or Xb950bt?

[@ballinwitchops]

950bt

[@janpetervanirsel831]

This for sure. Bass at 950bt is overpowering

[@ficacci]

Z7...!!! Z7...!!!

[@HiFiInsider]

ficacci yes, yes, yes!!!

[@Jippi343]

First comment

[@HiFiInsider]

Emac yes!!! THANK YOU!

[@thackythac]

How do these compare to the VModa M100?

[@HiFiInsider]

James Thacker M100 are much more bassy

[@thackythac]

Thank you for the reply. The M100s are my fav headphones and was just wondering if these or any other headphone was better for mainly EDM/Trance music.

[@HiFiInsider]

James Thacker M100 are better for that genre.

[@jessa.3857]

+James Thacker.....When I auditioned the M100's, they sounded boxy and had a narrow soundstage stage. Great bass but the highs weren't that great. The MDR1A's on the other hand sounded really great, clean, crisp highs with a tight and punchy low end. Nice wide soundstage and non-fatiguing sound. Sennheiser Momentum 2's were a close second. Try them them all out and see which sound you prefer. Good luck!