Sony MDR1AM2 Wired High Resolution Audio Overhead Headphones, Black (MDR-1AM2/B)

Product Information

First, this headphone is crazy sensitive. I have had many portable headphones and none are this sensitive. It almost behaves like an IEM in this regard --- on an iPhone I actually volume match it with my DD IEM and find the volume to be sufficient. On most desktop amps it will hiss. Again something that's much more common with IEMs than full-sized headphones. I love how Sony includes both sets of cables, allowing for flexibility between sources. The pouch contains a separate compartment to store the 2 different cables which is good thinking on Sony’s part. How’s that for specifications?! We’ve got an expansive frequency range of 3-100,000 hertz. While I honestly doubt anyone has the ears to take full benefit of those higher frequencies, the numbers still manage to impress me. Meanwhile, that low impedance of just 16 ohms will pair well with any low output device, from a phone or laptop to a portable high-res music player. Finally, sound pressure is a fairly standard 98 decibels – more than capable of adequate volume in normal listening situations. Low End

In terms of design, these headphone offer a strikingly similar layout. The biggest difference manifests itself in the Sony MDR-1AM2’s single input, while the Audio Technica MSR7B features dual inputs. Sony also offers a mic and remote on the 3.5 mm cable, while Audio Technica skips this feature.Meanwhile, the Sony offers a similar level of emphasis, but comes across as sounding brighter. This brightness, combined with the intense, dark lows, gives way to a fun and emotive sound that doesn’t skimp out on energy, either. Comparándolos con unos Meze 99 Classics, los Meze suenan un poco mejor (no por mucho) su desventaja es que debido a su diseño, también te obliga a escucharlos en casa, ademas de que son más caros que los Sony. Compared to its predecessor, the MDR-1AM2 sounds markedly brighter, cleaner, and more detailed. The older MDR-1A has a warmer and darker sound, with fuller bass and less present mids and highs. It is impossible to say if that’s an outright improvement, but I found myself reaching for the MDR-1AM2 more than the MDR-1A because of its richer mid-range and more detailed sound.

More present mids and a slightly forward sound characterize the MSR7B. But the mids here also showcase more contrast, giving the impression of grip. As a result, the mids on the MSR7B tend to jump out, with better isolation from the lows and highs. Build is pretty utilitarian. The housing is made of plastic, the headband and earcups are made of synthetic leather. Despite the simple choice of materials, they look very well put together. There are a few details that stand out: The hinge that connects the headphone to the headband doesn't squeak when you rotate it. Sony mentioned this in the product literature cuz a lot of users complained about this detail in the 1A. The headband extension mechanism also feels smooth and quiet when you extend/contract it. Very nice attention to detail. Overall, plain but by no means flimsy. Sparkling detail abounds in the midrange, with clear and contrasting notes defining the MDR-1AM2. Fidelity comes across as nearly impeccable here, giving the impression of truly meaty mids. High EndSome non-sound related complaints: Isolation is ok at best, a fair bit of cable noise or microphonics, no hardshell carrying case (assuming for portable use), and no "home-use" cable nor a 6.3mm adapter. The frequency response of the headphones can be represented as the selected equalizer setting in the player, applicable to headphones with a flat sound. Subjective "flatness" is perceived differently from external conditions: the volume level of the external noise and noise isolation headphones. When connected to an amplifier, the frequency response can change . These are two completely different builds from the ground up. The MV1 doesn’t look like they just put some vents on the 1AM2. It has its distinct style, and it works for what it is. Both headphones are meant to be worn for long studio sessions, and their comfort level reflects that. I really can’t see any negative here, as both headphones have a snug and don’t cause any obstruction or fatigue. Design Not sure what to do, I called an expert on headphones, and he mentioned these Sony's. In fact he said these are what he used personally. I just received them, and my search is over! They sound better than all the others I tried, even with the amplifier on the others. No amp needed for Sony's, lightweight to the point I don't notice they are even on my head. Low enough impedance I'm only slightly over half maximum volume on the IPAD.