Sony headphones are popular for their exceptional audio delivery, wide and deep soundstage, as well as bass output. However, a few of their products may seem out of reach for mid-budget spenders who are just looking at purchasing a decent pair of headphones for the everyday music experience. There is a league of audiophiles that can conversely, go out of their way, to pull funds just to get a hold of some of these fascinating audio wonders.
The rewarding side to this is that most of these pricey headphones do meet and, in some cases, even exceed the price-to-performance ratio of their expected performance. This puts many yet-to-decide potential buyers in a tight spot. If you’re on this path, find out the specifications of these luxury Sony headphones, and finally, decide if it’s worth breaking the bank for.
Sony MDR-R10
Sony MDR-R10 is a flagship headphone, and it comes with its vinyl suitcase with spring opening claps that are lockable. The luxury design style of the R10 makes it a true work of art and is one of the most aesthetically-decorated headphones from the brand.
Made of high-priced Japanese wooden earcups, they serve as acoustic chambers that create an intimate soundstage. It is noteworthy to point out that the soundstage of the R10 is similar to a summit-fi speaker, hence listening to it relives a live show kind of experience.
Besides having one of the most effective waterproofing abilities, the headphones’ midrange is second to none, and can’t be incorrectly dubbed as one of the greatest ever made by Sony. The tone dished by R10 is realistic and convincing, keeping a listener grounded in the experience. The cord was designed using 99.99% pure, oxygen-free copper, and the magnesium hangers that come with them serve to reduce resonance.
Specifications
- Made of wood
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Bio-cellulose dome diaphragm
- Closed-back wear type
PROS
- Superior midrange
- Excellent packaging
- Sturdy design materials
- Minimized sound leakage
CON
- Soundstage is not comprehensive
Purchase Sony MDR-R10
Sony MDR-Z1R
The Sony MDR-Z1R with its cutting-edge design has no doubt raised the bar in audio quality and playback performance. The product features a diaphragm made of magnesium dome and offers a user up to 120kHz playback in HD audio. The headphone comes with a special acoustic filter that helps manage air resistance, taking out any reverberation that comes from driver movement, and in the process creating a path for only clean frequencies to get through.
The headphone is built with an ergonomic design that makes it possible for the headphone to comfortably encase your head, limiting sound leaks and efficiently rendering one of the most powerful lows you can get from any headphone.
The headphone is also designed using sheepskin which adds more comfort, allowing you to wear the. For long periods. The headphone is built to render a wider and deep frequency range of up to 120kHz. The storage case is also luxuriously styled with a unique satin lining.
Specifications
- Frequency response of 4Hz-120,000Hz
- Made of neodymium magnet
- Weighs 385 grams without cable
- Uses a detachable Y-type cord
- Stylish casing
PROS
- Excellent sound quality
- Flawless build
- Headbands are very comfortable
- The frequency range is extensive
CONS
- The double wire seems inconvenient
Purchase Sony MDR-Z1R
Sony IER-Z1R
Sony IER-Z1R offers you a High-Res audio, taking your listening experience to a whole new level. The headphone earbuds come with an HD hybrid driver system and provide you with a balanced connection. The headphone operation provides synergy in the sound signature as it moves across drivers, which is one thing that sets them apart from many other luxury headphones.
It features a newly integrated Balanced Armature whose function is reinforced with a magnesium diaphragm, gold-plated terminals, and copper voice coil, coated in silver. The headphone was built with a 4.4mm connection cable that essentially splits left and right signals. As a result, sound deterioration is effectively reduced. In addition to their superior design, they come with Triple Comfort earbuds, hybrid earbuds, and a rugged, stylish carrying case.
Specifications
- Built-in 4.4mm balanced connection cable
- Uses an HD hybrid driver system
- Has a cable holder, cleaning cloth, and cable clip
- Weighs 2.56 pounds
PROS
- Cable is rugged and durable
- Excellent audio output
- Punchy bass
- Quality mids and soundstage
CONS
- Earbuds cause discomfort
Purchase Sony IER-Z1R
Sony IER-M9
The Sony IER-M9 comes with 5x Balanced Armature Driver units. Their lightweight is consolidated by their durable magnesium alloy which makes up the outer housing. They’re also designed with a preformed ear hanger, enabling perfect fit and comfort for a wide range of ear types. The IER-M9 features a natural silk thread to insulate the earbud cable, preventing bumping noises commonly experienced when headphone cables are touched.
Like most other IER models, it also comes with a 4.4mm standard balanced connection and an optimized sound path for great audio output. With the magnesium alloy diaphragm featured in its design, every fine detail in the music playing through it is reproduced.
Specifications
- Lightweight (1 pound)
- Comes with varieties of earbud fits
- Wired connectivity
- Designed with preformed ear hangers
PROS
- Excellent technical capabilities
- Great noise-isolation
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable for prolonged use
CON
- Subpar performance for soundstage
Purchase Sony IER-M9
Sony MDR-Z7M2
The MDR-Z7M2 is unique for its enhanced sound quality and the listening comfort it provides users. It has flawless audio reproduction and uses 70mm, HD drivers. Its 3D spatial sound experience burrows from its Crystal Polymer Diaphragms and the large magnet it uses.
The headphone also has a 4.4mm balanced cable connection, making it possible for left and right sound signals to be distinguished effectively. This simultaneously reduces the loss of signal transmission and other forms of sound deterioration. Their earbuds are ergonomic, providing a user unequaled comfort regardless of how long he’s listening.
Specifications
- HD Audio compatible
- 4.4 balanced cables
- Ergonomic earpads
- Frequency response is 4Hz-100,000kHz
PROS
- Excellent sound quality
- Enhanced ease of use
- Sturdy clamp
- Flawless audio balance
CON
- Has subtle sound leaks
Purchase Sony MDR-Z7M2