Introduction
When Sony tells you that they are making the best headphone in the noise cancelation category, then you had better take note. The industry giant’s first step in noise cancelation was the Sony MDR-1000X. While they may have built off the success of this product and delivered more noise-canceling headphones, the Sony MDR-1000X remains a classic.
Specifications
Weight: 275 g (0.61 lbs approx.)
Clamping Force: 0.8 lbs
Dimensions: L 9.3 inches (23.6 cm) x W 7.8 inches (19.8 cm) x H 3.9 inches (9.9 cm)
Volume: N/A
Headphone Type: Dynamic, Closed
Driver Unit: 39.8 mm
Volume Control: Yes
Wearing Pattern: Circumaural
Battery Life: 20-22 hours
Charge Time: 4 hours approx. (full charge)
Charging Method: USB
Bluetooth: Version 5.0
Supported Audio Formats: AAC, SBC
Color Variants: Black, beige
USB Cable Type: Type-B/C
Average Temperature: 0-40°C
Sound-quality
Sound quality is probably the deciding factor when it comes to buying headphones, and the Sony MDR-1000X doesn’t disappoint. In this case, noise cancelation is a major factor when determining the quality of the headphone and may carry precedence. Despite this being Sony’s first venture into noise cancellation technology, it’s fair to say that it was a raging success. It stands out as one of the most impressive noise-canceling headphones despite competition from more recognizable products. You can forget all about background noise and disappear into your work or listen to music once you are on the Sony MDR-1000X.
In terms of sound quality, these headphones deliver excellent audio. The DSEE HX audio processing by Sony is implemented in these headphones, which allows the sound quality to be as hi-resolution as possible. The sound quality is smooth and doesn’t break even at higher volumes. The mid-range of this headphone is excellent, thanks to precision and smoothness. You can enjoy the entire song on the same frequency and don’t have to worry about trailing off.
The bass is deep and can be deep as necessary to accommodate the frequency and key changes of the track. There is a great detail here that allows you to feel the texture of the notes, even as it constantly changes. Sony’s detail level on these headphones is off the charts, taking music production or enjoyment to a whole other level.
Types of music the headphones sound best with
A headphone as finely balanced as the Sony MDR-1000X can serve perfectly for all types of music. However, thanks to the quality of the vocals, acoustic songs are best for these headphones. You will be able to listen to the vocals with clarity, without the instrumentals overshadowing vocals. Alternatively, rock music is another one you can enjoy with these headphones as it allows the vocals to be more prominent. In one test using Drake’s “Started From The Bottom,” the bassline of the song was particularly impressive.
Activities the headphones are best for
Thanks to the impressive sound quality, there isn’t much you can’t do with these headphones. Thanks to the sound quality, they are best for those who make music. You get to hear your sounds at an impressive quality and get a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses. Other activities that you can use these headphones for comfortably include:
- Movie watching
- Music while hiking or working out
- Listening to podcasts
Design
Physical appearance is another thing that potential buyers tend to consider before making a purchase. The sleek design comes in both black and beige colors, allowing you to choose the perfect color. There isn’t much etched on the surface of the headphones, giving it a classic feel. Where logos are etched, they are subtle and don’t influence the overall appearance of the headphones. The design can be qualified as smart, making it perfect to take into the workplace and still look professional. The design of this headphone allows it to fold away easily for storage in your bag or your pockets. You also have the classic, over-the-head look when you choose to leave it unfolded.
Comfort
Comfort cannot be overlooked when it comes to headphones, especially when they are going to be spending a lot of time over your ears. These headphones are designed in such a way that it doesn’t clamp on your head; instead, it rests on it. The best part is that it is fastened and won’t fall off easily as you nod your head along to the tunes. Even when the noise cancelation feature isn’t in use, the headphones can still help isolate noise, thanks to the polyurethane foam. This also doubles as a cushion for the ears, one that doesn’t hurt or bind to the ear and is relatively soft.
Portability
Thanks to its fold-away designs, it can be transported in small spaces, even fitting into your pocket. Alternatively, you can fold it up and pack it into the box or travel bag. You don’t have to go anywhere without your Sony MDR-1000X. With this state-of-the-art headphone, listening to music to make your activities more fun and tune out background noise can be more pleasurable than you have imagined.
Durability
The product is very durable, as is highlighted by the one-year warranty offered by Sony. And as if there was ever a need for further proof, retail outlets sometimes offer added warranty as a testament to the product’s durability. This isn’t a headphone you buy and have to worry about replacing it in a few months. You can use it for years and will only have to change when there is a new version you like better.
Battery life
There is no point in having a wireless headphone if there isn’t a durable battery to go along with it, and Sony doesn’t disappoint in this area. The battery life is estimated to last a whopping 20 hours when fully charged. Once it is fully charged, it can last you for an entire cross-country road trip before needing another charge. The best part is that the corded mode doesn’t require batteries to work, and you can plug in the cord once the battery dies and continue enjoying your music.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Excellent noise cancellation
- World-class sound quality
Cons
- There are newer models available
Conclusion
The Sony MDR-1000X is one of the best noise cancellation headphones out there, validating Sony’s claims. While newer models and versions are available in the market, it still stands out. With excellent sound quality and a battery life that can survive a long trip, it doesn’t get much better than the Sony MDR-1000X. Best of all, the product is fairly affordable, especially when compared to other industry favorites.