Sony has always been the most common choice for headphones by audiophiles. The Sony MDR-1AM2 is the latest in cutting-edge headphone technology from the industry giants. With so many of Sony’s other earphones being loved by consumers and critics alike, the MDR-1AM2 is certainly in good company.
Specifications
- Weight: 187 g (0.3 lbs. approx.)
- Clamping Force: 0.8 lbs
- Dimensions: L 7.3 inches (18.5 cm), W 6.4 inches (16.3 cm), H 1.4 inches (3.6 cm)
- Volume: 1,071.71 cm³ (65.40 in³)
- Headphone Type: Dynamic, Closed
- Driver Unit: 30mm
- Volume Control: Yes
- Wearing Pattern: Supra Aural
- Battery Life: 35 hours
- Charge Time: 4.5 hours approx. (full charge)
- Charging Method: USB
- Bluetooth: Version 5.0
- Supported Audio Formats: AAC, SBC
- Color Variants: White, black, blue
- USB Cable Type: Type-C
- Average Temperature: 1.8 °C
Sound Quality
There is little else that matters more than sound quality when it comes to headphones. While Sony focused more on comfort, they still managed to deliver great headphones. Thanks to its closed-back design, the Sony MDR-1AM2 is great for tuning out background noise. It may not be the best at tuning out background noise or noise cancellation, but it certainly gets the job done.
In terms of bass, the Sony MDR-1AM2 provides high-resolution sounds, consistently clear without fatigue. The clarity of sounds, however, leaves a little to be desired, especially with low songs. Seeing the price of these headphones is relatively low, then the bass nature can be forgiven.
Boasting a frequency response that ranges between 3 – 100,000 Hz, the sound quality is quite impressive. There is, however, a noticeable imbalance, with high notes seemingly too high but lower notes feeling just right. Despite this imbalance, the MDR-1AM2 still manages to produce a respectable level of sound quality overall.
Types of music the headphones sound best with
Unfortunately, not all types of songs sound perfect on the Sony MDR-1AM2. It does an admirable job but falls short when it comes to songs that hit the high notes. For the best listening experience, Pop or rock music are best suited to these headphones. Alternative rock and punk music sound pretty decent as well. With other genres of music, it will depend on the user’s tastes. As long as you are listening to low volumes, the Sony MDR-1AM2 will serve your music tastes perfectly.
Activities the headphones are best for
Seeing as the sound quality offers certain limits, it may not be the best choice for playing a music playlist with varying songs. It will, however, serve well for pop songs and their fans. Some other activities you may find the MDR-1AM2 is best suited to include:
- Watching online videos
- Watching action movies
- Drowning out background noise
Design
The most impressive feature of the design of the Sony MDR-1AM2 is the fact that the frame is made of plastic. This is the reason for the lightweight nature as it doesn’t feature heavy components or metals. The hinges connecting the headband to the earbuds are also made from plastic. It does, however, make for a very fragile headphone that requires extra care.
The earbuds consist of 40mm HD driver units to produce excellent sound quality. The driver units are protected with a closed back on one end and leather coating on the listening end. The leather coating also serves as protection for the listener, allowing for prolonged listening sessions.
Comfort
The first thing you will notice about the Sony MDR-1AM2 is how weightless they are. Traditionally, high-end headphones are heavy and usually bruise the ears after long listening sessions, but not the Sony MDR-1AM2.
The earbuds are coated with leather covering to help protect the ear when using the headphones. With a low clamping force, there is a great balance between secure and tight. You can listen to music and nod along without the headphones coming off. On the other hand, the headphones aren’t too tight and won’t hurt your ears in the long run.
Portability
Thanks to how lightweight these headphones are, it makes for an excellent travel companion. The plastic frame, however, makes it fragile and less favorable to travel with. The Sony MDR-1AM2 can be packed easily in a travel bag or the box it came in for protection. The box also has room for both the 3.5mm and 4.4 mm cables that come with the headphones. The best part is, you won’t even feel any extra weight with these headphones.
Durability
Seeing as the Sony MDR-1AM2 features a majorly plastic design, it makes for a fragile headphone. It does, however, come with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer who is confident in the design. As long as it doesn’t fall or isn’t crushed underweight, then the Sony MDR-1AM2 should last for quite a while. Considering that these headphones cost about five times less than most other similar products, it makes it all the more impressive.
Battery Life
The battery life is one of the most impressive features of the Sony MDR-1AM2. With over 35 hours of life once fully charged, it makes it the ideal travel companion. When considered alongside the 4.5 hour charging time, it becomes all the more impressive. If you are looking for a headphone to take along with you on a long trip, then the Sony MDR-1AM2 is a perfect choice. The battery also happens to be removable, so if, for any reason, the current battery is damaged or no longer as powerful, it can easily be replaced.
Pros
- Easy controls
- Lightweight product
- Extremely comfortable
Cons
- Music quality could be better
- Static interference
Conclusion
The Sony MDR-1AM2 is a great headphone that provides maximum comfort even though it leaves little to be discovered in sound quality. The comfort and versatility, on the other hand, make up for what it lacks in sound quality. The extra-long battery life also means that you and enjoy this product for long stretches without worrying about charging. In the end, it is a product worth the hype and the price.