Sony MDR-1A vs Sony MDR-M1

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Only show differences

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Share comparison

MDR-1A compared with MDR-M1

	SonyMDR-1A	SonyMDR-M1
Overview
Released
Released	October 2014	September 2024
Sound
Type
Type	Over-ear	Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Noise cancelling	No	No
Driver size
Driver size	40 mm	40 mm
Back
Back	Closed	Closed
Impedance
Impedance	24 ohms	50 ohms
Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth codecs	None (wired)	None (wired)
Drivers
Drivers	Dynamic dome-type drivers with aluminium-coated liquid-crystal-polymer diaphragms and neodymium magnets; 3 Hz – 100 kHz stated response; 105 dB/mW sensitivity; 1,500 mW maximum input	Dynamic, 40 mm; 5 – 80,000 Hz (JEITA); 102 dB/mW; maximum input 1,500 mW (IEC)
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)
Listening time (maker's claim)	No battery (wired)	No battery (wired)
Design
Weight
Weight	225 g	216 g (better)
Headphone cable
Headphone cable	Yes	Yes
Controls
Controls	Inline microphone and remote on one supplied cable; omnidirectional electret-condenser microphone	–
Fit and ear tips
Fit and ear tips	Sony's Japanese specification and original launch table state 24 ohms at 1 kHz; Sony UK's support specification instead lists 48 ohms, so this entry follows the documented Japanese model	Circumaural, closed-back; thick low-resilience urethane foam ear pads, replaceable
Dimensions
Dimensions	Approximately 225 g without the cable	–
Works with
Works with	Detachable 1.2 m silver-coated OFC cables with gold-plated stereo mini plugs; optional balanced cable and compatible amplifier required for balanced connection	Detachable 1.2 m and 2.5 m cables with 3.5 mm plugs; 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter
Colours
Colours	–	Black
In the box
In the box	Headphones, 1.2 m headphone cable, 1.2 m microphone/remote cable, carrying pouch, warranty and instructions	MDR-M1 headphones, 1.2 m and 2.5 m cables, 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter