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MDR-1A

Released October 2014

The MDR-1A are Sony's wired closed-back over-ear headphones with 40 mm aluminium-coated liquid-crystal-polymer drivers, detachable cables and an inline microphone remote.

Model history · 2 models, 2012–2014

2012MDR-1R Compare
2014MDR-1A

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: –
With case: –
Best codec: Wired
Weight: 225 g

Over-ear

What reviewers say

Both reviews enjoy the lightweight design and lively sound. What Hi-Fi especially praises the soft cushions and dynamics but finds bass insufficiently controlled and vocals short of body. Major HiFi prefers the bass impact and relaxed treble, while hearing a little muddiness and a cramped soundstage. It also finds the headband could be wider, so comfort and tonal balance are not judged identically.

From whathifi.com and majorhifi.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Driver size: 40 mm
Back: Closed
Impedance: 24 ohms
Bluetooth codecs: None (wired)
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

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): No battery (wired)

Design

Weight: 225 g
Headphone cable: Yes
Controls: Inline microphone and remote on one supplied cable; omnidirectional electret-condenser microphone
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
Dimensions: Approximately 225 g without the cable
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
In the box: Headphones, 1.2 m headphone cable, 1.2 m microphone/remote cable, carrying pouch, warranty and instructions

Pros and cons

Pros

Two detachable cables supplied
225 g weight without the cable
Optional balanced cable supported

Cons

No active noise cancelling or Bluetooth
Balanced cable sold separately

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
Audio-TechnicaATH-M40x	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	240 g	Feb 2014
Audio-TechnicaATH-M50x	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	285 g	Feb 2014
AKGK712 PRO	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	235 g	Jun 2013

Previous model: MDR-1R.

Sources

Photo: sony.jp

Sony MDR-1A Limited Edition in matte black, supplied Hi-Res Audio mark retained: Sony
Sony MDR-1A, MDR-1ADAC, XBA-A3, XBA-A2, XBA-A1 and PHA-3, complete supplied family photograph: Sony

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