Design and features:Although this home/studio-style over-ear model lacks active noise reduction, the closed design helps to reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. The headphones have medium sensitivity, so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used with all but the lowest-powered portable audio devices. The MDR-1A has earcups that swivel flat for travel, and comes with a carrying pouch. Also included are a detachable 47-inch long audio cable with built-in mic and call answer/music player control button for iPhone/iPod/iPad and smartphone use, and a detachable 46-inch standard audio cable. A free Smartkey app is available for Android OS 4.0 and later smartphones that lets you use the music player control button with those devices.
Sound quality: The MDR-1A delivers very good overall sound, with a warmish character. Bass has lots of impact and goes fairly deep, but is boomy and very pronounced. Midrange is fairly congestion-free, but is somewhat dark and edgy, a bit gritty, and the lower midrange is overwhelmed by the bass. Treble is extended; it's somewhat pronounced compared to the midrange, but not as pronounced as the bass. The overall sound is somewhat closed-in, with good dynamics.
Comfort: We found these headphones are generally comfortable, though they can produce a sense of light pressure around the ears, and the earpads might feel hot and/or sticky after prolonged use.
