Design and features:The MDR-1AM2 has high sensitivity so it can provide satisfying volume levels when used with lower-powered portable audio devices. Additional features include earcups that swivel to flat for ease of storage/transport. This model comes with a detachable 46-inch long audio cable with built-in mic and call answer/music player control button for iPhone/iPod/iPad, and smartphone use (the cable's 4-contact mini-plug may not be compatible with other audio devices), a detachable 46-inch long balanced audio cable with 4.4mm 5-contact plug for use with Hi-Resolution music players with balanced audio output jacks, and a carrying pouch.
Sound quality: We found the MDR-1AM2 delivers sound quality that falls in the Very Good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks. The overall sound can best be summarized as a bit bassy and edgy. Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is slightly prominent and somewhat boomy. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is fairly even, but is a bit grainy, hazy, constricted (as in straightjacketed), and etched (a bit more sharply outlined then it should be). The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended, but the mid-treble is slightly prominent and sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying). The sound has a good sense of liveliness and is somewhat open (sound-wise it almost seems like you don't have anything covering your ears).
Comfort: We found that these headphones produce a sense of light pressure around the ears. As typical of over-ear models the pads might feel hot and/or sticky after prolonged use. Users with larger ears might find that the over-the-ear fit of the ear pads feel cramped, or that the ear pads sit on, rather than around their ears. Users with smaller heads may find they can't get a good earpad seal (earpads gap at the top) and because of that the bass becomes a bit subdued. Some users might find that the headphones feel unstable and shift forward a bit when they lean far forward. When wearing this model the sound of the audio cable rubbing on clothing may also be heard faintly through the headphones.
