View Full Version : Sony MDR-1R Headphone's Going Cheap
istari_knight
14-03-2013, 13:02
I've been in the market for some new headphones for at least 6 months now as my Superlux are getting knackered but couldn't decide on what to buy... A thread over on PFM drew my attention to these headphones:
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hps-prestige-headband/mdr-1r
http://www.whathifi.com/review/mdr-1r
They are currently being given away with the new Sony Ericsson Xperia Z on contract. Obviously lots of new Xperia owners have no interest in headphones or are happy with what they have so hundreds have found their way onto eBay pushing the prices down :eyebrows:
I won a pair for £72... Thats £228 off the original RRP! They arrived this morning, bit bass heavy at the moment but apparently they settle down after a little use.
I've had Senn HD-600, Senn HD-595, Denon AH-D2000, Grado RS1, Grado SR60 & Superlux 668... These Sony's are just below the HD600/RS1 in overall SQ but are quite possibly the comfiest headphones I've ever worn.
...I'll add more as they "burn in."
sq225917
14-03-2013, 16:57
I've had them since last weekend, the bass does dry up a bit and they certainly lean out some. They still retain some bottom end fullness even after this, I think a bit of foam added to the back of the closed cup might tame this right down.
They are however the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, an object lesson in ergonomic design for others to follow. If I can get them to sound halfway between how they sound now and my 701's I'll be in heaven.
Well worth the money.
istari_knight
16-03-2013, 18:55
Well, a couple of days have passed & I can only recommend these to anyone looking for closed back cans for under £100... I cant think of anything else this good for under a ton.
In fact I like them so much I'm now on the look out for a pair in the much cooler looking silver/brown trim
http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/000025ff3/0e23_orh348w620/IMG-50032-1.jpg
I think the word is getting out a bit, been outbid on several pairs, one jumping to 118 in the last few seconds. Managed to get a pair for 88+p&p though. :)
Now we need some AKG/Senns/Beyers going cheap, get a nice collection going to suit the mood. :D
Well I've jumped on the bandwagon as my Grado SR60's have decided to give up the ghost - went for a nice pair of brown/silver ones, will look forward to trying them out. :)
istari_knight
19-03-2013, 13:11
Well I've jumped on the bandwagon as my Grado SR60's have decided to give up the ghost - went for a nice pair of brown/silver ones, will look forward to trying them out. :)
Good man :)
You may or may not be initially disappointed with the sound but persevere as after 3-4 days use they really really open up. I've not heard a pair of headphones change so much during "burn in."
Thanks James - I usually leave headphones running for a good few hours before listening so will probably do that with these - they should be here tomorrow with a bit of luck. :) (And my broken Grados are going very well on eBay so I might recoup some of the cost there too!)
Closed back phones can sound like a pair of tea cups on yer bonce if you're not careful, although modern versions of better quality are really good (HD265 now long gone and HD25's come to mind - I never got to hear the latest spec Pro4AA that Marco raved about a year or three back). Can I get a chance to hear yours Alex when you get 'em?
As for running in, the very high frequencies can change and improve after 24 hours running (can't remember the site, but the changes on some Beyers I think, were measured and reported), but bass and mid doesn't seem to change much.
Closed back phones can sound like a pair of tea cups on yer bonce if you're not careful
Yes, but if I sit on the couch wearing my Grados whilst Eastenders is on all I can hear is sighs and tutting anyway, so I'm hoping closed-back will be better for everyone!!! :lol:
Can I get a chance to hear yours Alex when you get 'em?
Course you can guvnor. :)
(PS: Just seen your email - not ignoring you. :))
istari_knight
20-03-2013, 12:18
Thanks James - I usually leave headphones running for a good few hours before listening so will probably do that with these - they should be here tomorrow with a bit of luck. :) (And my broken Grados are going very well on eBay so I might recoup some of the cost there too!)
Just had a look at your grado's, dunno if its the same problem mine had but the cable goes brittle & breaks at the Y splitter after a lot of use causing a channel or both to fail.
As for running in, the very high frequencies can change and improve after 24 hours running (can't remember the site, but the changes on some Beyers I think, were measured and reported), but bass and mid doesn't seem to change much.
I'm 100% certain the the bass changed an awful lot [for the better!] on the Sony's... Unusual but it does happen. This frequency response chart appears to show how different output impedance can change the bass
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/istari_knight9/687054_zps0649b4d5.png
Yes, but if I sit on the couch wearing my Grados whilst Eastenders is on all I can hear is sighs and tutting anyway, so I'm hoping closed-back will be better for everyone!!! :lol:
Course you can guvnor. :)
(PS: Just seen your email - not ignoring you. :))
Thank you sir :) My problem is sound bleeding into herself's ears and not just external noise bleeding through to me. Madame even hears what I'm playing when I'm listening to the HD25SP's I recently repaired :(
Just had a look at your grado's, dunno if its the same problem mine had but the cable goes brittle & breaks at the Y splitter after a lot of use causing a channel or both to fail.
I'm sure it would be easy to rewire them - but I can't be @rsed if I'm honest and fancy trying the Sony cans. I've also got a pair of iGrado which are the same drivers as the SR60s and sound virtually the same, so I will still have those to play with, unless the Sonys blow me away in which case they'll probably go too!
Mr Postie just delivered the MDR-1Rs - must say the build quality is exquisite - and the brown and silver finish is very cool (even though I had to pay more for the privilege!) I didn't realise they are aluminium, was expecting them to be silver plastic. Even the connecting lead is brown too, to match the leather on the ear-cups and headband, which is a nice touch.
I've put them on in the other room with a CD on repeat for a few hours, but I couldn't resist a quick listen... :) They are definitely full-on in the bass, but not awfully so. They do sound pretty brilliant straight out of the box - will be interesting to see how they sound this evening after a few hours run in. :)
istari_knight
20-03-2013, 20:52
:thumbsup: I'm jealous... The brown/silver one's look far nicer :D
Left them running all night, so they've had about 20 hours now - and just had an hour listening to some favourite evaluation tunes. I'm no high-end headphone expert, and not really heard £300 cans, so I can't say how they would compare at the full RRP, but for c. £90-100 which seems to be the going rate if you are in the market for some 'phones at that price these are a real no-brainer.
Really clear, especially in the all-important midrange, and well defined treble that doesn't seem fatiguing so far. The bass is really strong but not overpowering like some have mentioned, (maybe the burn in has helped?) with an excellent soundstage and oh so comfortable. For closed back cans you don't feel too shut-in like some, and the sound leakage is acceptable to The Boss, and whilst not noise cancelling, they do a good job of keeping ambient noise out but still enabling you to hear louder noises like baby monitors and the 'phone. They look good (if you like that sort of thing) and are very well made.
Definitely not a "forum flavour of the month" in my opinion, and should give you years of enjoyment at a bargain price. (And that can't be shilling, 'cos eBay won't give me a cut!)
sq225917
21-03-2013, 16:11
I don't think there's anything to touch them under £250. They sound like 701's with bass, they are almost perfect for my needs.
archiesdad
21-03-2013, 21:16
Unfortunately they're attracting lots of attention and so the bids are rising.
Just won a pair for £90 (best offer accepted), waiting to see if they're better than my Grado SR80s through a Beresford DAC (preferred late night listening - I love my neighbours ;))
Roy - not sure which Beresford DAC you've got, but they work very well with my Gatorized Caiman. I'll let you decide how they compare to your Grados but I'm not disappointed I decided not to repair my SR60s and replace them with the Sonys I can tell you! (Althogh there is nothing like the open feeling of the Grados, which you don't get with closed-back cans, and whilst the Sonys are the best of the breed I've experienced they are still more shut-in, though that is compensated for in my experience by just how comfortable they are.)
Martin - 3 pairs on there at £100 B.I.N. - one with free postage, or if you bide your time you could save £10-20 at auction, and I think there are plenty of chancers on there asking silly money that will end up having to drop their price, but you are right in that not many going lower than £80. I read there were 1,000 pairs given away free, and I guess a lot of those will come onto the market, and inevitably some people will buy then resell, so I can't see the supply drying up too quickly. I decided to take the plunge anyway, just in case! ;)
Still, at £100 they are stonking good value I reckon. I use headphones a lot at work and travelling (Goldring NS-1000 mainly) but I can see myself using these a lot at home too.
Roy - not sure which Beresford DAC you've got, but they work very well with my Gatorized Caiman. I'll let you decide how they compare to your Grados but I'm not disappointed I decided not to repair my SR60s and replace them with the Sonys I can tell you! (Althogh there is nothing like the open feeling of the Grados, which you don't get with closed-back cans, and whilst the Sonys are the best of the breed I've experienced they are still more shut-in, though that is compensated for in my experience by just how comfortable they are.)
It's a modded 7520 (gatorized with better op amps? - don't ask, don't really know what I'm talking about :D) - sounds great with the Grados so looking forward to trying these out
archiesdad
22-03-2013, 21:02
Martin - 3 pairs on there at £100 B.I.N. - one with free postage, or if you bide your time you could save £10-20 at auction, and I think there are plenty of chancers on there asking silly money that will end up having to drop their price, but you are right in that not many going lower than £80. I read there were 1,000 pairs given away free, and I guess a lot of those will come onto the market, and inevitably some people will buy then resell, so I can't see the supply drying up too quickly. I decided to take the plunge anyway, just in case! ;)
Got a lotta a pairs on watch at the moment, patience pays, although I also have a couple of pairs of B&W p5s on the go too. No great rush my sennheiser 580s are still doing a job.
guyhayton
22-03-2013, 21:05
Me too.... we could be bidding against one another :eyebrows:
Got them today. Build quality is excellent and from the outset there's more Bass than the Grados but that's no bad thing (although I understand this may settle down when they're 'run in'). If you're dithering I'd say go for it - they're certainly worth a ton of anyone's money.
archiesdad
30-03-2013, 19:30
Won a pair today (at last) just kept plugging my maximum bid on every sale and it worked eventually, the bloomin' holiday weekend will delay delivery now though, still persistence pays.
I just have to wait days for the postie now.
guyhayton
04-04-2013, 20:57
Just got myself a Brown+Silver pair for £86 - the real bargains have well and truly gone now :doh:
I've dithered for so long about buying a pair as I quite like my ATH-AD700s and did wonder whether I really *needed* another set of phones. Recently I've been listening to headphones quite a lot more and so decided tonight to "pull the trigger". :mental:
Hope they are as good as people say they are. One thing I did notice after putting in what turned out to be my winning bid, is that the length of cable is only 1.5m whereas I am used to the 3m length where my Caiman and armchair are positioned.
Has anyone managed to replace the cable with a longer one ?
If so which one and a recommended source would be gratefully received.
Cheers
G
I doubt you'll de disappointed Guy - I use an extension cable when needed - this one (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Quality-1-4-Headphone-Extension-Cable-5M-/380419587134?pt=UK_AudioVisualElectronics_HomeAudi oHiFi_Headphones&hash=item5892c63c3e) - I can't tell any difference with or without.
guyhayton
04-04-2013, 21:12
I use an extension cable when needed - this one (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Quality-1-4-Headphone-Extension-Cable-5M-/380419587134?pt=UK_AudioVisualElectronics_HomeAudi oHiFi_Headphones&hash=item5892c63c3e)
Thanks Alex - that is one serious extension lead !!!
Presume you must use a 3.5mm to 1/4 inch plug adapter on the end of the headphone cable.
archiesdad
05-04-2013, 19:16
My set appeared today and are now running in, first impressions are very good though and SWMBO couldn't hear anything I was playing even at highish volume, another bonus.
Hope you're not disappointed Martin, and I don't want to put ideas in your head ("look into my eyes not around my eyes" :eyebrows:) but I think we have got a bargain with these - they are seriously good in my opinion. :)
archiesdad
05-04-2013, 21:56
So far they seem to be fine, when they've run a bit longer I'll try back to back with my Senn 580s out of interest, nice to have a choice though especially when there are times I need to use them without disturbing anyone else in the room.
Think I might ask one of the guys on here about a replacement cable of a more suitable length rather than using an extension, always seems like a more permanent solution.? Any suggestions guys?.
guyhayton
07-04-2013, 11:00
Nice surprise an hour ago... Royal Mail on a Sunday... and not only that delivered a thing of beauty.
http://imageshack.us/a/img811/3367/dsc2563small.jpg
The packaging still had the shrinkwrap so literally BNIB. Pleased at £86
But oh dear... that cable is ridiculously short, moreso than I imagined. Anyway drama school with the kids now, so plugged into laptop playing my AC/DC discography to burn in :eyebrows:
archiesdad
07-04-2013, 17:02
Nice surprise an hour ago... Royal Mail on a Sunday... and not only that delivered a thing of beauty.
http://imageshack.us/a/img811/3367/dsc2563small.jpg
The packaging still had the shrinkwrap so literally BNIB. Pleased at £86
But oh dear... that cable is ridiculously short, moreso than I imagined. Anyway drama school with the kids now, so plugged into laptop playing my AC/DC discography to burn in :eyebrows:
Mmm that's is a pleasing look on those, completely agree re the cable, ok on a phone/ipod but no use for really at home when comfy on the sofa. Suggestions for a replacement cable welcome.
guyhayton
07-04-2013, 19:33
First audition now after just over seven hours of moderate burnin.. unfortunately, having to listen to lossless tracks played via laptop as the cable will not reach the Caiman - unless I sat on floor next to the rack. :(
Sound is pleasing, although totally different to my ATH-AD700s which are of course open-backed phones.
Discovered that not only is the cable very short, but the non-remote version of the cable has a bit of a loose-fit where it connects to the phones. This means as I move my head I hear a little rattly movement from the joint. Hmmm!
So I think there is a serious business opportunity for someone who is more practical than I - hint, hint :D
A five metre length of decent cable such as van de hul finished off with a good quality 1/4inch plug at one end, and a nice 3.5mm plug at the other.
I think there may be a bit of market for these given the number of MDR-1Rs that are probably going to be used at home by people such as I.
Put it this way... I would buy one :cool:
istari_knight
07-04-2013, 20:07
Not sure if linking to another forum is allowed ? I'll hope for the best...
Not ideal but a quick fix for those suffering "jack rattle" http://www.head-fi.org/t/640127/sony-mdr-1r-mdr-1rnc-fix-for-jack-rattle
guyhayton
07-04-2013, 20:31
Blue-tac.... :lol: Thanks James
But hey, I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the link (whether its allowed or not :eyebrows: )
No problems at all with mine, sorry to read others are suffering with this. :(
guyhayton
07-04-2013, 22:09
I've just emailed someone via their website who appear to make up audiophile cables to see what they would charge for a 5m replacement cable with a proper size jack for plugging into my Beresford Caiman DAC. Anyone else interested?
Here is a link to the website where I have asked the question - and the kind of work they do
http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/products/headphone-cables/
RochaCullen
08-04-2013, 11:43
Bagged a set of Silver and Brown ones last night. Looking forward to their arrival. All reviews I've read so far have been very complimentary.
archiesdad
08-04-2013, 18:46
I've just emailed someone via their website who appear to make up audiophile cables to see what they would charge for a 5m replacement cable with a proper size jack for plugging into my Beresford Caiman DAC. Anyone else interested?
Here is a link to the website where I have asked the question - and the kind of work they do
http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/products/headphone-cables/
Aha, just the folk I was thinking of contacting although maybe a litle shorter cable, keep us informed please. Ta.
guyhayton
08-04-2013, 19:25
Paul at Reference Fidelity Components is a gent and his work is exemplary. He got back to me and whilst he would happily produce the required cables using the very best kit, I couldn't really justify to myself paying what would amount to about half what I paid for the headphones of 'the bay'. Particularly, after last nights bottle of wine wore off <laughs>
I have however, found another source of a replacement 4 metre cable for my Sony phones. The downside is that it is black 'van damme' cable and plugs :doh:
So my lovely Silver+Brown phones will now have a black cable when listening to the DAC. Never mind.
Just been notified that the cables in the post so will give some further feedback when it arrives in the next couple of days.
You could have just asked Paul (Reffc) (http://theartofsound.net/forum/member.php?u=6964) on here, as he is a regular poster and active member! :)
guyhayton
08-04-2013, 19:44
Alex... I've just edited my post to clarify... I did contact and ask Paul about making up a cable, but as anyone knows who has ever dealt with Paul, he only does the best work with the best gear. Quite honestly I couldn't justify the expense (I'm just buying a house at the moment - shouldn't really of bought the phones really :lol:)
Paul was a gent as I said, and understood when I got back to him earlier today,
guyhayton
09-04-2013, 17:09
Well I wasn't expecting to be posting so soon, but great news my replacement cable arrived today (excellent service as I only contacted the supplier yesterday morning, they've specced it, made it and delivered it in 24 hours).
Here are some photos - it's a 4m long cable
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4117/dsc2564small.jpg
Good solid connection to the earcup, it has solved the loose connection (rattle) and the clash with silver+brown is not as bad as I feared.
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6475/dsc2566small.jpg
Excellent Neutrik gold plated connectors
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9739/dsc2567small.jpg
Van Damme cable, nice and flexible and at four metres long has solved my "at home" listening with these new headphones.
All in all very pleased and I can highly recommend the supplier Chris Cooper at...
Connect Audio Ltd (http://www.connect-audio.co.uk/about.php)
I have also purchased this little thingy from Amazon 3.5mm Coupler Adaptor (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003O3QPRW/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) which I am hoping will allow me to turn this 4 metre lead into an extension lead for my other headphones. It was worth a punt at £1.19 posted.
RochaCullen
12-04-2013, 11:53
Well I won a set of these on the bay on Sunday night, and paid for them immediately. The seller still hasn't acknowledged the payment or contacted me about postage. Its only four going on five days I know, but a quick email isnt much to ask for. Lets hope I hear from them soon.
Nathan
I bought a pair for my 16 yr old son for his birthday last week, he's extremely pleased with them.....I took the opportunity to buy myself a pair of AKG 550s at the same time for the same money :)......
RochaCullen
12-04-2013, 16:53
I bought a pair for my 16 yr old son for his birthday last week, he's extremely pleased with them.....I took the opportunity to buy myself a pair of AKG 550s at the same time for the same money :)......
Have you tried both of the out?? Can you give us your thoughts.
RochaCullen
16-04-2013, 08:19
Well they've arrived and they are here on my desk with their cellophane still on. Lets hope they do the business.
I'd still be interested to hear how they compare with the AKGs.
Nice one Nathan, be interesting to see what you think of them. :)
RochaCullen
16-04-2013, 09:21
Nice one Nathan, be interesting to see what you think of them. :)
Due to the lack of a 1/4 inch connector, I've had to plug them straight into my laptop.
First impressions are: they are very comfortable, and their presentation is quite dark, but after listening for only a few minutes, I am already getting used to it.
I'll get the connector at home this evening and then I will be able to plug them into my new Pro-ject Headbox DS DAC and Amplifier. I have a feeling their combo will be very good, as the Headbox is very polite and the Sonys will probably add a little syrup, which can only help.
Nathan
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