[XERO1]

The MDR-1A has just became available for pre-order on Sony USA's website for $299.99 with a 9-30-14 release date.
 
I'm really hoping that these will have a significant SQ improvement over the 1R/1R MkII since the 1A's are using a new ALCP 40mm driver.
 
Can't wait to hear these for myself!
 
http://store.sony.com/premium-hi-res-stereo-headphones-zid27-MDR1A//cat-27-catid-All-Headphones-Earbuds
 
Now on Amazon.com
 
MDR-1A/B:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR1A-Premium-Hi-Res-Headphones/dp/B00NBMHY58/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1410024089&sr=8-10&keywords=sony+mdr-1a
 
MDR-1A/S:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR1A-Premium-Hi-Res-Headphones/dp/B00NBMHYGM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1410024089&sr=8-9&keywords=sony+mdr-1a
 

 
 

 
 
9-5-16 Update:
 
2 years after the release of the MDR-1A, Sony has just added another version of the MDR-1A to their lineup!
 
The MDR-1A Limited Edition has a matte black finish with perforated leather earcups and headband.  It should have the same MSRP as the regular 1A.
 
It sure looks sexy!

 
https://www.sony.com/en-ly/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-1a-headphones
 
 
(This image is a render.  I will provide images of the real headphone as they become available.)

 

[AUserName501]

Major problems with the MDR-1R was the awful boomy bass, frequency response notch between 2Khz and 8Khz and poor power handling. Hopefully, using aluminium coated LCP instead of LCP will improve this but I wouldn't expect to see massive improvements.
 
For a $300 closed headphone you should be getting a smooth frequency response curve, tight bass without sub-bass roll off and good clarity. They need to be as good as the Spirit Pro and NAD HP50.

 

[munchzilla]

definitely interested in hearing these, I like my modded MDR-1R but the stock ones weren't very impressive. super comfy and good looking and light weight, very nice portables for those reasons.
I assume the cable mount is fixed too? as the 1R's wasn't very solid.

 

[Boffy]

  definitely interested in hearing these, I like my modded MDR-1R but the stock ones weren't very impressive. super comfy and good looking and light weight, very nice portables for those reasons.
I assume the cable mount is fixed too? as the 1R's wasn't very solid.

This! I am satisfied regarding the sound, since I use them as my portable headphones and I have another home setup. However, that cable rattle issue was a huge disappointment for me.
 
Also, would you please explain to me your 1R mod if you don't mind? I am curious if I can improve the SQ on my stock 1R.  

 

[munchzilla]

  This! I am satisfied regarding the sound, since I use them as my portable headphones and I have another home setup. However, that cable rattle issue was a huge disappointment for me.
 
Also, would you please explain to me your 1R mod if you don't mind? I am curious if I can improve the SQ on my stock 1R.  

 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/665529/dynamat-mod-for-sony-mdr-1r/60#post_10515886
 
this is the mod I did for mine 

 

[XERO1]

Here's some new pics that were just posted on the MDR-1A's Amazon product pages.
 
It looks like the silver parts of the MDR-1A/S have a slightly blue/greyish cast to them compared to the original MDR-1R/S.
 
The MDR-1A/B's colors appears to be relatively unchanged.
 

 

 

 

 

[rhull1973]

Is it just me or do the pads seem deeper?

 

[munchzilla]

I thought so too, but it doesn't seem like it in the photos of these models wearing them.

 

[wigglepuff]

the pads seems thicker in the pic, like those pads with rope underneat them to make them deeper(youtube video tutorial). I wonder how they will sound compared to the 1rmk2, hope they will be great.

 

[rgr555]

any reviews?

 

[HiWire]

They are incorrectly listed as the MDR1AB ($349.00) on the Canadian site: http://store.sony.ca/premium-hi-res-stereo-headphones-zid31-MDR1A/
 
I think the main difference is in the cables – they appear to be offering Kimber and balanced cable options.
 
At 24 ohms impedance and 105 dB/mW sensitivity, they should run easily out of most portable players and amps.

 

[wigglepuff]

the site you posted has an error, lol.
 
1a/1b are probably for different cable configs, and are the new top of the line for portables.
 
this is the new flagsip model coming fhttp://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-z7#product_details_default

 

[XERO1]

 
 
I think the main difference is in the cables – they appear to be offering Kimber and balanced cable options.

 
It seems hard to believe that a mainstream company like Sony would offer a $200 cable for its $300 headphones.
 
It remains to be seen if Sony's balanced Kimber Kables for the MDR-1A will be the same as the thick braided ones that will be made for the MDR-Z7.
 
But AFAIK, this is the first 'lifestyle'-type headphone made that can easily support a balanced connection, which is pretty sweet.

 

[dweaver]

the pads definitely look bigger and fuller. Possibly a bit more isolating, hopefully they don't lose their comfort.

 

[XERO1]

  the pads definitely look bigger and fuller. Possibly a bit more isolating, hopefully they don't lose their comfort.

 
MDR-1R/S

 
MDR-1A/S


The pads for the MDR-1A do look thicker but appear to have a smaller opening for the ear.