Sony MDR-1AM2 - Impressions Thread
Jan 8, 2018 at 9:05 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 1,176

XERO1

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As wireless headphones are quickly taking over the entry-level and midrange headphone market, at the 2018 CES, Sony announced their commitment to continuing to offer a high quality wired headphone option with the brand new MDR-1AM2 ($299.99).

As a happy owner of the MDR-1A, I am really looking forward to hearing these as soon as they come out later this spring!

https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-1am2

https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/8/16858566/sony-mdr-1am2-headphones-hi-res-audio-ces-2018

https://www.phileweb.com/news/d-av/201801/09/43011.html

Specs:

- 40mm aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm

- 16 Ohm impedance

- 98 dB/mW sensitivity
 
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Jan 8, 2018 at 9:10 PM Post #2 of 1,176
Nice, although there still seems to be the huge port on top of the earcup like in the MDR-1A which does not allow for good isolation. I liked the MDR-1A but the lack of isolation is very odd for a portable headphone.
 
Jan 9, 2018 at 1:48 AM Post #3 of 1,176
I've been a fan of this line of theirs so hopefully this one is even better than the 1A!
 
Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59 PM Post #7 of 1,176
I hope they have a bit better highs and mids than the 1AM1. If this is the case they could be the best entry-level "hifi/audiophile" headphone. If they sound somewhat like the Z1R they would fit a very special segment and would, like the normal 1A, only get recommended for bass lovers.
 
Jan 9, 2018 at 2:31 PM Post #8 of 1,176
It looks like Sony is using a very similar driver to the one that they used in the MDR-1A, but it has different specs and also appears to have a somewhat different motor structure.

Hopefully, the MDR-1AM2 will be tuned to be less bass-heavy and have a more neutral signature.


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MDR-1A

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MDR-1AM2
 
Jan 9, 2018 at 6:05 PM Post #9 of 1,176
It looks like these are going to be available in two different color options: black-on-black and silver-on-grey.

I think both versions look great! :heart_eyes:

I've updated the OP with pics of both.
 
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Jan 9, 2018 at 6:13 PM Post #10 of 1,176
Already released, is called Z1R :wink: on the release of it the Sony team said its a Z7 2.0 / Mark 2

Aww come on, that's cheating :laughing:. You got me there. Fortunately I have the Z1R already too, lol. All humor aside, I do think they could improve the Z7 in a similar fashion to what they're doing here. I felt the midbass on the Z7 was also a bit too strong relative to the mids and highs, the short time that I owned it.
 
Jan 10, 2018 at 8:50 AM Post #11 of 1,176
Being 1A owner I've got a few things to consider...

1. New version is not as good looking as 1A, at least on photos, black looks meh, grey one is ok
2. Looks like the headband is all plastic this time https://www.phileweb.com/news/photo/d-av/430/43011/P3.jpg
3. Possible driver downgrade... going from 48 in 1A to only 16 ohms in M2 bothers me, as low impedence drivers are known to be not as resolving...
4. Price too high, but typically for Sony 299$ in USA, probably 150-200$ in Europe like 1A
5. Hopefully no more creacking sounds, especially in left earcup
6. Soundwise, wishing for better controlled and more textured bass, with 2-3db less midbass
 
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Jan 10, 2018 at 2:30 PM Post #12 of 1,176
Jan 11, 2018 at 4:02 PM Post #15 of 1,176
I don't care much for those huge ear pads on what I consider a portable. Why would you ever change the ear pads on the MDR-1A anyway? They were perfect.
Huge ear pads? The pads on these look identical to the soft but thin stock pads on MDR-1A version 1. I had to change those to MSR7 or Meze 99 pads). Those are a little thicker and the extra space provided give them a better sound in different ways (MSR7 clearer & the Meze Pads enhance the bass and bring the mids way out from being recessed). I had bought a small hard case on EBay for like $10-$20 that these fit perfectly in folded flat. Just as portable as before, it's possible to have thick enough padding and be portable. Thin, small pads ruin portable headphones.
 

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