Sony MDR-1AM2 - Impressions Thread
May 19, 2018 at 2:46 PM Post #211 of 1,177
I've heard the MDR-1A with different pads and tested the Cascade at Can Jam NYC. First its ear cups don't extend far enough for my head. Second it has even more mid bass bloom vs. every variation of the Sony MDR-1A. People are divided on the 1AM2 vs. the older Sony I have. Some say same bass, some less. The Sony MDR-1A with Meze 99 pads to me will win, as it improves higher end detail and spatial qualities. The Cascade had similar bright but not fatiguing highs (at moderate to lower volume). The MDR-1A has fuller mids, close to perfect there. The Cascade would not have a recessed midrange honestly, it is just a bit overshadowed by the huge mid bass bump. Low mids stock are similar, but the Meze 99 pads clean those up. Sub bass is similar stock, but with Meze pads I'd get sub bass from the MDR-1A like I've never heard from any other can. Huge quantity equal to the mid bass area but no bleed into the lower mids. I just couldn't spend long with the Cascade due to fit issues.
How did you get the Meze 99 pads on the MDR-1A, since it has the hook and clip on plastic backing? I put them on my MDR-1ABT, which sounds great and adds the characteristics you mention, but I also want to try them on my MDR-1A as well.
 
May 19, 2018 at 7:08 PM Post #212 of 1,177
How did you get the Meze 99 pads on the MDR-1A?
Take off old pads. Stretch outer ring of 99 pads over the cup, wrapping it all the way around the outside of the cup. Not too much force, it's a snug fit. Once in place, feel around the inside of the cup under the pads. There is a hard plastic under ring, inside the actual 99 pad. Make sure it is evenly alighed all around, as after putting them on and stretching the outer ring, that plastic thing could be a bit out of place from all that. No cutting / clicking or anything.
 
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May 20, 2018 at 12:33 AM Post #213 of 1,177
Hi guys - i’m hoping that someone can answer a quick question for me. I just ordered a set of the MDR1a refurbished from eBay and they don’t come with the cable. However, they were really good deal so I scooped them up. I’m just wondering if the MDR1a takes a standard 3.5mm with a typical step on it? Or do I need a specific Sony propratary type cable? It had me thinking after I watched a Z Review of the set. Thanks for any insight in advance. Cheers!
 
May 21, 2018 at 4:39 AM Post #214 of 1,177
How are these Sony cans for movies?
Right now I'm using the Sony MA900
for movies but sometimes I miss this rumbling bass response for action movies...
They seem to be as comfortable as the MA900 as they are also so lightweight?
 
May 21, 2018 at 11:44 AM Post #215 of 1,177
How are these movies? Are also so lightweight?
Very lightweight. The earpads are less roomy, which is why I upgraded to Meze 99 pads ($20, direct at Meze website) and bought that cable and case linked down there for it. With either the stock or Meze pads these have far better sub bass reach and impact than the Sony MA900 which I have tried before. In fact, the Meze pads slightly cleared up lower mids and high bass while maintaining mid bass and improving sub bass. Some of the cleanest most powerful subs I've heard. For less mid bass, a little less sub bass, a slightly brighter sound with even more room for ears, try Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 pads. https://tinyurl.com/ya76zxdd Meze - https://www.mezeaudio.com/products/earpads
wondering if the MDR1a takes a standard 3.5mm with a typical step on it?
It's 3.5 mm on both ends but the plug that goes into the headphone cup has to be very narrow. Luckily they make specific cables for that. This is longer (3 meters, that's a bit over 9 ft.). I use them at home mainly so that is what it's for. The stock short cable is in the hard case I got for travel use. Links to both of what I bought are below at Amazon.

Cable - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y7USFPQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Case - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0716D4J5S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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May 23, 2018 at 6:26 PM Post #216 of 1,177
Hi. I've just purchased them for 60 bucks. I haven't listened to MDR 1A but I like 100AAP. I hope these exceed them.
 
May 23, 2018 at 10:53 PM Post #220 of 1,177
No. I bought a new 1AM2 for $60. I'm from Turkey and I purchased it on a pretty famous website. You can see the screenshot. I blurred some information btw. Grey one goes for 1299TL ($280) but black one was 279TL ($60) as you can see below. I thought it was a misspelling but they shipped it the same day. Since grey one costs 1299TL, it'd be logical to write 299TL if they misspelled it :) So I think they deliberately sold it for 279TL. I posted a thread about it on a forum and 10 pieces were sold and all of them have been shipped. This also confirms that they didn't make a mistake.

I don't know what happened but I'm happy :) The same site sold Fidelio X2HR for $150 a month ago. It wasn't as good of a deal but it was good nonetheless.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/890/42312811341_dac09c90dc_o.jpg

https://www.teknosa.com/urunler/110262664/sony-mdr1am2sce7-kulakustu-kulaklik-gumus
 
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May 23, 2018 at 11:26 PM Post #221 of 1,177
No. I bought a new 1AM2 for $60. I'm from Turkey and I purchased it on a pretty famous website. You can see the screenshot. I blurred some information btw. Grey one goes for 1299TL ($280) but black one was 279TL ($60) as you can see below. I thought it was a misspelling but they shipped it the same day. Since grey one costs 1299TL, it'd be logical to write 299TL if they misspelled it :) So I think they deliberately sold it for 279TL. I posted a thread about it on a forum and 10 pieces were sold and all of them have been shipped. This also confirms that they didn't make a mistake.

I don't know what happened but I'm happy :) The same site sold Fidelio X2HR for $150 a month ago. It wasn't as good of a deal but it was good nonetheless.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/890/42312811341_dac09c90dc_o.jpg

https://www.teknosa.com/urunler/110262664/sony-mdr1am2sce7-kulakustu-kulaklik-gumus
That's got to be the deal of the decade! great find and hope you enjoy them.
 
May 24, 2018 at 8:41 AM Post #223 of 1,177
That's got to be the deal of the decade! great find and hope you enjoy them.

Omg

very lucky. I'm envy you...

Thank you very much. They've just arrived. My first impressions are quite positive. Especially about soundstage. It's spacious for a closed back headphone.
 
May 25, 2018 at 12:37 PM Post #225 of 1,177
Take off old pads. Stretch outer ring of 99 pads over the cup, wrapping it all the way around the outside of the cup. Not too much force, it's a snug fit. Once in place, feel around the inside of the cup under the pads. There is a hard plastic under ring, inside the actual 99 pad. Make sure it is evenly alighed all around, as after putting them on and stretching the outer ring, that plastic thing could be a bit out of place from all that. No cutting / clicking or anything.
Thanks!

When poking around Amazon, I found these headphones and they are great! To me, they sound like an upgraded MDR-1A, especially for those that enjoy bass and sub-bass. The mid-range on these are also better, IMO. I started a new impressions thread for them.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/archgon-delicato-over-ear-hi-res-headphones-impressions.880507/
 

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