Sony MDR-M1ST - Sony's 2019 Studio Monitor Headphone

[XERO1]

http://www.smci.jp/s/headp/news/detail/10023?ima=5122
https://www.phileweb.com/news/d-av/201906/29/47798.html
https://www.phileweb.com/review/article/201908/24/3550.html

Sony has created a new professional monitoring headphone!

According to the press release (thanks to Google Translate), the MDR-M1ST has been in development for 4 1/2 years!

Looks-wise, it combines Sony's current headphone design aesthetic with Sony's classic studio headphone designs of the past, like the MDR-7506 and the Japan-only MDR-CD900ST.

Also, it uses a 4-pole 3.5mm connector on the headphone itself, which suggests that the MDR-M1ST should be capable of using a balanced cable.

I'll update this as more info becomes available.

Update - The MDR-M1ST will be Made in Japan, so their build quality should be excellent!
Update - The MDR-M1ST will only be available for purchase in Japan, but of course it will be sold by third-party exporters in other regions.
Update - The MDR-M1ST will be released on 7-23-19.


Specs:
Driver - 40mm
Sensitivity - 103 dB/mW
Impedance - 24Ω (1kHz)
Weight - 215g
Price - 31,500 yen (approx. $300)

 

[Kukuk]

Ah Sony, you always know how to get my money. I'll be keeping an eye on this.

 

[astroid]

Excited for this one, the cd900st is one of my all time faves and this looks like a comfy alternative.
From here on its called the Sony Mist !

 

[Feilong4]

Different earpads finally, huh? Hopefully, that doesn't mean it'll be too bassy.

 

[halcyon]

Shipping August 23rd (JAP), price is 31,500 yen + tax which would roughly translate to $316USD SRP (with standard 8% JAP sales tax).

At that price it will have a lot of competition and big boots to fill.

In the PR blurb Sony is claiming improved swivel mechanism and reduced noise.

Sony Store (JAP) will have the in-store demo units for listening beginning on July 2nd.

 

[Ra97oR]

The frame design looks like the MDR-1R, so the comfort should be pretty good.

 

[Asahi Templar]

These are really interesting headphones, looks like a fusion of the MDR-1AM2 and the CD900ST. Definitely going to give this a try at a Sony Store when I get a chance.

If I am understanding some of the articles about it these are going to be handmade at the Sony factory in Oita, Japan. Quite surprising considering these are relatively affordable.

Eearphones blog also suggests that the pads are thicker and plusher than the MDR-1AM2 pads which means these are going to be super comfy.

Assuming these are tuned well, getting a handcrafted in Japan durable pair of headphones for 300 bucks will be quite a value.

 

[deafdoorknob]

yes they are made in japan and designed as part of Sony Music Studios, home to only a handful of classics like EX800st and CD900st

 

[Ra97oR]

I believe all the ST series are handmade in Japan. But also sold in white cardboard boxes without warranty too.

I love my EX800ST, they are my second choice when I don't want to use my CIEM or want less isolation (at work, etc).

If the MIST sounds great too, they could easily be my go to office phone.

 

[Ra97oR]

[URL]http://www.smci.jp/s/headp/news/detail/10023?ima=5122[/URL]

Official Sony Music page for the announcement.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I want this!!!!

 

[Kukuk]

I want this!!!!

I feel like you and I have "Property of Sony" stamped on our wallets.

 

[SilverEars]

Hopefully, it doesn't sound as bright as previous gen, and better balanced.

Lately, I haven't been all that thrilled with Sony's progresssion. Their prices goes up, but performance doesn't go up with it. My outlook on the brand isn't great.

 

[theveterans]

Impedance and sensitivity makes it so easy to drive with DAPs

 

[XERO1]

http://www.smci.jp/s/headp/news/detail/10023?ima=5122

Official Sony Music page for the announcement.

Interesting. I didn't realize that Sony Music Solutions is a small, music studio-based subsidiary of Sony itself.
And the MDR-M1ST is only the third product (the MDR-CD900ST and MDR-EX800ST are the other two) that has been developed by them.
Pretty cool.