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Sony MDR-M1 Professional Reference Closed Monitor Headphones

Based on 254 reviews
Condition: New
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$268.00
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Arrives Saturday, Nov 14
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At a glance

Condition
New
Model
MDR-M1
Weight
216 g
Color
Black
Ear Placement
Over Ear
Impedance
50 ohm
Built-In Media
2 detachable cables
Warranty
1 year
Works with
[A broad range of devices with a 6.3 mm or 3.5 mm stereo jack, or using an adapter for those jacks]

Features 7

  • STUDIO SOUND, UNLEASHED: Ultra-wideband playback and a closed acoustic structure with high sound isolation allows for detailed and precise monitoring, for a wide range of audio production workflows.
  • ULTRA-WIDE PLAYBACK: The uniquely designed driver unit balances low distortion with reproduction of low frequencies to high frequencies for ultra-wideband playback and accurate reproduction from 5 Hz80 kHz.
  • HIGH-FIDELITY, FAITHFUL SOUND REPRODUCTION: A closed acoustic structure with effective sound isolation facilitates precise audio production in a variety of applications.
  • IN COLLABRATION WITH CREATORS: We collaborated with renowned industry engineers to achieve a sound that accurately reproduces the creative intent.

Description

Experience precise sound with reference closed monitor headphones designed for creators. Featuring ultra-wideband playback and a closed acoustic structure with accurate sound isolation, they reproduce detailed sound across various sound sources. With high-resolution capability and a frequency response of 5Hz-80kHz, these headphones deliver accurate, well-balanced sound for professional music production.

Specs 41

Brand Sony
Color Black
Ear Placement Over Ear
Form Factor Over Ear
Impedance 50 ohm
Brand Name Sony
Model Number MDR-M1
Model Name MDR-M1

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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Saturday, Nov 14

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Top Amazon Reviews


Pure and true…
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
As a career 7506 user, these are an outstanding upgrade. Sound quality while using the MPC Live 3 is amazing. The translation from headphone mix down to car system is pretty amazing. Simply put, if it sounds good on these, it sounds good everywhere. They feel light but sturdy. The cables feel well built and exact. I’m sure you will find more expensive ones, but they feel like they are a part of the equation that make these headphones what they are. Sometimes, buying after market items may cause issues down the line. I’m an original product kind of guy. I have big head and flat ears and they fit me well. After a few hours of using Fender Pro with a Focusrite, I had no ear fatigue or marks due to weight or tightness. I paid $200+ on these and I feel like I have a new companion for the next decade, so I will say that it’s worth the price. I’ve used expensive headphones at other locations and they are something special, but there is something pure about the quality of sound these have that tells me that I’m going to have these for a long time. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2026 by JusKolMeAl

PHENOMENAL HEADPHONES!!! Buy them now! Audiophile Approved.
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
These are absolutely fantastic headphones for enjoying music. No frills. No special tube amps, silver cables, or $1000+ stacks. No custom PEQ. No FR graphs or Harmon targets. Literally just plug them in and enjoy. I own several Sennheiser, Fiio, Audeze, and HiFiman headphones that are $1000+ and "audiophile grade". I am quite familiar with expensive and high quality headphones and amps... And I also know that once you hit a certain price range, headphones are not "better" - they just come in different flavors that fit your preference or genre of music they sound best for. These Sony MDR-M1 headphones are simply phenomenal. Sure, they don't have the MOST bass I've ever heard, but they have PLENTY (of both Sub Bass and mid Bass). Midrange is clear and balanced in the mix without sounding shouty, and Treble is clear and well represented but not peaky or offensive. Sony has absolutely NAILED IT making a one-size-fits-all, ultra-light, ultra-comfortable headphone. EVERY genre of music sounds fantastic on these. They are a jack of all trades. I would say that literally everything is 8.5/10, which is damn good for being so cheap and comfortable for all-day use. AND they fold flat for easy traveling in a slim hard case! What more could you ask for!!? If you want great closed-back headphones for lounging, chilling, or wearing at work (without looking like a helicopter pilot), these are going to be hard to beat. If you want to get the best out of them, spend the extra $20 on a USBC-3.5MM DAC/AMP with the X31993 & MAX97220 combo (you can find these by searching those chip models). They are super cheap and simple but make a HUGE difference compared to basic usbc-3.5mm adapters, including apple's. I also replaced my ear pads with Soulwit Cooling Gel pads and they sound great and are much more comfortable (I have big ears). But this was not essential. Don't listen to the nay-sayers and old people complaining that these aren't as good as the MDR-7506. These are fantastic headphones that everyone should buy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026 by David Umina

Amazing closed backs for not much $$$
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
Bought as a set to augment my wonderful but creaky sounding headband equipped Audeze LCD-1’s. I love those, but the headband has always made an annoying creaky noise with every little head moment. These don’t do that aside from appearing to use what very well could have been Sony parts for their headband system. They look very close if you compare images of the 2. Even the BT WH-1000x3’s are a similar design. Regardless, these are quiet from a mechanical noise perspective. Here’s my mini “review” from a headphone group I’m in on Facebook: “2 channel hifi on the go. Or on the couch when I don’t want to disturb anyone. These are the most recent versions of the ubiquitous and long time standard issue recording and mixing headphones but boy, they sure don’t sound like I recall the venerable 7506’s sounding. These are good. Not just for a professional application product but also a hifi enjoyment pair of headphones. They’re actually quite neutral to my ears but not in a way that makes things dull or boring, or even critically revealing to the point of merely being a studio tool like NS-10’s or Auratones. Something built for a specific purpose but not because they actually sound amazing. No, these are just plain good all around. For closed backs they actually throw a decently wide soundstage and their imaging is pinpoint precise. The have adequate bass and sub bass when called for but it’s not overdone to the point where it bleeds in to the midrange which remains crystal clear, full bodied and tonally correct. The treble range has appropriate energy and sparkle and air, but avoids being bright, harsh or sibilant. It’s just right. I’m super happy with these so far. I may investigate different ear pads to get a little more breathability as they can become a little warm on my ears for extended sessions. And I think something a little softer that perhaps uses a different material be it nylon, micro suede or something like a fenestrated sheepskin could work. As is though, pretty darn great. And I hear their open back siblings the MDR-MV1 are even better. I look forward to trying them. But Sony nailed it with this set IMO. And I’m happy to have them. These are the Sony MDR-M1. I dare say a potential future classic continuing Sony’s long standing professional product range, but one that also absolutely works for enjoyable music playback with a nice warm cup of coffee or beverage of choice and your favorite tunes.” So yeah, as you might have guessed, I’m very pleased. As mentioned the ear pads can be a little cramped and also don’t breathe super well which is common for closed backs using pleather pads. An easy fix for not much money. Not everyone may even feel the need to do this. Fed out of my iBasso DX-180 these are just plain silly good and a lot of fun to listen to. Thought about the MV-1’s and the HD-550 and Sennheiser HD-490 Pro, but probably as a companion to these, not a replacement. As for now I’m simply too busy enjoying my music. Btw, these come with 2 cables, a 1.2 meter cable for portable use with a 3.5mm single ended plug and a 2.5 meter cable with a standard 1/4 inch jack. The packaging could have been a little nicer for the price. A included case or storage bag at least. But that’s a nit pick. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025 by Candis💕

Love these new cans - with MY pads on 'em
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
I've been using the Sony MDR line since the late 1980s, when I bought my first pair of MDR-V6s and would've happily kept replacing them every 5-10 years or so had they kept making them. Along the way, I picked up a pair of the supposed superior successor the 7506, but for some reason the sound never clicked for me. Then in 2020, Sony stopped making the V6 (boo). I was due for a new set and went back and forth between a new 7506 or spring for the M1—and I'm glad I did. What I've never liked about any of the Sony headphones are the earpads, whether it's fake 'pleather' that inevitably cracks and begins to flake. The headband does eventually, too. And they make my head sweat, especially in summer or when worn a long time. What you're seeing on these brand new Sony MDR-M1s are an 8yo pair of Beyerdynamic EDT250V replacement earpads from my last MDR-V6, still in great shape, which fit -perfectly-, and a generic headband cover. Way more comfortable. (They appear still to be available, by the way.) As for the MDR-M1 set, WITH the replacement pads, they've super comfortable. Sound quality is superb and I'm hearing layers in the music I hadn't heard in years (and thought it was just my aging hearing). Dynamic range is excellent and audibly not quite as bass-muddy as the old V6s could sometimes be. One thing I noticed when I removed the existing M1 pads is the drivers in the cups are angled, unlike the old flat design. I do rather having the option of two different cable lengths and no more coils to deal with—the short one is a good length to connect to the DAC on my desk, although it'd be nice if it was maybe 1/3 longer. The alternate long cable, for what I'm using this for, is definitely longer than I need. I'll admit the sticker price is high, but I feel it was worth it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2025 by BeccaM

Sony quality monitors
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
First off, these were super light and comfy. I wear glasses most of the time and these are by far have been my most comfortable headphone. I did end up returning these mostly because of the sibilance I was experiencing. Yes, I KNOW I can eq out the highs to reduce it, but I am the type of person who wants a product that works out of the box. A buy once, cry once type. Some things I liked about the headphones: - Very lightweight - Love the little headband adjustment lines. Had no issues with the sizing at all. (Fits my big head) - The bass is present, but not overwhelming. Do not expect a THX experience with these reference monitors - Sound stage is intimate in my opinion, but clear separation between voice and instruments. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2026 by Stanley Wu

Good quality. correct size
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
Perfect fit ,sound is terrific.
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2026 by Kiko

Too much bass
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
So I really wanted to like these, i really did. I did end up returning them, but not till I gave them a good honest try, but the sound was too colored for me to accept. I am a gear head/ audiophile type of person, and i love accuracy but I will accept some coloration if it adds to the emotion (I love my McIntosh gear). But, if it impedes the music, or layers of it, I will find myself focusing in on these "flaws" and not enjoying my music. I have multiple Sony cans (V6, 7506, 1000mx5) so this is not a bashing of Sony to bash Sony, again I really wanted to like these. They are wonderfully comfortable, light on the head, good isolation for passive cans, swappable cords, so much good going on. Then the sound. Too much bass! I like bass, but it must be balanced, this was not. The texture was ok, not great, but it overpowered everything else giving everything i played a darker tilt. Now i listen to a variety of genres (classic rock, prog metal, pop, classical, jazz, instrumental, not so much on the hip-hop or rap side of things though) so i put these through a lot of styles, the pattern was consistent, a darker tilt. Now, if you are a bass head, buy this now, it has tons. But if you do like balanced sound, this is not balanced at all. if you get away from the bass, everything else is wonderful, highs are clear, mids are slightly recessed but clean. But when the rest of the band comes in, drums and bass guitar, organs, you will lose the mids, the highs are still there, but also swallowed up somewhat. I really really wanted to like these, broke them in for about 60+ hours, did level matched comparisons (using a Fiio K9 pro ess dac/amp). I kept thinking maybe it was me, but after a lot of direct comparisons across a bunch of different styles of music, I still came to the same conclusion (note, i used AKG 240's, 702's, Hifiman 400se's, and the 1000mx5's passively for comparisons in additions to the other Sony's). The excess bass was distracting for me, pulled me out of the music. For some, this may be perfect, but sadly for me it led to returning it. It has all the quality we expect from Sony, but the sound was not, I will go back to my MDR v6's (the wife has the 7506"s). 3 stars is because this may come down to taste thing, it just didn't match mine, solid cans, just too much bass. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2026 by D. Barnhart

Sony MDR-M1 Headphones; great bargain
Color: Black Size: One size Style: Boom microphone stand with a telescoping...
With these Sony MDR-M1 headphones, I hear new details of music I've listened to many times. No batteries required and you get full bass from just a cell phone. I've tried many different headphones and these are the best for a reasonable price. I consider these headphones a great bargain.
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2026 by Richard C.
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