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Sony

Sony MDR-MV1 Open Back Reference Monitor Headphones

Based on 166 reviews
Condition: New
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$418.00
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Arrives Thursday, Nov 12
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At a glance

Condition
New
Model
MDRMV1
Weight
226 g
Color
Black
Ear Placement
Over Ear
Impedance
24 ohm
Built-In Media
Cable
Warranty
1 year manufacturer
Works with
Cellphones, Tablets, Laptops, Desktops

Features 5

  • STUDIO MONITOR SOUND FOR MIXING & MASTERING: Supports Mixing and Mastering of Immersive/Spatial and Stereo Sound with High-Resolution capability
  • EXCELLENT WEARING COMFORT: Extremely comfortable design, made of strong and lightweight Aluminum Alloy, soft suede ear pad material, and secure fitting for extended hours of use.
  • ACCURATE HIGH RES SOUND: Wide frequency response 5Hz80 kHz, accurate high-resolution and well-balanced sound, nearly identical to a speaker-based production environment.
  • OPEN BACK DESIGN: Newly developed HD driver units optimized for an open-back acoustic structure, reproduces a rich low frequency range.

Description

The MDR-MV1 Open-back Studio Monitor Headphones for creating spatial and stereo sound with super-wide frequency range and soundstage. Neutral and high- resolution acoustic characteristics reproduce each sound element exactly as it is. Excellent wearing comfort with light weight supports long hours of use.

Specs 45

Brand Sony
Color Black
Ear Placement Over Ear
Form Factor Over Ear
Impedance 24 ohm
Brand Name Sony
Model Number MDRMV1
Model Name MDR-MV1

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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Thursday, Nov 12

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Top Amazon Reviews

Wasn't expecting much...was curious....and wow!
Finally - a V shaped open back - (not boring, dull & neutral like most open backs)...that also has a great balance to it with wonderful width. It's like having the best of both worlds - a fun lively sound that closed backs give you, but with an open, airy sound, with a wide soundstage. Plus - the mids aren't too far away or recessed like others that have either a v shape or wide soundstage. I really wasn't expecting much out of this headphone. I don't need them (I have several decent sets) but I was always curious since they came out. I figured I'd try them and go from there. I did do some research on them, but I was more "iffy" about getting these than probably any other headphone I've ever bought. To be honest, I sort of wrote Sony off for headphones. It seemed like you really have to spend something like $2k to get anything worth while from Sony these days regarding a headphone. Not true! These fit the bill for quality sounding heaphones that are also lively and not a snorefest to listen to. Plus they have plenty of detail in the sound as well. As I sometimes say - music is supposed to be fun...don't listen to all those audiophiles that push extremely neutral, bass lean headphones that have no life whatsoever (unless you like that really dull boring neutered bass sound...then have at it...that's ok too.) As for me, I like something that's both detailed and has at least some sort of fun factor to it. Now wait - do I have neutral headphones - yes. However, I usually either use an EQ or try them on my stack with tubes (that warms things up and adds a little low end on those more neutral sets.) These don't need anything. Plug and play. They're also low impedance - you don't need an amp. As for the V shaping - I will say - they aren't super aggressive either...nor are they barely above neutral (I say that because a lot of audiophiles will call a neutral headphone that has mosquito bumps on a frequency response chart for bass and another mosquito bump for treble and then call it V shaped.) These actually have more than just mosquito bumps. But they aren't crazy aggressive either...They aren't basshead headphones out of the box (use EQ for that.) But if you want a definite V shape - I'd say between mild V and medium V shaped...some other folks would just simply say medium V shape - these are it. Depends on how much you like the low end and what you consider V shaped. I guess most would say it's medium V... definitely NOT FLAT...which is EXCELLENT for music) I like it's dynamics. Makes me happy. The bass is well defined with some texture, sub bass has good extension for an open back. Mid bass has enough thump to take care of most cravings. No bloat imo. The high-bass doesn't bloat and bleed into the lower mids. As for the treble, it has a nice sparkle to it - I like it...not too mello, not too bright. Some may think it's heading a tad bright (if you like more mello treble) but I say it's a nice sparkly treble that great. It's not too bright or have "s" issues - so that's good. No worries there. I personally like treble that has some character and detail. This fits the bill. Mids are clear without having that pushed back feeling like I said. Vocals are clear and instruments have enough separation. There is some warmth without it being thick. To me personally, these are balanced quite well. I just really think this is a good example of how an open back headphone should sound. It has transparency, air, width and some depth. When it comes to closed backs, I can go a bit more aggressive in sound - but I would also be very happy / satisfied with this tuning if it were closed. No problems whatsoever. But for an open back, Sony hit the mark imo. Love it! I wasn't sure how these would sound. Many manufacturers are really going for the neutral sound these days, especially in studio type headphones. That's perfect for professional studio work (depending) but not music (in my stuanch opinion.) I've always been a V shape guy and will always be a V shape guy. Again, I still like some neutral headphones...But I can't just plug them into any source and be happy without making EQ adjustments or actual modifications to the heaphones themselves. (Some neutrals are ok with my tube amp...depending...) These MV-1 open backs are great out of the box. Matter of fact, I like their overall balance better than some headphones twice the retail price of these. Sony really surprised me on this one. Comfort is great. No complaints. They look good. Construction is ok..wish the yolks were metal, but that's ok. My only small beef is - no case or bag or anything. These companies try to upsell you an expensive case with their logo. That's one benefit of buying the very competitive (and in many cases a better bang for the buck) Chi-Fi headphones because many of them come with nice cases and accessories/ cables (Fiio is one example.) But I don't feel like I got shafted here either. I don't care that much about things like cases. No biggie. It's a good quality heaphone. I use these in regular rotation and keep them on its own heaphone stand anyway. I may decide to get a generic case because I'm seriously considering making these one of my "take out" heaphone sets - especially since they are so easy to drive with anything (even a phone) and I don't have to adjust the sound. So these are a perfect candidate to take out for walks or even to the store. I know these have some sound leakage, but it's not that bad for an open back. I don't really go out that much. When I do, there's not that many people around. I have a collection of Bluetooth sets if I need to be in crowded spaces. Bottom line here - they did surprise me, they sound great out of box for music, and have everything I would want in an open back headphone. I would re-buy them if something happened to them. That's usually one of my tests to see whether I really like something (if I would re-buy it.) I would recommend for anyone who wants great sounding open back headphones (for music), that are comfortable, easy to drive and plug & play without messing with EQ (imo of course.) ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2026 by GOBLUE
Studio-Grade Clarity in Your Living Room — The MDR-MV1 is a Hidden Gem for Home Creators
Recently picked up the Sony MDR-MV1 open-back headphones after looking for a serious monitoring upgrade that wouldn’t blow my budget — and I have to say, these headphones are the most honest, immersive, and comfortable pair I’ve ever used. What Makes the MDR-MV1 Special? These aren’t your average consumer headphones — they were engineered specifically for professional mixing and spatial audio creation, and it shows. But here’s the twist: you don’t need to work in a multi-million-dollar studio to appreciate what they bring to the table. Whether you're a bedroom producer, podcast editor, or YouTuber who cares about audio integrity, the MDR-MV1 will change how you hear your work. Key Reasons to Buy: Open-Back Design = True-to-Life Soundstage This is where the magic happens. The open-back structure creates an airy, wide soundstage that replicates the feel of nearfield monitors — perfect for mixing, spatial panning, and detailed editing. You’ll hear reverb tails, background noise, and panning choices more accurately than on any closed-back headphone. For a home studio without acoustic treatment, this is a massive win. Flat, Transparent Frequency Response Sony tuned these to deliver ultra-flat and neutral audio, especially in the mids and highs. There’s no artificial bass boost here — just clean, reliable sound. That means what you hear while mixing is what your audience will hear after mastering. Spatial Audio Monitoring Ready If you’re dabbling in immersive formats like Dolby Atmos or 360 Reality Audio, these are built for it. The imaging and stereo separation are unbelievably precise. Even for stereo mixes, the detail is outstanding — you can place every instrument exactly where it belongs. Featherweight Comfort for Long Sessions At just around 223g, these are so light and breathable you’ll forget you’re wearing them. The open-back design also keeps your ears from overheating — ideal for those long late-night sessions or Zoom-based collaborations. Pro Build, Home Studio Friendly You don’t need expensive gear to pair with these. I run them through an affordable interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2), and they sound phenomenal. They’re low impedance (24 ohms), so you don’t need a headphone amp to drive them — they’ll work great even if you’re starting out. Why You Should Get These Over Other "Studio" Headphones: Most closed-back headphones (even expensive ones) are great for tracking or casual listening — but they lie to you when mixing. You’ll often make EQ or balance decisions based on colored sound. The MDR-MV1 tells the truth, which is exactly what you want if you're publishing content or producing music people will actually hear on other devices. For the price, these compete with headphones double their cost. If you're in a home studio or content creation space, and want pro-level sound without investing in expensive room treatment or full-size monitors — this is your solution. Final Verdict: The Sony MDR-MV1 is hands-down the best investment I’ve made for my home studio. It delivers uncompromising sound quality in a package that respects both your ears and your wallet. If you want your work to sound the way it’s meant to — no guesswork, no hype — get these. Don’t mix blind. Listen smart. The MDR-MV1 is your new best friend. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2025 by GEEZY
Great Sound & Super Comfortable
These are some of the best headphones I have tried. The mids and bass are great, with a nice slightly warm tilt and a natural timbre. The upper mids and lower treble are a bit more laid back and "smooth", making for a comfortable, fatigue-free, yet still detailed, listening experience. The upper treble is a bit elevated, but in a nice way that isn't sibiliant or piercings, just well balanced with the warmth of the bass. So the sound signature is an overall gentle V-shape. The sound stage and imaging is great with these. Wonderful for gaming. You can pinpoint exactly where sounds are, even behind or above you. The soundstage has great depth. I would say it isn't very wide or "large" sounding, but still good and still provides enough openess. These are also seriously some of the most comfortable headphones too, only about 230 grams of weight, so very light, and the pads are extremely plush and soft. The clamping is also very gentle for people with larger heads, they are very comfortable. They are a bit pricey, but I think ultimately worth it for what they offer. The build quality is solid and geels pretty premium, so it feels like a headphone that should last a very long time. My biggest complaint is the cable. It's very bad to tangle and had some memory to it. It also has some unpleasant microphonics. It's a quarter inch not 3.5mm termination, so not the best for compatibility. There is an adapter included but it's a bit bulky. I'd consider upgrading to a different cable. But otherwise, great headphones! 9/10. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026 by Chloe Cornett
Default Tuning is BASS-BIASED, be prepared to EQ. Most comfortable pair you'll ever wear though.
This is very opinionated rating, as there are a few things objectively I can't knock, but the audible presentation was just not for me, so I will be returning these. I am a gamer and a casual listener of music, I also dabble in Amplitube 5 for playing guitar. Suffice to say, I prefer a flatter response in order to get what is at least perceivably accurate, and a wide enough soundstage OR just a general feeling of openness. NEITHER of which these headphones delivered for me. My experience VASTLY differed from what I've read online. These headphones are tuned extremely bass heavy out of the box, and while there's a peak in high-midrange and some treble peaks, the tuning wasn't enough to give me the magic I expected out of the vocals and mid-centered instruments. I am no elitist when it comes to my preferred tuning, but dear lord these things were drowning the usual mixes I listen to in low frequencies. BY NO MEANS IS IT MUDDY, but even after I EQ'd to adjust, I just wasn't satisfied with the upper delivery of these headphones. Not going to lie, I didn't play around with the 360 software, simply because I expect a bit more openness straight out of the box, but I do question the "open-back" design of these. I still felt quite "boxed-in" and I even placed my hands on the outer side of the drivers and noticed no difference. Even talking and having a box-fan on I felt like I was still very isolated in these headphones. Now it could be a testament to good design, but it wasn't a green flag for me. I will say one very stand-out quality of these headphones is the chassis. Bar-none these have THE BEST chassis for a pair of headphones I've ever used, lightweight and seemingly durable, with comfort to match. They fit very well with no adjustment, and I felt little clamp force and weight on my dome with these on. For the money, ME PERSONALLY, I'm returning these and taking my money elsewhere. For the cash, I'm biased towards products that deliver well first, WITH greater potential to tap into later. However, these fell flat for me. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2025 by Ameen Mteirek
Sony sound never fails
They sound great, have the Sony sound signature with a nice LONG cable at a reasonable price. They are built well, seem sturdy, have nice adjustments if you have a small or big head (should fit virtually anyone). They are comfortable, the clamping force is tighter and they are a tad heavier than the Sony MDR1AM2 these are replacing. Earcups are very nice as well. Compared to the Sony MDR1AM2, the treble is noticably more accurate and not as high, the bass is more controlled and not nearly as muddy. I feel like I get more accuracy out of these which is what I was looking for in my games. For music I boost the bass and they WILL thump, EQ them to what you like and you'll be happy. I don't EQ for anything other than music, for everything else I'd say out of the box... they are perfect. I've tried a lot of headphones from high end well reviewed by enthusiasts ranging from 300 to 1200 dollars but the Sony sound is just my preferred flavor for headphones and I can't switch, and I have tried many many times. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2026 by Tech Geek
Excellent headphones.
Gorgeous sounding headphones. They have a nice warm bottom, but still very clear throughout the rest of the frequency range. The highs are held back very carefully, as to not cross the line into sibilance. I find while listening, nothing bothers me about the sound, so I can just enjoy the music. I also like the design and build quality, light and comfortable, as to disappear on my head. Besides being marketed for music creation and production, they are excellent for pure music listening enjoyment. I am also a recording musician, so take that for what its worth. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2026 by lr
The all-in-one headphone. My gold standard
Review Image by Johny
Review Image by Johny
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁: These are one of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. As a glasses wearer, I really appreciate how little pressure they put on my head. I can wear them for hours without any discomfort. 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: The sound quality is the gold standard. I use the MV1 as my reference point whenever I try a new IEM or headset, because I trust how it sounds. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: It truly is an all-in-one headphone. Whatever I'm listening to or doing, it handles it all. 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹: If I had to recommend just one set out of everything I've tried, it would be these. That's how much I love these headphones. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2026 by Johny
Perfect.
These scratch my autism in a way I can't explain. Best headphones ever.
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2026 by Asura
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