Sony has presented three new series of headphones where the company makes an attempt to cover most markets with full-cover headphones for pros with MDR-Z1000, while the MDR-ZX series offers minimal leakage and in-ear buds MDR-EX offers maximal audio quality for the mobile users.
The flagship of Sony’s new headphones families is the closed model MDR-Z1000 and in-ear version MDR-EX1000 that both promises studio quality sound. MDR-Z1000 use light-weight manesium cups for softer bass reproduction and a clear mid-range. The buds make room for a 16mm driver and both use Sony’s LCP film membrane for reduced renosance and a crystal clear sound.
Sony MDR-Z1000 – Sony MDR-EX1000
Both headphones have the 7N-OFC cord made from oxygen-free copper for optimal signal transfer. Sony MDR-Z1000 and Sony MDR-EX1000 also has a studio like price tag at 550€, but the company has also presented more wallet-friendly models.
Sony expands the MDR-EX series with six in-ear buds at prices from 20€ up to €90, where the entry models EX40 and EX50 comes in a variety of colors.
Sony MDR-ZX series use soundproof cups with 50mm driver where the top model ZX700 gets soft urethane cushions for comfortable fit. The ZX series fills the gap with cheaper models; ZX500, ZX300 and ZX100.
Sony MDR-EX300 – Sony MDR-EX510LP
Last Sony has also launched the earbuds DR-EX12IP that was developed specifically for iPod/iPhone with remote on the cable for changing volume, playback and microphone. The price is 33€.
| Model | MDR-Z1000 | MDR-ZX700 | MDR-EX1000 | MDR-EX510LP |
| Type | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Frequency response | 5-80,000 Hz | 5-40,000 Hz | 3-30,000 Hz | 5-27,000 Hz |
| Driver | 50 mm, Neodymium | 50 mm, Neodymium | 13.5 mm, Neodymium | 13.5 mm, Neodymium |
| Impedance | 24 Ω | 24 Ω | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Power handling | 4,000 mW (IEC*) | 2,000 mW (IEC*) | ||
| Sensitivity | 108 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW | ||
| Plug type | Gold-plated stereo mini plug (3 m cord), Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug (1.2 m cord) | Gold plated stereo mini | Gold plated stereo mini | Gold plated stereo mini |
| Supplied accessories | 1.2m/3m OFC Litz cord, plug adaptor, carrying pouch | 1.8m extension cord | Cord (1.2m/0.6m), hybrid earbuds (7 sizes), noise isolation earbuds (3 sizes), carrying case | Cord adjuster, hybrid earbuds (4 sizes), noise isolation earbuds (3 sizes), carrying case |
| Weight | 270 g | 260 g | 8 g | 7 g |
| Available colours | Black | Black | Black | Black, Gold |
