[Open-Back] I try to research a product as much as I can so before I buy it so I know if there is something better or a better value. To my surprise there was very little written about these headphones. I went out on a limb trusting RTING’s review and I am glad I did.

Extremely light but not cheap feeling. Super comfy for long sessions. The ear pads are very nice foam and the fabric feels great and not too warm. 

They sound great but the higher frequencies (Claps and S’s, T’s and C’s) can be a bit sharp at higher volume (It might be very rare you will be able to handle this volume for long) but a little EQ to the 8khz range fixes this. Also, the imaging or special awareness you get are amazing. I can hear the tiniest details and exactly where they came from.

I would get these again but also look into the Sennheiser 600
or 650. Apparently, they are very similar but I prefer to have a cable only to one ear cup and not both.

The biggest con I have is that there are no replaceable ear pads available at a good price. I can’t find anything for these but if you take good care of them, they will last a good time.

I did manage to find the part number for the original ear pads and the cable from Sony’s part distributor:
Cable: 100178521
Ear pads: 504827901

[Black] Great sounding and accurate for mixing. Very lightweight and comfy as well. The Sony
MDR-MV1 do not come with a case, but according to B&H, -the Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Reference Monitor Headphones BH #SOMDRMV1 will work with the Sony Carrying Case for MDR-7500 Series Studio Headphones BH #SOLCMDRG”
I feel these headphones need some TLC so dust doesn't build up on them, so a case will be an important assessory.

[1500 mW] As an audiophile and someone who owns a large range of headphones, I have to say the MDR-MV1 Open-Back is a fantastic headphone. Period. However, make no mistake, this is a Sony headphone with a Sony Sound. Slightly V shaped but don't let that turn you off. I really do mean slightly. It has a little bass lift but nothing that interferes with the mid's or treble. This is one of the most balanced headphones in my collection. Everything has it's place and comes shining through.

Bass - So well balanced. Actually, to these ears darn near perfect. So well balanced and not muddy at all.


Mids - Everything where it should be. The vocals sit dead center (if mixed that way) and again, has it's own place in the soundstage.


Treble - Nothing spiky in the sound at all.


Weight - I forget I am wearing them. They are so light, when I picked-up the box I was really surprised at the weight. For a second I thought they forgot to put the headphones in. No joke.


Soundstage - Nothing that is going to stop the planet but well staged and defined. My Audeze has a larger one but those headphones were twice the price. Overall, very pleased. Does not sound crowed at all.


Worth it: Up to you. For me, yes.


I am willing to bet Sony has a hit on their hands. I love these headphones. They have been plugged into my DAC/AMP since I got them.

[Stereo] Amazing closed back headphone. The leather is very good quality and smells amazing. The build quality is top notch. The most comfortable pair I own. Although MDR-Z1R tends to be a bit genre specific (leaning towards dance, hiphop, and electronic music), it is a great overall performer. It's a little recessed in the mids and +12k for rock and roll, but it is just a such a great chill headphone. A lot of genres sound very good. Bass is so tight and has authority. Nothing is muddy, just really relaxed.

[Open-Back] I've been through many cans in the past, from the Sennheiser's HD600/650/700, also, the Audeze LCD-2 and a few others. I've been after the perfect sound, not the most accurate in terms of reference sound, but the most enjoying when it comes to kicking it back and listening to my tunes. After trying the Sony MDR-1000x wireless, I found the sony sound signature very pleasing, and just right for enjoying your music library instead of mastering or mixing audio.

So, I decided to try the MDR-Z1R's and WOW! What a joy, a joy that comes with a very steep price; I bought the USA version and I don't regret a bit. These have the best Bass response ever, very well controlled unlike the Z7's also, they don't slouch when it comes to the Mids and Treble.

If you're after the BEST closed headphones for enjoying your music, look no further

[Black] This is Sony's first professional headphone in years and they've done it again the sound quality is exceptional the 360° Sony spatial sound is incredible and if you play Dolby Atmos music it gives you virtual Dolby Atmos sound again outstanding headphones for that price

[Open-Back] I'm a relative newbie to the audiophile world. A few months ago I decided to slow down a bit and get a smoking jacket, a really comfortable chair and the best set of headphones and amp I could get my hands on. I spent countless hours on the internet, listened to some friends cans and then did some value based judging.
I initially rejected these because I was convinced Sony's time had passed. The more reviews I saw, the more I got past all the marketing from everyone, the more I realized that so many headphones, if not all, have their own unique signature and that I would never be in a room with all 50 prospective cans to try for myself.
I enjoy EDM music mostly, but also bluegrass and other acoustical genres (country, rock). More and more I realized that these closed back headphones were probably perfect for me. I took the plunge and ordered them. I practiced delayed gratification and gave them an appropriate burn in phase.
I am 110% satisfied with my purchase. The craftsmanship with quality weeping from every detail is there. They are comfortable, not too heavy, but can get slightly warm on the ears. The soundstage is immersive and the base is smooth and rich. No fatigue that I've felt yet. I do own a few other similarly priced top name brands and can tell you that these are the best crafted and the most pleasurable phones I own.
I save the box for all of the audio gear I buy, just in case I ever decide to sell it down the road. I save this box for safe packaging when I move. I will own these until I'm ambient temp.
I would buy again without hesitation. Every time I go to my comfy chair (no smoking jacket) and sit down with a glass of wine (or soft drink), close my eyes and put these on, I go away. Really, really far away and it's magical.

[5 Hz to 80 kHz] I've been using the MDR-7506 for close to 10 years. It was great for podcasting work, but I needed something with better mids and less fatiguing for long listening sessions. It was between the HD6XX and the MV1. I returned the 6XX because the clamp force was too much for my jaw. The MV1, on the other hand, I can easily wear for 6+ hours.

I use the MDR-MV1 headphone EQ profile in SoundSource and add an extra 3db at 500hz, and everything is beautiful.

P.S. Cannot stand editing podcasts with these, but I still have the 7506 for that. The right tool for the right job I guess.