Cingular Go Phone: Sony MDR-F1 Full-Open-Air Headphones with Impedance Compensator Review

The Sony MDR-F1 Headphones are a respected headphone in the industry, and for a good many number of reasons. You don't know what 'music to my ears' really means until you hear these. In this review, I compare them to many of my large collection of headphones, which I reference in the review, and major differences are included. I rated the sound of the MDR's without an amp on a 1-10 scale, with 1 at disgusting and 10 for unbelievable.

For lower frequencies like a bass guitar or the main beat of an R&B song, they get the job done, but not perfectly. In their description from Sony, it is pointed out that they have a special driver on the speaker that aids in clarity and pronouncement of the bass. They work wonderfully, and make those Bose cans sound like garbage. If you are a person who demands bass, go Sennheiser HD 595 for can style or Ultimate Ear triple-fi's for in-ear design, but these still work great. 8/10 for bass.

For mid-tones Sony did what they do normally, giving it the standard design aimed for those mid frequencies that include slightly lower voices and classical music. But don't underestimate the beauty of Sony and mid's. If your music is more male singing and has guitar, look no further than here. Beyerdynamic beat these out due to how they can make any voice sound like it's in the room with you, so those are a great option for spoken vocal and indie music. For the MDR's, I give it 9/10 for mids.

The High Notes; To me this is the most important, and can make or break a listening experience. However even on the highest pitches, there was no hiss or the very common rattle most headphones make. Absolutely perfect. Cymbal crashes and clapping sound so real they can send shivers down your spine when you realize it isn't live music. The other headphones didn't come close to the MDR-F1 for any frequencies at and above 8000 kHz, where most make it sound like high pitches are an afterthought, coming out unpronounced and lifeless. I have yet to hear any better sound from a headphone in this range, and that's coming against Grado GS1000's and AKG 7000 cans. 10/10.

Now a word on the open-air design of the MDR-F1's: due to the round rings by the speakers, there is no place where they even graze your ear, even with a large ear like me. And since you have nothing else there, any other environment sound comes in. So depending on where you will use the headphones means a great deal. These won't do if you live on airplanes, as you will hear the hum constantly due to their open style. If you plan on using these at home, walking on campus to class, or in the office, these are a very viable option, as these environments are less noisy. They won't block out the environment at all; rather, they make you feel like you're at the concert or studio. And when someone needs to talk to you, they don't have to yell and punch your arm to get your attention, which is good for everyone. 8/10 for design, but is highly subjective to the user.

When you wear them, you may forget after a while; They weigh practically nothing on your head because of the band that lifts them from your head. They float on your head like they are on shocks, and keep evenly balanced at all times. They look a little weird with the two wires sticking up, especially if you have a flat head. But unlike any other headphone I've ever owned, you can wear these for hours both safely and comfortably. 8.5/10 for style.

However what happens when all of this comes together is the sweet spot for music. A full song will meld in perfectly, where nothing overpowers anything else and a wonderful soundstage is created. This is why I give full props to these headphones. If you get a bass-centered headphone, the rest of the music can be lost in the background; for most listeners you want the full song, not just part of it. These give it to you in a shiny, gracefully made bow. Since my music tastes are so broad, I wanted a headphone that could play it all, making the MDR-F1's a blessing from God.

EDIT 6/9/2010: I've had these headphones for what I think will be 8 years now, and the sound has molded into something so wonderful I can't really describe. I have never had such a good break-in on any of my headphones before. The padding on the ears has completely worn off, and one of the hinges broke, but they still work perfectly when I'm listening at the computer or somewhere stationary. If you can get these headphones and take care of them over time, you will have made one of the best investments in music.

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Product Description:
Sony MDR-F1 Your personal audio experience begins with Sony's MDR-F1 Full-Open-Air Stereo Headphones. Featuring a New Full-Open-Air System for a wider stereo soundstage, a Newly Developed Extra-Large Driver Unit with an Acoustic Bass Lens, and New Ecsaine Head and Ear Pad Material, these headphones bring you exploding sound and comfort as you listen. Its Magnesium Alloy Frame and Super Duralumin Headband add to its creative design.