Kalimera friend and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the Sony MDR XB950N1 Review, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Amp/DAC requirements
- Who these headphones benefit?
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
Sony MDR XB950N1
Ratings/Price
Specifications
- Type: Closed back.
- Fit: Circumaural (Around the Ear).
- Impedance: Not specified. What is Headphone Impedance?
- Sensitivity: Not specified. What is Sensitivity in Headphones?
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz.
- Material: Plastic, Protein leather.
- Volume control: Yes.
- Chord length: 3.94 ft.
- Usage Time: 22 Hours with ANC On.
- Noise Cancellation: Yes. How do noise cancelling headphones work?
- Bluetooth: Yes.
- Buttons: Power button, Bass effect button, Noise cancellation Button.
- Right ear cup: Dedicated volume control, button to control playback, call management, and track navigation.
- Accessories: Carrying pouch, Headphone cable.
- Detachable Cable included: Yes.
- Inline remote: No.
- Color: Varies.
Summary
The closed back XB950N1 is a very comfortable headphone with a good build quality. The cups are nice and big, and they envelop your ears nicely. No complaints with either. Closed back vs. open back headphones.
The problem I have is with the sound. It’s absolute poop. Frankly, it’s laughable that Sony would even include an “Extra Bass” switch on these. I mean, for what? The bass is already out of control and bloated, and the button only magnifies that issue. It’s almost a slap in the face. “Here, you want more bass? We’re gonna slap you silly with it!”
That might seem harsh, but the headphones really left a bad taste in my mouth. I suppose for $20 I could excuse this, but these are well over $100. It’s just wrong on so many levels.
You could include these with Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket and it still wouldn’t excuse the poor sound. Sure, there’s a lot of features, but they all amount to bunk if the sound is poopy. And these certainly are.
Imagine me taking two drum sticks and beating them on a beach ball. That’s what the bass sounds like. Lol. I wish I were kidding.
The bass is so bad that I couldn’t even make out any semblance of a mid-range or treble. So that’s it. I can’t. It’s that bad. I’m serious, the $15 Sony MDR V150 is better than this trash heap. Heck, the MDR ZX100 is better. Gosh. Okay. I’m done ranting.
- Learn more: Sony MDR V150 Review.
- Learn more: Sony MDR ZX100 Review.
Pros
- Excellent build.
- Excellent comfort factor.
- Portable.
Cons
- Poopy sound.
Video Review!
Coming soon!
Amp/DAC requirements
- These aren’t designed to be used with one. How to choose a headphone amp!
Who these headphones benefit?
No one. Lol.
Consensus/Conclusion
The Sony MDR XB950N1 provide excellent comfort and build, but the sound suffers. Not recommended.
Final Word
If you want the real deal, Sony’s WH1000xM2 is the solution you’re looking for. Interested in learning more?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL SONY WH1000xM2 REVIEW!!
Want the balanced version of the WH1000xM2? That’s the Bose QC35 friend.
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BOSE QUIET COMFORT 35 REVIEW!!
Well that’s about it for today folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Sony MDR XB950N1 Headphone Review.
What do you think about them?? Was I too harsh? Want to flame me? Let me know!!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Let me know in the comments below or Contact me!! I would love to hear from you..
Until then, all the best and God bless..
-Stu
