In a world increasingly dominated by wireless headphones, you may wonder if there‘s still a place for good old fashioned wired models. As it turns out, wires still have some key advantages that make them the preferred choice for many users – especially audiophiles and professionals.
Sony continues to produce a range of excellent wired headphones to meet different needs and budgets. With their decades of audio experience creating top-notch headphone drivers and sound-optimizing technologies, you can trust Sony wired cans to sound superb.
In this guide, we‘ll highlight the top 7 best Sony wired headphones across various styles, use cases and price points.
Overview of Sony Wired Headphone Benefits
Before we get to the models, let‘s look at why you may want to stick with wired:
Sound Quality: Wired connections have the potential to deliver better audio quality by avoiding Bluetooth compression. Sony wired headphones aimed at audiophiles tout high-resolution audio components and drivers that take advantage of the direct wired link.
Reliability: No batteries to recharge means no dying mid-listen. As long as you have a wired audio source, you‘ll get consistent uninterrupted playback. Wired headphones also have fewer points of failure from a technical standpoint.
Affordability: Getting advanced sound performance and premium materials no longer requires paying the "wireless tax". Excellent wired headphones can be had for a fraction of the price of comparably-specced wireless cans.
Simplicity: Using wired headphones can be as easy as plugging into your device‘s headphone jack. No pairing or charging routines to maintain. For studio pros and DJs, the no-hassle wired connection is vital.
Of course, wires do come with tradeoffs – like less freedom of movement and no noise cancelling features on most models. For the listeners that value audio purity over features though, Sony wired brings legendary sound.
Now, let‘s get into the picks!
Best Overall: Sony MDR-1AM2
- Over-ear closed-back design
- 40mm drivers with aluminum coated LCP diaphragm
- 3.94ft cable with in-line mic/remote
- Frequency response: 3Hz – 100kHz
- Price: $198
If you want a versatile pair that can handle everything from audiophile recordings to phone calls with aplomb, the Sony MDR-1AM2 is your best bet. Huge 40mm drivers powered by high purity copper voice coils supply sparkling highs and robust bass.
An advanced driver diaphragm design eliminates distortion – you‘ll hear string instruments decay cleanly and electronic beats rendered sharply. The result is accurate sound across a range from soaring highs down to rumbling sub-bass.
Closed-back leather earcups provide a comfortable and focused listening experience, blocking out external noise passively. The clean industrial design with metal and leather accents looks sly hanging around your neck. When not in use, the MDR-1AM2 fold into a compact configuration.
The 1AM2 makes wired functionality convenient with an in-line remote and mic built into the detachable cable. Mind you, this is no cheap pair with the $200 price tag. But for versatile wired headphones with luxurious materials and construction that gets the most from high-res music, the Sony MDR-1AM2 shines.
Key Features:
- Aluminum coated LCP driver diaphragms for distortion-free sound
- Wide 3Hz – 100kHz frequency response
- Comfortable leatherette earpads and headband
- Clean, flexible industrial design
- Built-in mic and remote
Best Wired Earbuds: Sony MDR-XB55AP
- 12mm drivers with aluminum voice coil
- Extra bass duct design
- Inline mic/remote
- Tangle resistant cable
- Four eartip size options
- Price: $38
It‘s tricky finding wired earbuds nowadays, but Sony delivers with the durable and punchy MDR-XB55AP. Don‘t let the budget price tag fool you – patented driver technologies from Sony‘s audiophile division give these an enthusiastic sound.
Inside each aluminum housing is a 12mm neodymium driver aided by a Bass Duct that accentuates low frequencies. Running through thumping hip-hop tracks, the Sony MDR-XB55AP renders bass notes with detail and impact beyond its size. The sound signature favors the low end but avoids muddiness in the mids and highs.
The MDR-XB55AP takes earbud comfort seriously as well. You get 4 sizes of hybrid silicone ear tips to achieve a tailored fit. Once settled in, the angled nozzles direct sound properly to your ear canal. A slide-style cable clip and tangle-resistant cords further the hassle-free experience. Make calls seamlessly with the in-line remote and mic.
For just $38, the Sony MDR-XB55AP earbuds deliver great value. Bass lovers on a budget should grab these.
Key Features:
- 12mm extra bass drivers
- Bass duct for enhanced low-end
- Good noise isolation from angled silicone tips
- Tangle-resistant cable with slide clip
- Built-in mic and 3-button remote
Best Budget: Sony MDR-ZX110
- On-ear wearing style
- 30mm neodymium drivers
- Foldable design with swivel cups
- Wide 12Hz – 22kHz frequency response
- Price: $15
The Sony MDR-ZX110 demonstrates you don‘t have to sacrifice balanced sound quality even at extremely affordable sub-$20 price points. Beginning with the 30mm neodymium driver unit, these on-ears cover a wide frequency range with detail and decent stereo imaging.
Are they the most resolving headphones ever? Of course not – but the ZX110 pleasantly reproduces everything from podcasts to Spotify streams better than their humble cost suggests. There‘s no overemphasized thumping bass or shrill highs here.
For the budget-focused, the MDR-ZX110 nails the basics. The slim on-ear wearing style fits comfortably under hats or helmets while isolating some environmental noise. Cleverly designed swivel earcups and a collapsible headband make them ultra-portable. If no-fuss wired listening on the cheap is your goal, the Sony MDR-ZX110 over-delivers.
Key Features:
- Wide 30mm neodymium drivers
- Balanced sound with good clarity
- Lightweight on-ear wearing style
- Swiveling earcups and collapsible design
- Hard to beat $15 price
Best Noise Isolating: Sony MDR-ZX110NC
- 30mm drivers with neodymium magnets
- Active noise cancelling circuitry
- Up to 80 hours battery life (NC on)
- Carrying pouch included
- Price: $58
For wired headphones with peace and quiet, look no further than the Sony MDR-ZX110NC. At the flick of a switch, its digital signal processor activates feedforward and feedback noise cancelling to dramatically reduce ambient sound. From chatter to airplane engines, external noises become less obtrusive so you can focus on the music.
Tap the single-button control to toggle between three levels of active noise cancelling intensity. With ANC engaged, the built-in mic monitors and cancels noise for up to 80 hours on a AAA battery. Even in passive mode, the MDR-ZX110NC isolate strongly as closed-back on-ear cans.
Within the slick folding design are 30mm neodymium drivers that reproduce audio cleanly through enhanced bass and midranges. Carry these easily in the included pouch when traveling light. For affordable over-ear noise-blocking on wired headphones, Sony gives you an excellent option here.
Key Features:
- Feedforward/feedback active noise cancelling
- 30mm neodymium drivers in closed-back design
- 80 hour battery life (NC on)
- Lightweight folding portable form
- Carrying pouch included
Best Sound Quality: Sony MDR-7506
- Closed-back over-ear design
- 40mm neodymium drivers
- Professional studio/monitoring use
- Also great for casual listening
- Price: $99
Beloved by audio engineers and musicians, the Sony MDR-7506 are considered studio reference cans for good reason – they sound spectacular. Highly sensitive 40mm drivers quickly react to capture subtle audio cues on pro recordings and high-resolution tracks.
The MDR-7506 classical symphonies reveal lush instrumental textures. On modern pop/hip-hop, kick drums hit tight while spaced-out electronic effects dazzle around the soundstage. Though advertised for studio use, the Sony MDR-7506 excel for recreational listening too.
Sturdy construction including metal reinforcements enables them to stand up to regular equipment hookups. Their closed-back circumaural design creates a focused monitoring environment and some passive noise reduction. At just 0.22 lbs, the MDR-7506 stay comfortable during long mixing/listening sessions.
For less than $100, you‘d struggle to find wired headphones that reveal as much sonic detail as the Sony MDR-7506. Their accessible sound makes enjoying lossless music downloads so rewarding.
Key Features:
- Detailed lively 40mm neodymium drivers
- Rugged metal + plastic construction
- Circumaural pads form solid sound isolation seal
- Designed for studio use but excellent for recreational listening
- Great value under $100
Best DJ Headphones: Sony MDR-V55
- 40mm neodymium drivers
- Powerful 104dB/mW sensitivity
- DJ-friendly single-sided coiled cable
- Gold-plated stereo plug adapter
- Price: $74
Affordable without feeling cheap, the Sony MDR-V55 please DJs needing crisp sound cued through one ear. Their 40mm drivers play loud and proud, aided by highly sensitive bobbin-wound voice coils that magnify power. Sound pops with definition even at high volumes – useful in noisy club environments.
Closed-back architecture and velour earpads eliminate exterior sound leakage so you can beatmatch precisely. When not cueing tracks, they make engaging casual headphones too.
For gigging DJs, key features shine through like the handy one-sided coil cord and gold-plated 1⁄4” screw-on plug. Just remember playback is wired analog-only as with most DJ cans . If thumping bass, isolation and versatile ergonomics top your wish list, pick up the superb Sony MDR-V55.
Key Features:
- Loud 40mm neodymium drivers (104dB sensitivity)
- Powerful bass and vivid mids/highs
- Closed-back velour earpads limit leakage
- Single-sided coiled cable for DJ monitoring
- Gold-plated 1⁄4" adapter for DJ gear
Best Premium: Sony MDR-Z1R
- 70mm HD drivers with magnesium dome
- Resonance-free metal/leather construction
- Fibonacci-patterned back grilles
- Silver-coated oxygen-free cables
- Price: $1700
Costing well into luxury territory, Sony‘s flagship MDR-Z1R headphones are for well-heeled audiophiles seeking ultimate fidelity. Massive 70mm HD driver units centered in magnesium – a stiff professional studio standard – vibrate effortlessly to output the purest notes with minimal distortion. Expect explosive dynamics one moment and delicate instrument resonances the next.
Exquisite build materials carefully control resonances further – says Sony, the Fibonacci sequence back grilles absorb sound/shock waves optimally (?) while beta-titanium rails firmer than steel provide a stable fit. Below, high-purity silver-coated signal wires ensure nothing gets lost between device and your ears. Yes, the $1700 MDR-Z1R extravagantly indulge audiophiles craving the state-of-the-art in wired sound. But rest assured no finer wired headset by Sony exists.
Key Features:
- Huge 70mm HD driver units with unmatched transient response
- Resonance controlling build – metal/real leather + advanced dampers
- Decadent industrial design and luxury materials
- Pure silver-coated OFC cables for pristine signal transfer
- Arguably the world‘s best wired sound
So in summary, while the wireless headphone market hogs attention nowadays, Sony continues producing phenomenal wired models covering all needs – from bass-loving commuters to travelling executives to professional studio engineers.
Their wired headphone lineup leverages precision acoustic engineering and quality materials to deliver excellent sound reliably at different budgets. This guide highlighted the best Sony has to offer music lovers who still value the simplicity and quality of a wired connection.
Sony Wired Headphone Buyer‘s Guide
Here are a few closing tips for selecting Sony wired headphone models:
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Noise Cancelling: Most Sony wired headphones lack powered noise cancelling given the lack of onboard battery. But some like the MDR-ZX110NC do include it, while over/on-ear designs can passive isolate well. So consider your needs – will basic passive isolation suffice or do you require advanced ANC?
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In-line Mics: Many Sony wired headphones include in-line mics and integrations like volume/call control buttons for smartphone use. But not all, especially budget models. So factor that into your decision if needing a headset.
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Professional Use: Studios should look at time-tested models like the MDR-7506 while DJ cans sport single-sided coiling cables. Know your exact work needs before prioritizing "professional" jargon.
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Wired is Fine: Don‘t feel like wired headphones are outdated or inferior technology. Without Bluetooth transmission factors, many audiophiles feel wired still delivers pinnacle sound quality pound-for-pound – and Sony‘s impeccable acoustic elements shine through.
So don‘t just default to wireless headphones. Give Sony‘s venerable wired headphone lineup fresh consideration – you may be rewarded with better bang-per-buck performance!
