Sony makes - and sounds - good on its word with the MDR-1A high-res audio headphones

It's been a while since I've gone boom-boom with headphones slapped over my ears. And, in case you're wondering, "high-resolution" doesn't apply to monitors or touch screen displays only. Anymore.
So, when Sony launched their high-resolution audio range, they had to make sure they backed up their words with, well, sound. And they have.
Sony's MDR-1A high-resolution audio headphones sound great and music junkies will appreciate the  finely-designed audio device - it's nothing fancy, but the combination of materials nicely mesh with each other to give it an elegant and sporty look.
There's a standard 1.2m cable included, and that should be enough - unless you want to enjoy a video game on your TV while perched comfortably on your couch at a distance. On the cable is a one-button inline remote and mic, with no volume controls - that could be an issue if you don't want to reach out to your device to crank it up or tone it down.
When you do snap on the headphones, listen carefully - the sound produced is a rich mix, giving fine detail to even the underlying tones. I am particularly satisfied with the bass level and everything else sounds very crisp and clear. The ear cups, by the way, are huge, and may not be to everyone's liking, and it could get a little sweaty outdoors, especially in the searing heat right now. This time around, the ear cups also rotate in opposite directions (against the MDR-1R), so you can let them rest with the pads facing down - although you can't fold them, much to my chagrin. For those who prefer wireless audio, fear not, as the MDR-1ABT is also available, with high-res.

AND SO.

Most people would rather spend their cash on other stuff than a pricey pair of headphones, but the Sony MDR-1A is a tempting choice, as well as a good alternative to those in its price category and even other, higher-priced ones. And you'll forget the sweat it may cause in this heat, because it'll make you look really cool!  
alvin@khaleejtimes.com
 

THE LOWDOWN

Technical specs:
Dynamic type; Driver unit - 40mm dynamic HD; Frequency response - 3-100,000Hz; Sensitivities - 105 dB/mW (high sensitivity); Magnet - neodymium; Impedance - 24 ohms; Plug - gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini; In-line mic direction - omni directional; Swivel folding design.
Features: High-resolution audio (converts analogue music to digital at a higher rate than a CD - 24-bit/192kHz rather than 16-bit/44.1kHz); bass-enhancing vents
Price: Dh1,199
GOOD: Great sound; stylish
BAD: No remote volume control; not foldable; earcups may make you sweat
Editor Rating: 7.5/10
 

THE LAUNCHPAD

While we're still going gaga over the iPhone 6 devices - and waiting for the next one(s) soon enough - why not splat some of your attention on the sixth-generation iPod touch? Apple has touted this as its "best" iPod touch yet, and there are a lot of reasons to believe so: it uses the Apple A8 chip - the same one on the iPhone 6 phones; a new 8MP iSight camera and better FaceTime HD front snapper, which will allow you to enjoy some of the popular features such as slow-mo and burst mode; better fitness tracking; three times faster Wi-Fi; and the newly-launched Apple Music service. And for good measure, the iPod touch is, for the first time, now available in a generous 128GB model. Doesn't it make you excited for the next iteration of the iPhone? (Prices: 16GB - Dh799; 32GB - Dh999; 64GB - Dh1,199; 128GB - Dh1,599)

• Hard Drive