tldr; Reddit overwhelmingly recommends the Sony MDR-MV1. With 90% positive sentiment across 590 mentions, this is a clear community favorite.
$418.00 on AmazonScores based on sentiment analysis of topic-related comments
Best praise vs top criticism for Sony MDR-MV1
“Got the Sony MDR-MV1 today and been listening for a few hours. Here are my first impressions. Built and Fit: These are extremely lightweight (223 gramm), though not completely made out of plastic. Very thin metal is also used. The cups can roate forward, but not backward. The earpads are VERY comfortable and soft So far, no complaints about how they feel on my head and ears. They feel a bit flimsy, but that might be due to their light weight. We will see how they hold up. Sound: Very interesting. The bass is very pronounced and goes deep. This is actually the bassiest open back I have personally heard so far. It is no planar bass, but still pretty well controlled and has a good definition. One can easily follow basslines of different instruments. Very good: There is not much bleed of the bass regions in the mids. The mids are surprisingly good and clear. I had expexced a much more v-shaped signature from these, but they sound fine in the midrange. Not shouty, just right. The highs are extended and I can hear all that I want to hear up there with my test tracks. The MDR-MV1 sound a bit wider and more open than the Sennheiser HD660S2 and about as open as the beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. A tiny bit little more open than the beyers really. Layering is very good and on the level of what I expect from headphones which are advertised as "reference" for studio work. They remind me of the Austrian Audio Hi X65 in this regard, also the AKG K712 comes to mind. I personally enjoy the Sonys a lot more though, thanks to their bass. This bass might not really be "reference", but it is enjoyable. This is only a first impression, but I am pleased with what I hear. These Sonys are absolutely not overpriced and stand their ground very well in the 300 to 600 Dollar range of cans. I will keep them and I can recommend them, as long as you like bass and are not over sensitive to clear highs,”
“ah yes the sony M line, with a soundstage so narrow I can hear my own thoughts”
589 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 3/24/2026