SONY MDR-MA900 part 1: Aesthetics

SONY first introduced their first full-open type headphone, MDR-F1, in 1997. When I first auditioned it in 1999 at now bankrupt Good Guys store in California, I WAS NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. I am sorry, F1 fans.. I know F1 was from the very headphone maestro who designed MDR-R10, 投野耕治, but the sound was bit too harsh for me, and the general public seemed to agree with me as well. Still, with so many innovative ideas implemented, F1 jump-started the long heritage of SONY's open-air sound, which has been passed down to second-generation CD-series, SA-series, and most recently, MA-series.


Since I had such a bad impression with MDR-F1, I thought maybe this all-new MA900 will make up somehow. So I contacted the marketing department of SONY asking for a test sample, but they simply ignored me. Since I have been endorsing their products for a long time personally, this kind of turned me off.  Well, it's nothing I can't afford, so I just bought it. Just don't expect me to go easy on it, SONY!




The packaging

Just as expected, very sleek packaging, though not as impressive as that of MDR-EX1000. It is such a brilliant idea to utilize the carrying pouch as part of a packaging.


The Design

Minimalistic & sexy! In order to reduce 5g from MDR-F1's 200g weight, they chose to make everything  thinner while maintaining same durability by utilizing sturdier materials.

Just like any other SONY headphones, MA900's drivers are slightly tilted to face the listener's pinna perpendicularly on-axis. Acoustic damping materials are all made of non-woven fabrics, and it should keep the dirt away longer than a regular foam. (can you tell where the acoustic bass lens is located?)

MA900's headband swivels back and forth to fit the head's curvature ergonomically, but height adjusting parts are little too loose IMHO.

MDR-MA900 is a totally open-air headphone. Not to mention the sound leaks all over the place, there is absolutely no isolation at all. I really hope nobody uses this outdoor; Not only you can't hear the sound well with all the ambient noise, you'll definitely bother others too.



The technology implemented in this headphone is very interesting, so stay tuned for the acoustic analysis.




Continued to part 2.

Bose AE2 part1: Aesthetics

BOSE is quite well-known for emphasizing the low frequency response on their products, whether they are loudspeakers, radios, or headphones; and it is the very reason why serious audiophiles simply disregard their products when it comes down to Hi-Fidelity. However, when I purchased the original AE1 Triport, the sound quality was not that bad..

In order to further investigate the matter, I initially requested BOSE a test sample of their all-new AE2, but I have not received a single reply back. Well, I guess they are not really interested in blog media. So I just decided to purchase the headphone by myself. Since the price has been reduced from the regular MSRP $199 to $149, it was a good chance anyway.



The packaging

AE2's packaging design is very simple, and the plastic container protecting the headphone was really a pain in the butt to open! Unless you cut-open the container with a scissor or a knife, which is very destructive, there is no other way to take the headphone out. 

Since many enthusiasts want to keep everything that comes with their headphone intact, I think BOSE has to do something about it. It gets even simpler when everything's out: there are a carrying bag, a product manual, a warranty card, and finally, AE2.

The design

AE2's design is typical of BOSE: minimal and robust. A pair of memory foam covered with a urethane cushion is still there. The weight of this headphone is very light, just like the original AE1, yet there are a lot of improvements made by BOSE to address the durability issue arose from the previous model.

First, the headband. The overall diameter is much thicker, with height-adjusting joints heavily reinforced. This was the weakest point of AE1, and I even broke it here. Shortly after the incident, I had a phone call with their representative asking for a revised version of AE1, and she said, "Currently, we do not have any plans for the future model of Triport."

Second, the swivels on ear cups. Not to mention that these make adjusting the headphone's placement on the head very precise, they also help the headphone stay flat in a backpack, which is definitely a plus for travelers.

Third, the detachable cable. This is yet another durability improvement from AE1, since A LOT of users were complaining about the weak cable. Of course, headphone cable enthusiasts can also take advantage of this new feature.



Well, nothing to complain about the appearance. Considering all of the cosmetic improvements, it seems BOSE really listened to users' opinions carefully.


Continued to part 2.

The effect of ear sleeves: Monster ear tip adapter

A fellow Head-Fier named Inks generously arranged a chance for me to test a pair of ear tip adapters coming with Monster Cable's supertips, along with other stuffs. Thanks a lot!

They are basically small rubber packings that help enlarge the diameter of IEMs' stem, so that more options become available for users when it comes down to ear sleeve choices. Such a brilliant idea! How come nobody has ever thought of this? You can fit almost any type of ear sleeves to IEMs which have a thin stem.


So I did a quick analysis on various ear sleeves I have, along with the sleeves Inks sent me as well:

THINGS TO CONSIDER: Data of Grado's ear sleeve and Shure EA510S are coincidental. Monster supertip is measured utilizing a proprietary ear canal extension- which means EURI has been fully dissected in order to measure the sleeve- since it does not fit EURI's ear canal!

On silicone sleeves: Due to the lack of bore-induced resonant effect, most of the sleeves has a high frequency attenuation compared to the stock ER38-18.

On foam sleeves: Although Shure orange EAORF2-10S has a low frequency attenuation(possibly caused by acoustic leak) it yields the most linear response.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: I also received a pair of bi-flange Klipsch oval ear sleeves. Here's the measurement:

Surprisingly, it performs better than the stock gray sleeve: Highly recommended!!!