Sony MDR-1RBT Bluetooth Headphones

2015-09-10T20:00:00

I bought these headphones mainly because I wanted a bluetooth set with good noise reduction. Unfortunately they are lacking in both areas. The bluetooth, whilst easy to connect, experiences a lag when listening to music on my iPhone and from the television and I was not impressed with the noise reduction. You can clearly hear conversations going on around you, unless the volume is up high. However there are plus sides to these phones. They are extremely comfortable to wear (you almost forget you have them on) and the battery life is extremely impressive. Even if the battery dies, which is hasn't yet, you can always connect them by cable, which is a really useful backup. One criticism would be that the units creak when you move, which can affect the listening experience, but the sound quality itself is good. So whilst I didn't get the level of noise reduction I would have liked the phones are really comfortable to wear with outstanding battery life. Would I recommend them? Not if you want good noise reduction but if you want a stylish pair of phones with good sound quality that will last you several days on one charge, then yes.

Tim V.

Originally posted at

2015-06-25T20:00:00

I'm from Brazil and purchased this headphones in April while abroad on a work trip to NYC. I'm very unhappy with it, but can't return then since I bought abroad and didn't have enough time to realize how they are not worth the price while in NYC. 1 - It does not work with bluetooth WHILE RECHARGING. Want to keep playing your music with just one wire (USB cable) plugged in? Forget it. You'll have to plug TWO cables: USB one and the P2 plug to have it work while recharging. A colleague of mine has a Sony Headphone, Bluetooth, almost 3 times cheaper than this one, and it recharges and reproduces sound, along with the mic working without quality loss; 2 - If you activate your computer's input to use the headphone's microphone, it will drop the sound quality of what you hear massively. I have to keep my computer's microphone (MacBook Pro) as the input, otherwise the voices I hear on calls or any other sound drops a lot. But hey, this is a wireless headphone. I should be able to walk around with it to listen to music and talk without issues; 3 - The cushioning is AWESOME, but the inner part of the headphones is made of a synthetic net that depending on your ear size will touch it and long usages will probably have them with the scratch/burn feel. They get red often and I have to take them off something to "rest" my ears. It should have been consistent piece of cloth or something. This net pattern does hurt due to head movement making the headphone move and scratch the touching parts of the ear. I live in Brazil and since usually out customer support is terrible and they don't care about anything, I reached out to Sony International today, spoke on chat to a "Christopher (C75E)" which basically focused on one issue (the mic dropping the sound quality if activated) and not on my overall terrible experience and therefore only told me to go somewhere to fix it. The sound quality is very good. I have a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50 and even though these sound much more loyal to the sound, the Sony's have a better bass. I also disliked the fact that it has a volume control, meaning it has it's own inner amp making it had to control the volume (my computer and headphones) to a mid term in which sound is not enhanced artificially. I wouldn't purchase or recommend this to anyone. I'd love to be able to replace this unit for another option from Sony, but I'm guessing it's not possible for what I heard. I'll take that into consideration when thinking about purchasing another Sony product.

ArthurGouveia

Originally posted at

2015-04-29T20:00:00

Looking for a good quality sound and the convenience of wireless headphones. These do the job perfectly well, a good balanced sound with no particular bias towards base or high notes. Reasonably comfortable on the ears.

Sony L.

Originally posted at

2015-02-02T19:00:00

Comfortable high quality headphones with both Bluetooth and wired option.

Ranwolf

Originally posted at

2015-01-09T19:00:00

The sound delivered by these headphones is exceptional. They deliver everything I expect from premium headphones and bring a new level of detail to any type of audio, with well balanced bass - but anyone would expect that. The most surprising thing about these headphones is that Sony have managed to get them to deliver exceptional sound from bluetooth audio signals, especially from aptX enabled devices. Well done.

Edmond U.

Originally posted at

2014-12-27T19:00:00

The best headphones I have ever owened and would buy again in the furture

Brendymc

Originally posted at

2014-12-05T19:00:00

Lovely sound quality, Bluetooth works great and excellent call quality when used with a phone. Buttons a bit fiddly and would prefer less plastic feel but they look great and very comfortable

ToneToneTone

Originally posted at

2014-11-24T19:00:00

I really wanted to buy this product and now that i have it, i'm very happy because of its great sounds, Bluetooth and long battery life.

Jhopes

Originally posted at

2014-11-19T19:00:00

Headphones are amazing and sounds is great. I just wish I could use them with my PS4 for playing games as well. :(

PS4Fan

Originally posted at

2014-11-14T19:00:00

Most important: forget to use it for calls with iPhones, mic gain is too weak, no one will ever hear you. You cannot change it, not in 5S + iOS8 nor in headphones, so, dont buy them if that feature is a must for you. It works fine with Skype on my MB Pro, tho... Sound quality: sound is overcompressed and unnatural. Bass is artificially loud, mushy and mumble. May be 'ok' for pop, but sucks for everything else. Build quality: plastic molded in peaces and have those tiny-tiny 'joints' that accumulate dirt as h#ll, especially at corners... Also, I had very bad experience with all padded surfaces on my previous 7509HD, their pads just crumbled in less than a year, literally. Pad's material on this one looks different, so, I hope it will last longer. I use headphones for several months now, so far it's fine. Overall: this headphones are 'ok'. But for 'ok' and unusable calls with iPhone they insanely overpriced, so, only 2 stars.

AllNamesAreTaken

Originally posted at

2014-10-28T20:00:00

These sound exactly how I was hoping, warm sounding, exciting. Also they are very comfy, have long battery life, and work when the battery is dead. Unfortunately they are made of all plastic. They are advertised as having silent silicon joints but the joints on mine are so squeaky and creaky that every time I move my head in the slightest or chew with my jaw I hear the creaking through the music. Also the nfc button rattles if I walk around with them on. Sounds from other reviews like I may have just got a bad set and they aren't all like this, but I can't recommend these as I regret buying them due to the poor construction quality. I think the problem is with sonys quality control.

FlimbS

Originally posted at

2014-10-21T20:00:00

I have had this for a few weeks now, and I love it. It is fairly light and very comfortable. Sound quality is outstanding.

pmhayford

Originally posted at

2014-09-15T20:00:00

Well worth the extra few quid.Nicer sound than beats very comfortable on the ear.

grsgor

Originally posted at

2014-08-12T20:00:00

I got these headphones and they work pretty well. I would occasionally like to turn them up louder, but they reach a max limit which is still pretty high. The quality of them is very good when I use both my phone and my laptop. I took them to work (where I work around a whole bunch of Macs that use bluetooth keyboard/mice) and I experienced the occasional clicking/static sound in them. I never experienced that at home so I am not sure if there was some bluetooth interference or something. They have a very comfortable fit and the controls on the earphones are helpful to change songs and turn up the volume without having to go back to your phone. I am satisfied with the purchase, but maybe the next headset I get for work will not be bluetooth and instead like just plain ole wireless.

Willarino

Originally posted at

2014-08-11T20:00:00

I think this is the best headphones ever. Sound quality is at premium level. Very comportable and light design. Wear it, forget it.

hamityanik

Originally posted at

2014-08-04T20:00:00

Simply elegant and fun to have on, the sound is amazing. Yes I take them to the gym i been going over 3 years and I am tired of the in ear ones and don't care what other people think I am the one enjoying them :) . I do pull ups and squats and all the other exercises for the other body parts and not once have they even moved or got in the way. I bike to the gym and I wear some in earphones but when I get to the gym and put this babies on WOW !!!!! it just makes you happy :) I listen to hip hop and some rap just gotta mess with the bass but I mostly listen to spanish music all kinds and they sound amazing ... Buy... oh yea my nephew goes with me to the gym and he just got the Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphone (Titanium) and they don't come even close to my Sony's :)

LuisVegas

Originally posted at

2014-08-02T20:00:00

A superbly comfortable and rich-sounding pair of 'phones. I thought they were way too bassy at first but this has mellowed out with time resulting in an astoundingly clear, balanced sound that I cannot stop listening to. NFC & Bluetooth operate faultlessly & never have I had any drop-outs or glitches. Battery life is incredible. Very impressed by style, comfort and the sound which is up-there with more expensive models. Nice one Sony.

Paulo763

Originally posted at

2014-07-15T20:00:00

I was a bit iffy about these headphones since I was assuming Bluetooth connection meant bad sound quality. It proved me wrong. These headphones are completely worth the $250 that I paid for it. The fake leather padding is much softer than expected, and it has caused me no discomfort thus far. I've been using these on a regular basis for the past month, and the headphones seem to be quite sturdy. No scratches, no cracks, no separation of any parts so far. Although, the ear cups sometimes have to be angled in a certain way to make it so that the mesh doesn't push up onto your ears too much. That's my only complaint, and it's hardly a complaint. They are tight enough to stay on your head while being loose enough to keep your head from popping. Long term use is no problem, but the ear cup padding might get somewhat moist. Overall, the best headphones I've used. All ranges of sound are clear, and they have a really good frequency range. I'd recommend this to anyone who was planning to buy a pair of worthwhile headphones.

pchoi95

Originally posted at

2014-06-23T20:00:00

Had my 1BT's for 5 months now, they replaced my wireless beats. I'm very very impressed with the fantastic sound quality (I mainly play dance & R&B) and the 1BT's features! Most impressive is the amazing battery life, i use mine every single day but only need to charge them every 7-9 days!!!! The sound quality when making calls is the best i've heard on a Bluetooth headset!!! The only slight negative i can give the 1BT's is that they can make your ears sweat if the weather is warm other than that these are the best (If expensive) headphones i've ever owned!!!!!!

Mister6

Originally posted at

2014-06-01T20:00:00

Have had these about a month and am very pleased with them. They are very comfortable to wear and as yet I have had no wearer fatigue. Great item.

percy

Originally posted at

2014-05-13T20:00:00

Coming from a 30mm Driver (BT/NFC) Sony headphones, MDR-1RBT is a worth upgrade. I've been using Sony DRBTN200B and they sound great for my taste. But because of it's 30mm Driver unit (On-Ear#, 'tis not enough to slightly block external noise. I am not a fan of ANC/NC but I knew I would need a set of headphones that covers my ear #Over-Ear). Then MDR-1RBT came and I gave it a go. As Sony says, 'tis Premium Headphones and is definitely premium. I know it would sound great for me as I've been with Sony for a long while, but my concern was if the 40mm driver unit will be good enough to slightly block noise. And yes indeed, someone would require a throwing tool to grab my attention while MDR-1RBT is on my head. 'tis also the most comfortable headphones I've tried to date.

gabby131

Originally posted at

2014-05-12T20:00:00

I have bought wireless headphones as I had bad experiences with wired earphones as they always at least one of them will either stop working in a few months maybe because of the stress the wires undergo due to stretching or simply due to careless handling. I was scouting for different wireless headphones in the market like that from Audio-Technica, Creative, BEATS and SONY. I chose SONY MDR1RBT as I was impressed with its aesthetic appearance and the technical specifications. I would have wanted the MDR10RDC Noice Cancelling Model but because it is not wireless, I decided to forgo it. So far I have used this RBT headphones on my flights and work-outs in the gym and it has not disappointed me. The cushions applied to the area near my ears provide acoustic comfort and in a way it blocks the noise outside. The mechanism wherein you can swivel the earcups flat to your chest appeals also to me as it enhances portability. A good buy indeed!

JASONREY

Originally posted at

2014-02-26T19:00:00

They have excellent sound and the tight cushion fit blocks out noise at the gym to the point it's not noticeable. No problem with the Bluetooth connecttion. They work great with my iPhone 5 in the gym and my car stereo.

Billibob

Originally posted at

2014-02-22T19:00:00

I use to listen Holosync & Many meditational music and this headphones very pure music even the beats are around 4Hz. Its a wonderful piece of devices and worth to buy.

Chandan0071985

Originally posted at

2014-02-22T19:00:00

Was deciding to buy A New Pair Beats or The Sony's MDR,So I Went For The Sony MDR after trying it out in one of the Sony stores and im soo pleased i bought i it,such good quality not a day go by i dont have this with me,and being the previous owner of Beats when it came out,I must Say Sony looks Elegant and professional,also light weight plus point if ur wearing it around your neck for hours

fahed

Originally posted at

2014-01-31T19:00:00

I was concerned about sound quality using Bluetooth - but the sound is fantastic. I also thought I'd miss the noise canceling - but these do a great job of excluding ambient sound. They also look and feel great, and getting rid of the wire is wonderful. But on my iPhone 5, I lose the first second of each song, apparently due to some flaw in the Bluetooth interface with iOS - it seems to take a second for the audio signal to start the Bluetooth feed. Not a huge problem, but I dropped a star from my rating for this issue - Sony should have addressed it. To be fair, Sony does warn of iOS compatibility issues, but to get 5 stars, I believe they should make these headphones fully compatible. Interestingly, I have no audio delay when watching video on the iPhone, a problem I have read about with other wireless headphones. Maybe 4 and a half stars?

Toddfd

Originally posted at

2013-12-26T19:00:00

I am not an audiophile, just someone that enjoy music. The headphone really has excellent sound quality. I really enjoy it. I did extensive research in comparing these to the Beats Studio Wireless. The sound is definitely comparable for sure. I also tested this using the same songs, with a Harman Kardon wireless BT headphone as well. The treble sounds better than the Beats as well as the HK. The only problem I have is the bass, the other two had more bass. With the bass booster on when listening to music, it solved that problem though. I did however wish that the bass was higher prior to turning on the bass booster in whatever program I was using to play music. I love these headphone and lug it everywhere with me. I have also recently taken it on an airplane and I can say that it tunes out majority of the wind noise while still retaining sound clarity when watching a movie. I actually love the material that was used as well. The others were made and felt plastic and cheap compared to these MDR-1RBTs. The Beats will have finger print all over it while the HK just felt really plastic-y. These also felt the best and comfortable, especially when I have it on for hours in my office or when I'm playing games at home. The best part is that the battery life. Doubles the length of usage and last the longest out of anything that I have seen out there. I am not sure if the price justifies it but it comes pretty close to the best thing you can get out there, from what I heard, the Parrot Zik.

DavD

Originally posted at

2013-09-08T20:00:00

Extremely comfortable, solid build quality, and really excellent, balanced sound--so everything about the headphones themselves are really nice. Slightly more bass-heavy than the MDR-7506's, which I also own, but honestly I can't tell a difference other than that (although the headband and ear cups on these are softer and higher quality, and without the big cord the balance feels better). But the pairing/Bluetooth connection is a little wonky with Macs; at least once day there's an error where the connection drops out, or I have to turn them off and on a couple times to use them as my audio device. Also, once I had them paired with my computer neither of my two coworkers (also on Macs) were able to pair with their computers even after I turned my Bluetooth off. However, my Bluetooth mouse and keyboard (both Apple products) also get weird sometimes, so it may be more of an OS issue than a headphone issue. However, wanted to put this out there since these are expensive, so if a Mac is your main computer, you might want a corded model or something else.

IamNateDavis

Originally posted at

2013-06-21T20:00:00

I'm really hoping that the BT audio quality drop is something that can be fixed (I've read online it's due to the inability of some headphones to use omnidirectional noise while using microphone) or else I'd have to downgrade it to 3 stars. If it can be fixed, it's well worth the 5 stars I'm giving it now.

Winter

Originally posted at

2013-05-30T20:00:00

These headphones are terrific. I've tried many others, including the gimmicky Ziks, and as far as sound quality and comfort, the 1RBTs are the head of the class. Sure, they are pricey, but you get what you pay for. I would have liked more metal in the build for the price, but the plastic seems durable enough. Most importantly, the sound is the best I've heard. They are not bass cannons, but there is plenty of clean bass that doesn't junk up the mids/highs. I'm no audiophile, but I am very particular with wireless headphone sound, and the sound even improved after a short 5hr burn in. The range was excellent on the BT, as I was able to much further than any other BT device I own. I did not notice any static or cutoffs at 10m even through several walls.

gsimonds

Originally posted at