Today, Sony announced its latest addition to the X Headphone line, the on-ear MDR-X05. The new model is said to focus on high-quality audio, while sporting a compact, lightweight, and “aggressive” design.
Perhaps that last adjective is born of the fact that, like the Sony X, Simon Cowell served as a consultant in creating the phones. While you’d think anything that passes muster for the jaded and perpetually sour-pussed ex-Idol judge should sound excellent, our experience with Sony’s X Headphone offerings has been underwhelming.
Unfortunately, none of the models we tested in the X line have received ratings higher than a 6 here at DT. Sony makes some outstanding headphones, we just don’t think the X line represents the company’s best work. These
cans could break the spell, but they’re lumped together with some pretty dubious offerings.
You won’t, however, see anything too alarming on the MDR-X05’s spec sheet. The headphones have a reported frequency response of 4Hz to 24 kHz (beyond the range of human hearing in both directions – interesting), impedance of 40 ohms at 1 kHz, and 104 dB/mW sensitivity – all just about perfect for use with low-powered mobile devices.
Bottom line here: Be cautious when approaching these cans. The company one keeps may not always be an effective basis for judgement, but it can certainly serve as a red flag in the early stages of a relationship.
Sony’s new headphones are available for pre-order now at a price point of $200, and are expected to ship March 25, 2013.
