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I purchased these as an addition to a studio rig, and already own several pairs of very good headphones. Until today, my favorite pair had been the Sony MDR-V700 DJ 'phones, which have a very high sensitivity and a natural, flat response, both of which contribute to a big, accurate sound that does not fatigue over a long listening session.
Upon plugging in the MDR-XB920, my entire perspective on clean, clear sound has changed. By comparison, the '920 bumps the highest octave by about 3dB, adding a sheen to the top end of any recording. This effect is most noticeable on older tracks that may have been recorded on analog tape before being transferred to CD. The typical high-frequency roll off that much of this music exhibits can be partially corrected when listening through the MDR-XB920, without having to equalize the sound with an outboard unit.
The bass response with the MDR-XB920 is spectacular. At the lowest music frequencies, below about 40 hz, these 'phones CRUSH any other model I have ever auditioned, with strong, undistorted output through a dedicated headphone amp right up to the maximum clean setting. The MDR-XB920 delivers a truly massive, clear sound that is so good, I am listening to them as they sit on my desk.
With all of their strengths (and the most comfortable ear cups I've ever worn), there is one aspect of the sound that buyers should be aware of before making the investment. The sound produced is very clear, with a great deal of power at the bottom end that will appeal to most listeners, as it does not overwhelm the sound unless pushed. The only caveat: The enhancements to the extreme ranges at the top and the bottom of the frequency curve serve to subdue the mid bass presence. I have tweaked the eq a bit at the distribution amp in an attempt to flatten the dip, but it is more a perceptual difference due to the frequencies around it being boosted. After listening for a few minutes, the dip is not a deal breaker, but it is real.
For anyone looking for an extremely high-output headphone that isolates the listener from ambient noise and provides a forward presence in the sound, This is without doubt or reservation the best product I have auditioned in 24 years in the mobile DJ and studio recording business at anything near this price point. The frequency manipulation used to achieve the sound character is audible, but is not unlivable. The MDR-XB920 has found a long-term home in my studio :D
4 stars and above
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Sony XB920 vs XB500s vs XB1000
I own both the XB920s and the XB500s. Trust me when I say the XB500s are the only thing you should be thinking about. The 920s are great cans, with great bass, but the overall sound of the 500s, along with the 500s having over-ear cushions for clarity and sound isolation make them the better choice.The only thing going for these cans are the look in public. The white and chrome will look great, and they are surprisingly good at keeping the noise bleeding down to a minimum. Also, they are as you can read about elsewhere, very bass-heavy. Very very bass-heavy. But the 500s have the same bass, (if not clearer) along with decent mids and great highs. Another option is the next step up to the XB500s, namely the XB1000s.Current prices:XB920 (this product) = $120XB500 = $300XB1000 = $600These headphones are totally amazing and I have no complaints. (I knew how bass-heavy they were when I bought them) But if you are looking for real great sound and have a few extra bucks to spend, go for the 500s or 1000s. These are still in the same XB line, but have better balance in all ranges and better isolation.
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I own both the XB920s and the XB500s. Trust me when I say the XB500s are the only thing you should be thinking about. The 920s are great cans, with great bass, but the overall sound of the 500s, along with the 500s having over-ear cushions for clarity and sound isolation make them the better choice.
The only thing going for these cans are the look in public. The white and chrome will look great, and they are surprisingly good at keeping the noise bleeding down to a minimum. Also, they are as you can read about elsewhere, very bass-heavy. Very very bass-heavy. But the 500s have the same bass, (if not clearer) along with decent mids and great highs. Another option is the next step up to the XB500s, namely the XB1000s.
Current prices:
XB920 (this product) = $120
XB500 = $300
XB1000 = $600
These headphones are totally amazing and I have no complaints. (I knew how bass-heavy they were when I bought them) But if you are looking for real great sound and have a few extra bucks to spend, go for the 500s or 1000s. These are still in the same XB line, but have better balance in all ranges and better isolation.
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