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Author Topic: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem  (Read 10295 times)

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Marvey

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #10 on: August 17, 2014, 06:19:14 AM »

Too dipole-ish for decent bass extension. You can tell the 70mm drivers are already working overtime at higher SPL. Think of OJ's or my open baffle speakers. Nothing below 40Hz. Even higher for mine.

Anyways CSDs here:

Corroborates that bump at ~1kHz. Treble is well behaved - no ringing.
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Hands

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #11 on: August 17, 2014, 06:39:25 AM »

Thanks! That looks a lot like other measurements I've seen, actually. Still would like to try them out some day, just not willing to drop cash on them.
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Claritas

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900
« Reply #12 on: August 17, 2014, 07:14:05 AM »

I will never understand unboxing videos.

Agreed, except for maybe this "ununboxing video" of CD900ST: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoXCJWE5po4

Also, it's worth mentioning that if you have a small head, you will need to put some sort of pad on MA900 because the headband doesn't go small.
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Hands

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #13 on: August 17, 2014, 07:22:41 AM »

How does it work for big-heads like myself? ;)
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lmswjm

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #14 on: August 17, 2014, 01:30:51 PM »


Wow, these look great! Just ordered these. I was searching for something good to use with a tablet/PC. It seems like this will put that Creative Aurvana project permanently on hold considering that this would be for the same application.

Too bad Tyll didn't get his mitts on these before they were d/c'd. Agreed, they don't look like $300 headphones, but I guess in the end a few people will get a real sonic sleeper for the price while they are around.
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Maxvla

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #15 on: August 17, 2014, 05:20:40 PM »

Cool. Glad you liked them, Marv. Kinda surprised they were resolving enough for you to enjoy. For me, they seemed slightly warm and a bit too smooth, but I enjoyed the angled drivers and the comfort. Even HD800s are uncomfortable in comparison.
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donunus

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #16 on: August 17, 2014, 09:18:38 PM »

The pair I got was distorted. It just simply could not play even at moderately loud volumes before farting
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gelocks

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #17 on: August 17, 2014, 09:27:44 PM »

One reason I never got these (apart from they being open), was the anemic/non-existent bass response... I need my sub-bass!! Other than that, I've read owners sing praises for them.
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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #18 on: August 17, 2014, 10:24:01 PM »

Unboxing for PM-1 makes sense somewhat. Anyways, MA900 measurements here:

I knew it haha, have owned MA900 for some time before I got HD650. D2, D3 distortion is nasty. HD650 is better. Hence MA900 is better deal than HD598 HD558 but I could not stand for distorted bass on my music. Love to hear orchestral attack as it is in real life... Chello, Piano, Basson, male vocal sounded thick and lacked of texture on MA900

Good phone for just laptop usage,not for critical listening, not for classical music at all
Hmm however I missed them a lot     
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Marvey

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Re: Sony MDR-MA900 - Hidden Gem
« Reply #19 on: August 18, 2014, 12:22:42 AM »

August 17, 2014 pricing for "open backed / dipole rad." headphones


HD558 $122 (Amazon Prime - special right now)
MA900 $224 (Japan Collectors through Amazon)
SR225i $249 (mystery company through Amazon Prime)
HD600 $360 (Amazon Prime)
AD2000 $450 (used)


I'd say pricing is appropriate as long as you can deal with the bass roll-off. Maybe find MA900 for less at eBay?
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