The Sony MDR ZX310 over-the-ear headphones are one of the few headphones whose quality exceeds the cost many times over. This model can not be called the best of all the budget, but it is in its price category headphones are leaders. This model has very contradictory reviews, so we decided to do our own review, examining in detail all the features and capabilities of these headphones.
Contents:
Completion
Like all cheap models, MDR ZX310 headphones come in a transparent plastic box. But here Sony decided to add solidity and developed for this model a more presentable volumetric box, in the form of a tightly sealed blister with embossed inner surface.
Due to this design, the headphones are firmly fixed inside the package, which reduces the likelihood of getting the product deformed during transportation. Although this packaging has its own disadvantage, it cannot be opened in the store, just to look at the device.
The headphones come with a double-sided flat wire, of course not removable, but inspiring confidence, thanks to its thickness. But, its length is limited to only 1.2 meters, so using the headphones on a desktop computer will be very problematic.
If you decide to buy this modification just for the PC, then analyze whether you can sit in them freely. The wire connects to devices with an L-shaped plug, which is more reliable than a straight plug, but uncomfortable when listening to mobile devices.
Design
Despite all the cheapness, the headphones make a solid impression. They have a folding design and are equipped with a hinge mechanism that allows you to stow the cups under the headband for transport or simply store the headphones.
All components are made of plastic, in what is inferior to its main competitor - the headphones AKG K 404. If we consider in general, the construction is very durable and as the reviews showed, it can withstand even multiple falls and hitting against a hard surface.
The main advantage of this model is the weight, which does not exceed 120 grams. Thanks to this, the headphones almost do not feel on your head during prolonged use.
The only discomfort may arise from the plastic headband, which does not have a soft finish and is characterized by an increased basic length. That's why they are not suitable for children and adults slip when bending your head. But the situation can be corrected by adjusting the headband length, and the adjustment margin is quite large.
When properly adjusted, they fit perfectly on the head and do not press on the ears, thanks to the voluminous ear cushions, which provide good sound insulation.
It is two-way and really high level here, as the user will barely distinguish the sounds around him, and others will not hear what sounds in the headphones either, unless you turn them up to full volume. The MDR XB250 was considered Sony's best for sound isolation, but the ZX310 headphones managed to beat them in this regard.
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Sound
Expecting great sound quality from such a budget model would be inappropriate, but compared to their main competitors AKG K404 and MDR XB250 from Sony, they stand very worthy competition. The main feature of this model is excellent bass reproduction. They dominate the whole scene, but do not overlap or drown out other ranges of sound frequencies.
Deep bass in the headphones allows you to create the volume of the reproduced song without intrusiveness and pressure. Even after long listening to bright or heavy music, there is no psychological fatigue.
As for the high and medium frequencies, they are mediocre and smoothed. While listening to the songs, they do not evoke bright emotions, but at the same time they allow you to distinguish the individual parts. The range in the transition from medium to low frequencies is slightly overestimated, because of which the sound acquires in some places a slight, almost not pronounced hum.
To improve the quality, you can resort to the source equalizer. When it is adjusted properly, the sound picture becomes lively and believable. For a true audiophile this may not be enough, but the average user may well enjoy good music.
Compatibility
Sony has positioned the MDR-ZX310 headphones as universal, suitable and compatible with all kinds of devices and operating systems. They are quite suitable for MP3 players, PCs and smartphones and are virtually unresponsive to source quality.
The only nuance that could be called a drawback is the reduced volume range when connected to phones. Even when you crank the audio power to the maximum limits, the volume does not exceed 70 dB. At the same time, the song itself loses a little bit of its detail and becomes flatter.
Conclusion
The Sony MDR ZX310 headphones are a comfortable and practical model that boasts good sound. For those who understand that you can not get perfect sound for a minimum price, these headphones will be the best buy.
Their advantages include:
- low cost;
- ease of use;
- good soundproofing;
- surround sound with pronounced bass;
- foldable design.
The disadvantages are the lack of vivid detail and the short wire. But against the background of more than a budget price, these disadvantages are simply lost.
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