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Sony MDR-1000X Premium Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth Headphones US $309.57 (~AU $392) Delivered @ Amazon

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Isolate yourself from external noise with industry-leading noise cancelation
Enjoy Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Hi-Fi quality audio,Driver Unit 40mm, dome type(CCAW Voice Coil) ,Frequency Response (Hz) 4Hz-40,000Hz
Listen to ambient sounds quickly and clearly with Quick Attention
Hear music at its best with Hi-Res Audio
Listen longer with up to 20 hours of battery life,Control everything by touch with Easy Touch control

Use a fee free Credit Card to get the best price. Like 28 Degrees.

Conversion rate taken from XE.com

Alternatively $434 Click and Collect from Videopro eBay

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
This is part of Father's Day deals for 2017.

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closed Comments

  • +2

    better get a local stock since there are a lot of reporting issue around the headband broken.

    • +3

      Someone called?

      Yes my headband broke after 5 months of very careful handling. The replacement was brand new and sealed in the box - and also dead. I'm waiting for my 3rd.

      Apparently they headband issue is fixed after a certain serial number (which my dead replacement was) but it's hard to know without waiting another 5 months.

      Highly recommend against these headphones. They're great but… extra money when the QC35s are great and also just work? Forget about it.

      • How hard/easy was the warranty claim? Saw a thread in Sont'a offical forums with very bad experience dealing with Sony AU.

        • +1

          Easy because I dealt with the store. But I have to pay shipping one way registered Express, which is 2x$20 so far.

      • +1

        Weird. Had mine since January and not a single issue. Luck of the draw

      • +1

        How much use during those 5 months? I've used mine for a few overseas trips and have been fine thus far

        • Every day to and from work. They get used heaps, but I do look after them. Always in the pouch.

      • where did you read about problem fixed after a certain serial number? Only thing stopping me from buying is seeing Sony isn't quite helpful on their own discussion forum. It appears they'd rather get people to contact them privately than leaving the chance to everyone to get together and dispute as a group.

      • +1

        Used it almost everyday for 10 months and all good.

        Only Microphone is not very sensitive(since I bought it), but not a big deal.

        • Yeah i've had the same microphone struggles too(The ocasional person saying they can't understand me properly). But I've been using mine for probably 4 months now, easily 8-10 hours per day. No problems yet.

        • @ONEMariachi:

          Thanks for sharing this. Have you tried to contact Sony AU about the mic issue?

        • @xjcs88: I/m not sure it is an issue with the device to be honest, I think it is more the placement of the mic which is the problem, but no I haven't, have you?

          It's not exactly a huge issue for me, mostly got it for listening to music/audiobooks, and drowning out the idiots in my office. Calls is a very minor bonus that I use quite infrequently.

        • @ONEMariachi:

          I didn't either as it is not a big issue for me, same as you.

      • +1

        QC35's are only more comfortable. The BT Rx/Tx on them suck as ass.
        The 1000x are better in every way except comfort… probably why the headband breaks bcos they're a little tight.

        My QC35's have TERRIBLE local support bcos Bose never answer the phone and ignore my emails. I bought mine from InStyle HiFi and they too ignore my emails.

        BT issues detailed here: https://community.bose.com/t5/Wireless-Headphones/QC35-Bluet…

        My $10 banggood BT headphones have WAY better BT, never had issues with 1000x BT.

        • -4

          Wrong. BT on QC35 is fine. If you read the forums properly the issue was solved by resetting the bluetooth module ON THE OTHER device, not the QC35.

        • +1

          @freelife: You obviously didn't read the thread… it resolved the problem for 1 user "RESET THE BLUETOOTH MODULE on the secret bluetooth menu on your macs." I haven't even got a Mac paired!

          I've reset BT on everything multiple times and even with my new S8+ they stutters when I turn my head.

        • -3

          @raybies: You should reset your head.

          That was a joke. Maybe.

          But you're right, I didn't read the whole thread but still believe the QC35 is superior. Stop popping my bubble.

        • @freelife: Have had both, and the sound of the Sony is by far the superior of the two. It's not even close.

        • @ONEMariachi: I tested both extensively myself. I beg to differ. The QC35 was so much better. Guess people have different hearing tastes.

        • @freelife:

          On the store display (JB) - the Bose were better.

          Over BT I felt the ANC was more profound compared to the 1000x. It sucks because you can't connect to BT on the 1000x at JB.

          Funnily enough I wear glasses and the 1000x felt a lot more comfortable.

          I still think i'm going to opt for the Bose.

        • @madgame87:

          On the display Bose is better because it has a nice built in EQ. The Sony are better off the display after you use an EQ on your player. That's my 2c.

          ANC is noticeably better on the Sony just having even someone next to you talk to you or having the kitchen hood vent on. But the Bose is serviceable.

        • @ONEMariachi: You must like techno cos that's what the Sony's are good for… Loud doof doof music. It's not a warm, inspiring sound. And worst of all, when no music is playing the Sony has an audible hiss. The QC35 is perfectly silent when no music is playing.

        • @DoctorOwl:

          Interesting.

          Well i'll be using my iPhone/Mac as main source of music (Spotify, Apple music).

          I thought the Sony's just sounded a bit muddy and not as pronounced as Bose (which I can of prefer). Bose are also supposedly releasing a new update mid September.

          I'll still opt for the Bose, but will try the Sony again this weekend.

        • +1

          @freelife: I literally have Eddie Van Halen as my picture… I am also a blues musician. Have recorded, and used a huge range of headphones across a lot of levels of quality- funnily enough no studios ever touch Bose, cos they sound average at best, and have poor representation of the soundscape that is available. The 1000x on the other hand has by far had the most neutral sound, easily moved to what ever EQ settings you want to use it for, out of mid range headphones. I'm going to go with, you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

        • @ONEMariachi: My friend is both a musician and has a Masters in Sound Engineering and he agrees with me. The "hiss" you can hear when no music playing is atrocious for a $400 device. The Bose doesn't have this problem and has a distinctly more pleasurable sound profile across most genres. The Sony gets it right at the wavelength level, but the overall "sound" is very clinical and uninspiring. Add the comfort issues (heavy, hot), creaking, cracking, and yeah, that's why I didn't go with the Sony. But if you're happy then good on ya!

        • @freelife: Mine doesn't have a hiss, I think you tried a faulty one. Comfort wise, it's completely fine as well. Also, bullshit on your sound engineering mate, not buying it. Have never met a single person in recording that has ever had a good thing to say about Bose sound quality. But I appreciate your attempt at one upping.

        • @ONEMariachi: Lol I'll give you $1000 if you want to bet on the Masters degree and I can show you the CD his band released. I tried the Sony at Sony's own Kiosk, then a different one at JB, then the ones at Syd International Airport (another small kiosk with 4 MDR's on display. All had annoying hiss. I think you have the faulty one if yours doesn't have a hiss :P

        • @freelife: Cool story mate, I can show you my released cds too, look up The Skeleton Club. Bose are terrible, this is well known. They had good ANC, the end.

        • +1

          @freelife: I own both, and like I said the Sony is better in every way except comfort. But I think the Sony's lack of comfort and improved base response + ANC is due to them hugging my head tighter.

          Btw my living room speakers are: KEF R700
          and my favourite headphones are: Denon AH-D7200
          my amp is a Naim.

          Sound is very subjective and varies with your age.
          Older folk will prefer the Bose.
          Techs and younger folk will prefer the Sony… they both have a hiss with no sound.

        • @raybies: Bose has no hiss with no sound. I had it on at 3am in bed as I couldn't sleep and it was dead silent. The Sony had a very very audible hiss. This is with ANC on for both.

          Maybe I picked up 4 faulty Sony's all having hiss

        • @raybies: Firmware.must have resolved. It's silent as. Sony has a hiss like an annoying speaker.

        • @raybies:

          LOL

  • these or QC35??
    i listen to classical music and hardcore rap

    • +12

      Stick with beats

      • +1

        Beats… I hope you're being sarcastic :p

        • +10

          Na, they've got gooder bass bro.

        • +2

          @F-22: bass is nice but treble aren't good. QC35 has better balance, Sony MDR1000X has the best sound.

          However, comfort wise, Bose beats all brands so far. Not to mention noise cancellation is very very nice on the Bose. (Sony is not bad either) haven't try Beats one.

        • +8

          thanks everyone ill stick to my $5 ear buds from woolies, isle 13

        • @tuzii: You should. Suits you better.

        • +4

          @tuzii: $5? Look at mr fancy over here

        • +1

          @tuzii: jeez no need to show off

        • @SimpleRoger:
          SORRY!!!!!!!!!

        • +1

          @tuzii: try use them on a plane or loud train and compare tee $5 earphone to the qc35, then you'll learn to appreciate the difference and your more importantly your hearing. * nod *

    • +2

      I find Sony have better sound, bought both a month ago. Bose is more comfortable out of the box, but I can wear Sony up to 2 hours a time.

      • I think Sony have really perfected the "make you smile" sound.

        • It also hisses when no music is on. That would wipe the smile off your face.

    • +2

      You should wait til they're under $99 first

    • I was looking at QC35's. I'm going for the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 wireless. Comparison reviews and various forums give the Sennheisers the edge for me. Sound profile is better with noise cancelling not as good. I'd rather the nicer sound profile.
      I have heard both in store, and the Sennheisers do indeed have a nicer sound to my ears.

      I'm REALLY hoping a deal will be forthcoming soon, otherwise I'll bite the bullet.

    • +2

      I bought both of these to compare.

      Personally, I much preferred the sound of the MDX1000 over the QC35 by orders of magnitude. The MDX also had (slightly) better noise cancellation whilst on a plane.

      That said, my wife, to my amazement, liked the 'Bose sound' of the QC35 more. It has heavily boosted mid-bass and treble and make me feel slightly nauseous. I guess it might depend a little on what kind of music you listen to, but I didn't care for it at all. I thought the MDX1000 sounded lovely across the board.

      The Bose, was much more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time and was also much better for making phone calls.
      The MDX1000 has touch controls which I really liked and missed instantly when I used the QC35.

      I kept the Sony and sold the Bose.

  • This is cheap! Bought local stock for $488 few weeks back.

  • -1

    You spelled QC35 wrong.

  • +3

    Had my local stock pair for about a month. Couldn't be happier with sound and build quality as well as comfort.

  • +4

    Re-posting my personal review:

    Found a way to get this QC35 for $142, and it was all very accidental.

    So in the last MYER20 sale, I bought the QC30 and QC35 at $323 and $350 respectively. Bought both as I really wanted the QC30 (prefer the discreteness) but I knew it had major drawbacks compared to the QC35, such as sound, battery life, and no cable for planes. Anyway received both but never opened. I then went to a Bose store to test the QC30 and QC35 several times. Whilst the QC30 were solid (great sound, and preferred the adjustable ANC), I couldn't help but notice the QC35 had more soundstage and therefore sounds had more of a nice "chamber" effect, rather than the flatter sound of the QC30. That said, the QC30 were still impeccable (4.6 stars vs QC35's 4.8 stars, out of 5). Anyway I began to see more reviews of the Sony MDR 1000X, with an overwhelming majority claiming how superior they were to the QC35. I was still sitting on two Bose's, knowing I had 30 days to return. I managed to find the Sony's for $430, and basically was ready to return the Bose's and just go with the supposed "superior" Sony. So I went to a Sony Kiosk and JB Hi-Fi to test them out. I spent a whole hour testing the Sony 1000X and Bose QC35, going back and forth between them.

    In the end, the QC35's won. The Sony, whilst having premium build and high fidelity sound, felt very artifical and contrived. It had strong everything - bass, mids, treble, volume… and somewhat well balanced, but it didn't have the warmth and soundstage of the QC35. The analogy in my head is that with the QC35, it feels like you're in the middle of a large auditorium that's almost perfectly acoustically designed, and you hear all the instruments around you while you stare up into the stars high above. There was a 'cinematic' and magic effect. Plus the headset was so light and unnoticeable, you could just get swept into the music and not "sense" the hardware on your head. With the Sony's, it felt so clininal. With the music on 90%+ (the same level I tested the QC35), the analogy is like being at the concert of the songs you were listening to, and had your ears next to the loudspeaker. It sounded live, punchy, strong, sure, but boy, it was uninspiring. It's like in your head you were calculating how precide they must have measured the fidelity and how each note cut through the cans, but it was all just very in your face. There was no airy sense of wow, this music is drawing me away… I could fall asleep to my favourite tunes. And it wasn't helped by the "heavier" feel of the earcups as they were more dense, so pressed more into the ear slightly. A few minutes of testing you don't notice it a gret deal, but over a long period, the ears get hot and annoyed. It also lacks the "pushed in" speakers of the QC35, so the music is blaring right into your ears without some airspace to carry the sound (I assume creating a bit more sound stage). I mean, your ears literally touch the inside of the 1000X.

    The things I liked about the Sony were the premium materials and the ambient ANC when you touch the right ear side, but it wasn't enough to detract from the other issues I discovered - a legit constant hissing when there was silence (like music transitions). That would be SO annoying when you spent $400+! It's a known issue yet people tolerate it while raving on about the headphones, I don't get it! Second, I've seen many reports and pics of the Sony cracking or creaking after a while, and so I didn't want to risk that happening cos that would just drive me insane. I also noticed on the demo versions the pleather outter of the cups were easily scratched, and left "white" trails where poeple either ran their fingernails or the headband got scraped against things. They end up becoming permanent marks just like how you shoes would get marks and creases, and just makes the whole thing look displeasing. That said, the QC35 is mostly plastic and will suffer from the same deterioration as is evident in the demo devices at JB.

    I think the Bose having an app and upgradeable firmware adds to its appeal, so it can continue to "enhance" as it as in the recent firmware updates.

    So there it is, I like the QC35's a lot because it feels like you're listening to increbibly beautiful sound without having any hardware on… how ironic.

    Oh and as for the ANC, there were on par. The QC35 now have an ablity to lower ANC so the unique ambient ANC of the Sony is no longer an edge on competiton.

    As for the cost, well, I ended up returning both Bose's to Myer as they refund the full price gross of the eBay discount, so I actually for $180 free credit. I then re-purchased the QC35 with PLAYER and minus $180, it's about $183. And since I'm travelling within 60 days, minus another $44, so it will have cost net $142.

    Decisions complete.

    • I used my QC35 on my recent transatlantic trip and it was incredible. Drowned out 95% of the noise (no music playing). I also left my phone on my seat and walked up to the A380 lounge area so was easily more than 10m away and the sound never got lost or skipped.

      Some people comment the sound of the QC35 is meh and one thing I've noticed is that it depends totally on the music quality. Yes some songs were avg sounding but those that were mastered really well sounded out of this world.

      I also upgraded to latest firmware and I actually think both ANC and sound quality improved.

      Only issue I've had was when on a call it did skip once. I think that was Murphy telling me nothing is perfect.

    • +7

      Wow I would hate to see you grocery shopping you would probably starve making a decision 😂

      • +1

        STORY OF MY LIFE. Also at restaurants. I'm always the last to order, 10 mins after the last person ordered.

    • As for the cost, well, I ended up returning both Bose's to Myer as they refund the full price gross of the eBay discount, so I actually for $180 free credit.

      That is very dumb of them. Everyone else just reverses the ebay transaction, instead of paying you cash.

    • Thanks for the extensive write-up.

      However, the obvious detail that you didn't mention is which phone you were using in your tests. Based on what you described, I'm almost certain it was an iPhone, as the Bose headphones have been designed / optimised for reproducing the best sound over SBC, i.e. the low-fi wireless audio codec. Even with any mid-range Android phone you get lossless wireless audio support (not to mention native hi-res audio in Android O), and I would expect the Sony's to have a clear edge over the Bose.

      • Yes iPhone.

  • +2

    Hey I have big ears, 1.5x the norm. I go to comicon as jah jah binks with no costume (helps im ugly too).

    Hoping there are fellow big eared freaks here how are they comfort wise, say after an hour of use? Do your ears sweat or get hot? And will they press against the ear skin giving discomfort?

    I really want to get NC headphones for long haul flights and noisy neighbours. This or the preferred QC35.

    • -3

      Plastic surgery

    • Get the QuietComfort 20 in ear headphones. You will have the added bonuses of been able to lie down with head to the side to listen or watch stuff in bed with no discomfort, you can store them easily in a pocket and best of all you wont look like all the canned muppets d(-_-)b

      • I'll second the QC20. Size of your ears won't matter if you go in-ears. More comfortable too.

        If I can suggest an improvement to QC20, it's the ear gels. There is no passive noise isolation on these. With ANC off, the noise around you is the same, with or without these in your ears.

        If they change the gels to once that block noise in addition to ANC, the noise reduction will be even better.

    • I have the original QC15's and they fit my big ears, they don't get sweaty and are suitable for long haul flights too, The QC35 and also this sony have bigger ear pieces. You should be fine Jah Jah Binks :)

    • I have relatively large ears which warm up easily too, have both the 35s and 20s. Even the 35s, however comfy they are, get hot and stuffy. Get the 20s or wait till mid September to see if Bose updates the 30s.

  • +5

    Worth mentioning that Android 8.0 will include support for wireless hi-res audio (up to 24 bit / 96 kHz) over LDAC. On the other hand, Bose QC-series still don't even support normal lossless streaming over bluetooth - the same goes for iOS so they deserve each other :-)

  • Just wondering if the ebay 20% sale for videopro woild be a better option to buy from. Price after discount is $434, local support and GST invoice.

  • +1
    • +1

      Questionable feedback for some of them though.

  • I've been wanting these headphones for a while now, but can't bring myself forward to buying because of the factory fault of them cracking.
    Everytime they get posted I check the comments to see if there's any news of a model revision that fixes them but no such luck.
    The serial number batch claim is false as people outside those numbers are still having the same cracking problem.

    ..maybe I'll just have to wait for the next best thing in high end NC headphones.

  • +2

    i found these AU $313.45 Delivered I used the PINCH5 coupon. They seem to be based and ship from aus based on there description. I took the gamble fairly new seller but awesome price.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bose-QC35-QuietComfort-35-Wireles…

  • JB can price match for $450.

    Spend a bit more $$$ and get a full warranty. $400+ headphones are an investment you don't want to end up on the wrong side of.

  • Merged from Sony Premium Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth Headphone, Black (MDR1000X/B) - US$298 (~AU$406.64) Delivered @ Amazon US

    A good alternative to QC35,
    * Isolate yourself from external noise with industry-leading noise cancelation
    * Enjoy Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Hi-Fi quality audio,Driver Unit 40mm, dome type(CCAW Voice Coil) ,Frequency Response (Hz) 4Hz-40,000Hz
    * Listen to ambient sounds quickly and clearly with Quick Attention
    * Hear music at its best with Hi-Res Audio
    * Listen longer with up to 20 hours of battery life,Control everything by touch with Easy Touch control

    • +1

      I think there must be some reason for this kind of flagship headphone being sold at such cheap price. After carefully read the reviews on Amazon especially the negative ones, I have convinced myself that there is a higher possibility that you can buy a "crack-in-future" headphone if you choose 1000x. End up choosing QC35 instead, although it is very uncomfortable when the ANC is on and so on…….

      • Yeah warranty may be a problem coming from overseas.

    • By the way, the Grey Beige MDR1000X/C model is also $298 USD if you're into that sort of colour.

      https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHZ4ZVW?th=1

    • $368 here

      • Yeah there's question marks over that one. eBay seller with only an 84.8% feedback rating. And that stock is coming shipped from Hong Kong, buyer beware.

        Whereas this here is official stock in the USA from Amazon. Guaranteed not to be a counterfeit.

    • Has anyone owned both the Sony mdr1rbt and the mdr1000x? And, could possibly do a comparison between the two?
      I've owned the Sony mdr1rbt headphones for the past few years, by far the best bluetooth headphones I've used. If these mdr1000x headphones are a considerable upgrade, I might get them.

  • I ended up with the QC35. I need to test it against the MDR-1000x to see if it's subjectively better in SQ or ANC.

    Comfort-wise QC35 wins. The latest firmware also allows you to change the ANC level.

    For me the bluetooth switching was a big deal-breaker, I have an iPhone and MacBook Pro and i'll constantly be switching between them at work, having to power-off the headphones every time to switch devices would be annoying.

    Features wise, you can also skip tracks, adjust volume etc with the QC35 on the unit itself as well. So for me the only feature MDR-1000x has over the QC35 is the ability to pause ANC on the physical unit.

    Otherwise it's all down to ANC and SQ.

    • Price just dropped now to US$229 = Delivery for the MDR-1000X

      • $306 delivered.

        • Yep. Wonder if Amazon can refund you the difference if you already purchased it at the higher price?

        • @Jase2801: Maybe store credit?

          Pretty crazy.. these are $499 at JB. RRP is $699.

          You can't go wrong with either this or the Bose.

        • @madgame87: I know crazy price right. I have so many headphones lol.

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