Sony MDR-ZX310 Headphones

By luck I was at a thrift shop and saw a pair of Sony MDR-ZX310 for sale. I scooped them up as I've heard so many positive online reviews that they are great for the price point of $18.

Basic Specs:

30mm Drivers
10 ~ 24,000 Hz
1,000 mW -- Max Input Power
98 db/mW
24 Ohms
125g -- Weight
1.2m -- Cable Length

I also own the lower end model ZX100's and can compare the two.

Sound Quality

The 310's have a wider response range than the 100's and I can both feel and hear it on the bass. Mid and treble are almost the same to me, but due to the weaker bass on the 100's it feels more pronounced on the Mid and Treble, but with deeper listening the 310's are at least on par with some frequencies coming through more that were not as clear on the 100's. If you like vocal and mids the 100's might be better. Even with EQ bass reduction the 310's sound tinny and need the full bass to sound decent. Overall the 310's are tuned for bass and surprisingly I prefer the 100's as I like to hear strong vocals. But it is a fuller and richer sound on the 310's.

Build Quality

Roughly the same. Earpads seem tighter and softer, but they are about the same.

The one noticeable difference is the gold plated 3.5 mm adapter on the 310's.

Summary

They usually sell at near the same price point and generally better to pick the 310's, but surprising to me I pick the 100's as its tuned more on mids and treble with weaker bass helping vocals sound more pronounced. Outside in noisy environments the 310's win. In a quiet place the 100's are a fair choice.

Comments

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

By happenstance I own several Sony ZX Series Headphones: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Build Quality (ZX-310 Wins) They use mostly a Plastic Build that is quite durable; the ZX-100 I've had for over 2 1/2 years and been thrown about in my Backpack & Car. The ONLY issue with the lower model ZX-100 & ZX-110 Series are the crappy Earpads that disintegrate and create a flaky vinyl mess. Those flakes then get stuck to your ears & hair. The ZX-310 wins in that regard with much better quality Earpads. Cost (ZX-100/110 Wins) ZX-310's cost about twice that of the ZX-100/110 and I've been able to find several 310's for about $18 at Discount Retailers. ZX-110's should go for about $10. Specs They are all 30mm Drivers. The ZX-310 has a wider Frequency Range of 10 ~ 24,000 Hz and a Gold 1/8" Plug. The ZX-100/110 are roughly identical going 12 ~ 22,000 Hz. Sound (ZX-100 Wins) Surprisingly, I prefer the ZX-100's Sound Signature vs. the 110 and 31

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