Sony MDR XB950N1 Specifications, Tests and Review

The Sony MDR XB950N1 are wireless headphones that allow unrestricted movement and thus increase comfort while listening to music. Because of this feature wireless headphones are especially popular with casual users. On the other hand, the limiting factor of wireless headphones is a certain delay in sound transmission between the source and the headphones (almost indistinguishable for the average user), and they also need to be charged regularly. Unlike wired headphones, where the headphones are charged by the connected cable itself, wireless ones must be charged separately.

The headphones are designed as on-ear. On-ear headphones are generally lighter. However, their design has fewer isolation capabilities, and therefore, for example, more sound can be let in and out compared to around-ear headphones. The weight of the headphones is 290 g.

The sound quality can be affected by many factors. For many users the frequency range is a key feature of headphones. The wider the range, the more detail and nuance you will hear while listening. However, every individual perceives frequencies differently, so the frequency range of headphones varies according to individual needs. The average person perceives frequencies in the range of 16 to 20,000 Hz, so headphones with a frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz are most commonly available. If you are looking for headphones with a good bass performance, you should aim for lower range values (bass represents frequencies up to about 256 Hz), while high range values (frequencies roughly above 2,048 Hz) will be better for reproducing high tones. The frequency range of headphones Sony MDR XB950N1 is 20 - 22000 Hz.

Headphones consist of many important parts, including the diaphragm, which is responsible for converting electrical signals into sound. The diaphragm, with a thickness of around 6 mm, is very sensitive to changes in high frequencies but less sensitive to bass. For a relatively balanced sound profile, a medium-thick diaphragm of around 10 mm is used, which can reproduce both bass and treble. A diaphragm with a thickness of around 20 mm is not as quick to respond to changes in the audio signal, and this results in poorer bass listening. However, it is very sensitive to higher frequencies. In the case of this model, the diaphragm is the 40 mm.

The design of the headphones and their ear cups can also affect the quality of the audio output. The closed design does not allow ambient noise or sound from the headphones to flow outwards. Not only will you enjoy music in noisy environments, but you won't disturb anyone while enjoying listening session. The closed-back design makes the headphones suitable for the office or for travel.

For an even more undisturbed listening experience, the headphones have a special Active Noise Canceling feature.

In terms of headphone battery life as a significant factor in the purchase decision, it depends on what you want to use the headphones for and potentially how often you will be able to recharge them. Headphones with up to a few hours of battery life are more suitable for home use as they will require more frequent charging. Headphones with a battery life of around 10 hours or more are already more suitable for commuting and shorter journeys. However, nowadays you can also find headphones on the market that have a battery life in the higher tens to hundreds of hours. In this case, you do not have to worry about your headphones simply running out of power on longer journeys, and you will not have to deal with constant recharging. The battery life of the Sony MDR XB950N1 reaches up to 22 hour(s).

Charging time is 7 hour(s).