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  1. Home
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Sony MDR-1A vs MDR-7520

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsBreathabilityPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass AccuracyMid AccuracyTreble AccuracyPeaks/DipsImagingPassive SoundstageVirtual SoundstageWeighted Harmonic DistortionTest Settings
    Isolation
      Noise IsolationLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      BluetoothNon-Bluetooth WirelessWiredPC / PS4 CompatibilityXbox One CompatibilityBase/Dock
    Comments

Products

Sony MDR-1A
Sony MDR-7520

Tested using Methodology v1.4

Updated Aug 07, 2021 12:25 AM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Jul 17, 2025 06:01 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Sony MDR-1A Picture

Track

Sony MDR-7520 Picture

Track

TypeOver-ear
EnclosureClosed-Back
Noise CancellingNo
WirelessNo
TransducerDynamic
MicYes
TypeOver-ear
EnclosureClosed-Back
Noise CancellingNo
WirelessNo
TransducerDynamic
MicNo

Our Verdict

Sony MDR-1A

Sony MDR-7520

The Sony MDR-1A are a better closed-back critical listening headphones than the Sony MDR-7520. The 1As are a lot more comfortable and sleeker looking than the 7520s. The 1A also have a better-balanced sound than the 7520s. They pack a bit more bass and do not sound as sharp on already bright tracks. On the upside, the 7520s feel a bit more durable than the 1As.

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Variants

  • MDR-1A (Black)
  • MDR-1A (Silver)
  • MDR-7520 (Black)

Review

See Sony MDR-1A Review
See Sony MDR-7520 Review
0 
0 

Check Price

Black
MDR-1A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
MDR-7520
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Silver
MDR-1A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
MDR-7520
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
 
Black
MDR-7520
SEARCH
B&H
 
Black
MDR-7520
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
Black
MDR-7520
SEARCH
Sony
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
JOIN NOW  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Sony MDR-1A Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs
Show Text 

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
N/A

Feedback  

Locked
N/A

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
N/A

Channel Mixing 
 

Locked
N/A

Noise Cancelling Control  

Locked
N/A

Talk-Through 
 

Locked
N/A

Additional Controls  

Locked
N/A
Show Text 

Breathability 
 

N/A
N/A

Breathability After Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Avg.Temp.Difference  

Lock °C
Lock °C
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

L  

Lock"
Lock"

W  

Lock"
Lock"

H  

Lock"
Lock"

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³

Transmitter Required  

Locked
N/A
Show Text 

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

N/A
N/A

W  

N/A
N/A

H  

N/A
N/A

Volume  

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Sony MDR-1A In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Frequency Response  

Sony MDR-1A Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

Sony MDR-1A Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Sony MDR-1A Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Sony MDR-1A Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Avg. Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Sony MDR-1A Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw FR L  

Sony MDR-1A Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Sony MDR-1A Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Sony MDR-1A Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass  

Sony MDR-1A Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass  

Sony MDR-1A Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Mid Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid  

Sony MDR-1A Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Mid  

Sony MDR-1A Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Treble Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble  

Sony MDR-1A Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Treble  

Sony MDR-1A Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Sony MDR-1A Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Sony MDR-1A Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Imaging 
 

N/A
N/A

Group Delay  

Sony MDR-1A Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Phase Response  

Sony MDR-1A Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weighted Group Delay 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Frequency Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Passive Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Sony MDR-1A PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Distance 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Openness 
 

0.0
0.0

Acoustic Space Excitation 
 

0.0
0.0
Show Text 

Virtual Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Virtual Soundstage  

Sony MDR-1A Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Head Modeling 
 

Locked

Speaker Modeling 
 

Locked

Room Ambience 
 

Locked

Head Tracking 
 

Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked

Weighted Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted Harmonic Distortion  

Sony MDR-1A Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

WHD @ 90 
 

Lock
Lock

WHD @ 100 
 

Lock
Lock

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked

Power 
 

Locked

Connection 
 

Locked

Codec 
 

Locked

EQ 
 

Locked

ANC 
 

Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Isolation

Noise Isolation 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation  

Sony MDR-1A Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Isolation Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Sony MDR-1A Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
N/A

In-Line 
 

Locked
N/A

Boom 
 

Locked
N/A

Detachable Boom 
 

Locked
N/A

Mic  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Sony MDR-1A Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

LFE 
 

Lock Hz
N/A

FR Std. Dev. 
 

Lock dB
N/A

HFE 
 

Lock Hz
N/A

Weighted THD 
 

Lock
N/A

Gain 
 

Lock dB
N/A
Show Text 

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Sony MDR-1A SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Speech + Pink Noise  

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

Speech + Subway Noise  

JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW

SpNR 
 

Lock dB
N/A
Show Text 
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
N/A

Continuous Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Additional Charges 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Charge Time 
 

N/A
N/A

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
N/A

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
N/A

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
N/A

Charging Port  

Locked
N/A
Show Text 

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Sony MDR-1A App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked
N/A

iOS  

Locked
N/A

Android  

Locked
N/A

macOS  

Locked
N/A

Windows  

Locked
N/A

Equalizer 
 

Locked
N/A

ANC Control 
 

Locked
N/A

Mic Control  

Locked
N/A

Room Effects 
 

Locked
N/A

Playback Control 
 

Locked
N/A

Button Mapping  

Locked
N/A

Surround Sound  

N/A

Surround Support 
 

Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Bluetooth 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
N/A

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
N/A

NFC Pairing 
 

Locked
N/A

Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (SBC) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX HD) 
 

N/A

PC Latency (aptX-LL) 
 

N/A
N/A

iOS Latency 
 

N/A

Android Latency 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Non-Bluetooth Wireless 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Wired 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Sony MDR-1A Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sony MDR-7520 Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Analog Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable  

Locked
Locked

Length  

Lock ft
Lock ft

Connection  

Locked
Locked

Wired Latency 
 

Lock ms

Analog/USB Audio Latency 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

PC / PS4 Compatibility 
 

PC/PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PC/PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PC/PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Compatibility 
 

Xbox One Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Base/Dock 
 

N/A
N/A

Type 
 

Locked
N/A

USB Input 
 

Locked
N/A

Line In 
 

Locked
N/A

Line Out 
 

Locked
N/A

Optical Input 
 

Locked
N/A

RCA Input 
 

Locked
N/A

Dock Charging 
 

Locked
N/A

Power Supply 
 

Locked
N/A
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
MDR-1A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
MDR-7520
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Silver
MDR-1A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
MDR-7520
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
 
Black
MDR-7520
SEARCH
B&H
 
Black
MDR-7520
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
Black
MDR-7520
SEARCH
Sony
Back to Top

Sony MDR-1A

Sony MDR-7520

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Sony MDR-1A vs Sony MDR-7520: Main Discussion

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