Sony MDR-XB950B1 Extra Bass Headphones – The Unbiased Review

When it comes to picking a pair of headphones, the process is a lot like picking a pair of shoes. It is all about the fit. Sound is something sensitive and specific, and most people will have their own preferences when it comes to their ideal pair of headphones. Even if they don’t realise it. Kind of like their taste in music.

For bass lovers, the Sony MDR-XB950B1 is a fit made in heaven. This is a pair of headphones that has especially been designed for audio that is significantly bass heavy, so it might not be the average person’s favourite pair for their Sunday afternoon playlist. But if you’re the type who chills to bass heavy hip-hop or EDM, you have found yourself a companion to invest in, for every day of the week.

For some, a headphone under 15K is a good investment. Which is why it is important to remember the shoe analogy and why the Sony MDR-XB950B1.

What’s in the box 

1. Headphones (MDRXB950B1)
2. Charging cable
3. 3.5mm audio cable
4. Instruction Manual

Design-wise, the Sony MDR-XB950B1 bears the signature Sony build so they are easily recognisable. Made for comfort, the large cushioned earpieces are impressive in that you can keep wearing them for long periods of time sometimes even forgetting that they are there. They’re a little bigger than the average pair of headphones so walking with them around your neck might become a little uncomfortable. They’re wireless and run an average of 18 hours on a 4-hour charge which means they won’t run out on you on your evening walks.

They also come with the same earpiece controls that most higher end Sony headphones have, the left ear cup has the power button, micro USB power connection, audio cord input, microphone, and the Bass Effect button. Users can adjust the bass settings on a scale of -10 to +10 using Sony’s Headphones Connect app available for both Android and iOS. The right ear cup has the volume control +/- button and the skip forward/reverse, play/pause/answer phone button.

When it comes to performance, the one thing that was significantly noticeable was the bass effect, which bass lovers would really enjoy, like I said before. But if heavy bass is not your jam all the time you can just choose to not turn on the bass effect. But that sort of beats the point of a speciality device like this. The Bluetooth function works perfectly, connectivity wise and you will have no issues connecting this pair to any of your devices. The Sony MDR-XB950B1 functions well with an equalizer, and using one, you will be able to enjoy any music on this pair. I wish had the N1 model as that offers noise cancellation.

The Unbiased Verdict

All in all, if you’re not a heavy bass kind of person the Sony MDR-XB950B1 might not cherish the and you may not be able to use it to its best potential. But if you’re a sound guru who works well with your phone equalizer, you will be able to derive the sound of your desires from this pair. I’d recommend it highly, for a bass experience that will have you feeling every vibration. As I mentioned above, the way they are tuned from the factory, these headphones are not for the user who demands balance in the audio experience. They were clearly aimed at those who enjoy the bass and a lot of it.

My Personal Verdict

Bass or No Bass the Sony MDR-XB950B1 have become my favourite pair of headphones. I can’t think of getting into flights without them. Even without active Noise Cancellation, I totally rely on them for my video editing, listening to music, PS4 Gaming and watching movies. I wonder what will happen to me once I get the Sony MDR-1000X as I’ve heard great reviews about them. Oh, by the way, this is the first time I’ve left a personal verdict on any of my reviews. Hence, I request you all to please leave your feedback about these headphones and this review.

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