Short answer: the Sony MDR-M1ST. It ranks #325 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $277.91. The Sony MDR-M1 ranks #380, rated 2.8/5, at $268, $9.91 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Sony MDR-M1ST is the better-sounding pick. A wired closed-back studio monitor with a 40mm driver, 24 ohms and 103 dB/mW sensitivity, so it plays loudly from a phone or interface without extra amplification. The tradeoff: The Harman score of 62 means the response drifts noticeably from what most listeners prefer.
Why pick the Sony MDR-M1: This closed back studio design weighs only 0.5 lbs (216 g) and blocks outside sound while leaking little. Watch for: Hobbyist measurements put its preference score at 55, with a 10.2 dB dip near 4 kHz and presence about 5.6 dB below target that push vocals and guitars back and soften detail.
Buy the Sony MDR-M1ST. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $9.91 you would save on the Sony MDR-M1 does not close the gap.
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A wired closed-back studio monitor with a 40mm driver, 24 ohms and 103 dB/mW sensitivity, so it plays loudly from a phone or interface without extra amplification.
Amazon $277.91 eBay
This closed back studio design weighs only 216 g and blocks outside sound while leaking little.
Amazon $268.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony MDR-M1ST | Sony MDR-M1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $277.91 | $268.00 |
| Ranked | #325 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #380 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 62 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 55 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.97 dB standard deviation | 2.99 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.00 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 24 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (215 g) | 0.5 lbs (216 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 80kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 80kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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