Sony MDR-ZX110 On-Ear Headphones: Affordable and Portable Audio Experience

The Sony MDR-ZX110 are a budget-friendly pair of wired over-ear headphones aimed at casual music listeners. Offering decent sound quality and comfort at an affordable price point, these headphones provide good value for money. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the design, features, sound quality, comfort, and overall performance of the MDR-ZX110 headphones to see how they stack up.

Overview

The Sony MDR-ZX110 are fairly lightweight and compact over-ear headphones with a folding and swiveling design for portability. They have 30mm neodymium drivers, a frequency response range of 12-22,000 Hz, and a 1.2m tangle-free cable with an in-line remote and mic. Key features include closed-back design, soft cushioned earpads, and an adjustable headband.

Highlights

• 30mm neodymium drivers
• 12Hz - 22kHz frequency response
• Foldable and swiveling design
• Inline remote and microphone
• Closed-back design

Design and Build

The MDR-ZX110 have a simple and straightforward design with an all-plastic construction that feels a bit cheap but keeps the weight down. The headband is thin with no padding but has a self-adjusting mechanism that provides a secure fit. The earcups swivel flat for easy portability and storage. The padded ear cushions are comfortable but clamp a little tightly. Overall, the build quality is decent for the price but they may not withstand rough use.

Comfort

The cushioned earpads and self-adjusting headband provide a reasonable level of comfort for short listening sessions. The tight clamping force and lack of headband padding means they can feel slightly uncomfortable over longer periods of wear. The closed-back over-ear design helps block out some environmental noise. Overall, the MDR-ZX110 are fairly comfortable for casual listening but lack the plushness required for all-day wear.

Sound Quality

Considering the budget-friendly price, the MDR-ZX110 deliver surprisingly good audio performance. The 30mm drivers produce a relatively balanced sound profile with punchy bass, clear mids, and decent highs. The sound has good clarity and definition across genres like pop, rock, and EDM. Bass has decent depth but lacks sub-bass rumble. The closed-back design provides good noise isolation. On the downside, the soundstage feels narrow and congested. But overall, the lively sound makes these great headphones for casual everyday listening.

Performance and Connectivity

The MDR-ZX110 have a standard wired connectivity with a 1.2m cable that terminates in a 3.5mm plug. The in-line remote and mic allow for basic playback control and hands-free calling. The headphones are fairly easy to drive from portable devices but lack the power handling for high volumes. For wireless connectivity, a Bluetooth adapter can be used.

Use Cases

The MDR-ZX110 are ideal for:

• Casual listening at home
• Commuting and travel
• Office use
• Gym/exercise
• Students and teenagers

User Feedback & Analysis

The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones have garnered predominantly positive reviews from customers. On online retailer sites like Amazon, these headphones hold an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with over 75% of reviews rating them at 4 stars or higher.

In their reviews, buyers highly praise the MDR-ZX110 for their surprising sound quality given the budget-friendly price tag. Many users mention the bass has a satisfying punch and depth that brings music to life. The overall sound signature is described as lively, balanced and crisp across the frequency range, with clear and detailed mids and highs. For casual listening, the sound quality exceeds expectations.

Several users point out how the MDR-ZX110 provide good value for money in terms of performance. At around $20, the sound is comparable to more expensive headphones up to the $50 price range. Buyers feel these headphones provide extremely good bang for your buck.

However, some owners have reported build quality issues after a few months of use, like joint pieces becoming loose or drivers failing in one ear cup. While a minority have faced these problems, it suggests durability could be better. A few users also find the earpads clamp down too tightly, making them uncomfortable for long listening sessions. But overall, users agree that for the affordable price, these are great entry-level headphones for everyday music listening.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great value for money
• Surprisingly good sound
• Lightweight and portable
• Effective noise isolation

Cons

• Tight clamping force
• Materials feel cheap
• Durability issues over time
• Lackluster comfort for long sessions

Value for Money

Retailing at approximately $20, the Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones offer superb value for money. In this ultra-low budget range, it is rare to find over-ear style headphones with solid audio performance. While the materials and build quality reflect the price, the MDR-ZX110 punch well above their class in terms of sound.

For casual listeners looking for their first decent pair of headphones on a shoestring budget, the MDR-ZX110 provide amazing performance without breaking the bank. Audiophiles may be left wanting more refinement and detail. However, if your priority is getting the most bang for your buck, these Sony headphones deliver impressive quality for the price.

Verdict

Overall, the Sony MDR-ZX110 are a great budget option for casual listeners looking for decent wired over-ear headphones under $20. Though the plastics feel cheap, they are lightweight and provide reasonable comfort. Where these headphones shine is sound - they deliver lively and balanced audio that belies their low price. With good portability and inline controls added, the MDR-ZX110 make for great entry-level headphones for everyday use.

Specifications

• Driver diameter: 30mm
• Impedance: 24 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
• Frequency response: 12Hz - 22,000Hz
• Cable length: 1.2m
• Weight: 181g

Box Contents

The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones come with:

• Headphones
• 3.5mm audio cable
• Airplane adapter
• Carrying pouch
• Warranty card
• Instruction manual

How to Use

1. Connect the 3.5mm plug to your audio source - phone, tablet, laptop etc.
2. Wear the earcups over your ears with the headband resting comfortably on your head.
3. Adjust the extenders on each side to get a secure yet comfortable fit.
4. Use the inline remote to control music playback and volume.
5. Fold the earcups flat when not in use for easy storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones’ wide frequency range benefit the listening experience?

The Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones boast a wide frequency range of 12 Hz to 22 kHz, which enhances the listening experience by delivering deep bass, rich midrange, and soaring highs. This range allows users to hear detailed nuances in every track, ensuring a comprehensive auditory experience across various music genres.

What are the advantages of the enfolding closed-back design in these headphones?

The enfolding closed-back design of the Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones seals in sound, minimizing external distractions and reflecting acoustics back toward the ears. This design accentuates subtle sounds and enhances bass signatures, offering an immersive listening experience.

How do the cushioned earpads of the Sony MDR-ZX110 improve user comfort?

The Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones feature soft cushioned earpads and a self-adjusting headband, designed to cover the entire ear comfortably. This construction allows for prolonged use without discomfort, ideal for extended listening sessions.

What makes the neodymium dynamic drivers in the Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones stand out?

Equipped with lightweight 1.38 in neodymium dynamic drivers, the Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones deliver a punchy, rhythmic response to demanding tracks. The highly sensitive diaphragm ensures clear and precise audio across the spectrum, even at higher volumes without an amplifier.

How does the swivel folding design of the Sony MDR-ZX110 enhance its portability?

The Sony MDR-ZX110 Stereo Headphones feature a swivel folding design, which allows for easy storage and enhanced portability. The earcups swivel flat, making them less cumbersome to pack into a suitcase or bag, ideal for travelers seeking compact and efficient headphones.

Tips

• To maximize the audio quality, ensure that the headphones are properly positioned with the correct earcup over each ear.
• Regularly clean the cushioned earpads to maintain comfort and hygiene during extended usage.
• Utilize the swivel folding feature to safely store your headphones when not in use, preventing potential damage and maintaining their condition.
• For optimal audio experience, use the headphones in environments with minimal external noise, taking full advantage of the closed-back design.