Open-air policy

In a wireless age, Sony has thrown us a double curveball. Wired headphones which are open back!

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■ If you've noticed a strange little opening on your smartphone lately, it's not a manufacturing defect. Those things are what this Sony is made for. No ANC, no app control but instead, a full set of wires and a unique feature known as music sharing. The open-back design of the MDR-MV1 means your neighbours will be able to enjoy the tunes as well!

■ The clamping force on the head is just right, without leaving an impression on your cartilage. The uber-soft suede ear cushions are supremely comfortable and balance nicely with the memory foam headband. What would be nicer though is user-replaceable or removable ear cups for cleaning and maintenance.

■ These open backs are uncoloured yet entertaining! Toto’s classic ‘I Will Remember’ was reproduced with an expansive and open soundstage. Vocals are beautifully nuanced and while there is a slight emphasis on the top end, it always stays in check and true to the artists’ implied intention.

■ The already wide stereo image takes another dimension on tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos on Apple Music. Midrange is its biggest strength, accurately reproducing the timbre of instruments and human voices and letting you revel in it for hours at end without feeling fatigued.