Sony MDR-ZX310

The MDR-ZX310 folding headphones were manufactured the in 2016 by the Sony Corporation in China. There are two principle models, MDR-ZX310, and MDR-ZX310AP, for standard, and Android Phone (AP) use respectively. Those for android phones have a microphone and multi-function button integrated into the cord; otherwise, the two models are identical in every respect. They come in four colours; black (noir), white, blue, and red. The model number suffix usually denotes the type, hence the MDR-ZX310APBC are black ones for android phone use. These are budget-end headphones with frequency range 10 Hz to 24 kHz and the sound quality better than average. They exhibit substantial bass response and more than adequate treble, for high customer satisfaction.

Specification - Standard Model

Specification - Android Phone (AP) Model

Review

Over-the-ear headphone technology has improved in leaps, and what was high-end in 2000 is now midrange quality today. The secret of any headphones is always in their drivers, and the MDR-ZX310 uses copper-clad aluminium wire (CCAW) for their voice coils, making them extremely light, resulting in a wide dynamic frequency range. Early driver designs utilising CCAW technology could not handle much current and consequently had very low power output, however today, these headphones boast power handling capacity of 1000 mW (IEC), which is remarkable. The characteristics are good value for money considering you get 30 mm dome-type drivers, 98 dB/mW sensitivity, and 24 Ω impedance (at 1 kHz).

With everyone listening to their music on their Android Smartphone, the trend is very likely for headphones that are portable and foldable, with an integrated microphone so they can be used for phone use as well. Design wise, it looks like they have gone back to basics with a simple clean headband design, but focusing more on the folding and twisting locking hinge. Each cup also has a separate dedicated wire because it would have been difficult to route a wire through the folding hinge.

Features

• In-line microphone and switch
• Folding Headband
• CCAW Coil Drivers
• Available in 4 colours

Price/eBay

These headphones are usually for sale online and pre-used ones can cost approximately eight pounds or less depending upon condition, whilst new ones as little as fifteen pounds. The white ones (DJ style) tend to be the most popular, however; they are popular mainly due to the headband swivel-folding feature. Make sure you get a genuine pair, as there are also fake ones out there.

These headphones use CCAW coils that can easily burnout if overpowered on large amplifiers, and no doubt there will be many faulty and burnt ones in the pre-used market. In this model, the jack plug wiring was relatively robust and one can expect damage to be in the coil most of the time. The swivel joint is also very delicate and heavy handedness can easily break or damage it resulting in the cups not remaining symmetrical.

This Article Continues...