Our take on the Sony MDR-X10

by David Brown

X is for X-tra bass

Like him or not, Simon Cowell knows music. His show, The X Factor, has been a catalyst for bringing undiscovered music to the masses. Now he has worked with Sony to develop headphones that are certain to draw attention for their striking looks and booming sound. The X headphones deliver powerful bass response for impactful sound that will ramp up the rhythm to keep you listening and moving. They may make you rethink just how low headphones can go.

A unique cable made for iPod® and iPhone®

The MDR-X10's benefits go beyond big sound. The flat cable minimizes tangles and is detachable, with an innovative, twist and lock feature to ensure the cable doesn't get pulled out. And the in-line remote lets you control your iPod, iPhone or iPad's music playback and volume with ease. The remote's built-in microphone is made for hands-free phone calls on your iPhone, and the remote provides volume and talk control as well for easy switching between calls and music. There's also a second standard miniplug cable included.

If it's not your music, you don't want to hear it

Though it may look like an around-the-ear headphone, the X10 actually fits on your ears, with thick foam earpads resting gently against your ears for a comfortable fit. The large earpads and flexible headband conform to your head's shape to provide excellent isolation from outside noise. Your music will be front and center when you listen, with external distractions effectively silenced for a highly involving listening experience.

The Sony MDR-X10 headphones feature a unique locking miniplug and jack to ensure your cable stays plugged in as you move about.

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Highlights:

ported earcups for powerful bass response
3-button in-line remote provides volume and music controls for iPhone, iPod and iPad, as well as answer/hang-up controls for iPhone
built-in microphone for hands-free calls with iPhone
47-inch flat, tangle-free detachable cable
also includes standard cable
fold-up design for easy storage
carrying case included
frequency response: 3-29,000 Hz
sensitivity: 106 dB
impedance: 24 ohms
warranty: 1 year parts, 90 days labor
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Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

General
Fit Style Loading...	Around-the-Ear
Earcup Type Loading...	Closed
Noise-canceling Loading...	No
Bluetooth Loading...	No
Frequency Response Loading...	3-29k Hz
Sensitivity Loading...	106 dB
Impedance Loading...	24 Ohms
Weight Loading...	10.58 ounces
Cord Length Loading...	51"
Airline Adapter Included Loading...	No
iPod Control Loading...	Yes
Volume Control Loading...	Yes
Built-in Microphone Loading...	Yes
Parts Warranty Loading...	1 Year
Labor Warranty Loading...	90 Days

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Silver/white/red over-ear headphones
51" Red flat cable (with straight 3.5mm plugs on each end)
49" Red flat cable with in-line remote/microphone (with straight 3.5mm plug on one end and a right angled 3.5mm plug on the other end)
Operating Instructions
How to use sheet
Warranty sheet

Our Product Research Team

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Features

Overview: The Sony MDR-X10 headphones combine style, comfort, and performance. The headphones have a stylish silver, red, and white design with ultra soft ear pads and headband. The X10s have large 50mm drivers with strong neodymium magnets, which provide a wide frequency response. The headphones come with two tangle-free flat cables, one with an in-line remote/microphone. When not in use, the headphones fold up for storage in the supplied soft vinyl zippered pouch.

Cables: The bright red flat cables have a serrated finish that reduces tangles. One end plugs into the left ear cup and twist-locks into place. The other end has a 3.5mm miniplug, with a removable 1/4" adapter for listening to your home components. One of the cables has an in-line remote/microphone and a right-angled plug optimized for use with your smartphone.

Remote/Microphone: The 3-button remote/microphone allows you to raise and lower the volume, and the center button can control your phone calls or music. The microphone is located on the opposite side of the 3 remote buttons. The remote/mic is only 4" away from the left ear cup, so you don't have to fumble with a long cable to find it. During music playback and phone calls, the control function is determined by the number of center button presses:

One Press: Pause/Play; Answer/Hang Up
Two Presses: Skip to next track
Three Presses: Skip to previous track
Press and Hold: "Voice Over" feature (such as the iPhone's Siri), if available

Compatibility: The remote control is "Made for iPod, iPhone, and iPad", which means that it is certified to meet Apple performance standards. Models listed by Sony include: iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th gen), iPod nano (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th gen), iPod classic (120 GB, 160 GB), iPod shuffle (3rd, 4th gen), iPhone (3 GS, 4, 4S, 5), and iPad (iPad, 2, 3, 4, mini).

Specifications:

Frequency Response: 3 Hz to 29k Hz
Impedance: 24 ohms (@ 1kHz)
Sensitivity: 106dB/mW

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Quick impressions from the Lab

Written by Marshall Chase, Staff Writer - Creative, on 10/25/2012 3:16:00 PM

I liked the Sony MDR-X10 headphones. I found them comfortable for extended wear, and gave me no trouble at all with the temples of my glasses. The headphone seal around my ears felt snug but not so tight that they would cause fatigue. It created a nice, isolated environment where I could hear my tunes rather than my own tapping on the keyboard.

The MDR-X10 did an awesome job on the low bass notes, especially with piano and stand-up bass. The mids and highs were accurate in their range but didn't have the width that provides the illusion of listening in a room. One thing I especially liked was that even in pieces with lots of instruments, none of them got lost in the mix.

The headphone cord stayed out of my way and tangle-free the entire time I wore the MDR-X10s. The end that went into the ear cup actually locked in so it never went astray when I made a sharp turn to my drawer for a paper clip. At least in my office, these are great headphones for work.