MDR-SA3000 & MD Walkman

[DMW]

Hello,

does anyone of you own the Sony MDR-SA3000? How do they sound when used with a MZ-NH900 or MZ-E900/E909/R900/R909? Are they loud enough, especially at classical music?

In addition, could anyone say something about the differences between MDR-SA1000, SA3000 and SA5000?

[Ishiyoshi]

does anyone of you own the Sony MDR-SA3000? How do they sound when used with a MZ-NH900 or MZ-E900/E909/R900/R909? Are they loud enough, especially at classical music?

I had the MDR-SA3000 before upgrading to its big brother, the MDR-SA5000. Both headphones sounds just ok with Hi-MD/MD units - to my ears, either 'phones requires a headphone amp to fully realize its true performance.

In addition, could anyone say something about the differences between MDR-SA1000, SA3000 and SA5000?

I can't comment on the SA1000, but I can for the SA3000 and SA5000. If you love headphones with in-depth details and great soundstage – either 'phones will offer you that pleasure. Of course, the SA5000's accuracy and soundstage are heaps better.

The SA5000 offers an emotional connection with the music, which the SA3000 lacks. In addition, the bass quality (to my ears) on the SA5000 is better - much more balanced, tight and not bloated. In comparison, the SA3000's bass despite being adequate for regular listening appears incomplete or weak. The SA3000 overall is just not in the same league as the SA5000.

Beside sound quality, the SA5000 also provides excellent build quality. The SA5000’s frame structure is made of magnesium with very soft natural leather ear pads as opposed to the SA3000's light plastic build with mediocre comfort leather ear pads. The SA5000's build quality is just light years ahead of the SA3000 - naturally considering its price difference.

For further information regarding the SA5000, you can review my MDR-SA5000 Pictorial-Review here, streaml1ne’s SA5000 Pictorial-Review and browse about at Head-Fi.

[DMW]

I can't comment on the SA1000, but I can for the SA3000 and SA5000. If you love headphones with in-depth details and great soundstage – either 'phones will offer you that pleasure. Of course, the SA5000's accuracy and soundstage are heaps better.

The SA5000 offers an emotional connection with the music, which the SA3000 lacks. In addition, the bass quality (to my ears) on the SA5000 is better - much more balanced, tight and not bloated. In comparison, the SA3000's bass despite being adequate for regular listening appears incomplete or weak. The SA3000 overall is just not in the same league as the SA5000.

Beside sound quality, the SA5000 also provides excellent build quality. The SA5000’s frame structure is made of magnesium with very soft natural leather ear pads as opposed to the SA3000's light plastic build with mediocre comfort leather ear pads. The SA5000's build quality is just light years ahead of the SA3000 - naturally considering its price difference.

For further information regarding the SA5000, you can review my MDR-SA5000 Pictorial-Review here, streaml1ne’s SA5000 Pictorial-Review and browse about at Head-Fi.

Thanks for your comments; if I had the money, I would buy the SA5000, but I don't ; they cost around 500 EUR in Germany, the SA3000 are only 275 EUR...

[Ishiyoshi]

Thanks for your comments; if I had the money, I would buy the SA5000, but I don't ; they cost around 500 EUR in Germany, the SA3000 are only 275 EUR...

You are most welcome. If you can't stretch your budget - stay away from Head-Fi (otherwise, your wallet will only suffer ) and get the SA3000. The SA3000 will be adequate.