$9 Headphone Review: Sony MDR-ZX110

[MerlinGS]

Refurbished Rebel 4 TracFones are currently $9.99 if $30 is too much!

Every so often I see a reference to one of the cheaper LG phones as a viable (better) option than most DAPs. Other than the LG 7 (TOTL at the time) that Amirm measured, have there been any reliable measurements of LG phones (especially these cheaper models)? Are posters just assuming that because the LG 7 measured well, all LG phones will also be good/exemplary? I'm sure there are many of us that would be willing to purchase multiple units (one for each room and backups ) if the claims being suggested can be validated/

 

[Cahudson42]

Every so often I see a reference to one of the cheaper LG phones as a viable (better) option than most DAPs.

Just a reminder that there are at least two ways to utilize the cheap LG phones as a DAP: One of course is via the 3.5mm where the result clearly will reflect the LG DAC/amp implementation.

But the other is via USB OTG, where that is not involved. Prior to experimenting with the ZX110 directly via 3.5mm, my 'daily portable driver' was (and still is) the same $30 LG Rebel, but USB OTG connected to a Qudelix 5k.

The Qudelix, now using Amir's PEQ, drives an HE400i (2016) in Balanced mode, and is, as you would expect, better than the 3.5mm/ZX110, particularly in Bass and (IMO) sound stage, dynamic range, and instrument separation.

But for 3.5mm, the DAC/Amp question is certainly a good one worth investigating. We know it's not a Quad DAC. But the Snapdragon chipset includes a WCD9xx, same family as the non-guad choice in the G7. If reasonably implemented, one would hope results might be comparable, but Amir testing to confirm is needed to know.


EDIT: For those considering an LG Rebel 4, you might see 'its been superceded' by the Journey - usually $40 on Amz, but right now the same $30. Why not get it instead? Because unfortunately, LG saved a few pennies by making the battery 'non-replaceable' - a shame. I really like the replaceable battery. But the Journey runs android 9, rather than the Rebels 8. This 'should' allow you to run Wavelet, if you don't have a Qudelix/PEQ. (Which I, having a Qudelix, do not need).

 

[nhatlam96]

12€ at mediamarkt.de just ordered one and im so hyped to compare it to my focal clear, using armirm eq or autoeq on both

I ordert too. Iam very curious whats @amirs taste. So it gives me a much better impression of other listening tests. Some kind of a orientation line. And btw i have a new headphone.

AutoEQ on the mdr-zx110 was pretty awful, AmirEQ is better.
Imaging is like non existent, but the tonality is okay. Guitars and Bass sound dynamic, but the resolution suffers a lot,
due to this the bass punches or treble spikes often sound harsh.
For a little more money you can get the Tin T2s, with better resolution and stock tonality.
If you only want to pay 12€, then maybe look at the Sony MH755.
For the price it's good, dynamic tonality, with punchy bass, surprisingly relatively great soundstage and open dynamic treble.
Tonality wise great job (with amir eq), but I would never own or recommend this headphone.
The Tin T2 eq'd do the same, but better.
Dac/Amp used: SMSL M500.
Music: Spotify and Daft Punk flacs.

 

[HDavidson]

Obviously, this ZX110 is a work desk toy. Nothing serious. Nothing to do with more expensive and more sophisticated headphones. But at this price ))

 

[ZööZ]

Definitely getting the ZX110 tomorrow and testing amirms eq to see what all the fuss is about, planning to use toneboosters eq on uapp though (at first through my LG ThinQ V40 trying the apo on my pc later on the weekend) so would anyone happen to know if I should use digital or analog bell for the Peak setting?

Tried equalizing headphones for the first time yesterday (dt990 600ohm and using settings from oratory1990) and it made an audible difference for the better and there definitely is details present that I didn't notice, or wasn't able to, before eq.

I'm itching to try equalizing all my headphones and would really like to find good curve for Audio Technica ATH-ckr100is iems as they are my daily drivers at work (use them at least 6 hours a day and absolutely love them, but boy am I in for a treat if there's more to them with eq) Anyone know where I could find eq settings for them or is there any hope that they would be reviewed here ( don't think shipping mine from Finland for measurements is a viable option for many reasons )

 

[bobbooo]

I'm itching to try equalizing all my headphones and would really like to find good curve for Audio Technica ATH-ckr100is iems as they are my daily drivers at work (use them at least 6 hours a day and absolutely love them, but boy am I in for a treat if there's more to them with eq) Anyone know where I could find eq settings for them or is there any hope that they would be reviewed here ( don't think shipping mine from Finland for measurements is a viable option for many reasons )

Just send them to Oratory in Austria to be measured. As you're both in the EU I wouldn't think shipping a small, light package of IEMs would be too expensive.

 

[Thalis]

Just send them to Oratory in Austria to be measured. As you're both in the EU I wouldn't think shipping a small, light package of IEMs would be too expensive.

Do you have a link to Oratory?

 

[bobbooo]

Do you have a link to Oratory?

https://www.reddit.com/user/Oratory1990

 

[Thalis]

https://www.reddit.com/user/Oratory1990

Thank you

 

[ZööZ]

I guess it would cost about 22€ or so, not too bad. Will have to think about it though if I'm willing to risk it and would have to get something to replace them meanwhile they're out for measurements, maybe the ZX110 would suffice as I have seen others use on-ears while working so it seems doable. Not sure if I want the settings that bad though, time will tell.

 

[bobbooo]

I guess it would cost about 22€ or so, not too bad. Will have to think about it though if I'm willing to risk it and would have to get something to replace them meanwhile they're out for measurements, maybe the ZX110 would suffice as I have seen others use on-ears while working so it seems doable. Not sure if I want the settings that bad though, time will tell.

Well you probably wouldn't be without them for long. When I sent him mine, he said it usually takes him no longer than around a week to measure and send them back (think it was even less than that for the three pairs of headphones I sent him to be measured at once actually!). Obviously check how long it would likely take with him if you do get in contact as things might have changed since then for various reasons.

 

[Jimbob54]

Definitely getting the ZX110 tomorrow and testing amirms eq to see what all the fuss is about, planning to use toneboosters eq on uapp though (at first through my LG ThinQ V40 trying the apo on my pc later on the weekend) so would anyone happen to know if I should use digital or analog bell for the Peak setting?

Tried equalizing headphones for the first time yesterday (dt990 600ohm and using settings from oratory1990) and it made an audible difference for the better and there definitely is details present that I didn't notice, or wasn't able to, before eq.

I'm itching to try equalizing all my headphones and would really like to find good curve for Audio Technica ATH-ckr100is iems as they are my daily drivers at work (use them at least 6 hours a day and absolutely love them, but boy am I in for a treat if there's more to them with eq) Anyone know where I could find eq settings for them or is there any hope that they would be reviewed here ( don't think shipping mine from Finland for measurements is a viable option for many reasons )

I'd be interested in knowing the (practical) difference between digital and analog bell in Toneboosters/UAPP too. I tried searching for the answer as to which best equated to "peak" in most EQ settings and got nowhere. I opted to use analog cos, y'know, less glare

 

[Anmol]

@Alexander Gödde @DDF @Anmol thanks, I use a Samsung J7 phone -Tidal HiFi - UAPP- Apple USB-C Dongle, which UAPP internal app should I buy for MDR ZX100 headphones?

Toneboosterseq
It is available as in app purchase within uapp
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/usb...usb-audio-support-for-android.704065/page-120
Btw this headphone sounds fine but is in no way in same league as higher price point headphones like sundara or hd650. At the same time, There are countless poor sounding headphones that are just expensive due to their brand value. this sony is great headphone at $9 without a doubt.

 

[Tim Link]

I took the bait and picked up a pair of these today while I was getting a cellphone case and a wireless keyboard. I find these enjoyable to listen to with Amir's curve on pretty much every kind of music I can think of. Unfortunately getting that EQ required me to use my Behringer setup and plug the phones into my stereo receiver, leaving me sitting on the floor, which I did for a few hours. Looking again at the curve I interpret the fundamental error as too much energy in the 100 - 500 hz range. I use iTunes on my Google Pixel 4a and that EQ only has 5 bands! I put in a -5db at 230 hz. Actually sounds quite decent with that simple adjustment.

 

[Tim Link]

If you're listening on an apple computer Audio Hijack gives access to all the Audio Units built in to Mac OS, including fully adjustable multiband parametric EQ and a 31 band graphic, which I'm using now.

 

[nerone]

If you wanted to set the filters on Toneboostet Eq parametric like Amir filters, you can advise me how to do it.
Thanks

 

[tomtoo]

AutoEQ on the mdr-zx110 was pretty awful, AmirEQ is better.
Imaging is like non existent, but the tonality is okay. Guitars and Bass sound dynamic, but the resolution suffers a lot,
due to this the bass punches or treble spikes often sound harsh.
For a little more money you can get the Tin T2s, with better resolution and stock tonality.
If you only want to pay 12€, then maybe look at the Sony MH755.
For the price it's good, dynamic tonality, with punchy bass, surprisingly relatively great soundstage and open dynamic treble.
Tonality wise great job (with amir eq), but I would never own or recommend this headphone.
The Tin T2 eq'd do the same, but better.
Dac/Amp used: SMSL M500.
Music: Spotify and Daft Punk flacs.
View attachment 107581

Its the fun to compare my taste to @amirm's. And a very cheap way to get a littel impression with amirs EQ. Maybe i do things different? 13€ spend for some fun is always good spend. So it have to be this.

 

[tomtoo]

Ok, arrived today. First imperssions without eq on smartphone out, compared to a Panasonic rp-ht030(half the price in Germany).

@amirm is not the basshead i thought, at least without eq.
Its not realy bad, but its not as comfy as the pana. The pana has to much upper bass, thats better with the sony. Sensitivity is a littel better from the pana. Whats maybe the impression from to much upper bass. So overall after 2hours listening i prever the pana. Take a little upper bass out, and enjoy the comfort of ar feder light, open design for not even a peanut price. Later i try amirs eq and give my impression. But overal there is not much to complain in relation to price

 

[nerone]

Sony MDR-ZX100 modified
is it worth it?

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/modified-sony-mdr-zx100.570309/page-2

 

[infinitesymphony]

The review mentions that the headphones have some isolation for the wearer. How much sound leakage is there outside of the headphones?

Wondering if I could recommend them as an ultra-budget set of closed-back tracking cans for people who don't want to spend $50+ on ATH-M20x+ or who dislike in-ears.

Sorry to bump myself, but now that y'all are picking up this headphone, can anyone comment on sound leakage?

I may pick up a pair of these along with some Panasonic RP-HT161s ($15) to compare against. Those are over-ear rather than on-ear so may have a better seal and less leakage.