Sony released its MDR-1000X wireless noise-canceling headphones back in the fall of 2016; CNET‘s David Carnoy called them “an excellent-sounding, comfortable wireless headphone with effective noise-canceling that measures up to Bose’s for muffling ambient noise.” Compared with Bose’s QC35 headphones, the industry-leading ANC headphones at the time, the MDR-1000X were more expensive (originally $399) yet more geared toward audiophiles.
The headphones support Sony’s proprietary LDAC file format (transfers up to 24-bit/96 kHz) that streams audio over Bluetooth, its closest competitor being Bluetooth aptX HD, which transfers up to 24-bit/48 kHz. The kicker is that in order to get this high-res audio, you need a high-res player that supports LDAC files, which only Sony makes. Regardless, even if don’t go the hi-fi route and you just plug these headphones into your current smartphone, they’ll work as excellent ANC wireless headphones.
Amazon is selling Sony’s MDR-1000X for $248 these days, but for a limited time you can buy a manufacturer-refurbished pair for $180 on eBay — that’s 55% off the original $399. It’s a great deal, but if you’re worried about them being “manufacturer refurbished,” you take comfort in the fact that each pair comes with a warranty and a 30-day return policy.
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