Given the unique presentation of the PFR-V1, the first thing I did was playing different types of music to see how they sound through the PFR-V1. I had a feeling that the open nature of the drivers would work well with live recordings, and indeed it is. The open sound is very well suited for playing live recordings, and though the soundstage is more wide than it is deep, the center image is very good and the totally open design recreates the live venue ambiance very well. High quality live recordings are a must try on the PFR-V1, as I think that’s where the headphone really shines. And although the overall soundstage performance still sound amateurish compared to the HD800, the PFR-V1 really trumps the flagship Sennheiser in feeling of openness. Instrument separation is just okay, but somehow due to open and large soundstage space, I never feel the music to be congested. Live recordings after live recordings, from Bill Evans to Jazz at the Pawnshop, to Horowitz, the PFR-V1 really had its special moments.
Positioning of the bass rods is very important, and I advise you to play around with the bass rods as they can affect the bass performance of the PFR-V1. For me, better placement of the bass rods improves the bass body and the low bass performance. Although you can never expect a full low bass like you get from a proper full size, the PFR-V1 delivers quite a convincing midbass to please the non bassheads crowd (bassheads: go for the Pro700 Mk2). And on top of it all, the open sensation of the sound is so rewarding that I really don’t mind the slight compromise on the bass.
Unique design, unique ergonomics — though quite comfortable.
Vocal recording is also worth exploring with the PFR-V1. I won’t promise perfect vocal reproduction, simply because the large variance in vocal recordings and how they will end up on the PFR-V1. The PFR-V1 has a very strong presence of the vocals, and often it can get a little too forward to my ears. For a simple but clean vocal recording, like on Jewel’s Spirit album, I can hear all the rich details on Jewel’s vocal, though the detail is a bit harsh compared to the average popular headphones like the ATH M-50 or the HD650. However, the extremely present vocal presence is something I rarely hear on headphones. The mid treble boost can sound a little too hot depending on the recordings. Hence, mellow vocals like Corinne Bailey Rae, Norah Jones, Alisson Krauss, or Madeleine Peyroux are better choices for the PFR-V1.
Playing the average mainstream Rock, Pop, and RnB recordings, the PFR-V1 is quite a good performer save for the very extreme stuff. It has a relatively good pace, snap, and forwardness. However, the open presentation really does no good for most of these studio recordings. And the treble peak tend to hit the roof quite fast when paired with these mainstream recordings. The midbass punch is quite decent, but again I’d rather be listening on the M-50 for these music. And so as I said a few paragraphs up, I think one of the thing about the PFR-V1 is finding a good recording to play through it, as it is quite a picky headphone. If you have a good number of live recordings, then you would enjoy the PFR-V1.
Seeing how the low bass improves from the Sony amplifier, I am trying to find another third party portable amplifer that will do the same effect but with better refinement levels. The Sony amplifier is quite powerful, but it kills the air and the instrument separation on the music. The Ibasso PB-2 happens to be quite a good pairing, though I was not getting as much low bass as I did with the Sony amplifier. With the Pico Slim, the Bass impact was awesome, but the upper treble becomes very glaring, something I couldn’t live with. If you have an RSA Hornet or an RSA SR-71A, or the Headstage Arrow (with bass boost on), I think those would be the amps to try. I don’t have those amps around at the moment, so I cannot say.
After testing the Sony PFR-V1 with different recordings, sources and amplifiers, I have to say that it’s hard for me to make a recommendation out of this one. The open sound design is very creative and is really worth trying if you have the chance. I enjoyed it with simple Jazz, mellow vocals, solo piano and chamber music. However, it wasn’t too magical when you play the average studio recorded mainstream music. And although the tonal balance was overall quite good, it would’ve been better if Sony had toned down the mid-treble peak and made the extension smoother. Of course Sony was probably tuning the PFR-V1 for the general public who probably would hear that as “detail” in the music, so it makes sense why they did that. I guess this is what reviews are good for, so that you don’t have to spend $500 to find out what I just told you. Still, I won’t completely diss the engineers at Sony. It is good that we have unique products like this once in a while, and had they tune down that mid-treble a little bit, I probably would’ve enjoyed the PFR-V1 with a wider range of recordings.
Thanks to Sem for the PFR-V1 loaner.
System used for review:
Headphones: Sony PFR-V1, Audio Technica M-50, Sennheiser HD800
Amplifiers: Ibasso PB-2, HeadAmp Pico Slim
Source: Hifiman HM-602, Ipod Classic
Earfonia
Sony could use bigger driver for PFR-V2 😀 Make it looks more unique 😀
Anonymous
They should expand the –1000 line to the PFR.. EX1000, Z1000, EB1000, and PFR-V1000
I’m pretty sure that with the level of resolution the Z1000 has, the PFR-V1000 will murder the K1000. (Sorry K1000 fans)
Anonymous
Unfortunately, I think Sony’s discontinued this model…I’m guessing it didn’t sell very well. Not 100% sure about this, but I doubt there’ll be a new model for awhile…but who knows, they might surprise us again.
Anonymous
Yea, it is not exactly the blockbuster type.. More for the curious minds, that’s all.
Anonymous
Definitely, I’m quite intrigued by these. That said, I’d never dish out $500 for these…it honestly seems like more of a novelty thing when it comes right down to it right now, especially given the price.
I did have a small (like less than 5 minutes) chance to try them out, though there was no amp and I only had my iPhone to power them…they did sound very wide and airy, and there was literally no bass at all, though I didn’t turn the iPhone all the way up.
Still, it’s very refreshing to see such a new and original design, it would be interesting to see if this style gets improved on in the future.
CccC
Hmmm.. You know I might just get interested in this, Mike. :3
Anonymous
Hope you can get a good deal for below the pricetag.
I think my friend Sem bought this brand new for far less the suggested $500 pricetag.
Jamie
I have a pair of these and use them exclusively for movies, late at night. For some reason, all of their failings with music make for a great surround sound movie headphone.
Anonymous
Yep I think it will work well with movies.
Inado
Mike,
In a near futur will you test FOSTEX HP-P1 portable DAC amp ???
Thank you
Ivan
Anonymous
I am still waiting for a shipment from Fostex, which has been delayed due to the recent earthquake.
Chiang Yi Herng
how on earth do u wear this thing??
Anonymous
Here, like this:
http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/sony_pfr_v1.jpg
Anonymous
It’s a lot like these: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11028639
Except with the PFR-V1s, only the bass gets channeled that way. I think some of it might also be through bone conduction- similar to custom molded IEMs. It’s pretty darn clever!
Anonymous
Wow, I think I had a Sony like that back in high school.
Anonymous
I must say that your review is spot on. I bought these because of the curiosity factor and have the same impressions about the SQ- hit and miss. I also have the K1000s; and these are not really in the same league. The only things they really have in common are the ‘no sweat’ factor, the (sub-)bass compromise, and that hint of speaker-like openness- neither compare to speakers in soundstage though.
One important note: You can easily find these BNIB for under $200. That makes them a much more tempting buy- especially if you just want to satisfy your curiosity. I too would love to see Sony take this idea further. The principle seems sound (no pun)- maybe they could try different or larger drivers.
Anonymous
Thanks.. BNIB under $200 would make these much more appealing. Not sure if Sony would approve the release of another PFR style headphone though. I don’t get the impression that this one did too well in sales.
Anonymous
It’s back (April 27, 2011) on Amazon for $178.75! =) I purchased mine from the same seller and they’re good.
Anonymous
Awesome!
Jason Suarez
Nice review! I’ve been waiting for an article where the reviewer seriously listens to the field speakers and doesn’t just go: “too ugly, didn’t bother listening to it…” 🙂
I don’t know about elsewhere but in the US these are a steal at $180 on Amazon.
Just wanted to say, I was joking about the C4.
Although you say that, have you ever heard Sony’s top open-back, the MDR-SA5000? If so, how do those compare?
Anonymous
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the compliments. $180 on Amazon is indeed a steal, and
probably worth having one in your collection.
I haven’t heard the SA5000 yet. It’s very intriguing though, and I’ve
heard many good things about it. Sounds like a faster, more agressive
version of the AD1000/AD2000 with better bass too.
Katun
Now you just need a review on Sony’s other freakshow — The MDR-F1.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a proper review on those, let alone any decent pictures. I am constantly tempted to buy them due to their supposed unrivaled comfort and soundstage. Eh, if only we were back in 2002 when I could get them for $150ish…
Anonymous
Yes Sony does have a lot of those odd headphones. MDR-F1 among other things. Would also love to do an SA-series line up review and the CD-3000.
Diesel Thirteen
Thats a fantastic review ! Your attention to detail as to what specific music sounds well with these is very precise. I actually bought them prior to reading your review on them to be fair. However I have to say i kind of liken them, and as an additon I would like to note that the internal AMP is absolute rubbish as was the extension cable which was also DOA might I add for me out of the box ( I have anotehr extension so did not mind). However I coupled it with a FIIO E7 and E9 via my laptop, now their is a way to resolve an issue. It now sounds spot on, and I have adjsuted the volume jsut right so that it sounds goof with bassy stuff as well.
Anyway thanks again for your review.
Mike
You’re welcome, Diesel. Glad you like the review.
Diesel Thirteen
In addtion I would like to add that I did get them for £100 pounds on offer 🙂 So was worth my while defintely not worth the intial asking price though !
Chi-Hwa Michael Ting
I also got these pair at sub $200 on Amazon before reading your review. I demoed a set at a SonyStyle in Shanghai and was blow away by the open sound stage, but at that time it was $499+Chinese tax.
After your review I totally agree it works very well with “live” recording and can sound bassless and airily with studio recordings.
Since than I’ve created a “PFR-V1” playlist in my iTunes just for sessions to enjoy these pair of special speakers!