Note: If you have intermittent bluetooth connectivity, see my update on 09/15/2017. Nothing is wrong with your headphones.
It took me a few years to get here and I'm here to tell you that this is one of the best sounding wireless headphones out there and stellar noise cancelling feature without the heavy pressure on your ear drums (synonymous with the Bose QC35)
Let's start with looks and feel. The headphones feel solid. I did listen to the MDR1000X and it is well on par except with the added features of gesture controls, ambient noise and fold-flat mainly. The ear cups are a bit deeper compared to the MDR1000X so you ears don't touch the inside of the headphone cups. I do like the semi matte finish giving it a professional look. The toggle button for the music controls is amazing and I wonder why other headphones do not have it. This headphone does not fold flat, but twists a bit to conform to your ears. I would have loved that feature but I found some people were having issues with the MDR1000X breaking up in the twisting section. I didn't see any issues relating to this for the MDR-100ABN. These are also very comfy on your ears even with glasses. Very very comfortable.
Now, the sound coming the MDR-100ABN will absolutely blow you away. I won't get to the specifics as there are numerous online reviews on this. For all of you that have android phones, I would highly recommend you download the Poweramp music player as it takes this headphone to a whole new other level. I'm not advertising for Poweramp but I'm very particular about my music and having been through quite a bit of music players, Poweramp beats the competition hands down. (Poweramp is not available on iPhone) What blew me away was the noise cancelling feature without the heavy pressure on your ear drums. Really great and that pressure is always non-existent. I take the commuter and subway trains to/from work and these fared absolutely well. This was one feature that a lot of headphones are missing plus there is no difference in the sound quality when it is on or off.
I've traded my Bose Soundlink for these as I could not find a true wireless noise cancelling headphones with superb qualities. If you are looking for no frills headphones with excellent sound quality, stellar noise cancelling feature without the heavy pressure on your ear drums, don't mind the non folding flat and solid build, this is the one.
With over 20+ hours of playtime, you have plenty of time to recharge in between. I saw some people complaining about the lack of low power notifications. While it doesn't do that, there is a flashing red light by the power button when the battery is low. Also, at any time during listening, press the power button momentarily and a very nice lady with voice prompt will tell you the status of the battery.
Update 09/15/2017 - The first time I connected the headphones via bluetooth, I had intermittent connectivity. I even returned the first one and bought another one only to find out the following. Sony has 'Priority on sound quality' or 'Priority on stable connection' modes, with default connection on the first mode when initially connected. See link http://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/100abn/v1/en/contents/TP0001034995.html on how to change to stable connection especially if you don't have LDAC connection.
I also love the noise cancelling feature as I get to interact with it even more. Keeping in mind that it does not totally eliminate outside noise. It constantly analyzes environmental ambient sound components and automatically selects the most effective noise canceling mode.
Update 09/24/2017 - it's not the headphones, it's the darn case. The case that comes with the headphones shape like a pancake football to the point that I can never hold the case without slipping and the cover material made it worse. I ended up purchasing one that is a full case ballistic nylon one.
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From the manufacturer
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Hear music at its best with Hi-Res Audio compatibilityExperience digital music to the fullest with High-Resolution Audio. By capturing music at a higher rate than CD, increasing both audio samples per second and the bit-rate accuracy of each sample, High-Resolution Audio offers an uncompromised rendition of an artist's music. Savor every breath and subtle movement for a truly emotional experience. |
Enjoy your music wirelessly with Bluetooth and NFCEnjoy your music in style and comfort without the hassle of wires. |
Focus on the music with Digital Noise CancellingDigital Noise Cancelling reduces a variety of ambient noise when listening to music. Two microphones built in to the headphones, one outside and one inside the housing, work with the digital noise cancelling engine to cut out unwanted sound. |
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Listen smarter with Noise Cancelling that adapts to your surroundingsThe Automatic AI Noise Cancelling function constantly analyzes environmental ambient sound components and automatically selects the most effective Noise Cancelling mode. |
Let the beats flow with Beat Response ControlBeat Response Control technology delivers a tight, deep bass response, making it perfect for low-end focused music styles. An air vent maximizes airflow within the low frequency range, optimizing the efficiency of the diaphragm to enable more accurate reproduction of bass. |
Enjoy high-quality, hands-free callsA built-in microphone and HD voice support enables you to take crisp, clear hands-free calls from selected smartphones while listening to music. Switch easily between songs and calls with no need to remove your headphones. |
Long-listen comfortThe hanger shape, the draped ear pads, the adjustable headband – every element has been crafted for comfort as well as style. Form and function in perfect harmony. |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Sony MDR100ABN/B Headphones |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $129.99 | -36% $254.99 New Price: $398.00 | -17% $148.63 List: $179.95 | $429.00 | $348.00 | $348.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 | Get it May 22 - 29 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| Bass quality | ||||||
| Sold By | PrimePhaze | Sole Providers | Buy Top Tech | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless, Wired | Bluetooth, Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | wireless | Stereo Mini Jack | — | 2.5mm Jack | USB Type C | USB Type C |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | hybrid noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation |
| headphones jack | — | 3.5 mm Jack | — | — | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Detachable, Without Cable |
Reviews with images
Great Wireless headphone
I've been looking for a solid Bluetooth headphone and I found more than that with Sony. Great build quality and they are user friendly . NFC allows for seamless connectivity. The controls are located on the right ear piece. The ear cups fit perfectly with little to no audio leakage. I've been impressed with the sound quality and noise cancelling. Which are great for getting into the zone while weight lifting. Overall a excellent device
Top reviews from other countries
Chimo Mom
My new Favourite Headphones!
Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2016