Sony MDR-CD180 CD Series Headphones with 30 mm Drive Units

 (46 customer reviews)

These headphones were the recent subject of one of those "Consumers Reports" surprise findings. They came in 2nd-best in a field of products (including other Sony models) costing 5-6 times more than the CD-180's. So at this price, why not?Indeed, they're lightweight and extremely comfortable on the ears. The quality of the sound is natural, warm, accurate, balanced. But there are also a few shortcomings, not mentioned in the CR ratings: First, the uncushioned headband is more noticeable than I might have suspected, leaving me with the sense of something hard and plastic sitting on top of my skull; 2nd, the wire is one of those dual-sided affairs, which can restrict a wearer's mobility more than headphones with only a single wire; 3rd, the wire is about half the thickness of slightly more expensive units, calling for the user to exercise greater than normal amounts of caution; 4th, "efficiency" is a tad lower than my first-line headphones--in other words, they require more...Read more

These headphones are not very expensive. Don't expect the sound quality you would get from Koss or Sienhoffer headphones that cost upwards of $200. The bass is a little high, but that can be fixed with an equalizer. The headband could use some padding, but I've worn them for several hours at a stretch and never had a problem.I use these with my laptop computer to listen to MP3s while I work. I've also sat through DVDs on plane trips with them. For the price, they are a good buy.Why 3 stars?:
These headphones do not have the sound quality of more expensive models, but the price is good and the quality is fine. They could stand to be a bit more comfortable, but at this price, I don't mind sticking them in a laptop bag and risk having them broken because I can replace them cheaply.

The Sony CD-180 is a very unimpressive headphone, even at (dollar amount). Then again, most closed headphones at this price are a poor choice.Deep bass is lacking badly, but upper bass is exaggerated somewhat, giving them a boomy, fake bass sound.Mids aren't much better - some midrange frequencies are very prominent, and voices drill into my head in a rather fautiging manner, and smear together with insturments to my displeasure. They also have a very hollow quality that probably has something to do with the closed headphone design.Treble is very muted, but lower treble is exxagerated, and it makes the CD180s sound at first like they have a lot of detail, which they don't.Imaging (Placement of insturments) is poor. Everything sounds like it is either coming from the center of my head, or the right or left side, there isn't much in the way of seperation otherwise.They also have a fairly cheap feel, although they are reasonably comfortable - they don't clamp down on...Read more