Overview

The Sony MDR-5770 is a vintage noise cancelling headphone originally manufactured for airline use, featuring All Nippon Airways (ANA) branding. These closed-back dynamic headphones were designed specifically for flight applications, incorporating early analog active noise cancellation technology with miniature internal microphones. The headphones feature a unique dual-connector system with a standard 3.5mm stereo jack for audio signals and a 2.5mm mono jack for ANC power supply. While representing an important step in the evolution of noise cancelling technology, the MDR-5770 utilizes outdated analog circuitry that has been completely superseded by modern digital ANC implementations.

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Scientific Validity cannot be evaluated due to insufficient measurement data. No credible third-party measurements are available for the key criteria: frequency response deviation (±dB), frequency response range, THD/THD+N, S/N ratio, dynamic range, or quantified ANC performance. Only general specifications are documented: closed dynamic type design, headband form factor, and ANC power requirements of 4.5-5V via 2.5mm mono jack [1]. While the analog ANC circuit is described as “effective at eliminating constant engine hum and low frequency noise,” no numerical measurement data exists to verify performance against transparent level audibility thresholds. Following policy guidelines for products lacking audio-quality-relevant measurement data, Scientific Validity is set to 0.5 with explicit acknowledgment that proper assessment cannot be performed without independent verification data.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.3}\]

The MDR-5770 represents early analog noise cancellation technology that has been completely superseded by modern digital implementations. The headphones employ vintage analog circuitry with internal microphones and a 3-way selector switch offering OFF, Music + NC, and NC modes [1]. While Sony’s in-house design shows engineering competence for its era, the technology utilizes only outdated analog approaches without integration of digital signal processing, AI, or software enhancement. Current noise cancelling systems like Sony’s own WH-1000XM6 use advanced HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 with twelve microphones and real-time digital optimization [2], making the MDR-5770’s analog approach obsolete. The technology offers no competitive advantage and represents an approach that no modern manufacturer would adopt, lacking the precision and adaptability of contemporary digital ANC systems.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{1.0}\]

This evaluation is based solely on functions and numerical performance data. Driver types and configurations are completely excluded from consideration.

The Sony MDR-5770 currently trades at 35.99 USD based on eBay listings [3]. After systematic search for equivalent-or-better alternatives, no current noise cancelling headphones with verifiable measured performance data were found at a lower price point. While budget options like the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 (approximately 42 USD) [4] offer wireless connectivity and longer battery life, cost-performance comparison requires products with documented measured performance equivalent-or-better than the review target - since neither the MDR-5770 nor available alternatives have independently verified frequency response, THD, or ANC performance measurements, definitive performance equivalence cannot be established. Since no cheaper alternative with confirmed equivalent-or-better measured performance exists, the Sony MDR-5770 is treated as the cheapest option in its category, resulting in CP = 1.0.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

As a discontinued vintage product, the MDR-5770 faces significant reliability and support limitations. Sony’s standard one-year warranty applied during original manufacturing but is no longer available for these aged units [5]. No dedicated manufacturer support exists for vintage products, requiring third-party repair services for maintenance. Age-related component degradation is expected given the analog electronic circuits and mechanical wear of decades-old units. While Sony maintains a strong reliability track record for current products, the vintage status of the MDR-5770 presents inherent risks including capacitor aging, connector oxidation, and driver deterioration that cannot be addressed through official channels.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

The MDR-5770’s design philosophy reflects early analog noise cancellation approaches that lack scientific rationality compared to modern digital implementations. The analog circuitry approach has been thoroughly superseded by digital signal processing that offers superior precision, adaptability, and performance. While the current market price represents reasonable value for basic ANC functionality, the underlying technology direction has been abandoned industry-wide in favor of digital solutions incorporating AI, real-time optimization, and software enhancement. Modern Sony products like the WH-1000XM6 demonstrate the company’s evolution toward measurement-focused, scientifically rational approaches with digital processors and multiple microphone arrays [2]. The vintage design lacks integration of any cutting-edge technologies and represents conservative analog methodology that, while functional, offers no technological advancement over contemporary solutions.

Advice

The Sony MDR-5770 represents a reasonable option for basic noise cancelling functionality at its current market price of 35.99 USD. While the analog ANC technology has been superseded by modern digital implementations, the headphones provide functional noise reduction suitable for users seeking budget-conscious vintage options. For enhanced features, contemporary products like the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offer wireless capability, longer battery life, and digital ANC at a modest price premium of approximately 42 USD. The MDR-5770 may appeal to collectors interested in aviation audio history with ANA branding, or users specifically requiring wired operation with dual-connector systems. However, users prioritizing cutting-edge performance should consider current-generation products with proven measurement data and manufacturer support.

References

[1] Petervis.com, Sony MDR-5770 Noise Cancelling Airplane Headphones, https://www.petervis.com/Vintage%20Misc/Vintage%20Headphones/sony-mdr-5770/sony-mdr-5770.html, accessed 2025-11-26 [2] Sony Europe, Sony introduces the next evolution of noise cancelling with the WH-1000XM6, https://www.sony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6, accessed 2025-11-26 [3] eBay, Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones MDR-5770 ANA Business Class, 35.99 USD, https://www.ebay.com/itm/154046302397, accessed 2025-11-26 [4] Market research, Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, approximate market price 40-45 USD, accessed 2025-11-26 [5] Sony Europe, Professional Standard Product Warranty, https://pro.sony/en_GB/support-services/primesupport/support-professional-solutions-europe-standard-product-warranty, accessed 2025-11-26

(2025.11.30)