Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

Great Phones and Definitely Different Than the MDR-V6’s
I’ve had some Sony MDR-V6’s for a lot of years now, and after reading tons of opinions on how they compare to their sibling, these MDR-7506’s, I figured I would pick a pair up and do my own comparison. I know this horse has been beaten to death, but it only took a short amount of listening to realize the differences. But, before I get into it too far I just want to say that both models are excellent headphones; and it’s amazing that either set can be had for less than $100.And a WARNING to all buyers. Because these phones have been around forever, and because they are so popular (I think Sony sells more than 35,000 pairs of these a month) there are lots of fakes out there. You can research this on the web, but the safest way to insure you are getting the real deal is to make sure that when you purchase here on Amazon you only buy when it says “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com”. It is the easiest way to be sure you’re getting the genuine article.Everybody hears differently, and everyone “listens” differently. We don’t all enjoy the same types of music, and similarly, every set of headphones is not necessarily suited for every genre of music. We all own different source components, and most of us have a limit as to what we are willing to spend on our gear. I believe every headphone review should include a brief summary of the reviewer’s musical tastes, sources, and gear and should always including references to other sets of cans they own, have auditioned, liked, or disliked. With so many variables affecting peoples like or dislike of any pair of phones it is my goal to help those with similar musical tastes and similar gear to determine whether or not these headphones will be a good investment for them personally.To that end; I listen to music in practically every genre. I tend to go through different phases, but I enjoy Mozart as much as Metallica, 80’s one hit wonders and New Orleans Jazz, Lady Antebellum or Lady Gaga, Eminem to Zedd. Music has so much to offer in all genres that one could spend a lifetime discovering new things they like. I use my computer to play all the usual manner of digital files, and an Onkyo C-7030 CD player to handle disk duty. Both feed into my Nuforce Icon DAC/Headphone Amp. The digital files via USB and the CDs via analog RCA (the Onkyo has excellent onboard D/A conversion). I have also been playing around with a Little Dot MK2 ii Vacuum Tube Amp (which I am really starting to love). It should also be noted that I use no equalizer to modify the sound of my music (because I don’t have one available in my setup). My headphones include Sony MDR-V6s and these MDR-7506s, V-Moda Crossfade LPs and M-100s, Audio Technica ATH-M50s, Beyerdynamic DT-880 250ohm Premiums, Sennheiser HD 598s and HD 600s (my personal favorite) as well as my 4th pair of Koss Porta-Pros (easy to exchange when you live in Milwaukee) . I’ve tried Grado SR 80s and SR 225s (just too darn uncomfortable), some Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250ohms (I prefered the DT 880s), and my son even owns a pair of first generation Beats Solo phones (Yuk). The other day I threw away some Denon’s (no clue what model, but circa 1990) and a set of Sony MDR-V600s that were both totally worn out. I also own lots of buds as well (my Klipsh X10s being my favorite).Like I said at the beginning, these headphones sound great. They are by far my favorite set of closed phones. The crossfades are fun (they’ll make your teeth chatter), but the sound is very unnatural. The ATH-M50s sound excellent as well, but I prefer the Sony’s more natural midrange. I like them with most genre’s of music, but I prefer them with classical, jazz, adult contemporary, jazz rock, and other similar genres of music. The 7506’s (and V6’s) also give the widest soundstage of all my closed cans. When comparing the sound to the V6’s I would say this. Both models have some of the most natural sounding mids I have heard in a headphone. The V6s have more bass and noticeably higher highs, where the 7506’s are flatter through the audible spectrum. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. It isn’t hard to hear the difference, and you can see it as well by going to Headphone dot com’s “build a graph” page and comparing the two. The build a graph is an excellent page and when I look at the graphs for the various phones I own it shows exactly what I’m hearing myself. I have heard many reasons for the differences between the two sets of Sonys from wiring to cup shape, and I’ve read all the references to the parts list that says they have all the same pieces, but all I’ll say again is that there is a difference. If you like a flatter sound with less of a “smile curve” then these 7506’s are what you’re looking for. If you like a bit more bass and treble I’d recommend the V6’s (though the highs can cause fatigue after a while). If you are looking for cans to monitor or edit video then the 7506’s are the ticket. It’s amazing how accurately they can playback the sound I record with my video camera, and it’s no surprise that you see these on the heads of people in the movie business when you watch behind the scenes extras on DVD’s and Blu-Rays. I have taken the V6’s to work and I use them with my little Nuforce uDAC-2 as the two pair together very well, and the 7506’s are my go-to phones at home when open cans won’t do. The phones are very efficient as well. They play plenty loud without a lot of power, though they sound even better with a nice amp. They are also very revealing. While you will hear lots of details in your music, you will also hear all of the flaws. Music with accentuated highs may also sound shrill and sibilant when using these phones. If you want lots of booming bass you’d be best to look elsewhere. The 7506’s have nice low, accurate, detailed bass, but they aren’t thumpers by any means (nor are the V6’s). If you want some serious thump on a budget watch for the V-Moda Crossfade LP’s to go on sale (you will sacrifice detail and clarity, however).The build quality is excellent and I’m alright with the earpads wearing out and needing replacement from time to time (I’m on at least my 5th set in 2 decades with the V6’s). All earcups need to be replaced sooner or later, and if you shop around you can find the Sony replacements for a cheap price. If you opt for some of the velour replacements that are out there you will (or you should) notice a change in the sound (I’ve tried them with the v6’s). It’s also important to watch the foam part of the cups that covers the driver. If it starts to break down it will get pushed into the holes in the front of the driver itself and it will ruin it (this is what happened to my V600’s). The phones are very light, the comfort is excellent, the clamping pressure is pretty light, and the sound isolation is really good too. I also like the coiled cord and the quick change screw plug. I have never had an issue with my cord on my V6’s in almost 20 years and I don’t foresee a problem with the 7506’s. The carry bag is handy and surprisingly durable as well. I do wish they locked in a little tighter when you opened them as they often seem to want to close back up while trying to put them on. You also have to be careful for the right side wire as it can get pinched in the whole works and possibly become crimped.You just can’t go wrong with The 7506’s or the V6’s at the price they sell for. You just have to decide which response curve you prefer.

the treble is fine!
I wanted to share a bit about my journey with these headphones, in case it helps someone decide. There are many who think these headphones have too much treble or are too “bright.” After purchasing them, I read these reviews and began to wonder about it myself. So I tried some others (Beyerdynamic, Shure, etc.). True, the treble was toned down in those headphones, but after the Sonys this just sounded muffled. Missing was that true-to-life sound that comes from clear (if prominent) treble. I realized that I wanted the true sound of the original, which was made possible in these headphones not only by the treble, but also enough bass and fabulous midrange. (Another point that doesn’t get mentioned is that the better treble on these phones also enriches the other ranges.) There is of course a separation in these headphones, so that you can truly hear everything. All of this may not be what you want, but if you want a truly crisp, “balanced” sound, against the thinking of many I enjoy these all the time for regular music listening.

Melhor fone que eu já usei. Excelente opção para primeiro monitor.

Luego de haber pasado de unos audífonos de 30 dólares a estos, siento como si me hubiera perdido de gran parte de la música y las mezclas que he realizado. Los bajos son claros y fuertes, permitiendo ecualizar cómodamente el bajo junto con el kick y la tarola de la batería, los medios son balanceados y los agudos son cristalinos, permitiendo encontrar frecuencias altas que podrían hacer sonar poco limpia a la mezcla. Si eres un productor musical y necesitas unos audífonos para grabar y mezclar, pero tu presupuesto está un poco ajustado, estos audífonos son más que suficientes para todo! Hasta ahora, he durado con ellos hasta 3hrs y no he sentido molestia a nivel de los temporales o en pabellón auricular, son cómodos y de buena construcción!

Sur une chaîne HI-FI des années 70,fonctionne à merveille ; tellement fidèle par rapport au casque SONY à 20 €.J’entends des sons qui étaient inaudibles sur des casques bas de gamme.Pour écoute audiophiles,parfait.Excellent rapport qualité/prix.L’arceau est peut être un peu trop serré sur la tête,il faudra s’habituer.Les oreillettes en mousse sont très douces.Le son SONY ne m’a jamais déçu.