Sony MDR-V150 Monitor Series Headphones

by Sony

Product Features

• Supra-aural design and wide molded headband for comfort during long listening sessions
• 30mm driver units and a lightweight ferrite magnite provide full-range sound with deep bass
• Reversible earcups allow single-sided monitoring, for DJing applications, mono mix checking, etc.
• Fixed stereo miniplug for use with portable equipment; 1/4-inch phone plug for studio/audio equipment
• Frequency response: 18 Hz - 22 kHz

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 3.2 inches ; 7.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000092YPR
• Item model number: MDRV150
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (820 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com

The MDR-V150 Studio Monitor Series headphones are built for your ears, with a supra-aural design for listening comfort during long sessions. The 30mm diameter drivers provide deep bass, and reversible earcups offer convenient single-sided monitoring.

Built for your ears.

Reversible earcups for single-sided monitoring.

1/4-inch adapter included.

Studio Quality

The MDR-V150s incorporate high-end materials and advanced engineering to provide a clean, detailed sound for professional applications.

500 mW Power Handling

These headphones are ready for day-in, day-out use at high output levels.

Supra-Aural (On-Ear) Design

The MDR-V150s rest lightly on the ear, and the driver is positioned the correct distance from the ear canal, for a controlled environment and better sound.

Reversible Earcups

Reversible earcups enable single-sided monitoring flexibility, for DJing applications, checking mono mixes, etc.

Ferrite Magnets

Ferrite produces high energy without being bulky, to help produce ample sound output--98 dB/mW sensitivity.

Wide, Molded Headband

This headband design distributes the headphone's weight over a wide area. Less pressure means more comfortable listening.

30 Millimeter Drive Units

These drivers are larger than those found in many headphones, for deeper bass, lower distortion, and a wider dynamic range. Bass response extends down to a low 18 Hz.

Oxygen-Free Copper Cord

For maximum conductivity with minimal noise--conducts electricity better than conventional copper.

MDR-V150 Specs

Frequency Response:	18Hz - 22kHz
Magnet Type:	Ferrite
Sensitivity:	98dB/mW
Impedance:	24 ohms
Cable Length:	6'8"
Weight:	4.2 oz.
Warranty:	One Year

What's in the Box

MDR-V150 Headphones, 1/4-Inch Adapter, User's Manual

Product Description

Sony brings you its revolutionary studio monitor headphones, a superior set of closed supra-aural headphones that provide top-end comfort and sound quality. These headphones allow only a limited amount of ambient noise into the ear canal, giving your full attention to the music. The supra-aural design is engineered for excellent listening comfort, excellent compatibility and excellent sound; these headphones fit the bill for a genuine sound professional.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1,056 of 1,118 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Technical Explanation and Spec Review February 9, 2007

By Real Name

It seems from a lot of the reviews on here, that people don't quite understand the specs behind headphones which are crucial to its sound. A lot of people are comparing these headphones to iPod earbuds and saying that it sounds like something is missing. Here's why:

The technical specs for iPod earbuds:

Bandwidth response-20Hz to 20,000Hz

Impedance-32ohms

The technical specs for MDR-V150s:

Bandwidth response-18Hz to 22000Hz

Impedance-24ohms

For those of you who don't understand the numbers, it means that the MDR-V150s have a broader range of sound, but the iPod earbuds pack a bigger sound. This is precisely why you think something is missing.

If you listen to iPod earbuds over a long time, your ears become accustomed to really loud, albeit a small range, sound. This is also why iPod earbuds are known for causing serious harm to your ears over prolonged periods of use. For it to sound right, you have to use the full amount of power, which the earbuds provide. Your close-range hearing becomes damaged over time and you can't hear subtle sounds or details, but you can still detect low volume. The earbuds won't sound deafening because you can still hear outside noise.

The MDR-V150s have a larger range of sound and lower impedance. That means there is a much richer sound. You don't need to jack up the volume to get a good listen (but you do need your hearing intact). You also may not be used to the larger range of sound so the range of sound you're used to will sound drowned out at close range. Many of the comments complaining about this transition from earbuds are noting that staples of their music listening sound strangely undetailed on the MDR-V150s.... High levels of bass have a way of "drowning" out treble sounds if you're not used to listening to music with ample bass at close range.

Another major difference is that since these are "on-ear" headphones instead of "in-ear" buds, you have much less outside noise interfering with listening. It's like the difference between listening to a car stereo with the windows up or the windows down. You have to listen to things louder if there's more outside noise and you can't notice as many details either. There is a reason cellphone handsets for the car use earbuds instead of headphones, and that's so you can still hear the road. Why would you want to use earbuds that are intentionally designed so you can still hear your surroundings but compensate for it by deafening you?

I work a lot with sound whether it's production, music, or art and I use these as portable stereo phones because of their quality and sound range. I use them with my iPod with the long cord tucked into my case's belt clip. They are incredibly affordable for their quality. Most comparable headphones cost at least $30. I have been using these headphones since freshman year of college when I was first exposed to them in my school's sound lab.

My opinion aside, the manufacturer specs speak for themselves and it's hard to imagine that iPod earbud fans really believe that these provide less sound when physically they have a much broader range of sound and do not permanently damage your ears.

As for the tightness, it's good. It'll keep the phones pressed against your ears. The padding coupled with the tightness is what keeps as much outside noise sealed out. The more noise cancellation you can get, the better the sound.

And for the hair complaint: you could always tie up your hair or give up on headphones with plastic size adjusters. The plastic size adjusters were just designed to snag hair, so it seems. Read more ›

133 of 142 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great on the ears but tight on the head July 18, 2006

By TheWaldo

I bought my set from Wal-Mart. The sound is excellent with deep full bass and clear higher frequencies. Much better sound than the foam ambient noise type. My main concern was that the headphones are TIGHT on the ears. The cups (as noted by other reviewers) do not cup the ears, but rather sit on and press directly against the ears. Great sound or not, after half and hour or so of listening I would actually have a headache from the ear pressure. I gave these away and found a set of headphones at Radio Shack that sounds just as good and has a large enough cup to totally enclose the ears. After 3 or 5 hours these are still comfortable.

126 of 138 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best headphones I've ever owned December 12, 2006

By Peter E. Johansen

I'm not a connoisseur of headphones, and quite honestly I don't think I've even paid much more than $20 for a pair of headphones. And maybe because of this, I've never owned a set of headphones that I was totally happy with until now. These are by far the best headphones I've even bought, and I was just floored by how good some of my favorites sound on these headphones. I just hear so much more.

I hesitated to buy these since so many people on Amazon complained about the feel of these headphones saying they pinched. Well, they are bigger than what I'm used to - a little bulky maybe - but I found them really pretty comfortable. Also, because they fit a little tighter, they seem to block out a lot more noise, which make them great for the gym or walking down a busy street.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sound better than Bose TriPort, but... January 21, 2006

By lew

Sound better than Bose TriPort (that has overemphasized bass). Sound better than my best Koss. Unfortunately: a) too tight. After half an hour I have just enough, b) the cord seems to be rated for 60 amperes, extremelly thick and stiff

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cheap, durable, and high quality. July 4, 2003

By Matthew E. Rorie

But then, what else do you expect from Sony? I don't claim to be an audiophile, but I have nothing but love for these headphones after using them for perhaps a year now. I used to go through headphones every couple of months; something or other would break and I would have to go back and look for another pair. The MDR-V150 stopped that revolving door. The sound is excellent, and the headphones feel light on the head even after hours of use. The best feature here is the way the earphones plug into the headband; if you ever jerk on the cord too hard (like I always accidentally do when I put a foot on it while I stand up) the earphone pieces detach from the headband, rather than snapping the plastic bits like many other headphones in this price range will. You snap the earphones back into the headband and you're back in business.

I use these headphones every day, and while I'm sure most true audiogeeks would be better suited by a pair of Seinnheisers or another high-end brand, this pair is perfect for me. Heck, I'm on my fourth different CD player since buying them; how's that for longevity? Highly recommended if you're in the market for headphones near the 20 dollar price point.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sound, really comfortable, long cord July 21, 2005

By Lesley Grossblatt

I have my headphones on almost all day when I work, so I really needed a very comfortable pair. These totally fit the bill. The ear cups are nice and squishy and feel very light on my head. Contrary to some other reviews, I didn't find them tight at all, and I have a pretty big noggin. The sound is great - clear, sharp, good range. The cord is really long, which is also good for me since my desk area is over 6' long. For the price, you can't beat these headphones.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY I found the headphones I've been searching for! November 21, 2005

By Kmarie1980

I work in an office job where I'm allowed to wear headphones while I work. For the past two years, I've been searching for the right pair - I had no idea it would be this difficult!

Every pair that I've purchased have had some problem or another. The ear bud ones are always too big and hurt my ears (and besides, they get pretty gross). The standard walkman-type headphones are comfortable but the music is pretty audible to people nearby when you play it even at a normal level.

Basically, I was searching for a pair of headphones for $35 or less that would hold sound in reasonably well (everyone always advertises noise-cancelling - I wanted noise-containing!), but didn't look like they should be worn by an air traffic controller!

I've been exceedingly pleased with these headphones for the week that I've had them. Yes, they are a bit bulkier than some of the more trendy headphones that are out there but they are much better quality. I can't blast my music but I can listen to it somewhat loudly without being audible to anyone around me. The ears are really soft and comfortable, although I will say that I've encountered the same issue with the headset getting a bit uncomfortably tight after wearing it for several hours - especially when I'm wearing my glasses. I expect that will get better as I wear them in. I haven't had any problems with my hair getting stuck in them, as another reviewer mentioned (my hair is several inches past my shoulders).

If you're looking for the same things that I was, I would strongly recommend these headphones! I would have paid double and still been very happy with them.