I purchased these Sony MDR-7506 headphones a couple of months ago. More recently, I've also purchased Sony's very similar (but not identical - see below) Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones. My reason for purchasing a second pair (and getting both models) was because the V6's were very inexpensive at the time I ordered ($30 cheaper than the 7506's), and because I was curious to see if I could tell a difference between the two. In reading many of the reviews here on Amazon and elsewhere, I knew that the two are constructed very similarly but there were different opinions regarding both the differences (if any) and which has the superior sound.
These are both headphones in the $100 and below price category, which seems like a reasonable price to pay for high quality sound. I do not like to listen to music using earbuds, I prefer this style of "over-the-ear" headphone. although it does take some getting used to. I also have very inexpensive Koss KSC75 Portable Stereophone Headphones for occasions when I don't want to use my more expensive Sony's.
I am very satisfied with the sound quality from these headphones (both models), and with the comfort. They are the first "quality" headphones that I have owned, and the level of detail in the sound, lack of distortion, and overall quality is simply superb. I am completely satisfied.
Now, regarding both similarities and differences between the Sony MDR-7506 and Sony MDR-V6, here is what I have found:
- externally, they are almost identical in construction and appearance. The V6 has red stickers on each headphone "for Digital", and the 7506 has blue stickers "Professional". The phono jack for the V6 is silver metal (all metal), for the 7506 is gold (rubber and gold). Those are the only visible differences I am able to detect.
- when I listen to the two headphones back to back, at the same volume level and with the same music, I can detect a slightly clearer treble and midrange from the 7506, and very slightly clearer sound. This is consistent with several of the other reviewers on Amazon for the 7506, who say they can detect a slightly better sound separation and more open sound for the 7506, with the V6's sounding a bit warmer. One reviewer also says that the internal grounding for the two headphones is different - the 7506 uses a separate internal ground for the left and right channels, where the V6 uses a single ground for both channels. (It seems to me that both grounds are going to the same place anyway, but if this is true - and I am not able to confirm whether or not it is - then maybe this contributes to a slightly different sound).
- some reviewers state that the internal speaker drivers are different for the two headphones. However when I went to Sony's website to check the specifications for the two models, that is not what I found. And here is what the Wikipedia page states for these headphones: "both models share the same part number for their driver, but the magnet therein is known to vary. The MDR-7506 was introduced with a samarium-cobalt magnet, as is currently used in the MDR-V6. However, at some point, the MDR-7506 switched to the slightly more powerful neodymium magnet. These changes were made without changing the driver part number."
- The box for the 7506 states "neodimium magnet". The operating instructions included with the V6 state "samarium cobalt magnet". Possibly either or both of these are out of date (as Wiki states, they may make spec changes over time) - the 7506 box is copyright 1994, and the V6 copyright is 1996.
- The 7506 box includes an exploded view and parts list, which is very nice to have. The V6 box does not.
- Both headphones include a soft case for storing/carrying the headphones, and both include an adaptor plug so that the headphone can be used with either a stereo mini-plug or a normal size plug.
UPDATE 7/22/13 and 7/30/13: The Sony MDR-V6 and MDR-7506 headphones have just recently been reviewed by CNET, with similar comments to my own regarding the small differences in sound quality. Both headphones receive a very high recommendation from CNET. See the MDR-7506 review at [...] and the MDR-V6 review at [...]
According to the specifications on Sony's website (which should be up-to-date), the only difference between the two headphones is frequency response:
- MDR-7506:
- Neodymium magnet, 40.0 mm driver, 10-20kHz frequency response, 63 Ohm impedance, 106 dB/W/m sensitivity
- MDR-V6:
- Neodymium magnet, 40.0 mm driver, 5-30kHz frequency response, 63 Ohm impedance, 106 dB/W/m sensitivity
I am not able to explain how Sony is claiming different frequency response for the two headphones if all of the other specs are identical, but this is what they are saying. And I do believe that the two headphones have slightly different sound.
Although there is a slight difference between the 7506 and V6, the sound from both headphones is very neutral. The "professional" choice between the two seems to be the 7506, and it is the more expensive model. If you read other reviews you will find that the 7506's are commonly used by studio engineers, because they are designed to reproduce the sound just as it is, without adding emphasis to the bass as some other headphones are designed to do. At this point, for me they are both excellent, and for thirty bucks less I'd go with the V6 if I could have only one of the two.
I've been using these headphones with the Audioengine D1 24-bit digital-to-audio converter, and I am extremely pleased with the quality of the sound.
As a final comment, some owners of these headphones comment that the ear pads wear out over time, and some owners also prefer different ear pads for better comfort. I also purchased a pair of Beyerdynamic EDT 250 Velour Padded Earcushions for this reason, and although I have not yet given them a try to compare them with the ear pads that come with the Sony headphones, I do like the fact that it is possible to fit different ear pads if desired in order to provide more comfort, as well as replace them when they have become worn (some owners use these headphones for many years).
I notice that there are a very large number of reviewers for these headphones, many of them long-time owners who feel very strongly that these Sony headphones are the best. I'm just beginning to use them, but I have high hopes that they will be durable over time and that I will continue to be as satisfied with them as I am today.
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From the manufacturer
Studio sound quality
Sony MDR-7506
Trusted by industry professionals for over 30 years, the MDR-7506 deliver accurate studio-quality sound and a comfortable fit for long production sessions. Delivering a balanced soundstage with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, ideal for recording studios, broadcast, film/TV production, podcasting, and home studios.
Dynamic closed-back design
These studio headphones feature a closed-back acoustic structure with earcups that completely cover the listener's ears. This effectively eliminates ambient noise and prevents sound leakage.
Comfortable for long sessions
Lightweight (227g) with soft synthetic leather earpads, adjustable band, and padded swivel earcups.
Built with tough materials to withstand daily use
Foldable for easy storage/transport, a protective pouch is included. The earpads are replaceable.
Wired connection features
Included: 1.2m (extendable to 3m) cable with φ3.5mm stereo mini-plug. Unimatch 3.5mm/6.3mm adaptor.
Sony Professional Headphones for recording, mixing, and mastering
 MDR-MV1 |  MDR-M1 |  MDR-7506 |
|---|---|---|
| Design Reference Open Back | Design Reference Closed Back | Design Closed Back |
| Frequency response, Impedance 5Hz～80kHz, 24Ω | Frequency response, Impedance 5Hz～80kHz, 50Ω | Frequency response, Impedance 10-20kHz, 63 Ω |
| Cable 2.5m Straight Detachable | Cable 1.2m/2.5m Straight Detachable | Cable Coiled 9.8' |
| Supplied Accessories 6.3mm/3.5mm 1/8" adapter | Supplied Accessories 3.5mm/6.3mm adapter | Supplied Accessories 3.5mm/6.3mm adapter, soft case |
| Weight 223g | Weight 216g (without cable) | Weight 229g |
From the brand
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Sony is a creative entertainment company with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, and more.
For over 70 years, imagination has been the fuel of everything we do. From how people listen to music, to how they play games, to how they watch TV, our big imaginations have led us to create products that innovate and inspire generations.
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This Item  Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone | Recommendations  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $98.00 | $395.00 | $114.00 | $119.99 | $248.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 11 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 13 | — | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 11 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | *Tek7* | Sole Source AV Supply | Focus Camera LLC | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | On Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| noise control | sound isolation | — | sound isolation | — | sound isolation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm and 1/4 inch Jack | 3.5 mm Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | 9.8 foot cord | Detachable | Retractable | Retractable | Detachable |
| control type | Noise Control | Remote | Volume Control | Media Control | — |
| water resistance | — | not water resistant | — | not water resistant | not water resistant |
| material | Copper, Gold, Neodymium | Aluminum | Leather | copper | Foam, Metal/Plastic |
| model name | Sony MDR | MDRMV1 | MDR7506 | MDR7506 | MDR-M1 |
| frequency range | — | 5Hz - 80,000 Hz | 10Hz - 20,000Hz | 10Hz - 20,000 Hz | 5 Hz – 80 kHz |
| frequency response | 20 KHz | 80000 hertz | — | 10000 hertz | — |
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Great Quality
i was honestly blown away with how amazing these over ear sony’s are. i was skeptical because they are obviously inexpensive compared to most over ear studio headphones but as soon as i plugged these in, i couldn’t hear anything but my voice. they truly are professional grade.i think all around sound quality is perfect if your doing any type of recording (podcast, music, etc) the low end is nice and smooth however it doesn’t hit the deep bass as well as some headphones. i think the mid range is where these shine really allowing you to hear the clarity of the voice without any ambient or background noise. haven’t tested the highs yet but i will soon enoughcomfort wise, they are pretty comfortable however i would say the band that sits on your head can get kind of annoying after a while of use. all in all, glad i bought these
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Cliente KindleReviewed in Brazil on December 29, 2024
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