There is a reason why the Sony’s 80s headphones flared up currently among users. If you compare the Sony MDRV6 vs 7506 vs CD900ST, you will see huge difference if you scrutinize the details. The ultimate purpose while manufacturing the headphones was to use them for professional use.
However, if you like clean and natural sounding headphones, then you can use them for regular listening purpose. If handled with care, you can use these products for 20 to 30 years. None of these headphones have any issues of sound leakage even at high volume, nor do they get distorted.
The headphones sit lightly on the head which is good for long listening hours. This also means if you use them while jogging, running or other extreme physical activity, they will fall off. You can use these headphones to connect with PS4 or Xbox X (audio).
If you want the best headphone for professional use at a reasonable price, then you can easily choose the MDR-CD900ST. this model compared to other two isn’t advertised widely but is definitely the one you should keep in collection. In the MDRV6 vs 7506 comparison, the V6 produces the most balanced sound.
How I Rated the best headphones from Sony:
- Quality: this refers to both build quality and audio quality. the build quality should be durable and strong enough for regular use. As for audio, it depends on perspective, but in general the sound should be crystal clear and represent what the singer meant it to be.
- Longevity: we don’t want our headphones to stop working if it accidentally falls off. An ideal headphone should be able to withstand everyday wear and tears.
- Ear abuse: since we put on headphones on ears, it is vital that they will not do ear abuse. In certain cases, users use headphones for long hours’ day after day, so it should be padded in such a way, that it is comfortable for a long time.
- Move around: we hardly remain in one place so the headphones should have such a design that makes it easy to move with. Users often prefer wireless headphones. However, you can use it or indoor purpose, or take somewhere (gym, office) and use it there, rather wearing it on the way.
Table: Sony MDRV6 vs 7506 vsMDR-CD900ST
Sony MDRV6: Best sounding with bass
The MDRV6 has a tighter bass compared to MDR7506. It sounds smooth and pleasant while the MDR7506 sounds livelier. The Sony MDRV6 price is slightly higher than the other two. The build quality and comfortability is excellent.
Sony MDR7506: best overall
The MDR7506 price to performance ratio is impressive. The ‘less revealing bass’ is perfect for you if you use it for mixing or other professional use.
Sony MDR-CD900ST: best for professional use
MDR-CD900ST is one of the best natural sounding headphones. It is an excellent mid-range representation. Unlike the other two, it is made in Japan. The headphone precisely shows you errors or coloration while mixing.
Product differentiator:
You will find thousand other headphones with similar design but what makes these Sony vintage headphones unique is their sound quality. whether you are an audiophile, sound engineer or mixer, these headphones will meet your needs.
Design
Sony MDRV6:
Being released in 1985, Sony MDFV6 has a classic design. It looks simple and is available in black color. The headphone is made of plastic but feels rugged. The hinges are well-built and the R and L are marked on the ear cups.
The Sony MDRV6 pads are covered with thin leather. The earcups are strong and is made of metal and they have a closed-back design.
Sony MDR7506
If you compare Sony MDRV6 vs MDR7506, they are similar design-wise and material-wise. The Sony 7506 earpads have an oval-shaped that are large in size and the headband is wrapped with faux leather. The left and right earpads are labelled with blue and red colors.
Sony MDR-CD900ST
The Sony MDR-CD900ST dynamic stereo headphones has similar look as well. It has thin earpads and the space between headphone and ear is reduced to improve ‘localization’. The engineers focused on sound distant.
This means, the thin earpads aren’t poorly designed, rather, if the singer is 15cm from the mic, you will be able to feel it in your headphones.
Wire:
The MDRV6 cable seems strong. It has a 3.5mm plug and a 6.3mm adapter plug. It has copper-clad aluminum voice coil wire which is use for better power handling. Comparing MDRV6 vs MDR7509, the MDR7506 headphones has gold-plated 3.5mm connector and a ¼” adapter.
Comparing MDR7506 vs MDR-CD900ST, we see that the CD900ST has a slightly shorter cable, around 8 ft and has a stereo standard plug.
Performance:
Comparing Sony MDRV6 vs 7506 vs CDR900ST, the main differences are in terms of price and performance. There are many similarities compared to differences. All these headphones use 40mm driver and has a rated impedance of 63 ohms.
Sony MDRV6:
In case of any wear and tear of MDRV6 earpads, you can replace them with SOFTROUND Earpads
The Sony MDRV6 audio quality is well-balanced and pleasing. The headphones don’t have over-pronounced bass, rather it shows balance in each frequency spectrum. The bass has a punch, the mids and highs are well-represented. The MDRV6 has sparkle in its sound specially in the mid-range region.
The sound clarity is impressive and the soundstage is spacious. They have a bright sound but is not fatiguing. They also don’t have flat sound. The low-end is tight and present but it will not shake the ground. You can use them anytime with high-fidelity audio but if you are a basshead, you might look somewhere else.
Sony MDR7506
In this Sony MDR7506 professional large diaphragm headphone review, we will cover everything you need to know. Comparing Sony MDRV6 vs MDR7506 audio quality, the MDR7506 bass is slightly less compared to others.
However, keep in mind that you need to scrutinize the details to understand the difference. The sound from these headphones has excellent clarity and it is crispier than the MDRV6.It has a ‘leaner’ sound but it is still enjoyable.
Both the Sony MDRV6 and MDR7506 are said to be professional grade headphones by the company itself. It has a vibrant and lively audio performance which you may prefer over the Sony MDR7506 music production according to your musical taste.
The Sony professional 7506 model has an enhanced mid-range compared to the bass. If you think the ‘less-exaggerated’ bass is its weakness, then you care wrong. If you want to improve bass, use an equalizer. Sony created these headphones back in 80’s with the intention that music professionals will use it.
So, rather than enjoying audio with deep and punchier bass, the professionals want to identify any distortion or coloration in the sound in the recordings. These Sony MDR studio headphones remain ‘industry standard’ even after being manufactured years ago.
You can connect these headphones into laptop, iPhone or Pixel 2. For the last two devices you need separate dongle. You can use it with preamp or as a monitor while recording or mixing.
Comparing Sony MDR7506 vs MDRV6 vs MDR-CD900ST is that, the MDR7506 frequency response can get as low as 10Hz and the other two can go up to 5Hz. In case you need MDR 7506 replacement ear pads, they are widely available at low cost.
One of the best earpads for Sony MDR7506 is the WC Wicked Cushions Replacement Ear Pads . The The Sony MDR7506 Beyerdynamic ear pads or also have good quality.
If you talk around, you will see friends or seniors who bought one of these three headphones and they lasted for 20 or 30 years. One thing to keep in mind is that, these headphones don’t have any production now. So, in case the headphone gets damaged, it will not be possible to repair.
Sony MDR-CD900ST
The CD in Sony MDR-CD900ST means they are capable of producing the broader frequency band and ‘dynamic range’ of Compact Discs. The proprietory drivers improve the resolution needed for monitoring.
It makes sure the ‘real sound’ with suble details are conveyed. It is designed to meet the requireements needed forr ecording studios, post-production, and broadcasting stations so that the headphone can produce audio closest to the original sound.
You shouldn’t expect the MD-CD900ST to punch you in the face or enhance the bass. Rather it will produce clear and smooth audio. They don’t have a forward mids or treble region. The sound is spacious as well.
Sony MDRV6, MDR7506 or the MDR-CD900ST, none of these are noise-cancelling headphones. So if you use then in a flight, you still might get noise of engine. However, all these Sony MDR professional headphones deliver outstanding noise isolation and since they have closed back design, it can perform isolation in a better way.
Along with this, these Sony MDRmonitors don’t have any sound leakage which means the person next to you will not be bothered by your loud music. This makes it ideal to use in libraries, train or airplane.
Things to improve:
These Sony MDR professional headphones doesn’t have any in-line mic or remote. So, you can’t use them with any phones or music player. Another drawback that all these headphones possess is their permanent wire which you can’t remove anytime.
The Sony MDR7506 professional large headphones lacks bass, which is not a disadvantage based on the design the headphone is meant to be. But, it is still a disadvantage for user who love punchier bass.
Use case:
With a long cable, seems like the headphones are designed to be used indoors while using PC, in recording studios, DJ parties and basically everywhere where you will stay put. However, you can use the MDRV6, MDR7506 or the MDR-CD900ST outdoors. Like, in the gym, library, long travel hours, and etc.
These Sony MDR studio monitor headphones have moderate weight but they might start to feel a bit heavy while using them in the gym or the extra sweat might not be good for them. But, you can use them with caution.
Comparing MDRV6 vs 7506 vs CD900ST, the CD900ST is a bit lighter than the other two. The primary purpose of the headphones is to use them in professional mixing. So any audio enthusiast, sound engineer, audio professional or DJ’s can easily use them for their work.
If you compare the Sony MDRV6 vs 7506 vs CD900ST, the MDR7506 seems to be the better choice for mixing purpose. We have friends in newsroom or broadcasting section and we have seen them wearing the earphones comfortably without any issues.
We don’t recommend that you use them during walks, jogging, swimming, cycling or simply crossing the road. Since they will provide a nice seal, you will not be able to hear any horns.
Other features:
Ease of use:
The Sony MDRV6 is well-known for being used hours after hours without any ear pain. It has a flexible headband and although they aren’t very thickly padded you can be assured of comfortability.
The earpads are wrapped by leather but they will not get heated easily. The comfortability is similar for other two headphones.
Mobility:
This Sony MDRV6 has a 10-ft wire which is permanently attached to the earcup. They come with a nice pouch and the headphones are foldable so you can pack it in your bag while travelling. However, it seems quite a hassle to use it while you are walking, jogging, or cycling.
Comparing Sony MDR-CD900ST vs MDR7506, the CD900ST aren’t foldable which becomes a hassle if you want to put them in tightly packed bags. While these aren’t portable, you can still carry them around.
Alternatives to Sony headphones:
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica headphones have excellent sonic performance. They come with detachable wire which acts as an advantage over the MDR headphones. They have deep bass, clear and powerful audio which is fun to listen to. You can listen them for long time.
Sennheiser HD280Pro
Comparing Sennheiser HD280Pro vs Sony MDRV6, the HD280Pro has large earcups, have decent build quality and is quite affordable. The bass is punchier along with smooth highs. It provides better isolation from surrounding noise compared to the Sony headphones.
Shure SRH1540
The Shure headphones has Alcantara earpads which are known to be the most comfortable. The audio has a broad soundstage and it will reveal the subtle details. The sound imaging and separation is excellent.
Treble, mids and low-end are naturally presented just as they should be. These headphones can effectively isolate outside sound and is one of the best headphone under $500.
Parting words
Currently, the MDRV6 is costlier than the other two and if you like deeper bass, you should choose the V6 over 7506. The V6 uses oxygen-free copper (OFC) which has high conductivity. The Sony MDR 7506 noise cancelling headphones has gold-plated connectors and if you want to scrutinize your audio files in the studio, you can use these.
What makes them professional studio headphones? Well, consider using them while DJing, the MDR7506 has a brighter mid-range that allows the person to avoid surrounding noise or chaos. Comparing Studio Headphones vs High-End Headphones, Studio Headphones deliver uncolored, accurate and precise sound.
High-end headphones create powerful immersive sound with deep bass. Those are often preferred by gamers or bassheads. To be able to listen to what the artists meant while recording a song, you need professional studio headphones.
The Sony MDR classic headphones are affordable, have the decent build quality, and outstanding longevity. Last but not the least, a lot depends on your use case and personal preference along with budget.
FAQ
Well, we are almost at the end of the article. At this stage, we’ve compiled some fo the most asked questions and their solution. let;s find out more!
What is the difference between open vs closed back headphones?
Open-back headphones just as the name suggests have an open back. The drivers have ventilation where the outside air can enter in and out of the earcups.
Closed-back headphones don’t allow this ventilation. Comparing open-back vs closed-back headphones, the open-back ones doesn’t isolate the outside noise. This might be important if you want to use them outdoors.
They also have more spacious sound and broader sound image. One disadvantage is, the open-back headphones leak sound louder than the closed ones. This means the person next to you will be often disturbed or annoyed.
Closed-back headphones have excellent passive noise-cancellation technique. These are best if you don’t like the outside sound to interrupt your listening.
Are the Sony MDR studio monitor headphones ideal for me?
Firstly, understand which zone you belong to. If you love thumping bass and boosted sound, then the Sony studio monitor headphones may sound dull or boring to you.
Basically, these are not for teenagers who love colored sound while gaming crazily. The dull or neutral sound is actually the original sound which will be important to you if you are involved in tweaking or mixing music.
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