Been using MDR-7506 for over 20+ years.. Tip: replace the earpads with the Auray Deluxe Velours

We used MDR-7506 in our recording studio and in TV station. These are the best what you can get. So precise so great sound for real professional needs. (but there are so many fake MDR-7506 from China, be aware from that) ;)

Having used both the Sonys and Senals, I'm sold on Sennheiser HD 25 headphones. Good sound, compact, well built and every component is replaceable.

I personally own both the Sony and Senal, plus my employer has them at work. My AV co-workers & sound engineering friends seem to prefer the Senal, as do I. The most common complaint I've heard in relation to the Sony is that they sound too bright, or "brittle" in the high end. This is not an issue with the Senal. The interchangeable cable on the Senal, in which one can either use a coiled or straight cord, is an excellent feature. Conversely, I find the long, coiled cord on the Sony to be cumbersome, and have met others who are similarly displeased with the long, coiled cable. I've never had an electrical or mechanical issue with the Senal, BTW. Given a choice, I actually prefer the 80 Ohm version of the BeyerDynamic 770 Pro over both Senal and Sony, though I sometimes use the Bose QC25 when greater isolation is needed. The Beyer is more "transparent" to my ears, and has superior stereo imaging; plus they are more comfortable with prolonged use, as they do not actually press against one's ears as the Sony and Senal do. The Bose QC25 as it turns out, is actually a pretty good reference for a headphone, though the newer BlueTooth wireless version has excessive bass response which unfortunately, cannot be corrected through adjustment.

When in doubt or in a hurry, choose Sony.

I used the Sony's for many years. Switched to audio technica ath-m50x. Audio technica's are the best and I auditioned over 20 headphones before making the switch.

I'm glad you're still cranking out content. I always appreciate your thorough and relevant take on products. I wish you were out at NAB right now grilling all the vendors on their new gear.

I have the Sony headphones and lemme tell ya, its pleasing to find out that quality doesn't necessarily need to cost a fortune. Only downside with these (and most headphones) is that after a while they'll make your ears sweat when it's hot out.

Super subjective as you said, but I, for the life of me, cannot understand what people hear in the MDR-7506s. I had to use them for years for work, and they are so fatiguing in the high end. Cool sounding, tight bass though. But I'm no expert, so what do I know.

Sorry, what's the difference between "Top" and "Best" now?

I have a set of MDR-7506's from 1999. I still use them almost everyday, but I admit I have to change those "earpads", because they are the originals....lol

Your audio is always on point, crystal clear!

Check out the beyerdynamic dt770. I use them in studio for mixing but also love these cans for normal non critical listening situations.

You used to be an audio engineer and you have so much less audio related videos, more audio videos please

I can recommend Philips SHP 9500s. Really like them for editing but also audiophilia with some little EQ.

Great color grade here Dave.

The Sony MDR-7506s are great. I've had mine for a good few years. They stay in my audio bag otherwise they tend to wander and end up connected to someone's gaming set up. Needless to say not mine. The only issue I've had is that the foam ear pieces disintegrated and covered my audio person in black flotsam. Managed to pick up replacements online.

Kind of unrelated in the price range, but just last week I got a pair of TASCAM TH-02 for about $20. I was reeeeeaaaaally reluctant to get "studio" headphones for that price even though TASCAM is a brand I respect a lot in the mics department. To my surprise they are better than I expected. Sound is flat, which I was surprised to hear since a lot of "pro" headphones have a deep bass in the end, but overall would recommend them despite the almost suspicious low price point.

You should take a look to ATH-M40x . One of the popular headphones.

I like audio technica, but this Sony model sounds pretty good, thanks for the video.

I recently bought a pair of Sennheiser hd-300 pro, and they seem to be a lot better - and flatter - than my AKG K271 mkii.

You should try SonarWorks with the MDR's. It's one of the most accurate phones for that price. And if you want to safe on money on SonarWorks I recreated my own profile for free using Equalizer API for all my speakers (using RoomEQWizard) and headphones (using the curves from SonarWorks in Equalizer API.)

Which one of these would work better for communication headphones? I'm a ham radio operator and I'm purchasing headphones for the shack but I don't want the cheapest or go crazy on the price. Thanks. Thanks.

Audio technica m40x is much better for flatter response and it looks nicer if that counted. Same price range.

The Sony cans are $100 on B&H bout only $81 on Newegg.com. (But no affiliate link.)

Solid review thank you!

Have you tried the Sony MDR-V6?. I compared them to Senai and had the same feelings as you with the 7506. Do you think they are the same?.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Resolve 16!

I’m partial to the Sony MDR 7506.

hey dave I might be late but does it have a microphone built in or?..

These are definitely headphones for video people and not for audio people. Wouldn't want to have to do any actual audio work with those or listen to music with them.

Thanks Dave for a good review - my Audio-Technicas have almost given up the ghost & I've been considering the Sony MDR-7506's. That link doesn't sell to Australia though . . .

Are the phones fatiguing, are you listening to have everything flat, or music for just listening.

Hey that price range isnt so bad

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro