Home Headphone Comparisons Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Status Audio CB-1 vs. Sony MDR 7506 [Definitive Guide]

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Updates

  • 5/14/19.
  • 2/9/20. Added Shootout and Article cleanup.
  • 1/21/21. Article/link cleanup.

4,289-word post, approx. 5-6 min. read

Article still needs:

  • M40x and 7506 measurements
  • 7506 photos

Let’s start with a quick chart!

At A Glance

Preview
Best For Bass Heads
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone, Black, with Cutting Edge Engineering, 90 Degree Swiveling Earcups, Pro-grade Earpads/Headband, Detachable Cables Included
Best For Mixing/Gaming
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones with 50mm Drivers - for Music Production, Mixing, Mastering and Audiophile Use (Black & Gold)
Best For Reference
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Type
Closed Back, Dynamic
Closed Back, Dynamic
Closed Back, Dynamic
Fit
Circumaural
Circumaural
Circumaural
Impedance
35 Ohm
32 Ohm
63 Ohm
Sensitivity
98dB/mW
97dB/mW
106dB/mW
Frequency Response
15Hz - 24kHz
15Hz - 30kHz
10Hz - 20kHz
Material
Plastic, Metal, Faux Leather
Plastic, Protein Leather
Plastic, Metal, Faux Leather
Color
Black, Silver
Black, Gold
Black with some Red, Blue, & Gold
Weight
8.4 Oz., 247g (Without Cable)
8.9 Oz., 263g (Without Cable)
8.1 Oz.
Amplification Needed?
Primary Use
Casual Listening, Bass Heavy Genres
Mixing/Mastering/Reference, Casual, Gaming
Mixing/Mastering/Reference, Casual Listening
Prime
Amazon Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Best For Bass Heads
Preview
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone, Black, with Cutting Edge Engineering, 90 Degree Swiveling Earcups, Pro-grade Earpads/Headband, Detachable Cables Included
Type
Closed Back, Dynamic
Fit
Circumaural
Impedance
35 Ohm
Sensitivity
98dB/mW
Frequency Response
15Hz - 24kHz
Material
Plastic, Metal, Faux Leather
Color
Black, Silver
Weight
8.4 Oz., 247g (Without Cable)
Amplification Needed?
Primary Use
Casual Listening, Bass Heavy Genres
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
Price not available
Details
Best For Mixing/Gaming
Preview
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones with 50mm Drivers - for Music Production, Mixing, Mastering and Audiophile Use (Black & Gold)
Type
Closed Back, Dynamic
Fit
Circumaural
Impedance
32 Ohm
Sensitivity
97dB/mW
Frequency Response
15Hz - 30kHz
Material
Plastic, Protein Leather
Color
Black, Gold
Weight
8.9 Oz., 263g (Without Cable)
Amplification Needed?
Primary Use
Mixing/Mastering/Reference, Casual, Gaming
Prime
-
Price
Price not available
Details
Best For Reference
Preview
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Type
Closed Back, Dynamic
Fit
Circumaural
Impedance
63 Ohm
Sensitivity
106dB/mW
Frequency Response
10Hz - 20kHz
Material
Plastic, Metal, Faux Leather
Color
Black with some Red, Blue, & Gold
Weight
8.1 Oz.
Amplification Needed?
Primary Use
Mixing/Mastering/Reference, Casual Listening
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
Price not available
Details

Hey there fiend, and Welcome Aboard!!

Before we get into the Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Status Audio CB-1 vs. Sony MDR 7506 Shootout, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!


Table of Contents

Click to navigate the page!

Introduction
Specifications
Build
Comfort
Sound/Imaging
Video Comparison/Shootout (Coming Soon!)
Photo Gallery
Amplification
Genre Pairing
Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get into it!

Introduction

I don’t have an introduction, so I’m just going to awkwardly type these words and then move into specifications. Lol.

Specifications

Audio Technica ATH M40x

  • Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check eBay!
  • Type: Closed back. Closed back vs. Open back headphones.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Driver Size: 40mm.
  • Frequency Response: 15Hz – 24kHz.
  • Impedance: 35 Ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
  • Sensitivity: 98dB/mW.
  • Cable Type: Straight & Coiled.
  • Cable Length: 9.8′
  • 1/4″ Adapter: Yes.
  • Cable Detachable: Yes.
  • Fold-able. Yes.
  • Case included: Yes.
  • Plug Size: 3.5mm (1/4″ adapter included).
  • Weight: 8.4 Oz, 247g.
  • With Coiled Cable: 10.9 Oz., 315g.
  • With Straight Cable: 10.4 Oz., 304g.
  • Material: Plastic, Metal, Faux Leather.

Status Audio CB-1

  • Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay!
  • Type: Closed back, Dynamic.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Driver size: 50mm.
  • Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 30 kHz.
  • Impedance: 32 Ohm. What is Headphone Impedance?
  • Sensitivity: 97dB/mW.
  • Cable Length: 3m.
  • Cable Type: Coiled & Straight.
  • 1/4″ adapter: Yes.
  • Cable Detachable: Yes.
  • Fold-able. Yes.
  • Case included: No.
  • Plug Size: 3.5mm (1/4″ adapter included).
  • Weight: 8.9 Oz., 263g (Without Cable).
  • With Coiled Cable: 11.1 Oz., 326g.
  • With Straight Cable: 11.4 Oz., 334g.
  • Material: Plastic, Protein Leather.

Sony MDR 7506

  • Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check eBay!
  • Type: Closed Back.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Driver Size: 40mm. What is a Headphone Driver?
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20 kHz.
  • Impedance: 63 Ohm.
  • Sensitivity: 106dB/mW.
  • Cable Length: 9.8 ft.
  • Cable Type: Coiled.
  • 1/4″ Adapter: Yes.
  • Cable Detachable: No.
  • Fold-able:  Yes.
  • Case Included: Yes.
  • Plug Size: 3.5mm.
  • Weight: 8.1 Oz.
  • Material: Plastic, Metal, Faux Leather.

Back To Top

Let’s talk about build!


Build


M40x

The M40x’s build is fairly robust, although a bit less so than its M50x brother.

It’s fairly small and compact and is mostly made of plastic. It does sport metal for the headband adjustment which is a nice added touch of durability.

In your hand, these feel pretty much exactly as they should. Lightweight but still substantial. It fits the profile of a $100 headphone almost to the T.

M40x Padding

There is some padding for the headband, and the ear cups are made of faux leather. Unfortunately, after a couple of years of heavy use, the cups will start to harden and crack. In fact, I ended up completely peeling the entirety of them off of my old ATH M50, and eventually had to replace the pads (Both models have the same padding).

The good news is that with the 40x, the pads are entirely replaceable. If you don’t end up using these every single day, you’ll be afforded more time before the cups need a refresh.

CB-1 & 7506

Both the CB-1 and M40x have a detachable cable, but the cable on the 40x is much, much easier to pull out and push in. Both require you to turn and then pull, but the CB-1 is much harder to turn and kind of fights you coming out.

The 40x has a nice white line indicator on both the 2.5mm termination as well as the insertion on the ear cup. Align the white indicator on the 2.5mm end so it’s slightly below the white line on the cup. Then, push in and turn it a half measure. Both will line up and you’ll feel it when it’s in properly. It doesn’t make any clicking sound but you’ll know it when you feel it.

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

  • Both the 40x and CB-1 come with 2 cables – a coiled and straight version for each. This is a welcome addition and adds a ton of value to both headphones.

By contrast, the 7506 only comes with a coiled, non-detachable cable and it tends to tangle in on itself A LOT. The other 2 cables are better about this. It seems as though these companies took note of how bad the issue is with the 7506 as well as the MDR V6, and made the coiled versions of their cable more stiff and robust. Because the 7506’s is more flimsy and pliable, it tends to love tangling and generally being a huge pain in the ass.

CB-1 Padding

The CB-1’s have a little more padding on the headband as well as for the cups. It feels like a higher quality protein leather, a step up from the faux leather of the M40x. It feels fantastic to the touch and very plush, and also doesn’t seem prone to cracking or peeling over time.

The overall build of the CB-1 is indeed heavier than a 40x but feels a tad cheaper and lighter by contrast. This is pretty strange until you consider that the plastic is a bit bulkier, the pads are fatter, and the headphone overall looks and functions in a way that simply takes up more space.

The CB-1 actually borrows many elements from the M50 and M50x – The 3.5mm jack termination is almost identical, and the headband adjustment that attaches both cups hearkens back to the interesting shapes present on the M50 as well. The jack on the M50 was and still is the most robust I’ve ever experienced. The fact that Status Audio noticed that and implemented it into their own headphone is admirable.

The famous indestructible 3.5mm jack on the M50

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

The CB 1’s jack is nearly identical to the original M50’s (pictured left)

7506 Padding

Like the M40x, the 7506 has a small amount of headband padding, but this time it’s stitched inside the faux leather. You can press it with your thumb and you’ll feel some, but there’s not a whole lot of it.

The ear cups on the 7506 are infamous for also breaking down over time, but they do so in a different way from the M40x. Instead of cracking and hardening, the 7506’s pads flake and peel after about 1-2 years of heavy use.

Back when I was mixing every single day on the 7506, the pieces on the cups started getting everywhere – on the floor, in your ears, etc. It’s really quite an annoying issue and I wish Sony would update the headphone to reflect that. Get with the times, man! The other issue is that the pads will simply come loose from the headphone and fall out!

The ear pad material basically wraps around the plastic piece of the ear cup and is only really held in through a small crack that traces around the entirety of the cup. You can put them back in, but it takes some elbow grease and also is a fairly irritating problem.

Fortunately like the other 2 headphones, the pads are replaceable. If you don’t use the headphone every day, you’ll be able to get away with not replacing them or worrying about them for a while. Why not buy all 3 of these and just rotate them out?

A good example of this is my own current situation. I have quite a few headphones. Because of that, I don’t really have to worry about the V6’s pads flaking out on me anytime soon. I bought them in 2017 and they are still completely intact.

Out of the 3, the cups on the 7506 are the most shallow, followed by the 40x being less shallow and the CB-1 having the deepest.

Form Factor: M40x vs. CB-1

Another interesting similarity between these is that they both rotate and fold identically. The small difference here is that when the CB-1 folds, it’s a bit wider than that of the 40x. The 40x is simply more compact all around. It’s a slight difference, but still should be noted.

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

Both sets of ear cups rotate inwards 90 degrees, and both cannot rotate back out 180 degrees. Each stops back in the neutral position and cannot be rotated towards you when holding each headphone out in front.

Both cups also rotate downward and can be propped up on a desk with the cups resting (facing down on the surface).

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

 

In addition to that, the CB-1 seems ultra-flexible, and stretches from that position to where the cups are kind of semi-facing outwards!

The M40x can do this too but is less flexible at the headband. I don’t feel as uncomfortable twisting and contorting the CB-1 as I do with the M40x.

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

The CB-1’s headband adjustment is all plastic, while the M40x’s have that hint of metal that we discussed earlier.

Both have lines for the adjustments, but the CB-1’s also come equipped with numbers while the 40x does not. Also, the adjustment on the CB-1 seems too loose. It kind of slides up and down with no click stops, while with the 40x it’s a bit easier to stop on a dime and get that perfect OCD adjustment. 😛

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

Lastly, there are Right and Left indicators on both, but for the CB-1 they are on the outside while with the 40x they are on the inside.

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Sony MDR 7506

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Sony MDR 7506

MDR 7506

Now you may be wondering about the 7506. It also collapses in and is the MOST compact out of the 3. The only difference here is that the 7506’s cups can only fold DOWN. They cannot rotate inward or outwards more than a tiny bit. Also note that the 7506 has this weird tendency of halfway folding sometimes, and kind of snapping in weird ways. It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know what I’m talking about when it’s in your hands. Sometimes you’ll pick it up and have to sort of unfold it. Not really a big deal to me, but it’s worth mentioning.

The 7506 is also mostly plastic but does have metal for the headband adjustment like the M40x, also with numbered indicators. I feel like out of the 3, the M40x’s headband clicks the best when you’re adjusting for the head. It’s got just the right amount of give and stops on a dime better. A little better than the 7506 in this case, but it’s awfully close.

Rank for adjustments:

  1. M40x
  2. 7506
  3. CB-1

Aesthetic

I don’t really prefer one over the other as far as looks, but the M40x utilizes a much more utilitarian appearance vs. the slightly geeky-looking CB-1. This is especially true when it’s on your head; you kind of look like a giant nerd to be honest.

From the side, the CB-1’s have circular cups with black and a hint of Gold. The 40x’s sport a more oval shape for the outer portion and a circular inner shape with the Audio Technica logo embossed inside.

MDR 7506

The 7506 is even more compact but resembles that of a sound engineer’s headphone rather than someone mixing down a hip-hop track or flying on a bicycle.

I’m pretty sure the CB is E.T.’s favorite headphones. I mean, it even rhymes.

Anyways…

The 7506’s cups are similar to the 40x’s in that there’s an oval type shape for the outside and a more circular inner shape, again with branding present. On the 7506, you’ve got the Sony lettering/logo, and below that it says Dynamic Stereo Headphones, and “Professional” below that. Steve Buscemi would love these.

It’s always been interesting to me and many others that the CB-1 doesn’t have any branding anywhere on the entire headphone, but I digress…

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With that out of the way, let’s talk a bit about comfort!


Comfort


M40x

The M40x is not a terribly comfortable headphone, to be honest. The clamping force isn’t bad, but the padding tends to dig into your ears after a while.

The fit is classified as Circumaural (Around-Ear), but it just barely makes that cut. Like the Sony MDR V6 and the 7506, I kind of look at it as a cross between a Supra-Aural (On-Ear) and Circumaural.

The top of the headphone also has a tendency to kind of dig after some time.

This is a pretty average headphone comfort-wise. You’ll need to make some slight adjustments from time to time – anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

You won’t get the urge to rip them off of your head, but they’re a little irritating for sure.

CB-1

The CB-1’s comfort levels are better because of the padding and the fact that they clamp a bit less. I find the CB-1 to be a little above average comfort-wise.

I’m not making as many adjustments as a 40x, and in fact, there’s really no contest here. The fit and comfort of the CB-1 are pretty good.

Just as I said that I had to make a slight adjustment. I’m finding that they’re also digging into my ears a bit more than I would like. Another issue that’s popped up as I’m writing this review and listening to music is indeed the headband. It’s starting to dig into the top of my head, right in front of where the scalp is located.

Even still, the headphone just feels lighter on your noggin’ and makes a pretty good Gaming option for those long sessions. The Best Headphones for Gaming!

Overall, the CB-1 is the clear winner. Just remember that you’re going to look like E.T. while your mashing buttons on the controller. This isn’t a headphone that I’m going to be wearing outside like, ever. Unless you want to get beat up or something like Dee-Dee from My Brother and Me, just stay indoors. Lol.

“HIT ME!”

MDR 7506

I’d say the 7506 is a bit more comfortable than a 40x, as it’s a bit lighter and doesn’t have a terribly tight clamp force.

Even so, like the others, you will still be making some adjustments from time to time. It’s just unavoidable really and should be expected given the price points here.

Fortunately, the clamping force is pretty much perfect and the headband doesn’t seem to dig into the top of my skull like it was doing with the CB-1.

Ranked for Comfort:

  1. CB-1
  2. 7506
  3. M40x

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Let’s talk about the sound!


Sound & Imaging


M40x

Bass

I think the sound of the 40x is more predictable than the CB-1. It’s got some nice mid-bass presence but is a tad overdone at times like your mom’s meatloaf. Still, that’s a relatively minor nitpick. This is what a bass head’s headphone should sound like: A nice amount of thump and impact, but it’s not overbearing and doesn’t drown out the mid-range or treble. I do think the mid-bass can get a tad bloaty and unnatural though.

Mid-Range

The mids are a bit pushed back, but I still don’t find it to be too much of a problem. Vocals and instruments are still crystal clear, with a surprisingly nice Timbre for such a cheap headphone. What is Timbre? They just simply sound a bit more distant than a true audiophile headphone. Related: The Best Audiophile Headphones!

Treble

The treble is really the only problem area for me with the 40x and always has been. Keep in mind this is also a fairly minor issue but does rear its ugly head on certain songs.

For instance, on “So Cruel” from Young Empires, you can clearly hear that metallic, artificial sizzle pretty much the entire time. Also, I’ve owned the 40x for quite a while and you can hear that on most tracks in some form or fashion. With some, it won’t be as problematic or glaring, and with others, it will be. It just depends on the song.

By contrast, the CB-1’s treble is definitely more toned back. Good Great Fine OK’s “Without You” just sounds so incredibly natural and organic with the CB-1. There’s nothing forced here. There’s a nice bounce to the track and I’m not finding any part of the sound signature overbearing, muddy, or overly flamboyant.

CB 1

Bass & Mid-Range

There’s some bass roll-off, but it’s really the perfect amount. You still hear the kick drum’s impact unlike a K240, but it also has some nice texture and nuance.

The CB-1 admittedly has a somewhat strange sound signature. The lower mid-range takes a dip around 500Hz, which I haven’t really experienced in many headphones. There’s some presence around 1k, it dips again at 2k, and then comes back up at 3k.

Very strange.

Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Status Audio CB 1 vs. Sony MDR 7506

Right and Left

Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Status Audio CB 1 vs. Sony MDR 7506

Averaged

Treble

Again, the treble here isn’t going to be bright or sibilant which is a good thing. What does Sibilant mean?

Still, on some tracks, it sounds a bit light and feathery, like there’s some sense of sparkle and lushness missing. It’s hard to explain. There’s this ever so subtle sense of an artificial character, but without sounding essy or metallic. I guess a good word to describe the sensation that I’m currently feeling is “dry.” As if it’s lacking body or trueness.

Yeah, that’s not even a word. Oh well, deal with it.

MDR 7506

Out of the 3, I think this one is the purest sounding. I think it’s the most resolving. It has this crisp, lively, and snappy character that’s kind of missing in the others.

I feel like the 7506 sounds more professional if that makes sense. It sounds more refined and clean. It’s definitely more sterile and clinical than either of the others.

Bass

Like the others, there’s some bass roll-off here but I would liken the impact of the bass to the CB-1 more so than the M40x. The 7506 doesn’t have as large of a bump in the mid-bass and sounds a bit more natural than the 40x.

Mid-Range

The mid-range on the 7506 is probably the best out of the 3 as well. It’s fairly flat and the most intimate out of the bunch. I owned the 7506 for a couple of years and it really changed my life. It was the first time I heard music in it’s purest and most raw form.

Treble

Yes, the treble can be bright on the 7506, but I would classify it as “hot” and not as metallic sounding as the 40x’s treble. To me, there’s a difference between hot and sibilant. Hot is a tad overly bright. Sibilant is piercing and essy. I don’t really find the 7506 to be that.

The treble on the 7506 will definitely be brighter than a CB-1 though.

Imaging & Soundstage

The CB-1 is known for being more open and airy than most cheap closed-back headphones, so perhaps that’s what my brain is perceiving. It does indeed possess pretty great Soundstage width, which will fare very well with Gaming and Movies. What is Soundstage?

You’ll start to hear subtle details way off in the distance at times, but I wouldn’t really call this an out of your head feeling. I haven’t quite experienced that yet with the CB-1. It’s the feeling you get when you whip your head around to make sure Jason Voorhees isn’t about to go ham on your a**.

By contrast, the 40x will sound more boxed in but still has nice instrument separation and clarity.

For Mixing/Mastering/Reference

I thought about it some while I was taking the photos for the CB-1 and 40x. I think out of the 3, the CB-1 would work best for mixing as it sounds the most neutral, has the right amount of bass, and possesses a more open sound with a bit better clarity than the 40x.

Though the 40x is marketed as a reference headphone, I don’t think it fits that moniker much at all. It should be considered a casual headphone first and used as a 2nd or 3rd option for mixing duties.

What sets the CB-1 apart from even a 7506 is clarity. You can hear pretty much everything going on with it, and that’s the main takeaway here. I was pretty surprised to find out that I was able to make out a lot of small details in the mix that I wasn’t previously aware of in the 40x or 7506. There are artifacts in music that the artist may not have even intended for you to hear, and those perceived imperfections will manifest with the CB-1 in one way or another. Fortunately for us, it mostly adds to the enjoyment of the song rather than become a hindrance.

Ranked:

  1. CB-1
  2. MDR 7506
  3. M40x

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Comparison/Shootout…

Video Comparison/Shootout

Don’t forget to leave me some love! <3

Photo..

Photo Gallery

Click to see them in action!

Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x
The CB 1's jack is nearly identical (pictured left)
Status Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40xStatus Audio CB 1 vs. Audio Technica ATH M40x

What about amplification? Will you need any?


Amplification


No.

The Status Audio at 35 Ohm Impedance and 98dB Sensitivity will not resist power and also doesn’t require much. Likewise, the 40x is in the same boat at 32 Ohm and 97dB.

The 7506 is also in a similar position at 63 Ohm and 106dB/mW. What is Headphone Impedance? At 63 Ohm, the 7506 will resist power a bit more than the others, but it’s nothing to get up in arms about.

Still, I personally always like to have an amp around because it seems to enhance sound quality vs. just listening out of your phone or laptop (depending on the phone or laptop of course). What is Sensitivity in Headphones?

Some phones (iPhones in particular), have pretty good built-in DACs. You may not even notice a difference between it and something like an E10K or even my favorite: The DragonFly Red.

Here’s a cool Shootout with 3 of my favorite Amp DACs! Leave me some love if you found any of this helpful!

I’m kind of an amp nerd. I like to have a bunch on hand for whatever reason. Some companies send me them and I just like them. They are my favorite. They make me feel good. They make me feel important. Related: How to Choose a Headphone Amp!

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Anyways, let’s take a look at genre before we wrap this thing up!


Genre Pairing


All of these will do well with similar genres: Rap, Hip-Hop, EDM, R&B, Rock, Indie, etc. The CB-1’s do much better with Jazz and Classical as they have a more open sound with the right amount of bass.

CB-1

The CB-1 to me sounds fairly neutral and will do well with just about anything. I find it pretty relaxed sounding, with no frequency really overpowering another. There will be times when you say to yourself: “This just sounds right” and it’s true. The CB-1 for the most part is a great all-around headphone. Young Galaxy’s “Ready to Shine” is a perfect example of this. It just makes you want to kick back and smile. The way the music occupies space is really quite incredible and one of the reasons I still have the CB-1 in my Budget Kings Series.

M40x

The M40x is a little more genre-specific, but not by an incredibly wide margin or anything. It will still do well with most, but I’d probably steer clear of Jazz and Classical. It will be too boxed in sounding and bass-heavy.

MDR 7506

Lastly, the 7506 is similar to the CB-1 as far as being more all-purpose. It works for just about everything and that’s why I still have one. Sorta. I actually have the 7506’s older brother, the V6 and it sounds pretty similar with a bit less bass. Build and comfort wise they are identical.

If I were stranded on a desert island and could only pick one of these, I’d go with the 7506 or CB-1. And if I had to choose between those 2, I’d probably have to give it to the CB-1 which I really didn’t think I would say.

It’s a bit more versatile because of the wider image and better Soundstage, and you’re not going to experience that bite in the treble like you will with the other two. It’s also a bit more comfortable over long periods and comes with 2 detachable cables vs. only one coiled, a non-detachable cable that tangles quite easily (7506).

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With that, what’s the final word?


Final Word

This is an interesting decision. I think the CB-1 sounds more natural, with less treble sizzle, a great Soundstage for a closed-back, and an overall airy, open character. Comfort isn’t bad, but you will be making adjustments from time to time. Still, the CB-1 is a great entry-level option for someone who’s looking to discover what the audiophile sound is like. I personally think they are practically giving this one away.

 

Likewise, the M40x is a great headphone in its own right but does suffer from some more glaring comfort issues and that artificial-sounding, somewhat metallic treble. I think if you are looking for a good portable headphone that sounds great with Hip-Hop and most bass heavier stuff, the 40x could work.

 

 

If you’re looking for the tried and true engineers favorite, I think the 7506 is practically every man’s can. It’s one of the quintessential closed-back studio headphones and has been for years.

 

 


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Audio Technica ATH M40x vs. Status Audio CB-1 vs. Sony MDR 7506 Shootout.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

Marvin, what do you make of all this? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

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4 comments

Sebastian Bach January 19, 2020 - 8:35 pm

Hello Mr Black, I came across your website & youtube series from a random google search. I too started off 15 years ago with a pair of 7506s. They worked great at a nightclub & at home for pretty much everything. I have a V6 right now but am looking to replace it & was thinking of trying something different from the mdr’s, as those have been all i’ve used for 20 years or so. These CB-1’s sound interesting. Would you still recommend those months later from your review, or is there something else that’s caught your ear in that $150 & under price range? Appreciate any thoughts you might have. Thanks!

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Stuart Charles Black January 20, 2020 - 3:03 pm

Hey Sebastian Bach! Where’s Johann? Lol XD

Haha. Nah. That was stupid. 🙁 Thanks for stopping by man! The CB-1’s are a fantastic reference headphone. The Soundstage is incredible for a closed back, and they are very relaxed and non fatiguing while still somehow being really revealing and detailed. They are also more comfortable over the long term than a V6 or 7506. I found that those headphones tend to get hot after awhile and make my ears hurt. I’m sure you’ve experienced the same.

In the $150 and under price range, there isn’t much else to even consider, but the CB-1 is really the go to as far as I’m concerned. AKG has since come out with the K371, but I haven’t gotten a chance to try it out yet.

The feeling of having a CB-1 on your head is very feathery and relaxed, as if it’s providing you these details in such an effortless manner. I think it makes a great solution for an engineer because of the fact that neither the sound nor the comfort ever becomes bothersome. I was never finding any one part of the frequency response to stand out unnecessarily from the rest, to be sure. The protein leather also feels like it’s going to hold up much better than that awful padding on the 7506/V6.

You’ve got a nice sense of bass impact, but it’s not bloated and doesn’t get in the way. I was hearing details in my mixes with the CB-1 that I never thought in a million years would be there. You know, subtle things that either enhance the way a track sounds or make you realize that it needs to be cut out. As a sample based producer, I was finding a lot of those components in the mix to be beneficial in providing some extra goodness and complexity. They are just so incredibly revealing, with nice width to the image and great separation.

What’s cool about the headphone is that it works for pretty much anything: Mixing/Mastering, Gaming/Movies, any type of music, etc. It’s the type of headphone that you could even take to the office because the isolation is very good as well. But it also never feels like you’re listening to a closed back, so there’s very little (if any) fatigue.

You really can’t go wrong with a CB-1. Let me know your thoughts!

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Johann "Seb" Bach :P January 21, 2020 - 2:43 am

Cool & thanks for the quick response! I went to the local audio store today, looking to try the M50x’s & 40x’s among others. The 50’s were comfortable but i didnt see why there was so much hype about them, as i didnt care for the way they sounded at all. And the 40x’s, well after i untangled the cords from the one ear piece, i realized the plastic joint on the floor model had previously broken off. Leaving the one side to have added distortion & crackling noises. So i didn’t get a chance to hear them.

The K371’s have been on my radar for awhile now. A few months ago they were under $100 & i bookmarked it. I check it today & now its $149. And that wouldnt really scare me away on its own, but at that price point i figure i can do better, especially since ive seen lots of negative comments regarding its build quality. Wheezy Reviews on Youtube reviewed the K371, went thru 4 separate units that had 4 totally different defects to them. Leaving me to worry about the manufacturing process or their quality control department. I suppose you can get a good one or bad one anytime, but hearing other stories of those breaking apart has left me scared tbh.
I have a list of 3 or 4 cans i’m gonna choose from, but i think i will try the CB-1’s 1st & if i don’t like them i can always return them. They do look pretty comfortable, although one caveat. From what i’ve read recently, StatusAudio has changed the size of the ear pads to a more thinner material on their newer batches. Which according to some said they made them less comfortable & changed their sound signature. I suppose i’ll find out! But from what i’ve seen, their support team has been offering to change them out to whatever customers prefer if you don’t like them. So thats music to my ears
Another thing with the CB-1’s is how you can add a boom mic to them apparently. Which turns them into a good sounding headset if you’re into gaming & what not. Looking for a gaming headset is what started all this for me here. Then i decided to buy a mic & headphones separately as i can’t go backwards in sound quality at this point.

I too am a sample based musician. Was a club dj for 15 years or so also but i appreciated some of the tracks you selected in some of your reviews here. Helps to get a clearer understanding of what you “hear” versus what i do so i can see how your review will fit my sound profile & tastes. I’ll post a comment here after the CB-1s arrive for sure. Thanks again & like the site!

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Stuart Charles Black January 24, 2020 - 3:06 pm

Hey man! That’s a shame about the K371. I’m kind of surprised actually. Generally, AKG has good QC and I’ve never had an issue with their headphones (demoing or otherwise).

About the CB-1: Yeah I had the one with the fat pads and loved them. It’s sort of a protein leather and doesn’t seem like it would crack and peel over time like some other headphones I’ve had (50x, 7506 specifically).

I would def advise trying to get the CB-1 and keep the original padding. No idea why they would change that. Kind of annoying actually, but at least you have the option. 🙂

That’s real cool man! Check out my Soundcloud. A lot of my material is up there. Let me know what you think. Do you have any songs I can listen to? I’ve been meaning to get some more beats up there and kind of get back into it. I’m still making music, just not nearly as often.

Thanks for the love by the way! Always working hard on improving the site.

Talk soon,

-Stu

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