Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music (NOT gear) all over again, so…
Before we get into the Best Sony Headphones, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
You’ve come to the right place!!
Choosing the right Sony headphone does not have to be an exercise in futility.
There are a plethora of Sonys around, but in reality, you can narrow down your selection to just a few and beat the odds by picking the correct one.
The unfortunate truth about Sony is that while there are a lot of models floating around, only a handful are really worth investing in.
Why?
Well, because the vast majority of them are horrifically tuned and typically emphasize the mid-bass over all else.
Hence, they’re targeted at unsuspecting consumers.
This results in a horrendous overall experience that will leave you filling out a return slip faster than Chris Farley runs to the buffet table.
The best one will not have an overly boosted bass, but the bass will be plentiful, deep, articulate, textured, and engaging.
I focused on headphones that have more or less a balanced sound but can still be used from a pure listening perspective.
In other words,
would you rather take the advice of all the rest of those cookie-cutter websites that recommend the same bloated trash, or would you rather choose the correct headphones and be happier than a pig in shit?
The choice is yours.
Now let’s get into it!
#3
Sony MDR-7506
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!
Specifications
- Type: Closed Back.
- Fit: Circumaural.
- Impedance: 63 Ohm. What is Headphone Impedance?
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20 kHz.
- Sensitivity: 104dB/mW.
- Driver size: 40mm.
- Material: Plastic, a bit of metal, faux leather.
- Color: black, blue, red, some gold.
- Cable replaceable/detachable: No.
- Cable coiled: Yes.
- Cable length: 3m.
- Plug style: straight.
- Comes with straight cable: No.
- Ear-pads replaceable: Yes.
- Rotating ear-cups: No.
- Headband Padding: Minimal.
- Headband Style: Traditional.
- Fold-able: Yes.
- Weight: 7.8 0z.
- Accessories Included: Black Carrying pouch (faux leather), gold plated 1/4″ adapter.
- Amp needed: No.
Summary
The 7506 represents my very first foray into the audiophile world. If this is your first experience in the world of headphones, prepare to,
- Be completely blown away.
- Have your perception of recorded music changed forever.
The 7506 still remains relevant decades later because it’s crisp, revealing, and slams hard enough in the bass to work well for casual listening as well.
This is a producer/engineer headphone first and foremost, but it isn’t perfect.
The treble area will become fatiguing after a while which is pretty much unanimous amongst users.
Depending on who you ask,
the mid-bass boost may be a little much for studio work, but I found that while it was forward slightly, it still works incredibly well and I didn’t experience it getting in the way of the other frequencies.
Things to be aware of
Like the V6, the same applies:
- The ear pads will peel/crack over the course of about a year or two.
- The ear pads may also fall off. Luckily you can buy replacements, so the headphone in theory should last you forever.
- The non-detachable coiled cable is a huge pain in the ass and will tangle up after a while.
Video Review
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Still, there’s a reason why these have over 21,000 reviews with incredibly high ratings.
It’s because they’re good. Really good.
#2
Sony MDR-CD900ST
Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay!
Image: Headfonia. Design: HomeStudioBasics.
Specifications
- Type: Closed-back.
- Fit: Circumaural.
- Impedance: 63 Ohm.
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 30kHz.
- Sensitivity: Not specified.
- Driver size: Not specified.
- Material: Plastic, Faux Leather.
- Color: Black & Red.
- Cable replaceable/detachable: No.
- Cable coiled: No.
- Cable length: Not specified.
- Comes with straight cable: Yes.
- Ear-pads replaceable: Yes.
- Rotating ear-cups: No.
- Headband Padding: Yes.
- Headband Style: Traditional.
- Fold-able: Only with modification.
- Weight: 200g.
- Accessories Included: None. The cable terminates in a 1/4″ but is very durable.
- Amp needed: No, but definitely recommended.
Summary
Ah, the long-lost brother to the V6 and 7506. Enter the MDR-CD900ST.
Sounds like some kind of abstract computer program, or a weird Spongebob episode (SB-129 anyone?)
These babies are even more revealing than either of their siblings but ironically remain a hidden gem (perhaps not so hidden anymore?)
It can still be pretty difficult to find them, as they’re usually halfway across the world in some secret hidden lab that you can only access if you’re part of their cult.
Jokes aside,
unlike their made-in-Thailand brethren, these are built in Japan and come across as very cold but extremely revealing, man.
The mid-range here is absolutely astounding and puts some more expensive headphones to shame.
These puppies will reveal errors in the recording that you never thought possible. In a nutshell, the CD900STs are meant for mixing/monitoring purposes primarily, and unlike the MDR-7506, don’t work quite as well for casual homies.
The bass digs down when it needs to, but it’s not muddy or artificial sounding. It also rolls off considerably more below 80Hz.
The thing to remember most about these is how revealing they are. If a track or record is mastered well, you will know. If it’s not, you’ll also know.
V6 & 7506 Comparison
In comparison to the V6 and 7506, the CD900STs have way less sparkling highs (a more recessed treble in other words), and a more articulate bass (but less of it) while being infinitely more detailed and revealing in the mids.
Strange to say, but the V6 sounds nasally by comparison, and I would never use that adjective to describe my favorite entry-level headphone. 🙂
The pads are also flatter on the 900ST and the headphone itself doesn’t fold in the same ways as the V6/7506.
Things to be aware of
- If you’re going to amp them, the Little Dot I+ or JDS ATOM is probably the go-to solution.
- They tend to perform according to the quality of the source.
Video Review
Credit to EJ22. Subscribe to his channel!
If you’re a studio engineer/producer looking for an honest portrayal of the sound, or you simply prefer that regardless, the CD900ST is your solution.
#1
Sony MDR Z1R
Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!
Specifications
- Type: Closed-back.
- Fit: Circumaural.
- Impedance: 64 Ohm.
- Frequency Response: 4Hz – 120kHz.
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW.
- Driver size: 70mm.
- Material: Beta Titanium Alloy.
- Color: Black.
- Cable replaceable/detachable: Yes, comes with 2. A 3 meter (9.8′) cable terminated with a straight 3.5mm TRS plug with 1/4″ adapter, and a 1.2 meter (3.9′) cable. Cables are comprised of silver-coated oxygen-free copper conductors and gold plated connectors.
- Cable coiled: No.
- Cable length: 9.84 ft.
- Comes with straight cable: Yes.
- Ear-pads replaceable: Yes.
- Rotating ear-cups: No.
- Headband Padding: Yes.
- Headband Style: Traditional.
- Fold-able: No.
- Weight: 385g.
- Accessories Included: Hard Case.
- Amp needed: No.
Summary
Boy howdy, what a treat these were to listen to.
The sound is mellow yellow all the way, but there’s a magnificent sense of instrument separation and air going on.
To be honest,
these are some of the most natural-sounding cans I’ve ever put on my head, and I do think they’re worthy of being Sony’s flagship model.
The bass is tight and well defined, while also having a nice thump.
I never got the sense that it was trying to overpower the signature or get in the way of the mid-range and treble. This is how it should always be.
I listened to a good bit of selections, but my favorites were definitely Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”, and Dave Matthews Bands’ “Ants Marching.”
The latter provided an excellent amount of Soundstage, especially for a closed back. It almost felt as if you were listening to music in person.
Billie Jean took on a new character and really came to life as well. There was so much more presence and liveliness to the song.
Detail & Resolution
Everything seemed more detailed, with better resolution and decay than I ever remember hearing in the past.
I’ve heard the song a thousand times and it honestly felt like the first time ever listening to it.
Stuff was going on in all directions, but each sound had a purpose and clarity that I really appreciated.
With not a hint of sibilance, these bad boys just sound wonderfully full-bodied and alive.
You really come to an understanding of how intricate lyrics are.
There’s a lot going on with the human voice, and you’re able to discern words better than you could with your average Joe schmo headphone.
On Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, Steve Nicks never sounded so present. It was almost as if she was singing to you specifically rather than just hearing her on a recording.
Overall,
the Z1R has a fast response and handles the music with ease.
There’s a real sense of distinction with these, as the sound really stands out in an enjoyable way.
Build & Comfort
Build and comfort are both top-notch.
For such a huge set of cans, these sit comfortably on my dome and are extremely lightweight but don’t feel cheap in the slightest.
In other words, you can wear these indefinitely without adjusting them much at all.
You can tell Sony took great care in crafting them and they quietly exude elegance without looking overly flamboyant or obnoxious.
Things to be aware of
- They look heavy in pictures but are light as a feather. Don’t let this dissuade you from considering them, though. They are fantastically built and in my eyes represent a true flagship model in every sense of the word.
Video Review
Closing Thoughts
I truly hope I’ve helped you narrow down your options to something manageable.
The dilemma with Sony is that while they make a lot of headphones, the vast majority of them aren’t really worth your trouble.
What I’ve learned over the years demoing countless products is that my recommendations should always become fewer as time goes by; not the other way around.
This ensures I’m being as honest and transparent as possible with regard to what I actually believe to be the best.
I hope I’ve clarified that for you in this post.
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the best Sony headphones, and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Which of these are you most likely to go with? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
2 comments
I love this. Thank you for writing this up to help others choose their headphones and all your reviews in general. Keep it up!
Thank you so much BK! I’m actually going to go back and update this one a long with some of the other “Best X Headphone” I have some different articles on HIFIMAN, AKG, Grado, etc. If you want you can check ’em out here: https://homestudiobasics.com/best-of/ Just scroll down until you see “By Brand”
Stay in touch!
-Stu