Sony MDR-7506 Review

S
SetupScore EditorsUpdated Feb 2026
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Sony MDR-7506 headphones with neutral and balanced sound profile, featuring a non-detachable coiled cable
82 / 100
verified Excellent
starstarstarstar star_half
4.7
Amazon Rating 27,043 reviews

The Bottom Line

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones offer a neutral and balanced sound profile, making them ideal for audio professionals and enthusiasts who value accuracy in sound reproduction. Their foldable design and easily replaceable parts add to their convenience and longevity. However, potential users should be aware of the non-detachable coiled cable and the ear cushions' tendency to press down on ears when worn with glasses.

MSRP: $121.98 $99.00 at Amazon arrow_outward
insights

Our Analysis

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones, despite being a familiar face in the audio industry for decades, have received a strong reception in recent evaluations, resulting in an 82/100 score. What we found in our analysis is that these headphones have some solid strengths, particularly their neutral and balanced sound profile, which was lauded by nine out of eleven sources. Their convenient foldable design, as noted by six sources, makes them a practical choice for those who prioritize portability. Additionally, their lightweight, sturdy build, and comfort over extended periods, as confirmed by four sources, are noteworthy, making them suitable for long listening sessions. However, the critical concerns, such as a non-detachable coiled cable and dated appearance, hold them back for some users. Soundguys.com also pointed out that while the MDR-7506 offers a good price-to-performance ratio, others have criticized its high price relative to its performance.

Key Points

What Reviewers Love

  • +

    Neutral and balanced sound profile

    Cited by 9 sources

  • +

    Convenient foldable design for easy transportability

    Cited by 6 sources

  • +

    Highly serviceable with easily replaceable parts

    Cited by 4 sources

  • +

    Lightweight yet sturdy and comfortable for extended use

    Cited by 4 sources

What To Consider

  • Non-detachable coiled cable may be less convenient for some users

    Cited by 7 sources

  • Ear cushions may press down on ears when worn with glasses

    Cited by 2 sources

  • Higher THD in the bass range

    Cited by 2 sources

  • Price is high for the performance offered

    Cited by 2 sources

check_circle Best For

  • Audiophiles on a budget
  • Professionals needing durability
  • Long-duration listeners

warning Consider Carefully

  • Users seeking detachable cables
  • Those who value modern aesthetics

Specifications

Performance

Impedance
63 Ohm
Impedance average in band from40 hz to15 khz
84.7 84.3ohm
Phase at1 khz
-0.9 0.1°
Phase at500 hz
-5.1 -3.8°
Phase deviation is the average in range40 hz to15 khz
-0.5 -0.4°
Resistance at1 khz
75.1 75.3ohm
Sensitivity
106dB/mW
Sensitivity at1 khz
111.0112.5dB/V SPL
Sensitivity at500 hz
111.4113.1dB/V SPL
Sensitivity average in band from100 hz to10 khz
113.3 115.5dB/V SPL
Sensitivity average in band from100 hz to10 khz db mw spl
102.5104.7 dB/mW SPL
Sound signature
Tight bass, Clear mids, Bright highs
The maximum value in band from40 hz to15 khz
115.4 118.2ohm
The maximum value in band from40 hz to15 khz phase
15.0 14.4°
The minimum value in band from40 hz to15 khz
75.1 75.3ohm
The minimum value in band from40 hz to15 khz phase
-10.4 -11.1°
Drivers
compact dynamic drivers
Frequency response
generally flat
Low end
60Hz to 250Hz
Midrange
500Hz to 2kHz
Purpose
accurate sound reproduction
Treble frequencies
4kHz+

Ergonomics

Fit
Circumaural
Weight
230 grams
Design
foldable and easily transportable
Ear cups material
Faux leather
Headband material
Metal

Source Analysis

This review synthesizes insights from 49 independent sources to provide a comprehensive, unbiased assessment.

Expert Reviews (9)

Professional testing labs & tech publications

Verified Source

The Sony MDR-7506, despite its age, remains a reliable choice in the audio industry, particularly noted for comfort over extended periods. While its frequency response and THD show signs of aging compared to modern headphones, its simple build ensures durability. The channel inconsistencies are more common, and the price is considered high for its performance. However, its comfort makes it a viable option for broadcasting, podcasting, and some tracking tasks.

Pros
  • Comfortable for long periods of wear
  • Reliable build for daily use
  • Neutral frequency response
Cons
  • Higher THD in the bass range
  • Channel inconsistencies more common than rivals
  • Price is high for the performance offered
Verified Source

The Sony MDR-7506 is a budget over-ear headphone set that has remained virtually unchanged for three decades, offering a good price-to-performance ratio. It features a sturdy build, unobtrusive fit, and a coiled cable for tangle-free convenience. Despite its utilitarian design and lack of modern amenities like Bluetooth, it remains relevant for its professional sound and repairability.

Pros
  • Offers a good price-to-performance ratio
  • Sturdy build appreciated by enthusiast producers
  • Unobtrusive fit and coiled cable for tangle-free convenience
  • Professional sound quality
Cons
  • Coiled cable can tug at flimsier 21st-century technology
  • Not ideal for those who wear glasses
  • Lacks modern features like Bluetooth
  • Cable is not easily replaceable
Verified Source

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones exhibit a consistent impedance and phase response, with an average impedance of 84.7 ohms on the left and 84.3 ohms on the right within the 40 Hz to 15 kHz frequency band. They also show a sensitivity average in the 100 Hz to 10 kHz band of 113.3 dB/V SPL on the left and 115.5 dB/V SPL on the right, indicating a balanced audio output. The phase deviation is minimal, averaging -0.5° on the left and -0.4° on the right, suggesting accurate audio signal transmission.

Kuznetsov Roman Read →
Pros
  • Consistent impedance across frequency range
  • Balanced sensitivity for clear audio output
  • Minimal phase deviation for accurate signal transmission

Video Reviews (21)

Hands-on demonstrations & setup guides

metal571
metal571
  • Ideal for professional monitoring.
  • Highly sensitive, no need for an amp.
  • Built to last with replaceable parts.
Audio Advisor
Audio Advisor
  • Ideal for professional monitoring用途.
  • Characterized by its sturdy and replaceable design.
  • Not recommended for casual music listening on mobile devices.
Auriculares Argentina
Auriculares Argentina
  • Ideal para profesionales de grabación y producción.
  • Recomendado por su comodidad y aislación.
  • Necesita mejoras en diseño para cables.

Community Discussions (9)

Real owners sharing experiences

u/mindxplorer

Comparison
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • Best for audio engineering and mixing due to neutrality
  • Not ideal for those seeking a wide soundstage and high clarity
  • Durable with a ten-year ownership without issues

u/MadMakIII

Setup Showcase
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • Sony MDR-7506 is a reliable choice for both studio use and music enjoyment
  • Less popular among audiophiles due to design rather than performance
  • Praised for their bass and clarity in sound
Limited community engagement

u/Curius_pasxt

Setup Showcase
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • Best for those seeking a balanced sound profile
  • Not ideal for those requiring the latest features
  • Long-term durability is a positive point as indicated by the community
Limited community engagement

Customer Reviews Amazon

What buyers are saying

starstarstarstar star_half
4.7

27,043 reviews

Recently Added Reviews

star star star star star

Studio Headphones

Gary & Pamela Pfalzbot October 20, 2022
I feel the Sony MDR-7506 headphones perform remarkably well in comparison to other headphones in a more expensive price range. I will primarily use these headphones for studio mixing as well as playback monitoring while recording. A few takes into their intended use, I am impressed with the clarity and noise cancellation. Purchased with a headphone case (Gator), I expect I will get many hours of use from these. If you are looking for good (studio) quality headphones on a budget, I would recommend you check these out.
thumb_up 4 people found this helpful
star star star star star

It sounds amazing.

Amazon Customer November 6, 2023
I’ve had them over a year. I use it almost every night. Looks just like when I bought them. The sound is very crisp and clear! No visable wear on ear pads, which surpriced me, because I have some SONY wireless heardphones which I don’t use much. and the ear pad is material is flaking.I’m very happy with these!
thumb_up 2 people found this helpful
star star star star star

Greatest headphones for recording

Randy Kiger April 9, 2025
Greatest headphones ever for recording brought my first pair in 1991 and have purchased 8 more for studio use but still have the first one. Clear sound, wore them for 8-12 hour sessions very comfortable. Great value.
star star star star star

Al' review sony's head phones.

Al May 6, 2025
Great pair of head phones: Very comfortable, great sound quality and a good value for the money.
star star star star star

Grandson loves them

Gaile Daniels December 5, 2025
Great product

Reviews shown are from Amazon customers and do not reflect our editorial assessment.

The Verdict

The Sony MDR-7506 earns an 82/100 and is best suited for studio monitoring or broadcast work where a neutral, balanced sound profile matters most. Its foldable design, replaceable parts, and decades-long track record give it staying power, but the non-detachable coiled cable (flagged by 7 of 11 sources), peeling faux leather ear pads, and dated aesthetics make it hard to recommend at its current price when more modern alternatives exist.

Pricing Reference

Updated Feb 23, 2026
49 sources analyzed Updated February 23, 2026
About our review methodology

Score methodology: Weighted average of 3 expert ratings. Community discussions used for qualitative insights only.

Sources breakdown: 11 expert reviews, 21 video reviews, 9 community discussions

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