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
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
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
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.
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

- Ideal for professional monitoring.
- Highly sensitive, no need for an amp.
- Built to last with replaceable parts.

- Ideal for professional monitoring用途.
- Characterized by its sturdy and replaceable design.
- Not recommended for casual music listening on mobile devices.

- 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- 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- 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
u/Curius_pasxt
Setup Showcase- 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
Customer Reviews Amazon
What buyers are saying
27,043 reviews
Recently Added Reviews
Studio Headphones
It sounds amazing.
Greatest headphones for recording
Al' review sony's head phones.
Grandson loves them
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.






















