Sony MDR7506
Score: 73/100
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Black
Score: 70/100Rankings
The Sony MDR-7506 is a professional closed-back studio headphone known for its accurate sound reproduction and excellent isolation. Lacking wireless connectivity and on-headset volume controls makes it less versatile for modern mobile use. Best suited for audio engineers and broadcasters who need reliable wired performance.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 80 Ω is an open-back, over-ear studio monitor headphone delivering a spacious soundstage and high comfort for critical listening. Its main drawbacks are the need for a strong amplifier, non-detachable cable, and lack of isolation, making it best suited for studio environments where amp power and quiet surroundings are available.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
40 mmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 260 gbest | 340 g |
63 Ω | 80 Ωbest | |
106 dB SPLbest | 96 dB SPL |
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| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Impedance (Ω) | 63 Ω | 80 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 106 dB SPL | 96 dB SPL |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 260 g | 340 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 246x84x185 mm | 231 x 119 x 221 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the MDR-7506 a studio staple, emphasizing its closed-back architecture for superior isolation, the 40 mm neodymium-driven drivers for accurate bass and dynamics, and its foldable, portable build with a long coiled cable that resists snags. Editors highlight its comfort during long sessions and its ability to deliver ample volume even from low-impedance sources.
Everyday users consistently commend the headphones for their clear stereo imaging, robust noise isolation, and practical foldable design. The long coiled cable and included adapters receive positive remarks for flexibility, while the most common complaint centers on the absence of an on-headset volume control and lack of wireless connectivity.
“extraordinary acoustic isolation”
“Exceptional comfort with plush velour ear pads and lightweight build (≈250 g) suitable for long listening sessions.”
“High 250 Ω impedance requires a powerful headphone amplifier; not easily driven by portable devices.”
Professional reviewers consistently praise the DT 990 Pro for its reduced diaphragm mass that yields an exceptional impulse response, a wide soundstage and precise imaging that are ideal for critical mixing and mastering, and a rugged, replaceable-part construction. They also note the bright, V-shaped tuning and the necessity of a high-gain amplifier, while the open-back design is flagged as a limitation for isolation.
Everyday users love the comfort, solid build, and expansive soundstage that make long gaming or listening sessions enjoyable, but they frequently lament the need for a dedicated amp, the non-detachable cable on older models, and the bright treble that can become fatiguing. The open-back leakage is also a recurring point of dissatisfaction in noisy environments.
