Headphone Shootout (Sony MDR 7506 Vs Sennheiser HD25)

[@tanqer2388]

Love your videos. Great information, great humor, great quality and production. So glad I found this channel…keep up the great work!

[@TheRecordist]

Thanks so much! That’s very kind of you to stop and say! I’ll keep trying my best! Cheers!

[@aetopus1228]

Thanks for the comparison review. I've had the MDR 7506 for about 22 years, and have replaced the pads twice. The coiled cord has become a loose, twisted mess through heavy use. They do take some extra fiddling around to put on, and the sound isn't the best. Your critique is spot-on. However, I'll never get rid of them. They've demonstrated durability, and have gained my respect - Plus, there's something to be said for owning a piece of gear that you're intimately familiar with. This will never be my only pair of headphones, but it remains a fine tool in the toolkit.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. Don’t get me wrong. I love the 7506s. They are my main headphones for my studio work. I only use the HD25s in the field. Tried and true! Thanks for watching!

[@djbrandao]

I have them both. Having said that, Sonys are way better for mixing in the studio, while Sennheisers are phenomenal DJ headphones (a standard since their release). They are complementary to each other as a matter of fact (as a DJ and producer, both are must haves).

[@TheRecordist]

I fully agree! That’s why I always keep the 7506s in the studio and prefer to track in the wild with the 25s! You nailed it. Thanks for watching!

[@The-Logician]

I had an issue with the HD25’s with the connectors coming loose and having to fiddle with them all the time. I thought it was just a bad cable, so I ordered away for a replacement cable, but not knowing what the hell I was doing I wrecked one of the capsules. At the time I could not find replacement capsules, and since I love the HD25’s for location sound work, I ordered a new one. Then I found replacement stock capsules and ordered away for a single replacement capsule, so now I have two great working sets of the HD25’s. I know a lot more about the HD25’s now and if I knew then what I know now, I would have been able to service the original set much more successfully. I don’t find them uncomfortable at all, and use one of my headsets for watching my Ipad in bed, and it does a great job of blocking out the sound from my wife watching her ipad in bed. I call the HD25’s a marriage saver, lol.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha! Awesome! I love the HD25s. Honestly they sound phenomenal. I don’t mind the squeeze either and prefer to enjoy listening on these. The Sony MDR-7506s are more for studio work for me. Harsher highs let me know when it’s too much. I’m glad you love your two pairs of HD25s!

[@έριον]

Lol just give the headphones to your wife then

[@somebodynamedJ.]

Man I just love your videos, great reviews/comparisons and whatnot. :)

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks, Jan! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@djm_topic]

Great review. Thank you for this video 👍

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks for watching!

[@disintegrated_circuit]

Man, this was such an extraordinary video, sir. Great production quality, humor, presentation, and explanations. I actually own the Sennheiser HD-25 IIs and was wondering if for doing voice work (podcasting) if I should get the Sony MDR 7506s. My HD-25s just need a cable replacement for $20-$30 so I think I'll stick with them for now. I will attest that I also don't like the comfort over long durations despite having owned these for something like 15 years now (have only replaced the earpads once and this will be my second cable replacement, though I think the first replacement was a cheap one not from Sennheiser and it didn't hold up well). The comfort isn't a huge problem with contacts, but with glasses (as you've said), I still feel pressure after a couple of hours of use. Overall, I still enjoy them. Subscribed.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! I use both headphones daily. The Sonys are great for long sessions of editing or pretty much anything you throw at them. They’re very comfortable and sound great. The HD25s sound far better but are a little less accurate. I’d prefer the HD25s for short sessions and for enjoyment. You can’t go wrong with either of them! I’d probably go the cheaper route like you say, and replace the cable first. But if you’re finding your ears hurt after longer sessions, look no further than the 7506 cans! Thanks for the sub!

[@OdinsMaiden]

Per usual, I'm late to the party but wanted to say thanks for creating this video review/comparison. You're a wealth of knowledge and your expertise is obvious. I appreciate your honesty, pragmatism, and humor. I'm just getting started with field recording (and dabbling in VO stuff) at the hobbyist level, so I'm trying to get good equipment that won't bankrupt me. Just grabbed myself a pair of the SONY MDR 7506s. They're sure to be an improvement over my 2 year old basic apple airpods and will be a much needed supplement to my Clippys, Zoom H6, and Blue Yeti (please don't judge the Yeti... or do, but then suggest something better). Anyway, thanks again. - Sarah Connor

[@TheRecordist]

Hi Sarah! Thanks so much! I appreciate the wonderful comment! You’re building quite a nice setup! The 7506s are fantastic. I use mine every day still. In fact, I use them more than all my other more expensive headphones. I’m just used to them and they work really well. Hey, the Yeti is a way in. I won’t knock anything that gets you started. Of course there’s so much more room to upgrade. I’d need to hear your voice to make a recommendation for you. Any place I might be able to hear you talking? Thanks again! And give my best to John and the T-800. 🤓

[@OdinsMaiden]

@@TheRecordist I don't have any recordings of my voice to share with you... yet. I need to build an in home studio and get some vocal training first. I'm very much at level zero. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, though. Oh, and John says Hi. The T-800 just glared. What can you do, right?

[@TheRecordist]

@ hahahaha. I love it! Don’t forget about me when you get going. Let me know your progress or if you have any questions along the way!

[@calibreman]

Thank you for this enjoyable and informative video, I have subscribed. Geoff. UK.

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome! Cheers, Geoff!

[@TomKaszuba]

I own both. Sony for indoors. Sennheiser for outdoor field work.

[@TheRecordist]

That’s so funny. I do the exact same thing! Thanks for watching!

[@TomKaszuba]

@@TheRecordist Absolutely love the channel.

[@TheRecordist]

@@TomKaszuba Thanks so much, Tom! I really appreciate it!

[@donniecatalano]

Excellent review man, very balanced and straight to the point, as it should be. Thank you

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks so much! And thanks for watching!

[@rafcar693]

This a very straight forward and informative video. Thanks very much. I have been a Sony MDR user for over 30 years. I have never considered the HD 25's until recently because the HDR's have been such a strong performers but seeing others rave and rant about the HD 25's makes me curious. After seeing this video I realize I should have picked up a set of HD 25's a long time ago.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! Yes, I have to say, the HD25s are amazing. They’re the opposite of harsh. The only thing is they’re on-ear headphones and some people have an issue with headphones pressing on their ears. Just buy them from somewhere where you can return them if you don’t like them. Cheers!

[@rafcar693]

​@@TheRecordist Thanks for the info. I have become very accustomed to pressy on ear headphones due to having to DJ on my friends setups some of whom prefer (cheap) light on ear headphone. I'm sure the HD 25's will be fine.

[@TheRecordist]

@@rafcar693 perfect!

[@thegimpiessocialclub3113]

great video. thank you

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome!

[@Cupofgo]

I love this super thorough review.

[@TheRecordist]

@@Cupofgo glad you liked it! Cheers!

[@elektra81516]

You have so much Charisma! Just the review I was looking for! I'm very tempted to get the HD25's for DJing. Thanks!

[@TheRecordist]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks so much for the kind words! I love the HD25s but they're not for everyone. Do let me know if you end up getting them. Cheers!

[@MykytaPotapenko]

Absolutely loved your review! The quality, the humor ,comparison is just what I was looking for. I am a DJ and I also produce music , at the moment I have HD 25 and I am very satisfied with them for the DJing purposes, but now I have a digital piano at home and looking for a pair of headphones that would serve me in terms of similar sound ,but would be more comfortable. Unfortunatelly, the HD25 are not so comfortable for a long time wear , however the sound is pleasing and crisp. I was looking at Sony MDR 7506 , Sennheiser HD-280 Pro and also Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X . What would you recomemnd for playing at home with digital piano?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey there. Thanks so much! Well, each of the headphones you listed are fantastic. I use the Sonys daily as my music mixing headphones, but I’ve used them for years and I know them well. The leather on the padding is the first to go on the Sonys, but are easily and cheaply replaced. They’ve got a lot more pronounced highs and this is why I like them. They’ll reveal harshness right away. Alternatively, have you looked at the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pros? I did a review about those as well. The HD25s have a lot more low end and they smooth sounds out a lot. The Sonys and the Beyerdynamics have a much more crisp top. The HD-280s are also great and have a less crisp top, if I remember correctly, but I could be wrong. Of the ones I know very well, the MDR-7506 and the DT-770 Pro are both very comfortable for long sessions.

[@gogollama]

Love that measuring tape. My dad has a similar one which I'm looking forward to inheriting in some decades...

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. But which story is true? Or maybe none of them! Perhaps you’ll get lucky and he will give it to you early! Thanks for watching!

[@gogollama]

@@TheRecordist I asked him where he got it from. He said he found it between the cushions of a plastic covered couch on a sidewalk in Memphis in 1999

[@TheRecordist]

@@gogollama ha! I lagged out loud at that. That’s a better story than any of mine! Hahahaha

[@pablogarin]

I always find myself trying to like your videos and realizing I already did.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Thank you very much, sir! Cheers!

[@arminverwest220]

Great content 🥇 thank you 🙏

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Great job bro

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks very much!

[@BKJ-88]

I love the way the HD25 sounds. It's the perfect headphone sounds wise for me. Fast, good bass impact, crisp highs that aren't harsh. But they are so uncomfortable after about 2hrs. I am going to try the Yaxi pad's as a last ditch effort. Other wise they will just be my DJ headphones.

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. They can get quite uncomfortable. But I totally agree I have not heard better headphones than these. Good luck!

[@kagepoker]

What do you think of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohms?

[@TheRecordist]

Ah yes. A very popular choice. The 770s are very nice. Similar to the Sonys with the extended top end. Super comfortable ear cups. Nice design. Good product. 250 ohms sounds amazing but you just have to be sure your headphone amp and push them. Generally most interfaces can push them without trouble, but a smartphone would struggle. Hope this helps!

[@djkarcher1896]

I have the HD-25 for DJing, and they're great headphones. I also don't think that they're too tight, I've played 3 hours long sets with them, and while there surely are more comfortable headphones out there, they don't cause discomfort either. They're also pretty tough, you can toss them into your backpack without any worries. Reliable headphones for most of my sets, however, I wonder how the Sony would do on louder stages.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. I agree. The HD25s don’t bother me at all. But some people can’t stand the feeling. I’ll tell you this: While the Sony 7506s are fantastic for mixing (due to their revealing of problem frequencies), they tend to be a bit more chirpy in the highs. Excellent also for on-set boom ops. Great for voice. And they’re much more sealed. The HD25s have a much more pleasant rounded sound with a deep reach to the lows. In general (and to lay listeners) the HD25s will sound better. Hope this helps!

[@djkarcher1896]

@@TheRecordist Seems like I'll stick to my HD-25s then. And yes, they have really good bass when being connected to a proper amp or basically every DJ mixer out there. They do run on phones as well, but of course, phones don't have very sophisticated amps, and in my experience, they sound a bit more flat compared to running them on my mixer. They also take EQing pretty well, which is important for DJing. You can hear the change with every knob you turn. Thank you for the advice!

[@jerryquesenberry2520]

This is the first time I have seen your channel. Do you have a head set that you would recommend for movie watching? Thank you for the content.

[@TheRecordist]

Thanks very much! Welcome to my world! Hahaha For movie watching? I tend to love the HD25 for their smoother response. But they are over-ear headphones. You may not like that feeling on your ears after a while. I personally don’t mind it. I really enjoy those headphones. They’re also what the concord jets used to give out to their passengers to watch in-flight movies. They had a problem because the passengers would always try to steal them. Haha. Hope this helps!

[@showbread9366]

What was the audio of this video mixed with?

[@TheRecordist]

This is one of the extremely rare times I used a lav mic into the original Zoom H1 recorder. I would’ve processed it in Studio One with some EQ and compression. Hope this helps!

[@rolandberendonck3900]

I checked your gear kits, but your measuring tape was nowhere to be found 😁This is really one of your reference video's; no music and we can fully enjoy your presenting talents. I assume you have your new Orca bag now; you deserve it. What a fine bag that is! Your 270 will no longer be used now I think.

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. That’s because my measuring tape is magically everywhere and nowhere at once! It’s also TimeTravelingTape™️ Yes. I do have the Orca OR-280 now and I’ve been using that a lot. I really like it. Not sure if you saw the review but it’s up. Thanks for your comments, as always! Cheers!

[@vampula12]

Oh, tried both of them, but picked beyer DT250 at the end for the outdoor use. Very sturdy, comfortable, sound is fairly balanced to my ears also not as aggressive as dt770 on the high frequencies.

[@TheRecordist]

I’ve never tried the DT250. Maybe I should give it a go! The 770s are a tad too heavy. But comfy pads. Thanks for watching!

[@vampula12]

@@TheRecordist You are welcome, thank you for the review! About dt250 - lighter they are! High quality plastics all around, only a bit of metal in the headband, just a thin springy strap inside. They are not dt800/700 grade comfy, its more like sony 7506 pads but velour, a stiff kind, those can take a beating. On the con side - they are more open, so isolation is not senn/sony level, bit worse, but if comfort is a concern and sweaty ears - a personal curse, those ones are a good piece of gear👍

[@TheRecordist]

@@vampula12 that’s for letting me know. Cheers!

[@ElenaBrasov47]

I have HD25 with Yaxi pads. Great for EDM. Nice headphones with a punchy bass and great clarity. Missing highs.

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. I somewhat agree. But that’s why they’re more comfortable for listening for long periods. No high frequencies poking in your ears. However, the headphones themselves are not the most comfortable to wear. Haha.

[@ElenaBrasov47]

@@TheRecordist That’s why I changed the pads. I got Yaxi pads Type B. There are other options too. I think these keep the sound signature the closest to the original pads.

[@TheRecordist]

@@ElenaBrasov47 oh those look great! They’re more comfortable? I found a link: YAXI HD25 TypeB Earpads(Red) a.co/d/1jXRQCu Thanks!

[@Claidheambmor]

@@ElenaBrasov47 I just switched my HD25s over to the Yaxi Type B pads, they're much more comfortable and because they're larger, they are better for mixing than the stock pads.

[@bobbywilson7101]

Also run yaxi pads, highly recommended... Also done a mass load mod from customcans UK for under £10. Had my hd25 since 1999

[@nomad1517]

I love the hd25s, you can get the ear pads in plush too.

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. I’ve seen those. How are they?

[@Thestripper1]

On account of storage needs lol. I loved that :)

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahahaha. Thanks! Cheers!

[@MarvinHlavac-uu5tp]

Beautiful review. Any idea where I could order the Sony MDR 7506 that is genuine and not a Chinese counterfeit? Apparently there are many fake ones sold all over the place, including Amazon and other places. I don't really care much about the price, but I want to make sure I get the real product.

[@TheRecordist]

Thanks! Where are you located? If you’re in the US then B&H seems like a pretty safe bet. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49510-REG/Sony_MDR_7506_MDR_7506_Headphone.html

[@MarvinHlavac-uu5tp]

@@TheRecordist - Thanks very much. I'm in Canada and B&H does ship to Canada. I will phone them in the morning. 🙏

[@TheRecordist]

@@MarvinHlavac-uu5tp oh you’re in Canada? I’m also in Canada. Here’s a good place to get them if you don’t want to deal with potential customs fees etc: www.henrys.com/sony-mdr7506-pro-stereo-headphones/5637234893.p?color=Black&size=N%2FA&style=New

[@MarvinHlavac-uu5tp]

@@TheRecordist - I actually phoned Henry's this morning and asked the sales rep to look at the box and tell me where it was made in. He couldn't find the info on the box, but told me there was Chinese lettering on it and the box was white in colour. I though they came in blue boxes, didn't they? I may visit Henry's tomorrow to have a look myself.

[@TheRecordist]

@@MarvinHlavac-uu5tp that might be best-though I can’t imagine Henry’s would sell fakes. They make their bulk orders directly from Sony and stand by their products. I can’t see how they would end up selling fakes. But have a look and let me know what you find out.

[@nwk38]

hands down. Sony MDR 7506 . There is a video on you tube for a song called Amazing Grace. This was a studio recording and the two artists were Andrea Bocelli and Allion Krauss. Know what headheaphones they used ? Yep ,the Sony MDR 7506. Nuff said

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. An old and still relevant industry standard across all audio disciplines!

[@andrewverran3498]

I have both or nearly 30 years, for sudio and DJing in the middle 1990s, both sound greaf, Sony's sometimes sprung off your head when djing thats why theh were used more for studio stuff as they are also more comfortable...would love a pair of the V6 that didnt fold up...on my second pair of both now,Sennheiser HD25 would be my choice if i had too choose. Peace from OZ.

[@TheRecordist]

I’d agree! Thanks for watching!

[@Manco654]

How are the Sennheiser for just music listening? I just want affordable good quality headphones 😅

[@TheRecordist]

Oh they’re fantastic for listening, but it might get tight on your ears after a long while. Some people like on-ear headphones and have no problem. Others can’t stand the pressure on the ears.

[@Manco654]

@@TheRecordist Thanks!

[@TheRecordist]

@@Manco654 cheers!

[@Elaiden]

I’m probably leaning towards the Sonys because the HD-25 hurt so much because of my glasses. But I also feel tempted by the sennheiser HD-26 pros. They have fixed the comfort problem and they sound even better imo. Just trying to debate if the big increase in cost is worth it.

[@TheRecordist]

In my humble opinion, I would say that it's not worth it if you're a recordist of some sort and need to monitor audio on the way in. The Sonys are fantastic and comfortable and cheaper than the Sennys. If you're looking for other purposes, then the HD-26 Pros might be better. It really depends on what you're using them for. Sometimes people just want the bling. Haha. If that's the case, then the Sennys are a good choice. Thanks for watching!

[@Elaiden]

@@TheRecordist Thanks for the food of thought! I'll probably go for the Sonys even though the 26 pros are really tempting.

[@TheRecordist]

@@Elaiden smart move!

[@Vadkon07]

Senhneiser HD206 4life 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. That’s awesome you found your life-mate headphones! Cheers!

[@damianhaber4890]

I got a Sony MDR-7506 in 1990 for deejay use and we handled it horribly, it lasted for five years. I bought another one for home use in 2018 ($100) and I love it!

[@TheRecordist]

They’re excellent cans, eh? I love them!

[@joaquinlovato6139]

not sure if you’ll see this but I was looking to get the sony 7506 for dj use as well. How was your experience with them from a djing perspective overall?

[@nathanksimpson]

For some reason I keep waiting for a Big Lebowski reference.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh it’s coming. You know it! 🤓

[@mspanhaak]

You are funny, I like your style.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks so much! Cheers!

[@Marian1st.]

I picked HD25.

[@TheRecordist]

Excellent choice! I use both for different reasons!

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

A lot of VO talent use Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm Closed-back Studio Mixing Headphones. Do you like Sony better and if so, why?

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. That’s a very popular headphones brand. They sound very good. A little crisp on the top - just like the Sonys - but they’re very pleasant and I fully recommend them. Now, you have to be sure your headphone amp and push 250 ohms. It takes more power than 30 or 60 ohms. As for if they’re better than the Sonys, that’s up to you. It depends what you like. The DT-770s sure are much more comfortable and the ear cushions last longer. That’s for sure. The best way to test them is to test them in a shop or something. It’s very hard to tell you what to buy when it comes to headphones. Haha. Hope this helps!

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

Thank you as always for your comedy and most of all for your professionalism!@@TheRecordist

[@tgmittler]

Sony in my bag, baby!

[@TheRecordist]

Woo hoo!

[@thomasvandenberg5570]

Sennheiserwith yaxi Earpads

[@TheRecordist]

Yep. Those are nice pads.

[@l30S3UX]

3h before making the video is too short time to make a proper review. So this is actually just a first impression. Really unfortunate you didn't take the time to experience it more.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh. I think I wasn’t very clear. I didn’t say I only received them 3.5 hours before I did the review. I said that the longest I wore them for during all my testing was 3.5 hours and the pressure on my ears was no longer detectable. My review still stands 2 years later and wearing them for all kinds of things. You’ll notice I’m wearing them in most of my videos. More than 100 of them.

[@knorke3642]

How about that...I just quickly had to check my studio to see, if my two pairs of headphones still are, where they are supposed to be. I let you off the hook...they still are mine. Measuring tape, Petra, ´38...yeah, I was there too that year, with a lovely blonde. You might have seen me there :)

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahahaha. I see you caught that reference. Haha. Thanks for always watching!

[@UnclePojer]

MDR

[@TheRecordist]

Is that your favorite?

[@indyginc]

Thanks man !

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TheJudy79]

Sonys number 1

[@TheRecordist]

I really do like the Sony cans!