The Sony MDR-ZX700 Sealed Headphone Review

[@scubaman2546]

This model looks very, very similar to my Sony MDR7510 cans. I've had mine for about 2 years, and am very pleased with them.

[@anthonygee46]

Tyll, i gotta tell you mate, I've just watched 4 of your reviews and i think you're a class act. Smart, articulate, diplomatic, fair. Keep this stuff up.

[@mosmicke]

@InnerFidelity I cannot speak for what was on their site and what was not, I didn't look. But the cause for the mistake is that the premium model [MDR Z1000] that cost about five times as much in fact have magnesium cups, and I believe that the headband is also magnesium.

[@bakkermaarten007]

@ InnerFidelity To come back at your point being that these are not good for studio use: in my country (Belgium) these are delivered with an extra 1,8 meter cable.

[@InnerFidelity]

@djdiligence you've got HD 25-1 II? Those are good. not much need to look for something else.

[@InnerFidelity]

@mosmicke Yeah, I get it. The upper line model does have metal cups, and they made a mistake on their website. That's what I said, right? No big deal, but I have to report the error if I find it.

[@suman1386791]

do you like bass ? do you want better seal and some pressure ? zx 700 will be nice but zx 700 are huge . they may not come in the way of your glasses but im not sure . hd 238/239 just sits on head with nearly no pressure and good for indoor use as they are vented . zx 700 are good every where due to the seal .

[@InnerFidelity]

@djdiligence Go with the HD 25-1 II. Ultrasone's don't cut it IMHO.

[@spambucket99]

Great review. I use these as a portable pair and I also enjoy them. I hope you can eventually get the ZX1000 in-house - I'd love to know if those are worth 5 times the premium!

[@2Yproject]

hey Tyll i got these one with an pretty long extension cord! i think with this cord (about 1.5 meter or more) this headphone is just perfect for studio use (and they cost just over 100 euro's in europe)...

[@RobertKeiser]

Thanks, Tyll! SInce we're on the subject of Sony...have you ever tried the Remote Audio HN-7506 - High Noise Environment Headset?

[@spartafxrs5]

tnx 4 d fast response! now that you've mentioned 'pressure', i wear thick framed glasses, is it a big issue for the zx700? nd now that i own a pair of hd439's, i'm still torn between the hd239 and zx700 (for my bday on december :P). i haven't tried the latter, but i've tested the other, they're good actually, nd really light weight, but on some songs, i found it sounding better when added pressure, nd to some genres, on higher volume levels, all details were like overpowering each other. hmmm :P

[@psycotoastFTW]

Shure srh750DJ or AKG Quincy Jones Q701? I am not that big on bass but I like it but don't mind not having a lot but I am very big on looks and the Q701's look awesome and look very comfortable which I am also very big on because I spend most of the hours of a day with headphones on. I also like how the Shure SRH750DJ's have the articulation in the drivers so I can wear them around the neck. Which is better for someone like me?

[@MrRocksmith101]

ATh-M50 or MDR-7X700 ? Not keen on any studio stuff just really want a nice crisp pair of headphones (that will make my friends envious ;P ) Thanks, Daniel

[@timmyguy13]

Have you been ale to compare these to the 7510's? Are there any differences that would push you over the edge to choosing either over the other?

[@sword2gun]

I wanted this headphone but instead I bought sony MDR-ZX600 because apparently they don't have the ZX700 in stock...Although I'm fine with the ZX600 right now since I need to replace my razer orca which is broken.. The thing is, that I don't know if I made a good or a bad choice since I have not seen or read reviews for it.

[@Gaurav4u22]

Hi, I just want to know how these headphones sound with portable mp3 players. I have e-series sony mp3 walkman. Do they sound strong on them? How is the bass and treble while using on mp3 players, especially with EQ settings set to nil. Actually, I have sony mdr-ZX100 headphones and they sound very muffled without EQ's. With EQ's there is great jump in audio quality. Do MDR-ZX700 sound great on individual stereo systems with amplifiers or are they equally great on mp3 players(without amplifiers)

[@TheJullim]

(UPDATE) i had this headphone for a while and i love it now i would recommend recommend(-150-200h) with frequency sweeps with white noise or pink noise to get the best burn in results if you have a iOS device there is a app on the apps store called audio sizzler

[@InnerFidelity]

@SSJ4cheezcake I would prefer these headphones over the HD280. I'd say the Creative Aurvana Live! is also a good choice at this price.

[@Elburion]

I'm trying to figure out which headphones I should get between these and the MDR-XB700, I need good monitors for making music, I also wear glasses so its important I find some I can wear for at least two hours at a time, can you tell me what are the advantages and disadvantages with both if you get time? Thank you.

[@Gillian15987]

Hi, i now own this ZX-700 for about 6 months, they're very nice but i'm still looking for something just a bit better, not to much overwhelming bass but just a bit better for any type of Rock music. for a +- 100 dollars?

[@schlooonginator]

I had a listen to my friends set of these Sony headphones and thought they were very balanced and did a good job of seperating the instruments and revealed allot of detail but did seam to be rather dry not having a fun sound and lacking a punchy bass. Of course I'm spoiled with my V Moda M80's! I love my M80's with my only criticism being that I would like a smidgen more presense in the higher range.

[@videowatcherforsale]

V-Moda M-80 or the MDR-ZX700? I own the HD448 and I want to upgrade.

[@Gillian15987]

Hi InnerFidelity, I own these headphones for almost a year now, and i'm looking for an upgrade now. I'm always on the move, so an on-ear headphone could be fine. Do you got any suggestions for a good headphone around the 200 dollar range?

[@Reticuli]

The HN sounds weird, Not bright like the 7506, but oddly congested and glassy in comparison. Really interested in the z700 and z1000.

[@Dan_Hazard]

Would you be willing to do a review on the Sony mdr-v700dj?

[@InnerFidelity]

@PlayHiFi I think the Sony MDR-V600 is better than the V6, and the HD25-II are significantly better than both. The ZX700 is better than the V6 or V600, but not as good as the HD25-II.

[@alexandrun92]

hi! In your opinion which headphones are better overall the zx700's or the xb500's? Most of all i'd like to know if the bass in the zx700's is decent enough for you or if they sound more neutral.

[@fitimio001]

@al3xxx92 Im guessing he would recomend the zx700 over the xb500. But if its bass you want, xb 500 have much more, and better base. Im wondering myself on what the bass on the zx700 sounds like too, becaue im thinking about grabbing a pair. Im not going with the xb's because they are not accurate sounding, and I heard they leak a LOT. SO people around you can really hear your music.

[@lbocvik2]

Hi, I am in between these and the AKG K450. There are at the same price right now. What would you recommend?

[@javen33333333]

Are they better than Dre beats studio? hows the bass?

[@InnerFidelity]

@djdiligence No man, Sony sent these to me themselves. They just made a mistake on their website.

[@abekim7]

Just letting you guys know there is a metal part on these headphone. The headband itself is made of metal. If you open up the left and right caps you will see the metal parts. Just thought I let u guys kno

[@diuleil]

how is ZX500 compare to this do you think for the price point should get ZX500 or XB500?

[@nickvanelzen4630]

i'm a fan of sony's headphones and i already own the xb500s, and im hoping to buy these very soon

[@Asian706]

Hi I was wondering how are bose headphones compared to the soul by ludacris headphones?

[@bedlightbrown]

I was debating between these and the Klipsch Image Ones, which one do you think is better? Thanks!

[@TheJullim]

i'm very shocked you haven't got a pair of mdr v6 yet!!

[@Ollie1091]

Very nice review and I agree with the comments made. Personally I bought this *because* of the the flat response (i.e. coming from others, it will sound like the mids are pushed and the bass low on these, but actually it is because the bass is *not* pushed and the mids not reduced on these - the aim of these is to accurately potray the music the way it was recorded, rather than how most headphones horribly emphasise the bass these days). These headphones are for the true audio connoisseur who has evolved beyond bass-heavy urban soundscapes. Plus the build it pure Sony quality - these will last; I trust no other brand except Sony in headphones with regard to 1-2 years+ durability, especially in lower range models.

[@Ollie1091]

I would agree that this is true for most popular music, that the musicians expect a boosted bass headphone as output. My 'true musicianship' as you put it is in classical music where a flat response is desirable. You want to hear the orchestras exactly as they played them, as that is how they want them to be heard. Hence with my background and my occasional forays into popular music, I am looking for tunes and harmony rather than beats, and in my personal experience I have found a strong vocal line produces the effect I am looking for, along with my preference for ballads, which I find the most tuneful and harmonising of popular music. To sum up, I would say that for people like me with a strong background in classical music and musical theory, these headphones are ideal. They don't cheapen the soundscape with a booming baseline.

[@DMoots]

How do these headphones compete with the Grado sr60i's, im thinking of getting the Grado SR80i's

[@GamErDuDE582]

Do any of you think that I would be able to sleep with these without having them break?

[@NzappaZap]

So what are the best monitoring headphones for around 160$. Cord length ins't too much of an issue but i would like to take them out of the house every once and a while. I have a Cowon x7 player which sounds great with lossless and has good features to manipulate sound while still sounding good but will mostly be using the headphones on my computer. any help.

[@spartafxrs5]

i'm torn between these and sennheisers (hd 439, or hd239)

[@TTggnoRE]

have you tried these with hifiman velour pads? i heard the improve a hole lot with them

[@sr21m1]

@InnerFidelity iam thinking of buying these. I had gone through two denon ah-d1100s, which despite being superb in my opinion were not very durable and both broke. Iam wondering if these are decent alternatives to the ah-d1100 and i would considering buying them if they are indeed better. Can you tell me how they compare with ah-d1100 headphones and recommend me the best closed headphones for around 100-200 (gbp) price range for use in ipods. Thanks

[@OMFGWTFLOLZ100]

Hey, can anyone tell me what's the difference with the 700 and the 500?

[@aeroplanehero]

@InnerFidelity If I just want to have a pair of headphones with a good bass, balanced mids and highs, should I choose Sony's ZX700 or Audio Technica's M50?

[@InnerFidelity]

@SFAlejandro31 ZX700, but not if you're a bass freak. These lack a little weight on the bottom.

[@husnainanwaar1992]

make a list of top 5 or top 10 best headphone

[@12gauge599]

These or the Creative Aurvana Live!?

[@freedomd333]

is worth it go for zx1000? also compares to B&W P5 which one would you prefer? thanks

[@geezsazsa]

I'm looking for reasonable sounding everyday mobile device headphones, which don't bleed. How are these ?

[@HankFuller333]

are these good for rock music?

[@IAmPlaysWithSquirrel]

What about the 7510s?

[@UKgamer87]

how are these against the ue 6000?

[@uonadtehrrocks]

better than the 280HD pro's?

[@JCrime808]

can u do a review on the sony mdr zx100

[@arncj18]

wish u had reviewed the uptowns

[@Gillian15987]

Do you recommend these headphones for rock music ??

[@maohuiwen]

is the plug removable ?

[@LightingUpTheAbyss]

When will you review the z1000?

[@InnerFidelity]

@vent5 Personally, I'd take the Creative Aurvana Live! for sound quality over the other two. And the V-Moda M-80 or Sennheiser HD 25-1 II would be awesome, if you can afford it.

[@azuuuu]

are they over ear or on ear?

[@SFAlejandro31]

MDR XB 500 or MDR ZX700 ?

[@zachviq]

Would you recommend these or the sony mdr V6?

[@OMFGWTFLOLZ100]

@775marco Well, I kinda figured that out by myself, but is it worth the price difference? (which is about €40 / $56)

[@InnerFidelity]

@uonadtehrrocks Yes, I would say so. The HD280 is fairly colored sounding; the Sony's much less so.

[@toyota420xp]

What about mdr-v6

[@TheJullim]

(DONT JUDGE HEADPHONES BEFORE BURN IN) initially i was a tad bit disappointed with the 4-8k colossal hole these headphones had which downplayed alot of vocals and guitars(basically high-end mids) but BURN THEM IN FOR 50-100 HOURS with pink noise (there is a couple apps for pink noise on the app store) and WOW with the burn in they sound so lush and beautiful and no more big gap in the 4-8 k range and amazing flatness and highs are not at ALL grainy anymore instead very easy toread.soBURN THEM IN

[@bahianolider]

you gave me a big help to choose my new pair of headphones! thanks!

[@MRmigeek]

The manufacturers must have watched ur review, cos I got a 70inch extension cord when I got mine last week :)

[@mFerreeer]

This or the CAL?

[@savehillkill]

these or hd 280 pro?

[@dalejail]

these or ATH-M50? someone help please

[@MALAKASAM]

Waiting for your review on MRD r-1 :)

[@pulidoworkz6777]

how about the z1000

[@Owerlidude]

V-moda M80 or V-moda crossfade LP2

[@Si-Al-Ti]

Should i buy these or continue using my mdr v6's? Pros cons??

[@VanillaCracker]

Wondering the same thing. Might bump up to the 7520 though.

[@AngelBogy23]

@InnerFidelity this or the m50?

[@abekim7]

hey guys I bought the sony mdr zx500 and will be reviewing it after about a month of use. I notice that there isn't and kind of reviews on the mdr zx500 at all. BTW I do have a short video about the mdr zx500 but not an actual review so check it out. Just type in sony mdr zx500

[@suman1386791]

hd 439 has its goods but not over zx700 in any way , 439 has lesser seal , thinner cable and has lesser pressure on ear and bass is bigger . and hd239 is just a ear pad and open back . i have the hd238 and they are not bad but dont stand up to zx700 .

[@InnerFidelity]

@azael831 When they manage to send me a pair. I have been asking.

[@2Yproject]

they are missing some bass but the mid and highs are sooo good that i don't really mind! i think that if u want a hard bass you should buy the sony xb500 or 700, cuz the beats are just so overpriced for what you get :S

[@suman1386791]

i would say zx700 , as they are more detailed and clear then sennheisers and have the same mrp .

[@aumkar2]

This headphone is great. I really wanna buy the 1000

[@doracrossedtheborder]

500 bucks for that shirt!

[@Mickice]

Mine came with a 1m extension cord.

[@Gaurav4u22]

Anyone who can answer my query???

[@InnerFidelity]

@videowatcherforsale M80 .... by a LOT!

[@mayette3161]

i hope that this is better than beats studios. :D

[@spider4633]

Funny story I bought a pair of these at rite aid.

[@kskwerl68]

I listened to these in bestbuy for like a half hour and thought these sucked balls and had obnoxious bass

[@InnerFidelity]

@OMFGWTFLOLZ100 The difference is 200. :) (Sorry, I don't know the answer.)

[@InnerFidelity]

@bedlightbrown The Image One sucks.

[@redgamerz7212]

@Owerlidude m80

[@sr21m1]

@CiaranVanDon get them instead of these junks. These have pathetically low powered bass, and iam not even a bass fanatic, the bass here really kills the audio experiance. It sounds awfully cheap. Uncomfortable too

[@l5e2n9]

sony mdr zx500

[@GofreMcNoodle]

These are better. Done.

[@64akon]

beats executive better

[@sr21m1]

really dont like these, after using audio technica es55, denon ad-h1100, these are simply dull. Sound has no character and pathetic base, sounds like your listning from cheap airplane headphones, for this price i expected hell of a lot more. And there uncomfortable if you have large ears, you feel your cartilage bumping a lot