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Headphones

B

Brian Bowers

I've tried a lot of sets of headphones over the years, some even in the $500 and $600 price range, but always keep coming back to the SONY 7506 model. I know headphone preference can be somewhat subjective, but does anyone have a favorite they want to recommend? At one station, where I had a halfway decent budget, I gave the airstaff the option of picking something they felt sounded better than the SONY 7506. I provided models from Audio Technica, Beyer Dynamic, Sennheiser, and others. But still, even with the airstaff members, they too favored the SONY 7506 model.
 
For our studios, we too use the Sony 7506 as well as the Audio-Technica Studiophones. For remotes, we use the Sennheiser 202 mostly because they are so inexpensive and easily replaced.

If you're looking for a less expensive alternative to the 7506, check out the Sony MDR-V6. It is essentially the same set (minor differences), but directed to the consumer market.
 
The Sony MDR-7505s have the same driver, but lay flat on a counter and pack more easily. They're a few dollars cheaper, and a little lower impedance. I prefer them to the 7506s. The Sony MDR-V500DJ is a very similar headphone with a much lower price. Hard to beat them as a spare pair, or for the remote kit.
 
Just wanted to pass on a tip regarding both the 7506 and V6 headphones, as I have both. While a great pair of cans the original and replacement ear pads are terrible, especially when exposed to skin oils (the black coating flakes off).

I discovered that the ear pads for the Beyer Dynamic DT250 and 280 series are an exact replacement for them and are much more durable. I got my two replacement ear pad sets through B&H Photo.
 
About a year ago I switched from the Sony MDR 7506's to the Shure SRH440's. They sound great, they run around 80-100 bucks, and my favorite feature is the replaceable cord. Accidents and wear do happen, and my problem when I was on sennheisers was always the cord going bad. I really am happy with the Shure SRH440s
 
AKG K-240s have always been my favorite (other than electrostatics that must be handled with care). The new ones have replaceable cords and run about 100 bux.
 
I like the Fostex T50RP, the closed ear version of what are used in recording studios. They have an even sound and are comfortable.
 
AKG K240s are the best no doubt. I use them for critical listening.

I have a pair of Shure SHR840s. They were a gift. A very nice gift. Still prefer the K240s.

7506s are not natural sounding to me.

For BeyerDynamic parts I have found ProAudio.com to be pretty good. Call Barry Pike 877-223-2221.

Test123
 
I'm not sure whatever happened to my AKG 240's. For about 10 years or longer, they were my favorite set of headphones. Somehow along the way, they disappeared, and the 7506's became my go to set. Not sure how that happened, as I did always like those 240's. They were super easy to fix too. I am familiar with the Fostex model that someone suggested. I like those. I've been reading good things in Stereophile magazine about the AKG 701's. Anyone heard those yet? Thanks for all of your suggestions though. Now I want to go out and get another set of K240's (the low impedance version), or try the Shure set that someone recommended. I've always loved Shure products. While we're on the subject, Grado makes a wide variety of great sounding headphones. The cheaper SR-60 ($60) model sounds amazing for the price. The more affordable models are of the open back design though. I mean who doesn't value a good/great set of headphones?
 
My personal choice are AKG K-240 for the sound, but I also prefer them for on-air use due to durability, serviceability and comfort.

The MkII version has low impedance drivers, comes with two detachable cords (straight and coiled) as well as two pairs of earpads (leatherette and velvet).


Regards,
Goran Tomas
 
My favorites for years were the Sennheiser model with the orange foam...but I have blanked on the number.

I also favor the Sony 7506's although, they're a bit bright.

These days I mostly use Westone UM2 in-ear monitors.
 
man, nobody uses pro/4aa anymore?

i still like them. i know you guys will tell me i'm out of my mind, but i always liked them.
 
My jocks get nothing but the best that $20 can buy. If they want something else, they get their own!
 
I like AKG K240 or like Beyer Dynamics or better Sennheiser models. Beyer is what I use currently in the studios. Sennheisers we use for guest use.
 
Pro 4AAs? Really? I guess they're OK if you don't mind feeling like you put your head in a vise, and you have a neck like a linebacker to support the weight on your head.

I used to love the Sennheiser 414s, in spite of their crappy cords & deteriorating foam earpieces. I replaced both over and over. As mic processing evolved - or my hearing got worse - the 414s became too difficult to use without feedback. I still have a pair that I use at home for listening to music. Light, comfortable open-air phones that don't isolate you from the world. Their closed phones sound pretty good, but they haven't replaced my Sonys.
 
David Clark 10SDC's. My Aunt sent me a pair for my birthday last month. They block out almost all the noise around me. (Passive, not electronic, noise cancelling.) They have a fairly decent low-end, although they can be a little too bright depending on what I am listening to (particularly classical.) That does help, tho, for my marathon late-night DXing sessions on the F1HD, when I have to try and pick a really weak station out of the static.

I would (and I have) master(ed) a production CD using these cans.

http://www.davidclark.com/HeadsetPgs/model10Sdc.htm

[size=8pt]Yes, Rox, I do have a neck like that of a linebacker. That mainly happened from years of having 5-pound motocross helmets firmly strapped on for the ride. You talk about having your head in a vise? ;o)
 
Looks like a current favorite among consumers is the AKG model K702. Do an internet search for that set, and you'll find many raving about it, especially after a period of burn-in (some report burn-in can be simply hours of accumulated listening). The cheapest price I found on-line was $250. If they sound as good as everyone says they do, I would be willing to pay $250 for a set of headphones. I'll probably pick up a set and report back. Reviews for the Shure model SRH840 are also all positive.

Even though I am pretty happy with the SONY model 7506, as in the past, I have sometimes bought boxes of 6 at a crack, and each headphone, right out of the box has sounded consistent, with no burn-in time needed, I am looking to try and improve on that sound, if that is possible. As always, thank you for your input.
 
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