Sony MDR 7506 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

So, you’ve decided to get a new pair of headphones and you’re unsure whether to go for the Sony MDR 7506 or the Audio Technica ATH M50x?

We get you, Audio Technica and Sony are both well-known brands, producing quality audio equipment for a long time. The ATH m50x and MDR 7506 are very popular models and still in 2021, they are still fan favorites. 

The m50x belongs to the popular Audio Technica series; along with the ATH m20x, ATH m30x, and ATH m40x. On the other hand, Sony MDR 7506 was first released in 1991, and have stood the test of time, which is incredible. Moreover, Sony mdr 7506 was considered standard for decades.

A quick feature comparison between Sony MDR 7506 and Audio Technica ATH m50x:

Audio Technica ATH M50x Review

Good: Offers excellent critical listening, closed-back design provides excellent sound isolation and prevents ambient noises. Along with detachable cable and replaceable ear pads, the m50x has Strong, adjustable components that offer superior comfort and durability.

Bad: ATH m50x are not wireless headphones and have no audio control buttons.

Design & Build Quality: Audio Technica ath m50x has a stylish and unique design, and the build quality of ath m50 is sturdy and durable. These are available in three different colors, including black, Gunmetal, and white. 

The majority of parts are plastics, but plastic is solid and makes it lightweight. The total weight of ath-m50x is 283 grams.

The metal headband is wrapped in comfortable and soft leather. Furthermore, the headband is flexible and adjustable.

Ear Cups are also made of plastic and have a circumaural closed-back over-ear design. Circumaural designs offer excellent comfort and sound isolation. You can move ear cups at 90 degrees, which helps to adjust around ears.

They have enough and soft padding on the ear pads that make them good for long periods of wearing.

Overall these are well designed and build headphones that provide comfort. You can use them for mixing, recording, and practicing longer sections.

Another useful feature that Audio Technica improves in ath m50x is adding a locking mechanism and detachable cable.

They come with three detachable cables, including 1.2 meters long straight, 1.2 m coiled, and 3-meter straight cable. All cables end with a standard 3.5mm jack and extra adapter.

Ath-m50x is portable. You can fold them and carry them in the case.

Sound Quality: Like build quality, audio Technica ath m50x has impressive sound quality. They have a very detailed and balanced rich sound.

38-ohm impedance delivers clear and crystal sound on smart devices and studio monitoring devices.

Also, 15 to 28,000 Hz frequency response delivers rich and deep low, balanced mid, and detailed high.

Sound Isolation: Audio Technica ear cups’ design is closed back, which offers a significant amount of sound isolation. They do a pretty awesome job in noise-canceling and sound isolation.

Connectivity: These are not wireless headphones, so you can only connect them using wired, and luckily, they came with three thick and strong separate cables.

Bottom line: Audio Technica ath m50x are in the market for quite a long time, and still, they’re an excellent pair of headphones that you can get for under $150.

Sony MDR 7506 Review

Good: 40-millimeter drivers provide clear and accurate sound. These are ideal pairs of headphones for monitoring and studio work because of 63-ohm impedance and 10 Hertz to 20-kilohertz frequency response. They have excellent design and build quality as well.

Bad: The cable is not detachable, and if you want to replace it, you need to open ear cups, which is not the best option.

Design & Build Quality: They come in black color, and the overall design is good, and the build quality is impressive.

Sony MDR 7506 is lightweight than average headphones because they weigh only 8 ounces. You can also fold them and take them anywhere.

The headband is thick and has a soft padding that provides excellent comfort. The headband is also adjustable and provides a good clamping force that will not lose from the head in sudden movements.

Ear cups have a closed-back, over-ear design and are made of plastic. Earpads of MDR 7506 are soft and comfortable, but if you have huge ears, ear pads will press your ears slightly. If you listen to music at a high volume for a long time, then you may feel warm.

These are wired headphones, so you’ll get a 9.8 feet long cord that terminates on a 3.5mm jack. Also, you’ll get a 6.5mm adapter. The cable is not detachable; it is fixed.

Overall the build quality and design of sony MDR 7506 are excellent, and they fit on the head and ears very well.

Sound Quality: The sound quality of the sony MDR 7506 is good and has no flaws. They offer excellent sound, especially for studio works. 40-millimeter drivers drive them very well. You’ll find very few headphones that deliver non-overwhelming and accurate sound at a lower price, and MDR 7506 is one of them. 

They have 10 Hertz to 20-kilohertz frequency response. In simple English, lows, mids, and treble are very clean and not harsh.

The impedance of sony MDR 7506 is 63 Ohms, which offers very detailed sound. But to achieve remarkable sound on lower power devices, make sure you connect an amp that produces excellent power. On mobile devices, you may not get the sound that these pairs can provide because of low power, but these are great for studio works.

Sound Isolation: They are doing a pretty excellent job in sound isolation. Even at the lower volume, you’ll not listen to external noises. They also do a good job blocking sound leakage. At 70 to 80% volume, they didn’t leak any amount of sound, but if you increase at full, they leak a small amount of sound.

Connectivity: You can only connect them using an audio cable.

Bottom line: Sony MDR 7506 offers a beautiful and balanced sound since 1991, and for every studio, these are the ideal pair of headphones. They are durable and comfortable for extended use. The only thing they need to improve is a cable that is strong but not detachable. Overall these are good pairs of headphones available under $100.

Similarities and Differences

• Both are foldable
• Both offer excellent comfort for long sessions.
• Sony MDR 7506 comes with only one 9.8 feet coiled cable, which is not detachable, and m50x provide three detachable cables (2 straight: 3.9 feet – 9.8 feet and one coiled: 9.8 feet)
• Ath m50x has a 38-ohm impedance suitable for both mobile and studio, and sony MDR 7506 has a 63-ohm impedance excellent for the studio but not good with a mobile device, but ok.
• Audio Technica ath m50x seals very well and provides better sound isolation compared to Sony MDR 7506. Also, Sony MDR 7506 leaks more sound than ath-m50x.
• The price of Sony MDR 7506 is between $70 to $90, and Audio Technica ath m50x is between $120 to $150.

Conclusion

Both headphones are remarkable in providing excellent sound and comfort. You can use them both for listening to music and studio work.

If you ask me which one to choose, I recommend you to get both. As both are excellent pair of headphones and worth buying, but if you want one, I will pick Audio Technica ath m50x because of extra features, detachable cables, better sound isolation, and sound quality.

We hope this comparison helps you to make a better purchase decision.