When comparing Sony MDR 7506 vs Sony MDR-1R, the Slant community recommends Sony MDR 7506 for most people. In the question“What are the best over-ear headphones under $200?” Sony MDR 7506 is ranked 1st while Sony MDR-1R is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Sony MDR 7506 is:
The bass is just right. It may not have the deep sub-bass extension that bass heads crave for, but what is there is fast, tight and punchy. The mids are clear with a hint of warmth, which make vocals and guitars sound very clear and you can easily hear their sonic nuances . The reproduction of highs is the part that these headphones really shine. They are crystal clear and highly detailed without adding hiss or harshness to the overall sound. Cymbal crashes and pings, for example, are very close to what you would hear if they were played right in front of you.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Clean and balanced sound with smooth bass and detailed highs
The bass is just right. It may not have the deep sub-bass extension that bass heads crave for, but what is there is fast, tight and punchy. The mids are clear with a hint of warmth, which make vocals and guitars sound very clear and you can easily hear their sonic nuances .
The reproduction of highs is the part that these headphones really shine. They are crystal clear and highly detailed without adding hiss or harshness to the overall sound. Cymbal crashes and pings, for example, are very close to what you would hear if they were played right in front of you.
Pro Very affordable price for the sound and quality build that you get
Despite being sub $100, the MDR 7506 can compete against headphones up to twice the price. These make for great headphones if you are just starting to get serious about your audio and you want a relatively inexpensive yet quality purchase.
Pro Reliable headphones due to solid build quality
The MDR 7506 is built outstandingly well, with high quality materials and with little to no creaks and unnecessary flex. These headphones have been around since 1991, which has given Sony a lot of time to refine the manufacturing process of these cans.
Pro Easy to bring on the go due to the collapsible design
The yokes are collapsible and fold into the headband, reducing the headphones to a much more compact size. Included with each purchase is a synthetic leather pouch for added protection for the headphones when taking them on the go.
Pro Minimal sound leakage due to the closed back design
These leak very little sound compared to other over-ear headphones. The rear side of the ear cups is fully closed, which effectively minimizes sound leakage. With these, you can fully enjoy your music without disturbing people beside you.
Pro Has two separate ports for listening
Pro Gets extra protection when taken on the go from the included carrying pouch
The included carrying pouch of these headphones adds extra protection against dust, scratches, and minor impact. Also, the pouch looks well made and stylish, making it a great inclusion to the headphone package.
Pro Is quite portable as the headphone can be folded flat
The ear cups of the MDR-1R can be folded flat. This gives the headphones a slimmer profile which makes them easily fit in bags for utmost portability.
Pro Detachable cable enhances headphone portability
The cable can be easily detached from the headphone. This makes the wire much easier to organize and makes the headphone much more convenient to take on the go.
Pro Sound quality
The MDR-1R is designed to be a studio headphone and its sound signature follows that design. These headphones are very balanced with little emphasis on either bass, mids, or highs. As a result this headphone will work well for a wide range of music. But if you're looking for an emphasis on bass you may need to look elsewhere.
Pro Impressive soundstage
For a headphone with a closed-back design, the MDR-1R has been noted to have impressive soundstage.
Pro Can be worn all day long because of the comfortable design
The MDR-1 is really comfortable to wear and can be worn for many hours straight. The ear pads and headband feature synthetic leather surfaces, but this material actually feels very supple and soft on the skin. This is complimented by the ample padding which makes these materials seem like pillows on the user's head.
Pro Neutral bass
The bass of the MDR-1R is not overly powerful with a neutral bass response.
Cons
Con ear pad material will flake off after a short while.
You can use Brainwavz replacement earpads as an alternative.
Con Cable is quite long and non-removable
The headphone cable is coiled and is about 10 feet long. This is great for studios, however walking around in public with these headphones on can be awkward. The cable cannot be removed and has no remote or mic.
Con Can be very picky with audio sources
Due to how accurate sounding these are, you will be able to hear minute details from the sound, including hiss, distortion, and the like. To get the most out of these headphones for music enjoyment, you will want to have a great audio source.
Con May not have the oomph that you want from a headphone
These headphones do not have the best bass output. While the bass is present, it may not have the punch or fullness that bass heads may want. This also means that the MDR-1R may not be the best option for hip-hop, EDM, or more bass-centric music.