Sony MDR-V6 and Sony MDR-7506 headphones: Oldies but goodies

I'm David Carnoy, executive editor at cnet.com. And I'm here with a couple of classic Sony over the ear headphones that have been around for a while that we revisiting because they're currently very good deals that under $100 online. The one on my left is the MDR V6, which first at the market in 1985 and the one on my right in the MDR 7506, which came out in 1991. Other versions of this headphone include the MDR V600 and the MDR 7509 HD. As you can see from their extra-long coiled cords both are studio monitor headphones and both have long been very popular with sound engineers and other audio professionals as well as audiophiles on a budget. They looked nearly identical and are very comfortable and relatively lightweight for full-size headphones. They fold up into a more compact form factor and come with a simple vinyl-protective caring case of the ear pads are incredibly durable and they are replaceable and cost to run $10 for a pair of replacement pads. Well, the two headphones have the same design and sound similar, they don't sound identical. Both offer a very well-balanced sound and excellent clarity for their modest price points. But the V6 makes a little more base and sounds more laid back and mellower over the 7506 is leaner with the more accentuated treble range which makes it a little crispier sounding and livelier. Our audio guru Steve Guttenberg preferred the V6. But I like the 7506 a bit more. These headphones don't deliver as rich or full sound as the Audio Technica ATH-HM50s, another one of our favorite mid-range monitor-style headphones. But they do cost significantly less and sound great for sub $100 headphones. Well, you can certainly use them on the go, the heavy long cord makes them less than ideal as walk-around headphones. They also don't have an integrated remote and microphone for making cellphone calls. My guess is that more people will prefer the sound of the 7506's, but it's hard for me to tell you which headphone you'll like better because everyone's tastes are different. The other thing I can't tell you for sure is whether the V6 has been discontinued. Every few years, there's a rumor that it has been and Sony doesn't sell the V6 on its website anymore, but it continues to be available at several online retailers. Whatever the case, both these headphones are excellent values and even though they are all headphones, they have endured for a reason. I'm David Carnoy, and those are the Sony MDR V6 and MDR 7506 Headphones. Thanks for watching.