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Reddit Reviews
I'm an audio nerd and have friends who work in radio. My total overkill setup (assembled during COVID) is this: Electro-voice RE20 mic on an OC White mic arm, DBX 286s mic preamp/processor, Henry Engineering USB Matchbox interface, random headphone amplifier, and DT990 headphones. This setup is totally reliable, and everyone says that I sound great. You could go with a much cheaper mic, like an SM57, and still sound great. If you prefer closed-back headphones, the Sony MDR-7506 would be a good choice.
Sony M1 and MV1 doesn’t need amp. MDR-7506 will do if you want affordable. They are all studio level clarity and accuracy.
Classic Sony MDR-7506, AKG K361 from your list. Wire usually has better sound than wireless (convenient and noise cancelling). I would not risk sweat on them for light running, the smell stay on earpad during your long study session.
IEMs are AWESOME....unless...you need to interact with the crowd and take requests - like a wedding DJ. Sony MDR 7506 for me. They are a little bright in the mids, which actually makes mixing slightly easier in a loud environment. Replace the ear pads every couple of years, and you can pass these to your kids.
Sony MDR 7506. $100. You’ll pass them to your kids.
Sony MDR 7506. Except these are legit and not just for beginners. Buy a pair. Replace the ear pads every couple of years. Pass them to your kids in your will.
I find that the Sennheiser HD 280 Pros are good for tracking, but the Sony MDR-7506s are good for mixing.
Sony MDR-7506. Tried a few others but these were best
1. Sennheiser Momentum 4 - Magical. Don't know how they pack in the sound quality there. Sometimes I trash the EQ settings just to try to make them sound bad. I baby them though, so my number 2 is 2. AKG K361 - Cheap, sounds great, and comfortable as heck to my head and ears. Never offensive, easy to drive, good durability. I'll carry and use these without a care while the M4s would stay in my work bag. When I'm at home, though, I generally use my number 3, the 3. Fiio FT1 - Does the same thing as number 2, just with a little more style, cost, and weight. I love the wood. Driving it through 4mm balanced on my Fosi K7 sounds sweet and rich. I got these to replace #4, the 4. Audio-Technica M50x - This was my go to for seven years before last year. Built like a tank, I went through a set of pads on it. For a long time this was what I thought headphones were supposed to sound like. I'm glad I mixed it up. Speaking of mixing, let's talk about number 5. 5. Sony MDR-7506 - I got these because I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I get it. If you can make your music sound great on these, you can make it sound great on anything.
I've had a pair of Sony MDR 7506 since like 2006... I have had to replace the cord once and the ear pads a couple times.
Just get the Sony 7506 and call it a day. There's no such thing as a "Gaming Headset" outside of marketing speak.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Audiophile music listening

Top pick
Sennheiser - HD 6XX
Best for Bass-heavy music

Top pick
Sennheiser - MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
Best for Competitive FPS gaming

Top pick
Sennheiser - HD 560S
Best for Guitar practice

Top pick
Sony - MDR-7506
Best for Long-haul flights

Top pick
Sony - WH-1000XM4
Best for Marathon gaming sessions

Top pick
Sennheiser - HD 560S





