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Reddit Reviews
I’d second Sonys headphones for durability. I absolutely abuse my MDR-Z7M2 headphones and they keep on going. I’ve used them in the rain, at the gym, etc.
Sony z7m2. Use them for my long coding sessions. Perfect comfort for my head
Personal favorite is the Z7M2. Best musical sounding headphones I've heard. Liked it more than the z1r.
Sony 7506 with beyerdynamic dt250 velour pads + LG V20 phone with EQ set to W shape EQ. I couldn’t believe the bass could sound that good on the common ol’Sony monitors. Makes me respect Sony again. I had these Sonys in one form or another for 20 years and the new pads, Quad DAC of the LG and EQ made the 7506 sound like new headphones. It completely transforms the sound. They sounded way more energetic. (I have the made in Thailand model) On some songs, the bass sounded like explosions goes off in my head lol Hifiman 5xx can be BASS CANNONS with the right source and bass bump. Pleasantly surprised by them. These sound like nukes going off. Lol Also, Sony MDR-Z7m2 sound utterly sparkly like colorful unicorns are coming out of the drivers. A magical experience. Sound is refined and complex like a fine wine. Fun sound that isn’t muffled like cheaper cans. But that’s a little less of a surprise given the level of cans hierarchy. For female vocals hifiman Edition XX sounds out of this world. Some sounds gives me goosebumps
My personal favorite is my pair of Sony MDR Z7M2 although it definitely takes time to get used to and to break in. I got these for an absolute steal at around $450 CAD very lightly used (for reference, a new pair of Senny Momentum 4s cost 430 + tax here in Canada). Tried some pricier headphones after but I have always loved my Z7M2s. They get a lot of poor reviews since they don't sound the best straight out of the box, doesn't follow harman at all, and you need a decent amount of break in time for those massive 70mm drivers and a minor eq but it's nearly perfect for its intended usage and Sony sound signature. You can easily get it at a quarter of its original price and for that, your getting flagship Sony build (best feeling/premium build I have ever felt), a beautiful simplistic design, very large soundstage for a close-back, and it's protable enough due to its very low impedance to travel with (I personally pair it with my beloved Tanchjim Space). Definitely worth a try imo.
Really dark and meaty sound and just atonishing technicalities. The tone is "analogue" Id say, really different to the later "DIGITAL" branded products and current sony. Its a headphones that just does everything right and very well. Meant more for pure music listening than critical listening. The DR-M7 sibling fits that role with a much more flat albeit dry sound. Definetely deserves to be in the Sony hall of fame
Given your request, it depends on your budget. For closed backs, Sony's have been the comfiest. The MDR-M1 is extremely light and sounds pretty good for their cost at around $200-$250. The MDR-Z7 and MDR-Z7.2 are more iffy on sound for me at their $400-$600 cost (without modification; excellent when modded) but contour and fit the head like no other headphone for me. They're each built like tanks too and my only complaints about their build/comfort is the use of pleather but they seem to use good quality stuff or have easy to find covers for the headbands or sheepskin replacements for the earpads.
Given your request, it depends on your budget. For closed backs, Sony's have been the comfiest. The MDR-M1 is extremely light and sounds pretty good for their cost at around $200-$250. The MDR-Z7 and MDR-Z7.2 are more iffy on sound for me at their $400-$600 cost (without modification; excellent when modded) but contour and fit the head like no other headphone for me. They're each built like tanks too and my only complaints about their build/comfort is the use of pleather but they seem to use good quality stuff or have easy to find covers for the headbands or sheepskin replacements for the earpads.
MDRZ7. The highs are very relaxed, and the sub bass is amazing. Great for movies and games as well. To my ears, it has great soundstage depth. I miss them..
Rankings by Use Case
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