Sony MDR-7509

The Sony MDR-7509 are a set of top tier headphones for use in the studio. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including for monitoring during recording and for broadcast. These headphones really sound terrific. They look much like the other headphones in the MDR series, and I'm pretty sure that these are at the top or to close to the top of the food chain in this collection of mostly great headphones. They are also a fairly new addition to the series and offer a serious increase in low end clarity. The frequency response ranges from 5 Hz to 80,000 kHZ and they feature a closed back so they're okay to use for recording vocals. It has a 1/8" cable on the end but also comes with the 1/8" to 1/4" adapter which you're probably going to need most of the time. These have the same great feel and comfort of the MDR-7506 and others, but it's really the sound quality here that sets this pair apart. While I'm not an advocate or fan of mixing seriously on headphones, if there was a pair that you could do it with, these would be a good choice. Still, I wouldn't recommend doing that, but it's good to know that when you're listening during recording or playback that you're hearing a very accurate depiction of the sound and there isn't going to be much of a gap between what you hear in the cans and what you hear in the monitors. The price is of course a good bit more than the next MDR model down, but if you're looking for the combination of ultimate clarity and comfort in a pair of headphones under $200 US dollars, the Sony MDR-7509 is going to be the way to make it happen!

I've had this pair of headphones for years, which is a great testimony to their longevity. Most pairs of headphones last me a year or two, but I've had these at least 5 and they're in great shape. I originally got this on recommendation by a friend of mine, saying that I should go for these over the more popular 7506 headphones that Sony offers. I compared them both at the store, and definitely agreed. You get a better depth of sound and realism in these phones than you do with the 7506's. The frequency response is similar if not exactly the same, but I think the difference is in the response to dynamics and transients. The quick hits seem more crisp in these.

The noise rejection is fair in these headphones. They do cover your ear completely, but they are not very tight on your head. That means they're more comfortable to wear which is also important, but that more of the outside noise is going to get in, and vice versa. So you might want to keep another pair around for when you're recording close up to a vocal mic, because you will probably get a little spill into the mic from these headphones.

Barring that complaint, they are otherwise a great pair and the price for them is fair. You definitely pay for Sony quality, but if you care about sound fidelity, it's worth the price you pay for their brand name. I'd get them again, listening to music sounds great in them and I like to use them while monitoring when I'm recording someone else. They also give you a snazzy velvet bag for safe keeping if you take them traveling, as well as a converter to go from 1/8" to 1/4". Nice bonuses!

4-5 years ago, I (do) had available (that) a Beyer DT911 (excellent in many respects, for any other use. I care!) I considered buying a headphone more closed (if possible too), less velvety, lovely, or more "uncompromising" bearable during long periods of work for the ear. I had the chance to compare to my home store a dozen headphones in a price range of between 100 and 300 € in listening conditions fairly neutral or even optimal. (Different brands: Sennheiser Audiotechnica, AKG, Beyer, whose younger brother of the Sony range, the MDR7506). Initially, I was focused on a budget of € 200 max. Unfortunately, that does not allow me to buy a Stax example.
I was not quite convinced by any headphone up to € 200 at the time, there was always one reason or another that kept me (lack of definition, its overinflated and frequencies "embellished" or filtered hardness Stamp, inconfortabilité, etc.). Ultimately, I decided to crack a little piggy, my choice fell on the Sony MDR 7509HD, a step well above the 7506 model.
I use it for 4-5 years, including the mix.
There are probably better, but I like this headphone for its transparency "flat" (neutral) across all frequencies, without making a sound bite hard or too tiring to the ear for long. While remaining neutral and embellished in serious or light. Its high quality in my opinion is that he can reproduce sound with subtlety, clarity and definition, it can collect a huge range of components sound with finesse.
Worn for a long time, weight (although reasonable) arises. As with any closed headphones, it is better to give quiet time regularly. The Sennheiser HD25 for example, is unbearable after 5 min.

Wearing this headphone and finish have their advantages and drawbacks:
+: The "shell" fit nicely around the ears, the cable (accordion) is quite long and firmly inserted (at one point, side L), gold-plated jack (which reduces oxidation).
-: Not so adjustable that for "small size noggin" foam interiors are very light (must wear quickly, even if this is not the case with me), "cushion" or "applied "are quite brittle plastic (ideally I would have preferred a fabric like my Beyer).

If I remember, I bought about 250 €. Difficult to say whether today can still be a good value, considering the number of headphones that have been around even Sony. At the outset, I would correct. This is a headphone that I use almost daily. Accustomed to the type of sound reproduction, I would look in the future a headphone even better in this regard, if possible, a little more comfortable to wear. It is and remains an honorable quality for a budget not too tight nor too high.

>>> How long you use it?
Since 2000 ... Unfortunately he is preparing a mandatory retirement due to wear. See below ...

>>> What is special that you love the most, least?
The +:
-The space when folded
-Ease of use (it seems to put on his slippers in the ears ... )
-Sound. I know, there is no consensus, but it is a reference for me, especially given the fact that I'm used to. I listen to everything with him. TV, music, mixes, mastering.Je know exactly how it sounds, and I think that's the key with any monitor system. The more you practice, the more you know, the more we know what to expect and how to interpret it.
-The electrical sensitivity

THE -:
-The weight that can tire a little after a few hours of use m ^ m if you get used to (like everything) and that, paradoxically, gives an impression of quality / robustness
-The quality over time. Foams are especially prone to breaking up a little too early for my taste considering the selling price at the time. For about 300 € paid at the time, I would have thought having a healthy use for over 10 years. Or, wear foam was felt after 3 or 4 years of use ...
-The price of replacement parts. € 80 for a foam right to multiply by 2 for both ears, it's worse than racketeering. And it does THAT circular foam that surrounds the ear. If one must also replace the thin foam that covers the HP must still shell out. Ditto for the cable guide to rubber at the base of the wire on the left ear. It is not given and in the end, we quickly for the price of a new headphone very good. That's why I'm going to have to solve his retirement ...
-To nitpick, the storage bag / transport which is a little cheap and could have been a little more protective given the price of the product.
-The sound reproduction in the bass sometimes a little soft. On the rock, it poses too many problems, but electro ...

Did you >>> tried many other models before buying it?
Some, yes. I have been practicing since 1988.

How do you >>> the price / quality ratio?
Rather just saw the new price and the rapid physical deterioration. But ultimately, it remains despite valiant more than 10 years of use altogether rather intensive. After that I kind of maniac with my gear, so I dare not imagine the careless hands. It remains a delicate headphones. I've always handled his kneecaps and joints with extreme caution despite a solid feel yet very present.

>>> With experience, you do again this choice? ...
In theory, yes. But as always, you can never be sure because time can see appear a new model that we would lie. So ...