[SOLVED!] Audiophiles’ Dilemma: Sony MDR-7506 Vs. Audio Technica ATH-M50X

Dependable and reliable, Sony and Audio Technica headphones prove to be excellent choices for audiophiles who desire a tip-top listening experience. That being said, many people still struggle to choose between models of the brands and Sony MDR-7506 vs. Audio Technica ATH-M50X is a prime example. If you like both headphones and have a hard time making up your mind, your salvation is here. Down below is an in-depth analysis of the two headphones and by reading it, you should be able to resolve your dilemma.

Technical Specs Of The Headphones

 

 

 

	Sony MDR-7506	Audio Technica ATH-M50X
Driver	40mm	45mm
Frequency range	10Hz – 20kHz	15Hz – 28kHz
Sound pressure level	106dB/mW	99dB/mW
Impedance	63 ohms	38 ohms
Size (L x W x H)	5.1 x 6.9 x 3.5 inches	5.0 x 5.7 x 2.9 inches
Weight	230 grams	285 grams
Cable length	3 meters	1.2 meters (detachable)
Price	$99	$128

Sony MDR-7506 Vs. Audio Technica ATH-M50X: Dissection

Sound

About driver, MDR-7506 falls behind ATH-M50X (40mm vs. 45mm) so it’s only natural that the Audio Technica model wins in maximum frequency (20kHz vs. 28kHz). If you like listening to high-frequency music genres on your headphones, you will find ATH-M50X to be a solid investment. However, it’s important to point out that MDR-7506 outperforms ATH-M50X in terms of minimum frequency (10Hz vs. 15Hz). While the difference in the minimum frequency of both models is small, it may still leave an impact on your listening experience.

In the case of sound pressure level, MDR-7506 is once again a cut above ATH-M50X (106dB/mW vs. 99dB/mW). Consequently, given that power supply is the same, MDR-7506 can get louder than ATH-M50X in the course of operation. If you listen to music at normal volumes, both models should give a good account of themselves. On the other hand, if you wish to enjoy your favorite tracks at high volumes then MDR-7506 is going to fit you like a glove.

For impedance, there is a 25-ohm gap between MDR-7506 and ATH-M50X (63 ohms vs. 38 ohms). Standard smartphones, tablets, computers, …. will support both headphones with relative ease but it won’t hurt to consider using the Sony model alongside amps.

Handling

For your information, MDR-7506 differs from ATH-M50X in size (5.1 x 6.9 x 3.5 inches vs. 5.0 x 5.7 x 2.9 inches) as well as weight (230 grams 285 grams). Despite that, people can manipulate both models at their leisure and the reasonable gripping strength guarantees fantastic comfort. As a result, once it comes to handling, the community for the most part holds the headphones in high esteem. Some believe that MDR-7506 holds an edge over ATH-M50X owing to the cable length though (3 meters vs. 1.2 meters).

Note: Unlike MDR-7506, ATH-M50X is designed from the ground up to use a detachable cable. That means if the cable is damaged, you only need to buy a new cable instead of replacing your headphones.

Endurance

All in all, similar to other models in their price range, MDR-7506 and ATH-M50X cannot handle too much abuse. Nonetheless, the plastic parts on both headphones will be able to deal with daily use effectively and efficiently. MDR-7506 also integrates metal at key positions so if you don’t take things to the extreme, it should last for years. Regardless, it’s a good idea to treat MDR-7506 and ATH-M50X like delicate accessories to avoid damaging them by mistake.

Price

While both models match quite a few shopping budgets, MDR-7506 is usually the more affordable one between the two. If you can only spend around $100 on your headphones, it’s suggested that you go for the Sony model. In the case that money is not an issue, feel free to pick up ATH-M50X  if it suits your demands. However, as a precaution, you may want to get your headphones from well-known retailers (Amazon, Sweewater, etc).

Summary

To put it plainly, there is no clear winner in Sony MDR-7506 vs. Audio Technica ATH-M50X as the models have their own strengths and weaknesses. Thus, it’s up to you to decide which model suits you most and make your purchase accordingly. You won’t regret buying MDR-7506 if you seek solid headphones that feature consistent performance and seldom get in the way. If all you need is to be able to listen to high-frequency songs, ATH-M50X is going to be your best bet.

Repairing Damaged Headphones: Principles 

Mass production techniques have brought down the prices of headphones so buying a replacement is a superior alternative to repairing damaged headphones. That being said, if you believe your headphones to be damaged and wish to carry out repair, go through these steps:

• Step 1: Locate the source of problem: It’s advised that you use a combination of visual inspection and tools (for instance, multimeter) to determine what might have gone wrong.
• Step 2: Repair: In layman’s terms, the nature of the problem dictates the way you carry out the repair. If the jack is damaged, sever the cable, get your hands on a new jack and connect the cable to it. If the cable is damaged, you have two courses of action: If the cable is detachable, you may buy a replacement cable. If the cable is not detachable, locate the site of damage, cut open the exterior and solder the wires.
• Step 3: Test out your headphones.