Audio technica m40x vs sony mdr 7506

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As with most competing duos, there’s usually more in common than either would have you believe.  Pepsi vs Coke, Mac vs PC, Canon vs Nikon, Star Trek vs Star Wars.  The list goes on.  Generally speaking, one is as good as the other.  But when it’s down to the Audio Technica M40x vs the Sony MDR7506, one isn’t as good as the other.

Every once in a while, I get somebody asking about the Sony MDR7506.  And every once in an even greater while, I get someone asking about the M40x.  Usually, though, in either case, I tend to steer people to the M40x for nothing more than the low price, excellent performance in most conditions, and build quality.  But that aside which is the better headphone?

The Sony MDR7506 features a wider frequency range of 10-20000 hertz, but also a higher impedance of 63 ohms.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Audio Technica ATH-M40x has a slightly different frequency range of 15-24000 hertz, but also a lower impedance of 36 ohms.  With the Sony, then, it should come as no surprise that extra power (or and amp) is needed to get the full benefit of the frequency range.  However, the M40x will offer better performance on mobile platforms without an amplifier, coming off as clear and detailed in stark contrast to the cardboard and featureless sound of the MDR7506.

Of course, with an amplified setup, one loses much of the benefits of the ATH-M40x, and the MDR7506 will pull ahead, offering its full frequency range to edge out the the M40x.

Taking build quality into consideration, again, our money is on the M40x – with it’s interchangeable cables, this headphone is a no-brainer.  Of course, both offer a relatively slim profile with the Sony perhaps just a little less bulky.

Audio technica m40x vs sony mdr 7506

In all, either headphone will present you with decent sound and fairly robust design, with major differences arising from individual users’ particular tastes.  On the part of Audio46, the general consensus among our employees is that the ATH-M40x offers just a little bit extra in terms of design and sound – though this may stem more from casual listening experiences than clinical tests.

Which would I personally recommend?  If you have an amp, go with the Sony MDR7506.  If you would prefer to use your headphones on the go, and not necessarily with an amp (or you tend to be rough on headphones), I would definitely recommend the Audio Technica M40x instead.

Chat now or email us if you have specific questions or need help.

Audio technica m40x vs sony mdr 7506

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Audio Technica ATH M40X or Sony MDR 7506?

  • Thread starter Spectra1
  • Start date Jan 3, 2015

Hey, my Aurvana Live recently broke so I'm looking for a new pair of over-ears which would preferably be a slight step up from them. Unfortunately I can't try them in a store, so I did some reserach and found the above two headphones to be the overall best-reviewed under 150$, but I could use some advice to narrow it down.
I listen almost exclusively to electronic/EDM/Dubstep/Drumstep (whatever that stuff's called), so I was leaning towards the M40X due to the bass being slightly more prevalent though I heard better things about the 7506 overall.
Any other recommendations under roughly 150$ are welcome.

  Thanks.

The M40x does what the MDR7506 doesn't, and vice versa.  7506s have boosted treble response and is easily confused for clarity, which is why they sound so good.  M40x is flatter response, but the bass can be a problem with closed cans at higher volume.  You should look into Beyerdynamic DT770s or AKG K240s.  

If you're just looking for a good bass head can, the m audio q40 with dt770 velours and yamaha pro 400 would fit.

  v-shaped sound sig:
Donscorpio dolphin
http://s837.photobucket.com/user/solderdude/media/m40x110dbsmoothed_zpsf3aeee8f.png.html

  Warm all rounder:
Takstar pro 80
onkyo es fc300

  Neutral:
nvx xpt100/brainwavz hm5/lindy hf100
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/SonyMDRV6.pdf

I recently debated this same thing and chose the M40x; however, I suspected that my unit was defective due to it sounding totally off, and Audio-Technica agreed with me, so I sent it in for repairs. Soon after, I got the Sennheiser HD 590, but it's so rare that I think I got the last one available on the Internet!

  Here is a good M40x review that greatly favors it over the 7506.

I had the similar question, although I was deciding between the Audio Technica ATH-M40x or Sony MDR-V6. I opted for both and I hate to admit that the Audio Technica ATH M40X are slightly better than the Sony MDR-V6. The nuances in songs played on the M40x are more prominent than the MDR-V6 and other features as well.

  If you seek OEM ear pads from the manufacture, then don't go with the 7506/V6; they don't last. The M40x is a great well rounded package. Monitoring audio and listening to music is great.

Can anyone speak to the durability of the M40x? I'm making the same choice, but I've heard about creaking in the ATH plastic, and since it's newer, it's hard to know if it can stand up to the Sony model for longevity.

Why is the Sony MDR

The Sony MDR-7506, a longtime favorite of audio professionals, offers more reliability, more comfort, and better sound than many headphones twice its price.

Are the Sony MDR

The Sony MDR-7506 are comfortable and lightweight headphones. The ear cups are large enough to fit well around most ears.

What is better M50x or M40x?

Our Verdict The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are very similar to the Audio Technica M40x, but they have a slight edge over them. They feel a bit sturdier and better-built than the M40x, and their audio reproduction is slightly more accurate and neutral.

Where is the Sony MDR

NOTE: MDR-7506s have been known to be made in Japan, China, Thailand.