Short answer: the Sony INZONE H6 Air. It ranks #211 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $198. The Sony MDR-CD900ST ranks #250, rated 3.5/5, at $181, $17 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Sony INZONE H6 Air: A light 0.4 lbs (199 g) open back gaming headset with a built-in microphone that runs easily from a controller or PC at 28 ohms and 99 dB/mW. The tradeoff: Bass and low mids run 2.6 to 4.3 dB heavy, thickening voices, while a 7.6 dB peak near 8.4 kHz next to a 6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz gives cymbals an uneven, edgy texture.
What the Sony MDR-CD900ST does well: The bass and mids are close to target, with bass within 0.3 dB and low mids about 1.8 dB up, and the 63 ohm, 106 dB/mW design is easy to drive. The tradeoff: Sub-bass is about 8.7 dB under target and the highs roll off, with treble 4.5 dB low from 6 to 10 kHz and air 6.8 dB low above 10 kHz.
Buy the Sony INZONE H6 Air. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $17 with the Sony MDR-CD900ST does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A light 199 g open back gaming headset with a built-in microphone that runs easily from a controller or PC at 28 ohms and 99 dB/mW.
Amazon $198.00 eBay
The bass and mids are close to target, with bass within 0.3 dB and low mids about 1.8 dB up, and the 63 ohm, 106 dB/mW design is easy to drive.
Amazon $181.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony INZONE H6 Air | Sony MDR-CD900ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $198.00 | $181.00 |
| Ranked | #211 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #250 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 74 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.38 dB standard deviation | 2.59 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.76 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 50 Hz (-12.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 28 ohms | 63 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (199 g) | 0.4 lbs (200 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
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