Short answer: the Sony MDR-7506. It ranks #56 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $129.99; the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ranks #63, rated 4.0/5, and costs $154.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
Why pick the Sony MDR-7506: A preference score of 83 with a deviation of only 1.7 dB from the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement is excellent for a closed studio headphone. The tradeoff: Presence and treble run about 3.5 dB hot, with a peak of 6 dB near 4.5 kHz, which makes vocals forward and cymbals or sibilance sharp at higher volumes.
The case for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: A preference score of 82 in oratory1990’s measurement reflects a lively closed-back sound with extra low end: sub-bass is about 3.4 dB above target, which adds weight to kick drums and bass lines. The tradeoff: A 7.8 dB dip near 3.75 kHz pulls back vocal presence, while a 5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz and treble about 2.6 dB above target make cymbals and S sounds sharp.
Buy the Sony MDR-7506. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony MDR-7506 | Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $154.99 |
| Ranked | #56 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #63 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.70 dB standard deviation | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.64 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | - |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB/mW | 96 dB SPL |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Impedance | - | 80 ohms |
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- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Headphones In Full
Sony MDR-7506: $129.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 83 with a deviation of only 1.7 dB from the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement is excellent for a closed studio headphone. Bass and low mids sit within about 1 dB of target, so vocals and instruments sound natural and uncolored. At 260 g with a 106 dB/mW sensitivity, it plays loud straight from a phone or laptop without an amp.
Cons: Presence and treble run about 3.5 dB hot, with a peak of 6 dB near 4.5 kHz, which makes vocals forward and cymbals or sibilance sharp at higher volumes. Air above 10 kHz is about 2.6 dB low, and the wired-only design has no microphone.
Full Sony MDR-7506 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.70 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.64 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (260 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +10.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,435 Hz | -3.8 dB | 0.90 |
| Peak | 847 Hz | +1.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 230 Hz | +3.7 dB | 2.08 |
| Peak | 48 Hz | -9.5 dB | 0.52 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +3.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 7,530 Hz | -1.4 dB | 3.26 |
| Peak | 2,916 Hz | -1.9 dB | 5.57 |
| Peak | 3,748 Hz | +2.6 dB | 5.91 |
| Peak | 4,456 Hz | -1.6 dB | 6.00 |
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Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: $154.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 82 in oratory1990’s measurement reflects a lively closed-back sound with extra low end: sub-bass is about 3.4 dB above target, which adds weight to kick drums and bass lines. The closed back isolates well for tracking or noisy rooms. At 80 ohms and 96 dB SPL it works with most interfaces and decent amps.
Cons: A 7.8 dB dip near 3.75 kHz pulls back vocal presence, while a 5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz and treble about 2.6 dB above target make cymbals and S sounds sharp. The deviation of 2.3 dB is the least smooth of the group. The 80 ohm impedance is demanding for a phone alone.
Full Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB SPL |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -3.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,430 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.97 |
| Peak | 3,684 Hz | +6.8 dB | 2.88 |
| Peak | 213 Hz | +3.5 dB | 2.46 |
| Peak | 139 Hz | -3.9 dB | 4.92 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -5.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 93 Hz | +3.5 dB | 3.00 |
| Peak | 9,561 Hz | +2.3 dB | 1.86 |
| Peak | 45 Hz | -1.3 dB | 1.74 |
| Peak | 119 Hz | -2.1 dB | 5.83 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons