Sony MDR7509HD Professional Headphone

I got them today but I was able to give them a 4 hour listening sesh immediately. I A, B, C, veiwed them againstthe Shure srh440, Pioneer HDJ1500 and Apex HP96. The first thing I noticed was the lightweight but nice grip similar to the SRH440 in feel but not as tight as the Pio`s. The clarity is on par with the SRH`s and clearly ahead of both the Pioneer and Apex offerings. Also the bass that I missed in the Shure`s was present and clear immediately in the sony`s but it didn`t have the depth or slight mud of the pioneer`s and apex headphones (the Pioneer`s sound almost identical to the Apex`s even though the Apex set is half the price). Those where the main reasons I choose the Sony`s.
 
During my 4 hour set with them I quickly realized that I was wearing sound gold.
I listen to a lot of Bass heavy music that has a lot of upper mid, treble and subtle background noise.
I tested them with:
Burial- You Hurt Me
Skream-Colorful
Benga-Evolution
Clams Casino-I`m God
Kanye West-Addictions
 
I definitely did they whole ``heard new things`` moment through out all songs. But `You Hurt Me`` stood out the most because of the subtleties I now heard in the backgrounds of the song. 
 
It`s super comfortable for long sessions because of its light weight, and because its very simply built with a leather headband, metal arms and hard plastic cups it acheives the feeling of being battle ready.
Also, they caused no ear fatigue. 
 
Though my AKG K172`s might have more clarity it lacks the bass and comfort of the MDR-7509`s. My DT770 pro80`s may have more bass and similar comfort level, their to hot and heavy for portability, plus their a little to power hungry.
 
An excellent portable can all in all. I would pay $210 for these for sure so $85(used)-$150(new in canada) is a steal.

From the various headphones I have owned my favorite till now has been MDR-V6. I have the HD-25-1 II as well and from the perspective of sound they are very good but I am not a fan of on ear headphone. I like them to cover my ears completely and somehow, the HD-25 I II make me a tad uncomfortable on a longer listening session.
 
I was researching regarding MDR-V6 upgrade and read a few recommendations regarding MDR-7509 HD. I posted a WTB classified but didn't get any responses. Furthermore, in India its impossible to find any good headphones.
 
I was casually browsing through ebay India website and saw the listing for 7509 HD, the seller supposedly had 10 pieces and was offering them for a price of $71. I didn't wait and ordered them immediately. I received the headphone today and the packaging looks authentic(the plastic box had the satin cloth on which the headphone was resting). 
 
Also, immediately after I ordered the seller bumped the price to $107. This was last Thursday(23rd August). I checked now and he has bumped it up to $133.
 
I have been testing it for a few hours now and I am impressed and happy. It has all the positive qualities of V6 like good sound stage (for a closed can) and clean sound.
 
However, the deficiencies of V6 have been addressed.
 
I had the V6 and ZX - 700 and both of them had some issues with screeching mids. For certain songs it would become quite unbearable and tiring. This however doesn't have the problem.
 
The instrument separation is awesome. The mids and highs are good. The sound stage is pretty much same as MDR V6 and the bass is good too. I am not saying these have brain shattering bass but if you have heard V6 you would know what I mean. It has the thump to satisfy an average music lover.
 
I like metal music and don't have any complaints so far. The ear pads are crap but I have modded the DT250 velour earpads and installed them which now make this a good headphone for my taste.
 
I have been testing it through my Cowon C2 till now.
 
Once I spend a few weeks with them I will update this thread with more insights.
 
 
P.S. I have written to Sony asking them to verify its authenticity because I couldn't believe the price and my good fortune. However, even if its a fake it is a seriously well made and good fake.
 
 
 
 
 

These are the finest sounding headphones I've ever owned. I've owned Bose, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Kilpsche and more and these new HD drivers DO sound noticeably cleaner then all. I know there are even better sounding headphones on the market but you'd literally have to spend double or even triple to top these. Also though they list for $260 you can totally find them for around $150-$200 if you shop around. Absolutely recommended.
 
Oh and by the way the MDR-7509 and the MDR-V900HD are the same specs the 900 is just the newer body style.

In short words.

Best closed headphones for rock and metal music i have ever heard. Vivid sound with phenomenal midrange.