[Takashi]

A couple of weeks ago I bought MDR-CD900ST, a kind of tweaked version of MDR-7506, but has some significant difference.
CD900ST, the most popular monitor headphone in music studios in Japan and other countries, is designed by Sony and Sony Music Entertainment(SME), sold by SME through some sellers. (Not listed in Sony's catalog)

Here are some pics.

Straight cable and 1/4" metal plug for sturdiness and easy repair. Aluminum ring on the cup should be cosmetic purpose only.

Non-foldable headband, cord below headband is routed inside "fork" section. (less chance of damaging)

Most significant character of this phone is being super analytical and forwarded. You will never miss any detail with this one.
Although 7506 has same character (bright high and strong bass) and is also analytical, but compare to CD900ST it is more musical and enjoyable. CD900ST is like "all business" and leaves little room for fun.

Its sound is not flat at all but there are no obvious hump or ditch throughout the frequency. Very bright high, clear but forwarded mid, strong bass.
In most of the cases it is quite difficult to enjoy music with this one because of too much detail and no soundstage. Still there are some exceptions, for example I found Red Hot Chilli Peppers really enjoyable with CD900ST.

Spec.
impedance: 63ohm
rated input: 300mW
max. input: 1000mW
dynamic range: 5 - 30,000Hz
cord: 2.5m
weight: 200g (w/o cord)

 

[go_vtec]

Interesting headphone. Just out of curiousity, how much does it cost? Do you know how different this phone is from MDR-V7509 other than the obvious (specs).

 

[MrKokett]

Would you say that the loss of super portability of the 7506's is worth the extra "specs" per say? The ability to smoosh the V6's/7506's into a little ball makes them pretty cool cans.

 

[nierika]

I thought this was exactly the same as the 7509 but in a different package?

 

[Takashi]

CD900ST is actually a modified version of CD900, which shares the same shape of 7506 not 7509 (7509 has the same shape as Z900, Z600 and V600). MSRP is 18,000 yen, and street price varies from 14,000 to 17,000 yen.

CD900ST was planned, designed and manufactured for professional (studio) use and not sold at store at first. But because of the reputation some audio shops and guitar shops carry them these days. It comes in a plain white cardboard box, with a piece of paper with service shop's name on it. The same piece of paper clearly says that it does NOT come with any warranty.
Although the spec looks a lot like V6 (don't know why 7506 has 10-20000Hz freq range in its spec), driver is definitely different.
I only have a brief experience with 7506 but 7506 is more mild on highs and muddy overall, I agree with quite a few Japanese who claims 7506 is more musically entertaining than CD900ST. I never listened to 7509 so I can't comment.

Besides its detailed sound, it did a good job when used with Digitech BP8 bass pre amp/amp simulator with EQ and octaver effect, where my k271s wimped on extra low frequency.

 

[nierika]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takashi CD900ST was planned, designed and manufactured for professional (studio) use and not sold at store at first. But because of the reputation some audio shops and guitar shops carry them these days. It comes in a plain white cardboard box, with a piece of paper with service shop's name on it. The same piece of paper clearly says that it does NOT come with any warranty. Although the spec looks a lot like V6 (don't know why 7506 has 10-20000Hz freq range in its spec), driver is definitely different. I only have a brief experience with 7506 but 7506 is more mild on highs and muddy overall, I agree with quite a few Japanese who claims 7506 is more musically entertaining than CD900ST. I never listened to 7509 so I can't comment. Besides its detailed sound, it did a good job when used with Digitech BP8 bass pre amp/amp simulator with EQ and octaver effect, where my k271s wimped on extra low frequency.

If the 7506 is mild on the highs compared to the CD900ST, I'm afraid! I wonder how these might perform as DJ monitors in a very loud environment. Any indication of the maximum SPL of these CD900STs? I was thinking of trying Senn HD-25s next but supra-aural bugs me...

 

[Psyence]

Im currently in Tokyo on business, and i spent 3 hours in Yobobashi camera in Akiharbara, i had a very though time choosing between the 7506 and the CD700ST.. In the end i chose the CD700's because of the extended base, and detailed high end...

I also had chance to compare them to Sennheiser HD280 Pro and BeyerDynamic Dt250-80, and in my opinion at least, the CD700s have a much flatter overall sound.

My only complaint, i wish they could fold....

Just my two - pennyies worth....

 

[TheBoss]

the spec/graph for CD-900ST vs 7506 and other sonys
http://www.geocities.jp/ryumatsuba/review.html[


MDR 7506

CD-900 (look, no cave-ins at 200-300hz range compare to 7506!)

MDR Z900 (equivalent to MDR 7509)

MDR 7509 HD (equivalent to Z900HD)

Notes:

Looking at those graphs, looks like the CD-900ST would be on my next list. It looks like an improved version of 7506sl

I love the graphs on the 7509. I own 7509 (non HD) and 7506. The bass for the 7509 sucks! I expected the 7509s to have the same TIGHT bass as the 7506. There's no doubt that the 7509 drivers are SUPERIOR to 7506. The problem I think that I see with the 7509s is the POOR housing of the 50mm drivers. It's feels cheap and not as solid as 7506 housing. Give the 7509's housing the hardness of 7506's and I think it will be unbeatable.

 

[Philco]

These graphs show exactly why the 7506 and 7509HD sound bad.

I loved my 7509 when I had them, even though the bass had no extension below 50 Hz, the remaining spectrum was excellent.

 

[TheBoss]

Now i wonder if Beyerdynamic DT 250 pads will also fit the CD 900ST

 

[mobbaddict]

Does anybody speak Japanese here?
http://nandaka.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/22_lo.jpg
The graph looks very interesting... i only know the notes in the left down corner are related to classic, jazz, rock and pop.

 

[kool bubba ice]

I need to compare the 900ST to my DT48.. Might be a good contrast.

 

[mobbaddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool bubba ice /img/forum/go_quote.gif I need to compare the 900ST to my DT48.. Might be a good contrast.

I've asked for the translation on a Japanese forum, i'm waiting for a reply.
They also reviewed the Victor HP M1000 which is supposed to compete the DT880s according to a few feedbacks here
http://nandaka.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/18_lo.jpg
The Sony seems to win hands down...

 

[kool bubba ice]

Ugh.......... Must resist.

 

[mobbaddict]

I may pull the trigger very soon but Takashi's review makes me doubt.
They're usually described as super neutral and anti-bright...