Revisiting the Sony MDR-V6
Sep 1, 2003 at 8:46 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 22

Dusty Chalk

Head-Fi-holic: With headphones would just be a benny.
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So I've recently been traveling quite a bit. Every time I went, I took a different system. The first time I took my Kenwood -- complete overkill, considering how little time I ended up listening. The second trip, I didn't learn my lesson, and since I was going to be there over a weekend, I went all out, took my totable DVD player, Creek headphone amp, Cardas Neutral Ref's, and DT770's. Did a little bit of DVD watching with this setup, and some CD listening, but not enough to justify it. For the most part, it was easier to just hook up the DVD player to the TV and watch it that way. For that matter, I had HBO, so didn't even really need the DVD player that much (I don't watch that many movies, anyway, mostly read books and listen to music -- I could still use the TV for this, as much as the fidelity sucks).

This last (third) trip, my officemate lent me his laptop computer. I had originally planned on using a borrowed CDP, but then my officemate said, "and you can watch DVD's on it, too". So I thought, if I can watch DVD's on it, then I can listen to CD's on it, too. So I ripped several CD's to the hard drive, brought my M-Audio Sonica USB DAC/Headamp, and my Sony MDR-V6's. This ended up being a very nice setup, and I will probably do it again. If I can find a good used Panasonic Toughbook or some other ruggedized notebook/laptop computer, I might even get myself one.

Anyway, my point is, I hadn't listened to the Sony's in a while, and I forgot how good they are. Sure, there's a midrange suckout, but that ends up with an overall "hyped" sound, which, being a rocker, I kind of like.

Anyway, I just wanted to renew my recommendation of this underrated headphone, and mention the overall setup to others who might travel a bit.
 
Sep 1, 2003 at 9:40 PM Post #2 of 22
Yeah, they have unquestionably stood the test of time, and it doesn’t surprise me that guys with big rigs still highly respect them. They certainly have a lot to offer particularly for the money. One of the all time greats!
 
Sep 1, 2003 at 9:55 PM Post #4 of 22
I owned V6s for years...sold em when I first got to Headfi and just recently bought the 7506s....it's like coming back to an old friend.
Like you, I especially like them for portable applications...especially DVD movies.

John
 
Sep 1, 2003 at 11:03 PM Post #6 of 22
I've asked JMT to get me a pair, and send them downunder.
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I should have them in a few weeks.

You can't get them here.
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Sep 1, 2003 at 11:16 PM Post #7 of 22
Quote:

Originally posted by HappymaN
I've asked JMT to get me a pair, and send them downunder.
biggrin.gif
I should have them in a few weeks.

You can't get them here.
frown.gif


You can get the MDR-7506s in at least Melbourne and Brisbane, but they are frightfully expensive - I paid AUS$220.00 for mine if I recall
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Anyhoo, I am sure you will enjoy them
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Sep 2, 2003 at 12:49 AM Post #9 of 22
My Denon cans have a similar frequency balance to the V6, altho the AH-D950 has it the least. It's a sound that I think a lot of people like, particularly with studio-recorded music in general... gives a sense of liveliness, energy and punch to music. Recently it's started to bug me a little after reading about flatness & neutrality on this board and hearing more neutral cans at the recent Seattle meet, but it never did before.
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I'll probably be looking for a new pair of cans soon for classical and acoustic music.

I didn't listen to the V6 long enough to get a good idea how clean the bass is, and whether the highs are ever subject to shrillness. With a curve like that, even a little muddiness/boominess in the bass or shrillness in the highs is a "killer" (for me anyway) as it will overwhelm midrange at higher volumes... people have complained about the bass and highs with the V6, but it could just be they're used to something like the Senn HD-580.
 
Sep 2, 2003 at 3:48 AM Post #10 of 22
Damn, you have just described my home setup. Laptop -> Sonica -> Jung multiloop -> V6s. Too bad the Sonica is so damn slow; I'd love to play some fast-paced games with it.
 
Sep 2, 2003 at 4:28 AM Post #11 of 22
I have the V6 and the 7506. I've had my V6 for about 7-8 years and they still sound awesome. I use mine for DVD watching on my laptop.

Suprisingly, you can still get the V6 for about 70 bucks.
 
Sep 2, 2003 at 4:39 AM Post #12 of 22
Quote:

Originally posted by JMedeiros
I owned V6s for years...sold em when I first got to Headfi and just recently bought the 7506s....it's like coming back to an old friend.
Like you, I especially like them for portable applications...especially DVD movies.

John


Ditto here.

I use them with a portable DVD player, my laptop, with the x-box...
You get the idea.

I really like them for movies.
The dialog comes in clear and with their good bass response the effects come in nice also.
The isolation makes them ideal for late night listening so that I don't disturb the rest of the family.

One of the best $70 I've spent in audio.
 
Sep 2, 2003 at 4:47 AM Post #13 of 22
I just pulled out my 10 year old V6's and was pleasantly surprised how good they still sounded. With rock, they were fun to listen to but somewhat lacking in the midrange with jazz. I can see myself using these more often than I have in the past 5 years.
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Sep 2, 2003 at 5:21 AM Post #14 of 22
I don't use my V6's as much anymore, especially since I got my PX200's for portable use, but I can't bring myself to getting rid of them. They provide a unique sound that I like sometimes, and other times I don't like. If I absolutely have to hear every possible detail on music I am listening to they are the ticket. Or if I just want something more upfront than my Beyers. Their bass is also unlike anything I have ever heard, and is rather fun. Definately the best overall value in the under-$100 category given their versatility.
 
Sep 2, 2003 at 9:52 AM Post #15 of 22
Underratted, Dusty? Though the V6 is a polarizing headphone, I certainly wouldn't call them underrated, especially given their history on this forum. It's not like there's a small underground following for this headphone, it has been a studio standard for years, and many head-fi'ers begin their journey into headphones with the V6.
 

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