The Legendary Sony MDR-V6 vs. Sennheiser HD-280 pro (under $100), *** Pictures ***

[Dj_AmTraX]

I wanted to do this short writeup about these two legendary headphones. Both the Sony and Sennheiser are used all over music studios and have been on the market for a long time. This is purely my opinion and impressions on the two. You may agree or disagree with my findings. Both headphones were powered by my Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear amp. This amp is very powerful and has enough power to drive two Sennheiser HD800 simultaneously. The amp is also very neutral so it doesn't add anything to the sound.

Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear:





Both headphones are very well made. I do like the Sony V6 a bit more when it comes to build quality. The cups are covered in aluminum and the leather headband looks nice. The HD280 is all plastic, but the leather is very soft. Both comes with a coiled cord and a screw on 1/4 adaptor.



The ear cups on both are very comfortable. The HD280's bigger ear cups fits tighter with a bit more clamping force. It fits me better than the Sony V6. Both earpads are user replaceable.



Both headphones are closed back design and can be folded up for travel use. The HD280 is a lot bigger and did not come with a travel pouch. The Sony V6 came with a nice leather pouch.





So how do they sound? The Sony is a bit more laid back, but it has a serious spike in the upper mid. Bass is not as strong and forward as the HD280. The HD280 is a very good performer. It's highs are smooth and easy to listen to. The bass is strong and punchy, but not in your face. The HD280 isolate more outside sound than the MDR-V6. When you put the two side by side, IMO, the HD280 is a much better headphones and a steal for $99. The HD280 wins in my book for studio use.

[two dot]

Thanks Mike.

['cisco]

Mike....thanks for the nice review and excellent pics.

[jdandy]

Mike.......I have six pair of the Sennheiser HD280 Pro headphones that I use in the studio. They isolate well, and can be used with open microphines without feedback. They have a smooth and broad frequency range, and can play load without falling apart. For studio headphones, the HD280's are very good. They also stand up to use without falling apart. All six pair of mine are over three years old and still look new, no frayed ear cups, no wire problems, or frayed head bands. The Sennheiser HD280 is a quality headphone.

[Dj_AmTraX]

I am loving these headphones for bedside use. My wifee like it too because she can't hear my music while she watches TV.

[Alberto]

Hi Mike,

I second the recommendation for the Senn HD280 as a low cost headphone. That's what I use in my office all day - with a vintage Pioneer receiver. Decent isolation, good and rich mid-bass and very smooth and forgiving overall.

Alberto