Sony MDR-V600 Studio Monitor Series Headphones with Circum-Aural Earcup Design Reviews

• Directly comparable to Sony 7506

  
  By A1WKVJZ5V4L08N on 2003-03-12
  These headphones are almost indistinguishable from the Sony 7506 model, which may well be the most popular headphones in American recording studios. I have both. I think the V600s are lighter weight, so a little more comfy for long sessions, or wearing all day in an office or something.

  The cord attached to only one side is great. The phones "seal up" really well, with a true closed-back design. If you squeeze the cups shut together, you can just barely hear them, even if it's cranked up to bust your eardrums. This, in spite of the fact that they are plastic. You CANNOT hear the outside world when these phones are at normal levels. When they're cranked up, somebody could be shouting in your face, and you'd think they were lip-syncing.

  Besides being well-sealed, and loud, these phones give a big, smooth sound that won't give you a headache or have you wondering what you're missing. As another reviewer mentioned, they're very efficient, producing a ton of volume with very little power - and it's volume you can stand, unlike lesser models that will hurt your ears at similar decibel levels.

  If you're looking for the pro version - it's the 7506, and only available at musical/recording outlets. Here, all you have to do is click that button, and soon you'll be listening to headphones that I'd buy again and again if I lost or destroyed them...
  
  

• Comfortable for hours

  
  By AQSNJ8HQ3WHMS on 2003-11-24
  I use these at work when I'm busy and need to concentrate. I work in a cubicle with people who like to laugh and joke LOUDLY. That's great, except when I have a deadline. I put these on and listen to a CD or the radio, and it shuts out the noise to the point where I can actually get some work done. I think the sound quality is great. The coiled cord is about 5 feet long or so and stretches out nicely. Sony's page says the cord is 9.8 feet long, extended. It allows me to move about a small area in my cubicle without it getting tangled. They are the only headphones I've been able to wear all day long without hurting my head. I'd buy them again, especially at this price.
  
  

• Sony MDR-V600 does not equal MDR-V6

  
  By A2MTU2IXXZ35ZF on 2005-05-07
  I reckon about half of these reviews were meant for the MDR-V6, based people's description. The MDR-V6 is the one that is comparable to the mdr-7506, NOT the v600. If it werent for the blue "professional" sticker on the mdr-7506, most people would never know the difference between it and the v6.
  
  And for the record the MDR-v600 is much bigger and bulkier than both the V6 and the mdr-7502. While it uses similar drivers, It has a huge earcup and large foam paddings that color the sound. Most noticeable is overbearing amount of bass this thing gives out, which drowns out the mids. This would account for some of muddiness that other reviewers have described. So how this headphone got to be called studio monitors is beyond me. This headphone is more like a pair of v6 that was modified to meet the mainstream demands of bassheads. Whreas v6 was half metal/half plastic, the v600 is all plastic.
  
  If you want accurate sound, stick with the tried and true Sony models such as the v6 or 7502.
  
  

• Absolutely wonderful.

  
  By on 1999-11-16
  I have used these headphones for over 10 years with complete satisfaction in performance and durability. They have handled all types of music and movies at nearly all levels of volume. The only drawback would be if you bust'em they are not fixable for less than a replacement.
  
  

• Get the Sony MDR-V6 headphones if you want accurate sounds

  
  By A3SOURAY5OD6Z5 on 2004-03-10
  After owning these headphones for over 6 months I can tell you that they just don't compare at all to the Sony MDR-V6 model. The overall sound quality is muddy, flat, and lifeless. The bass tone these cans produce is more of an upper mid-bass rather than a smooth, tight, and deep bass. The mid-range sounds are muddy and offer very little ambient presence to the sound. Highs are more harsh sounding rather than clean and precise. If you're buying these mainly to listen to music I'd suggest you look elsewhere as these sound pretty bad. I currently use the Sony V6s (not the V600s) for listening to music and some studio work and the difference between them is quite dramatic.

  The build quality and comfort of the Sony MDR-V600 is about all that is good about them. But, if you want something that sounds accurate for studio monitoring than get the classic Sony MDR-V6 model (many studios and radio stations use the Sony MDR-V6 or the Sony MDR-7506 headphones for monitoring sound). They fold up just like the MDR-V600s and are just as comfortable.

  If sound quality is important to you then avoid the Sony MDR-V600 headphones like the plague. They're horrible.
  
  

• Awful. Just awful.
  By A1MRERC88FV5VN on 2006-05-25
  I do not know how the MDR-V600's have managed to get 4½ stars from people who actually use them.
  
  I bought a pair a few years ago, when my old pair of MDR-V6's decided they'd had enough. I logically thought that the MDR-V600's would be the natural replacement. Man, was I wrong. Compared to the V6's, the sound of the V600's is absoutely awful. Midrange is pure tin, and low-end is pure mud. Not only that, the phones themselves are awkwardly big and clunky.
  
  I immediately went out and bought two more pairs of MDR-V6's, the best headphones I've ever used (and I've used many). The V6's are comfortable for long-term wear. and the sound is, in my opinion, without flaw.
  
  If you're looking for a good pair of headphones, then I implore you to steer clear of the MDR-V600's, and go right for a pair of MDR-V6's! Their model numbers may be similar but they are at opposite ends of the quality scale. You will not be sorry with a pair of V6's.
  
  
• honk, honk, here come the 600's (Sony, not Sennheiser)
  By on 2001-01-29
  I used to own these headphones, and I thought I liked them at first. But after I listened to better headphones, I now realize that the Sony MDR-V600 is very disappointing. The V600 lists for ..., and costs ... at a typical electronics superstore - but performs like a much cheaper headphone. Its bass is loud but not particularly deep; the mids suffer from hollow and muddying "ringing"; the highs are OK but lack detail. It's a shame that the Sony V600 is a totally botched attempt at designing a consumer version of the "professional" MDR-7506 headphones; as it uses similar transducers to the 7506 but tweaked to fit into a much larger and heavier shell. As a result, because the V600's transducers had been mismatched to their earcup size, the V600 sounds flat and lifeless.

  If you must buy Sony in this price range, I recommend the MDR-CD580 rather than the MDR-V600; otherwise, you will find way better choices in other brands.
  
  

• REAL LIFE STUDIO MONITOR HEADPHONES.
  By A1FOMU7HGLKM7Y on 2000-11-06
  I have owned this exact pair for several years. MDR-V600's are constructed very well. They fit tightly on your head. They completely cover your ears. I have missed many phone calls with these on. The sound quality is very natural and uncolored. They have the ability to reproduce lower frequencies than my 15 inch woofers in my car. You lose your sense of reality with these headphones on. They are very close to perfect when listening to your favorite music. Try listening to them while watching a movie through your receiver. WOW! Amazing detail and you don't miss any dialogue. My only quibble would be that the foam surround will come loose after a couple years of continous use. Otherwise, an excellent product!
  
  
• Re-define your music experience
  By ARS1S6M0OTLPV on 2003-03-01
  With an extensive collection of music CDs, why did I ever trust my favorite tunes to a cheap pair of mediocre headphones?

  Well, no more. I recently upgraded to Sony MDR-V600 headphones. For what seems like the first time ever, I am able to distinguish the faintest melodies of individual instruments within my most beloved songs. Songs I have heard hundreds of times sound like new with these headphones.

  For someone who depends almost exclusively on headphones for listening to music, the Sony MDR-V600 headphones are an absolute necessity. They are solid and well constructed, but not heavy. The headband and earcups are generously padded with a soft, smooth synthetic material (durable enough for frequent use, but not rugged). The fit is snug, not tight (and this from someone who has trouble finding baseball caps that fit). The earcups cover your ears and effectively filter out most background noise (leaving just you and your music). The cord extends from the left earcup only (much better than a Y cord) and is conveniently coiled, so it stretches when needed without dangling loosely about (unlike a straight cord which ends up stepped on or snagged most of the time).

  As a bonus, the headphones collapse (with the headband wrapped around the earcups) and fit into a small synthetic pouch (included) for added portability.

  Overall, the Sony MDR-V600 headphones are an outstanding value offering a balance of performance and price - a smart buy for any music enthusiast on a modest budget.
  
  

• A Professional's Choice
  By A1GZ011BHRNDIX on 2006-11-10
  I have worked in radio for well over 30 years now and have used many well-known brands of headphones--Koss, Sennheiser, AKG--but none have pleased me more than Sony's MDR-V600. This product embodies everything I most desire in a headphone: a comfortable closed-ear style, essential for me to prevent microphone feedback; easily-adjustable headband; a coiled cord to keep it off the ground (and not stepped on!); a carrying case that keeps them neatly packed away and easily accessible; a 1/4" adapter that lets me use either a standard headphone jack or miniplug jack for an mp3 player. Then there's the sound: rich and full with excellent high-frequency response. The only reason I can't personally give these headphones 5 stars is that they eventually break--typically the hinges that fold the earcups into storage position. However, when you consider that they are worn up to 30 hours a week, and then constantly put on and taken off, it's probably a miracle that they last as long as they do. If you're a fan of open-air styles, this is NOT the headphone for you. But if you do like a closed-ear style, there is likely no better product for the money.
  
  
• WHOA! Definitely NOT close to the MDR-7506 or MDR-V6!!
  By A1L4X5WXISICFR on 2005-12-16
  MDR-V6, MDR-7506, MDR-V600, MDR-EX71SL: I own all of these headphones, and I have to say that my 19 year old pair of Sony MDR-V6's, and especially my newer MDR-7506's, blow these MDR-V600's out of the water. While arguably a bit more comfortable for LONG sessions, the MDR-V600's sound thin and cold compared to the MDR-7506's. I gave my MDR-V600's away because I was even more disappointed with them once I bought the MDR-7506's. Kids, save your milk money for another week or two and buy some cans that are audiophile quality - the MDR-7506's. I have had mine for 5 years or so, and just recently replaced the ear-pads with Beyerdynamic velour pads and MAN oh MAN - the sound gets even better and the cans just got WAAAY more comfortable. Buyer take note - do some reading on the "can" web sites and steer yourself towards a better Sony product than the mediocre MDR-V600's. Your ears will thank you, and you'll thank amazon.com for getting the MDR-7506's to you in record time. (NOTE: If you need something lighter and portable and it HAS to be Sony, try the MDR-EX71SL's - they sound decent, but they've had cord quality issues...)
  
  
• Awesome cans for under $100.
  By A7622O7NIVYNF on 2005-12-23
  These are some great headphones. I've had mine for a few days now, and have just about broken then in. The comfort is superb, every part of these cans that touch your head is padded in a comfy pleather wrapping. I really like this as opposed to the foam that other headphones have for padding. I find that to get hot and itchy, and if you're walking or jogging with them on, the sweat can cause very ugly stains akin to bleaching colored clothes.
  
  The one-sided cord is wonderful. The cord is coiled like a telephone wire and doesn't lay all over your floor as others of similar legnth might. But if you need to walk a bit away, it expands to accomodate several feet easily. These headphones do wrap up, but as anyone will tell you, full-sized headphones don't exactly collapse into earbuds. If you're looking for something you can comfortably stash into your pocket, these aren't for you.
  
  On that note, you can't expect the noise isolation or sound quailty that full-sized headphones provide from anything lesser. The sound quality is very good, but I find that the highs tend to shine a littler brighter than the lows. This is personal preference, but when I'm listening to very bass driven music I wish there was a little bit more punch down there. If you were to upgrade to these from cheaper headphones, you'll find yourself being able to pick up each instrument without trying and much more overall clarity, along with louder volumes at lower powers. Also, since these are 40 mm drivers and have a low impedance (45 ohms) they can easily be driven from a mobile device.
  
  My only gripe is that they tend to slip off your head quite easily. If you're laying down listening to some tunes and suddenly get up, you'll find your headphones still on your pillow. These headphones also provide great noise isolation. Put them on and try eating some toast or crackers and you'll see what I mean. This can be good and bad. Good being that annoying person next to you on the plane won't be audible. Bad being if that annoying person next to you on the plane is a relative.
  
  I've owned several headphones over the years, including several Sonys, Sennheisers, Koss and noise-cancelling Aiwa's, and these blow the cheaper ones out of the water, and stand toe to toe with others of the same cost and higher. Would strongly recommend to those who listen to all types of music, but if you're an R&B or rap enthusiast who thrives off deep bass, you may be looking for a bit more.
  
  
• Useful Reference Work
  By A6FIAB28IS79 on 2004-05-17
  Headphones are highly personal devices, so don't be surprised to see wide variances of opinion. In fact, I have yet to discover an "all-purpose" pair. Imagine an equalizer board with 8-16 slider switches adjustable in any number of configurations. Boost the treble and upper mid-range while cutting back on the bass and you have the Panasonic 850's, which are perfect for concentrating on Ella's voice or Tony Williams' ride cymbal but not on Nelson Riddle's orchestral arrangements or Ray Brown's bass.

  The Sony MDR-V600's may be as close to a "universal," accurate set of headphones as you can get for under a hundred and fifty. Compared to my MDR-6's, which my son "borrowed," they're more comfortable and the sound is more "flat" (i.e. accurate, faithful, undoctored). If your tastes extend beyond contemporary pop and you're serious about sound "fidelity," beware of those "DJ" models, with the bass boost, brain-shaker and virtual-reality features. And as a previous reviewer has pointed out, this model is identical with the higher-priced "professional" phones Sony is listing as model 7506. Perhaps Sony plans to make the 700's the only available models (call it "cost-effective marketing), because there are currently some great deals on the MDR-V600's.

  My only "complaint" is the extreme degree to which the V600's seal off all outside sound, making me feel like I'm trapped in a cocoon (they're ideal for anti-social or solipsist personalities). These phones are a pleasure now and then, but I'm still happy with my Sennheiser PX-100's for 80% of my listening.
  
  

• The Best
  By A1CLS326NEN86Y on 2004-09-30
  These are the best headphones I've ever owned. I recently purchased a replacement pair, as my original set died after 6 years of intensive use. They were repeatedly abused, shoved in and out of my bag and under seats on airplanes and generally not treated very well. They have stood the test of time and really performed well.
  
  I am a designer and I wear headphones all day long at work so comfort is imperative. While these headphones are large, they are extremely comfortable and block out my obnoxious coworkers.
  
  While the earpads will wear away in time as they did with my old set, the comfort and quality is not compromised. I have purchased these as gifts for fellow music lovers and twice now for myself. I couldn't recommend them enough.
  
  
• Solid sound quality.
  By A1ORUKLNQ2YN45 on 2004-02-29
  The high frequency sounds (treble) are very clear and crisp.

  The low frequency sounds (bass) are very strong.

  The mid range (... vocals?) are somewhat lacking. This is where the sound seems to break up.

  When I first picked these headphones up for a monstrous $120 I was highly highly disappointed in the sound quality. I find that after leaving them plugged into a stereo at high volume for three days or more will properly 'break them in'. After doing this the quality of overall sound quadrupled and made me feel a bit better about my purchase.

  All in all, this set is very nice, but I don't think these headphones are worth more than about $80.

  Good things: Extremely long cord. They fold up pretty nice.

  Bad things: They are somewhat heavy, so a small head or neck ache is almost certain after a couple hours of wear. The cups don't do all that great of a job of drowning outside noise. I could still hear my computer fan with them on.. but of course turning up the music will keep me from hearing that.

  There are better headphones out there, but these are good enough if you can find them on sale.
  
  

• Great headpones, but there are better out there
  By AXZ8ER8XBUNRQ on 2005-06-18
  I purchased a pair of the MDR v-600's and to be quite honest my first impression of them was that they were fabulous. A wonderful pair of headphones given their price. The sound was crisp and clear. But after wearing them for some time, my ears began to hurt. I tend to have very sensitive ears. Although, they sounded great, I couldn't wear them for too long as it hurt. I wanted a pair of circum-aural headphones because I wanted to not only block out outside noises, but I also thought they'd be more comfortable.
  
  I returned the headphones and continued my quest. After hours upon hours of reasearching other peoples' reviews, I came across the Sony MDR V6's. They seemed to receive only positive reviews and were not much more expensive than the v-600's.
  
  I bought the v-6's and I couldn't be happier. I won't go into details here, as this review is for the 600's.
  
  I would recommend either the v-600's or especially the v-6's. If you tend to have overly sensitive ears though, be careful with the 600's as they caused me pain after about an hour of usage. Also, I wanted a pair that would fit under my welding helmet, which the v-6's do, while the v-600's do not.
  
  If you can spare a few extra dollars, the v-6's are worth it. Otherwise, the v-600's are a great pair of headpones, just be careful if you have sensitive ears.
  
  
• great headphones for a great price!
  By A1C2BE57W5MBR1 on 2006-04-15
  Now, i've been reading the reviews by a lot of the folks on here. It seems that some people will just never be fully satisfied with any type of audio device. You hear things like "I broke out my audio inducing wave enhancement reader and took a treble reading and learned that these are .009 freqency modulations below my model 123-XYZ headphones." And how is a review like this going to help me when i want to buy some great sounding headphones for my own personal use? Some people thrive on finding the teeniest most insignificant issue with something as simple as a great sounding pair of headphones... they'll never be satisifed with anything on the market no matter what. Ahhh... to be so self rightous and yet not be employed by anyone who actually creates quality products like these headphones.
  
  Now, i'm an average guy who recognizes a great pair of headphones when i hold them in my hands and listen to them. These headphones are fantastic in all the ways you'd like headphones to be. For starters, they're quite lightweight and fit very comfortably. The earpieces are soft and flexible to your ear which will give you plenty of comfort on those long flights or roadtrips.
  
  The sound is great! Deep bass and sharp clear treble with the mids right where you'd like them. Of course this is all based on how you like to set your EQ when you listen, but that's all up to the individual. No matter how you like to listen to your music, i don't think you could ever go wrong with these. I have had my pair for 3 years now and they still sound as great as the day i bought them! I had considered buying a pair of Bose TriPort headphones or these and after comparing price and sound, in my opinion these sounded just as good and were priced less so it was really a no brainer. I use these with my Creative Zen Vision M mp3 player and my portable dvd player on long flights and I'm just amazed with them!
  
  If you're going to buy headphones just to take frequency measurements and sample bit rates... you'll never find a pair of headphones that truly meet your "standards". For those of us not living in la-la land, give these a shot, you'll really be glad you did!
  
  
• Great long lasting sound
  By A2UFIA4Z20Y60D on 2005-11-30
  I was in the market for a pair of high quality studio headphones 10 years ago. I bought a pair of MDR-V600 headphones primarily because I worked for Sony and got a great discount.
  
  For the past 10 years they have provided consistent quality sound on airplanes, in the recording studio and at home -- and they are still working famously.
  
  Shortly after purchasing mine, I visited my folks and my father (another audiophile) was so impressed with their sound that I bought him a pair.
  
  Now, nearly ten years later, my boyfriend is asking for a pair of high quality studio headphones for Christmas. I'll give you one guess as to what pair he will be unwrapping on the 25th.
  
  One small warning -- if you are looking for a pair of folding headphones that are very compact when folded, there are not the pair for you. While the earcups collapse inside the headband, they are still somewhat bulky. Of course, no truly, high quality studio headphones of this style (circum-aural ear cups, padded headband) will collapse to a tiny or compact size. I tend to fold the earcups in and then wrap the cord around the base of the earcups to keep the headphones securely folded. Probably not the best treatment for the cord, but they still work like new even with my regular abuse.
  
  4-1/2 stars.
  
  
• Great for just about everything
  By AT2BYFEVLVITT on 2000-05-19
  These headphones are terrific. I use them all the time for listening to music and watching movies. I have had them for a few years now, and they still work just as good as the day i bought them. They have a nice long cord, so you don't have to sit close to your receiver or dvd player. If you are looking for a set of headphones, these are one of the best for its price range.
  
  
• Portable but with good sound quality
  By A1VFRU7XPMQ0RI on 2000-06-05
  "Studio Monitor Series Headphones incorporates state-of-the art engineering design to produce excellent sound quality and wearing comfort to accommodate high end consumer or professional applications."

  I think that the producer is right; add the portability and you get the best possible headphones to use with your laptop as you travel on business. You do not have to compromise the sound quality being constrained by the fact that you have no space in your bag for the typical good quality full size headphones. I have bought the set on the return policy but definitely will keep them. So will you.
  
  

• Amazing Headphones
  By A1ART5LIGLOVZO on 2005-11-09
  I have been asking for Earcup headphones because I wanted to get rid of some crappy earbud headphones I was using to listen to my music from my computer (I prefer not to use a CD player, and I feel stereos are unnecessary when your computer works just as well as one), so one day my dad suprised me with these headphones. I was suggesting something from the 70-100 dollar range, but instead I got these, and I have never been happier!
  
  Okay, so, these aren't top notch, top of the line headphones, and these are not the best Sony headphones, but they are way above average in my opinion. The sound is flawless, and is crystal clear, I don't know what the one star reviewers were talking about. The bass, treble, balance, everything, all clear. Even vintage 70's CD's sound considerably better than they ever have.
  
  The noice canceling feature is also great. I often have trouble hearing anything with my music playing, even when someone is screaming at me.
  
  But my most favorite feature about these headphones-the comfort. These are the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn, hands down. I once wore these headphones for 5 hours without ever feeling like I needed to take them off to rest my ears. However, if you do wear you headphones for that long, your ears will get sweaty. But I don't see that as a very big deal.
  
  The case that comes with the headphones is pretty convenient when traveling, but its a very tight fit, and you practically have to force the wire in the case, often tangling them up.
  
  Pros:
  -Incredibly comfortable fit
  -Sound is crystal clear
  -Has the noise-cancelling feature
  -Makes old CD's sound much better
  -Convenient leather carrying case
  
  Cons:
  -Headphones fit inside the carrying case rather tightly
  -Ears get sweaty over long periods of wear
  -Fall off easily
  -Wires get tangled up pretty easily
  -A bit too pricey for the quality
  
  Overall: Great headphones with awesome sound quality. Good for the casual to more serious listener. Not the best, but I would recommend it.
  
  
• I Love These Headphones!
  By AUN2AXJC45EPY on 2005-12-23
  I'm no perfessional sound dude--not a DJ, nor audio gearhead. I'm just a guy. A guy who sometimes comes in from a hard day on the job and wants to have a beer, take an Advil, and relax into some soothing music. But I've got kids and a wife and they're constantly blabbing, yatta yatta, rackety rackety clang boom bam, you know the drill. Tell you what--I slip these babies on, so comfortable, adjust the earpieces, turn on some George Winston, and decompress from the stresses of the day. These headphones do a fine job of muffling outside noise, give a really nice sound, and are extremely comfortable to wear, all at an excellent price-point that the average guy can afford. I'd buy 'em again, that's about as good a thing as you can say about a thing, right?
  
  
• Worth the Price
  By A2HTDM23NJA2AC on 2004-11-29
  I am a freak about sound quality (I have perfect pitch) and these are the only headphones I have found that don't drive me crazy. The pitch range goes very high and the bass is present without being overwhelming.
  
  
• if you're looking for accurate sound...
  By A2CH2WDQWY1M65 on 2005-10-04
  this is excellent sound at a great value. i actually use these headphones for mastering tracks... it would take thousands of dollars in amps and studio monitor speakers to get accurate sound representation like this.
  
  Pros: sound, price, leather bag, screw on plug adapter
  Cons: heavy on your head, require a lot of power to really knock
  
  (and since a good of half of people reading this have an ipod, yes i did try them with mine... it has enough power to drive them pretty well, definitely a useable combo.
  
  
• Better than the husband's 7506 model
  By A14OBF9F7VEOI1 on 2006-03-22
  I work in the A/V field. I wanted some "pro" headphones to wear at home for personal projects, and for my iPod. I decided to get these because I heard that they sounded good and were comfortable.
  
  After they arrived, I compared them to my husband's 7506 model and these really sounded great. The 7506s sound good too, but they aren't nearly as comfortable. These have a "richer" sound to them, I feel like I'm getting more out of these than the 7506s. I don't have to turn the volume up very much to get great sound out of these. They're great!
  
  
• Not the greatest
  By AMP9L6SH6F5JH on 2001-01-08
  I bought these to replace my worn out Sony MDRV6 headphones. Big mistake. These Sony MDRV600 have too much low frequency bass. After a couple minutes with them on, I felt like my ear drums were going to start bleeding from that bass. You'll need an equalizer to use these headphones.
  
  
• Decent but Not Flawless
  By A1GI88KEK6M63M on 2004-04-13
  These headphones produce good sound and are comfortable for long stints (12-hour paper-wrting marathons, anyone?). However, two things bother me about them. First of all, they produce a lot of static when not playing anything -- since this static does not come out of my Klipsch ProMedia 5.1s, I have to attribute it to the headphone electronics. And secondly, although I have only had them for a bit more than a year, the right earpad is already coming apart, which gives me doubts about long-term durability. A lesser problem is that they are hard to transport because of their size, but they keep out plane noise so well that I can't really complain that much. Overall, I give them an A- for sound quality, an A+ for comfort, and a C for durability.
  
  
• I love these things.
  By A3PH8X6N66K228 on 2005-10-15
  I've had my pair of V600's for at least 7 years and they still sound great. There is a bit of wear and tear, i take good care of my things. They were with me on many outings including packing them accross europe and they have held up. the thin black stuff has peeled off a bit, but it does not affect sound quality or comfort.
  
  so lets see, 7 years at $70. At $10 a year, I am very happy with this purchase.
  
  
• FORGET BOSE! ITS ALL ABOUT THE SONY
  By A2V7UA8F2FV3K3 on 2006-03-18
  I'm a college student and my roomate had a pair of these spectacular headphones sitting on his desk. I decided to sneak a try at them, so I plugged it into my iPod and the sound was AMAZING. The cup design was the most comfortable I have ever felt and I felt as if I could wear them for hours. I would recommend these even more than the Bose Triports because first of all the price for the MDR V600 is a LOT more inexpensive than the Bose and second of all the Bose cord is very thin and rips easily (my friend had them, keyword: had). However, the cord for the Sony is single sided and coiled and most of all: thicker.
  To a certain extent, you can almost consider this pair of headphones as a noise cancellation one! If you were to turn up the volume up to a certain threshold, you can't hear anything from the oustide! Believe me, I have been scared a lot of times from people just walking up behind me.
  For you gamers and movie-goers out there, the MDR V600 is sufficient to more than enough. Great sound quality and great comfort that will be able to stay on your head for hours. For 70 dollars? WHY NOT? I have had mine for about 5 months now and trust me, it is a good investment. It even comes with a stylish black carrying case and Amazon is fast on delivery, as usual!
  
  
• Not such a great value
  By A3AMBPQNVZACQU on 2006-10-19
  
  Just replacing earpads on both an old pair of PRO60's and MDR-V600's - I listened to both before ordering (although only $5 delivered for PRO60 pads and $40 for Sony pads - yikes!) and the MDR-V600's just don't sound half as good - kind of hollow - good highs (which is bad if the middle is missing), nothing in the middle, not much lows ("bass"). I appreciate good sound and am pretty picky - high end Onkyo receiver, Mission and Wharfedale speakers, etc. And price isn't everything (some of the best sound I've ever heard is from an old JC Penney receiver (made by Technics) on some old Realistic speakers!). But these are no bargain. I'm not spending $40 to replace these earpads! LOVE the PRO60's though!!
  
  

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