Sony's original MDR-7506 model may as well be etched onto the Mount Rushmore of wired studio headphones. The simple black cans with the blue sticker are relatively neutral sounding, built to take a beating, and they're shockingly affordable at only $100 retail. These things have combined to make them a staple of studios around the world for decades. I've been rocking the same pair for about eight years and, other than having to replace the earpads a couple of years back, they're still going strong. What the 7506s are not, however, are premium studio monitors. They're a bang-for-your-buck proposition. Good enough for most situations but often outclassed by more expensive hardware. With the new, $250 MDR-M1, Sony is looking to play at the higher end of the market. These are pro-grade studio headphones through and through, but they borrow heavily from what has made the 7506s so enduring. If you're a musician, audio professional, or just someone looking to get more out of your music,...
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