Technical Evaluation of Sony MDR-V500DJ Studio Open Air Headphones

The following is a personal review and technical evaluation of the SONY MDR-V700DJ Studio Open Air Headphone.

1.0 OVERALL:
The MDR-V700DJ is a high-quality stereo headphone designed for professionals or people who just want to look like professionals. Its design allows for flexible positioning and off-ear or single sided monitoring, and it is extremely adjustable.



2.0 SPECS:

2.1 HEAD BAND:
The head band is comfortable and cushy. It is thick and it adjusts on both sides using numbered notches to indicate the setting you have it on. This is a nice touch because it allows you to telescope them for storage without having to worry about finding the right fit when you want to use them again. I have hear complaints that the band is not well constructed and that it is made from "glorified foam" but I have yet to experience any problems with it.

2.2 EARPHONES:
The earphones house 50mm drivers which account for a substantial percentage of the headset's overall weight. They use neodymium magnets to produce remarkably clear and LOUD sound. (Really, you could use this headset for a pair of speakers in a pinch.) The fit is snug and soft around the ears. When wearing them, you are deaf to the outside world, with or without the music on. Left and right are indicated visibly.

2.3 ARTICULATING JOINTS:
The joints between the headband and earphones feel sturdy and are easy to manipulate. Perhaps a bit too easy. I end up fumbling with them a bit before finally getting them on sometimes.

2.4 CORD:
The OFC cord is 9.8ft in length and is coiled to just a few feet. Overall there is a 24 Ohm impedence (including connectors and plug).

2.5 PLUG:
Gold stereo UniMatch® plug for phone jacks and minijacks. The adapter screws on.

2.6 BAG:
Cool storage bag. Material looks really neat under blacklight.



3.0 My Opinion:
This is a really great product. Overall it is good looking, functional, and it performs superbly. I have not experienced any problems so far but I do have a few negative remarks.

First, the headphones are a bit uncomfortable for long periods of use. After a few hours, you'll start to feel some ear-numbness.

Second, the high- and mid- range sounds are not as well defined as the bass. However, since all anyone cares about is base nowadays, that works out!

Third, the swiveling joints, while strong, are very loose and it is impossible to put the headphones on with one hand.

Don't, however, let any of this stuff be too strong a deterrent to purchasing a set of these headphones. They are, by far, the best I've owned and I would strongly recommend them to anyone with the means to acquire them.



4.0 OFFICIAL TECH SPECS:
Below, I have included the technical specs as listed on the SONY website:

Designed for professional DJ applications
Swivel earcups
50mm Driver Unit
Closed-Ear Design
Stereo Unimatch Plug
Gold Connectors and OFC Cord
Supplied Soft Case
Headphone type: Dynamic, closed
Driver size: 50mm
Magnet type: Neodymium
Plug type: Gold
Frequency response: 16-22kHz
Impedence: 24 Ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
Power handling: 3000mW
Cord length: 9.8ft.
Weight: 10.6 oz.