The MDR-V6 headphones were roughly introduced in the early 1980s, and continue to roll off the production line today. The Sony MDR-V6 headphones were superseded in the early 1990s by the Sony MDR-7506 headphones. The MDR-7506 headphones for the absolute most part are identical to the MDR-V6 headphones with the exception of the gold plated 3.5mm headphone connector, and the ear cups feature different colored stickers. The MDR-7506 headphones are marketed slightly different than the MDR-V6 headphones, for the reason that the 7506 headphones are distributed through Sony's professional division, and the V6 through their consumer division. What does this all mean? The MDR-7506 headphones carry a slightly higher price, however it is said which they carry a much better warranty, including better support, parts, and service. The size of production of both of these headphones is really a testament for their popularity, which ultimately could be reduced down to the fact they offer great quality audio at an excellent price point. These headphones are members of Sony's Studio Monitoring series of headphones. These two headphones are extremely popular among professional audio engineers. These headphones are an absolutely closed ear design, also called circum-aural headphones. In addition to providing great audio quality at an affordable price, they're also extremely popular because of the following: fold up to become very compact for traveling, and are very durable. I'm a lover of both these headphone models because they offer great sound at a fair price, travel well, and are very durable. I've never had to send either of the headphones set for warranty, and actually choose the MDR-V6 due to its full metal 3.5mm audio plug housing, whereas the 7506 has a plastic housing (just personal preference). The V6 can be more easily available at stores when it must be replaced in a touch, and can be costing a slightly discounted point. Perhaps if I'd needed seriously to redeem the warranty I will be telling a different story, luckily for me personally that's not happened yet. I discover the audio quality of the headphones to be very good. The bass is quite tight, and punchy, which I appreciate listening to a lot of bass heavy music, but the bass is not overly exaggerated. However monoprice 110010, it should be noted these headphones sound great with most types of music (R&B, rap, electronica, house music). The headphones do struggle only a little with rock (especially live abums), symphony & orchestra tracks. Among the only drawbacks that comes to mind could be the rather small sound-stage of the headphones, which affects these mentioned before genres of music. The mid-range instruments can have a tendency to sound somewhat cluttered, but not unbearably so. Overall great sound quality with a variety of music. These headphones are great for traveling for several reasons. First they fold up to become very compact, which saves space, and they come with a traveling pouch for storage, which will keep them from getting scratched up. They're very durable, and traveling can at times be very difficult on headphones. These headphones are easily driven without an amp, meaning they sound great directly hooked up to your iPod, iPhone, iPad, MP3 player, or other lower powered devices (one less thing to pack). Another area where these headphones excel is in blocking out ambient noise, that will be essential for traveling headphones. The nearly 10 foot cord is spiraled like a telephone cord which makes it ideal for managing the cord length while on the go. Last, being a closed headphone with an excellent seal around your ear, these headphones leak almost no noise; which means you won't be disturbing those around you, all when you can crank the quantity in the event that you desire.