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Average Price: $180

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$301+

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Description

Step into the world of precise audio with the Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones. A trusted choice for both professionals and audiophiles alike, these headphones are renowned for their exceptional clarity and accuracy. Designed originally for studio use, they offer an uncolored sound that ensures your mixes are as true to the source as possible. Whether you're recording, mixing, or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, the MDR-CD900ST delivers a balanced soundstage that lets you hear every detail.

With their closed-back design, these headphones provide excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for environments where concentration is key. The comfort factor is not left behind; the headphones feature plush ear pads and an adjustable headband for long sessions without discomfort. Their robust build ensures they can withstand the rigors of the studio, yet they're lightweight enough for daily use.

The Sony MDR-CD900ST is a staple in the Japanese music industry, often seen in top studios, and now, you can bring that same professional quality to your own setup.

Key Features:

  • Closed-back design for superior noise isolation
  • Accurate and uncolored sound ideal for studio use
  • Comfortable ear pads and adjustable headband for extended use
  • Durable construction suitable for professional environments
  • Trusted by professionals in the audio industry
Z Reviews

Z Reviews

Sony MDR-CD900st _(Z Reviews)_ G O D Z I L L A 🐲

Video thumbnail for Sony MDR-CD900st _(Z Reviews)_ G O D Z I L L A 🐲 by Z Reviews

Sony MDR-CD900st _(Z Reviews)_ G O D Z I L L A 🐲

Z Reviews

Z Reviews

Video thumbnail for "First Look" Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones unboxing by Hi-Fi Insider

"First Look" Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones unboxing

Hi-Fi Insider

Hi-Fi Insider

Video thumbnail for Sony MDR-CD900ST - Studio and Pleasure Approved by the Honest Audiophile

Sony MDR-CD900ST - Studio and Pleasure Approved

the Honest Audiophile

the Honest Audiophile

Video thumbnail for Sony MDR-CD900ST by EJ22

Sony MDR-CD900ST

EJ22

EJ22

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones.

Comparisons

  • The AKG K371 is noted for better sound and ergonomics compared to the MDR-CD900ST, despite having less "cool factor."

    Source
  • Owners report the CD900ST offers a more present and fuller vocal sound compared to the MDR-7506, enhancing the listening experience for vocal-centric tracks.

    Source
  • The CD900ST is frequently compared favorably to the MDR-M1ST, with users suggesting the CD900ST is more popular and better received despite being older.

    Source
  • Users express a preference for MDR-CD900ST over Sennheiser 6xx, DT 770, and DT 990 for a more satisfying vocal performance.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the MDR-CD900ST uncomfortable with shallow ear pads and poor noise isolation, making it less ideal for extended listening sessions.

    Source
  • It's noted that CD900ST headphones have small and thin earpads, which may affect comfort during prolonged use, similar to user experiences with other models.

    Source
  • Owners often choose not to use EQ, finding the natural sound profile of the MDR-CD900ST sufficient for most listening scenarios.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While praised for studio accuracy in mixing and mastering, the MDR-CD900ST may not impress for casual listening due to its flat sound profile.

    Source
  • MDR-CD900ST headphones excel in delivering natural and beautiful vocal reproduction, making them ideal for vocal-centric music tracks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MDR-CD900ST comes with a long, nondetachable cable, which may be inconvenient for some users seeking portability or flexibility.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Yaxi pads are popular for enhancing comfort and aesthetics, especially in blue and red, while maintaining sound measurement integrity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Impressions of the Sony MDR-CD900ST

audiodiscourse.com

The Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones, while not widely known outside Japan, offer a comfortable fit despite their thin pads and on-ear design. They deliver a mid-range-focused sound with rolled-off bass and recessed treble, making them suitable for vocal-centric music without fatigue. However, their soundstage is shallow, and channel variance in the bass region may be an issue for some. At $200, they offer a pleasant listening experience but may not satisfy those seeking a more open or dynamic sound. For those prioritizing vocals and comfort in closed-back headphones, they could be a reasonable choice.

Sony MDR-CD900ST Japan Headphone Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

audiosciencereview.com

The Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones are a challenging listen, with a sound profile that borders on disastrous. Their lack of bass and muffled audio make them a poor choice for high-fidelity experiences. Despite their historical use in studios, the headphones suffer from significant frequency response issues, high distortion, and resonance problems. While equalization somewhat salvages their potential, the performance out of the box is far below acceptable standards, making them hard to recommend. Ideal for niche uses, perhaps, but as general headphones, they fall short. Avoid unless you have time and tools to extensively tweak.

negative

Sony MDR-CD900ST Review: Mixing Superiority Over The 7506? - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones cater to the discerning producer with a taste for neutrality and transparency, offering a balanced sound ideal for mixing. Their honest sound reproduction makes them a great studio tool, though casual listeners might find the lack of bass impact and treble sparkle underwhelming. While comfort is slightly improved over predecessors, long sessions could still lead to discomfort due to shallow ear cups. Build quality is serviceable but outdated, with materials prone to wear over time. Despite these drawbacks, the MDR-CD900ST stands out for its accuracy and is a valuable asset for critical listening in a studio setting.

positive

Sony MDR-CD900ST

headfonia.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Haruomi Hosono uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Haruomi Hosono

Singer, Bassist

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter post by humbert_info, Haruomi Hosono is associated with the Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones during his appearance on the "Daisy Holiday!" radio show on September 11th.

See how Masafumi Takada uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Masafumi Takada

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via goo blog

Masafumi Takada said that he uses various headphones everyday, but the one he mainly uses is the Sony MDR-CD900ST

See how Tate McRae uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Tate McRae

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In episode 497 of THE FIRST TAKE, Tate McRae is visibly using Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones at the 0:12 timestamp during her performance of "greedy."

See how Ado uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Ado

Singer

...
Verified

In this picture Ado posted to Twitter/X, you can see the Audio Interface she is using.

See how Mota Siina uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Mota Siina

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

On both Twitter and Instagram he posted a photo of a shelf with various headphones next to his home studio setup, in a reply on Twitter to someone asking about them he said

“使い分けてますよ〜” (I’m using them interchangeably)

See how Toni Torres uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Toni Torres

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Hctsound

Toni Torres has two Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones in his HCTSOUND studio, as noted by HCTSound. These headphones are exclusively made and sold in Japan.

See how Kan Sano uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Kan Sano

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

This equipment is used in almost every scene of this live.

See how Mana Obata uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Mana Obata

Singer, Keyboardist

CHAI

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by chaiofficialjpn, Mana Obata is shown using the Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones during a recording session for THE FIRST TAKE.

See how Daisuke Hyuga uses Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones

Daisuke Hyuga

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Daisuke Hyuga is pictured using Sony MDR-CD900ST headphones while recording, as seen in a photo on his Instagram account.

Album Usage

The Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sony MDR-CD900ST Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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