Sony MDR-XB500

5.0 (3)

2 Reviews

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4 saved

Page last updated Aug 14, 2025

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Description

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Ideal for audiophiles and musicians alike, the Sony MDR-XB500 headphones deliver a powerful and immersive audio experience. These over-ear headphones are designed to enhance the listening experience with their extra bass technology, ensuring deep, resonant sound that brings music to life. Whether you're in the studio or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, the MDR-XB500 provides a rich soundscape that captures every detail.

The MDR-XB500 features a closed-back design that effectively isolates external noise, allowing you to focus on the music without distractions. The headphones are equipped with soft, padded ear cushions that ensure comfort during extended listening sessions. The adjustable headband provides a custom fit, making these headphones suitable for a variety of head sizes.

With a robust frequency response range, the Sony MDR-XB500 can handle everything from thundering lows to delicate highs. Its powerful neodymium drivers deliver precise audio reproduction, making these headphones a great choice for critical listening and production work.

Key Features:

Extra Bass Technology for enhanced low-frequency response
Closed-back design for noise isolation
Soft, padded ear cushions for extended comfort
Adjustable headband for a personalized fit
Robust frequency response for a wide range of audio
Neodymium drivers for precise sound reproduction
Ideal for studio and casual listening environments

Videos

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Snazzy Labs

Sony MDR-XB500 Headphones Review

Snazzy Labs

Sony MDR-XB300, MDR-XB500, and MDR-XB700 Extra Bass Headphone Review

InnerFidelity

Bose AE2 vs Sony MDR-10R vs MDR-XB950 vs MDR-XB500

Arthur R

The BEST Extra Bass Headphones: Sony MDR-XB500

Arthur R

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sony MDR-XB500.

Build quality

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Some owners report the ear pads flake and leave black specks, indicating a potential need for replacement pads over time.
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Some owners mention the gold plating on the jack wears off over time, impacting the visual appeal but not the functionality.
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Setup and maintenance

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The aux cable is prone to failure, requiring specific bending to maintain a connection.
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User experience

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The headphones are described as feeling like "two little clouds" on the ears, emphasizing their comfort despite wear issues.
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Owners have successfully EQ'd these headphones to achieve a more balanced tuning, proving their versatility beyond bass-heavy music.
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Comparisons

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Mids and highs are competitive and comparable to the Koss Porta Pro headphones, known for their balanced sound signature.
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The Sony MDR-XB500 is rated a 9.5/10 for bass compared to the Meze Classic 99's 6.5/10 and Beyerdynamic DT770's 7.5/10.
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Use cases and applications

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These headphones are particularly favored for bass-heavy genres like dubstep, enhancing the listening experience with pronounced bass effects.
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The MDR-XB500 excels in metal music genres, delivering smooth yet punchy bass without high-end discomfort.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacement pads are available on Aliexpress, but they may alter the sound profile by reducing mids and highs.
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Features and functionality

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These headphones have a sound profile that is brighter than the Meze Classic 99's but not as bright as the Beyerdynamic DT770.
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Value and pricing

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One buyer found the Sony MDR-XB500 at a thrift store for $7, highlighting potential for great value finds.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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soloprosquad

over 10 years ago

Utter Fun

Want to enjoy making your music? Want to feel the bass? These phones are great....better than the Beats by Dre. Look it up for yourself. I've had these for about 4 years now....price has sky-rocketed now, but still worth the price if you can find them.