@Reply #1 - good point! The MV1 is amazing for soundstage, but if you're worried about that 7506 sharpness, you should really look at the Sony MDR-CD900ST Studio Monitor Headphones. I imported these last year and they're the ultimate flat response secret for dialogue.

• Linear mids: Voices sound incredibly natural.
• Sub-bass accuracy: You'll hear every low-end pop. They're honestly incredible for marathon sessions!

I've been using the Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Studio Monitor Headphones lately and honestly they're a total game changer for long editing days. These are way more comfortable than the closed-back Sony MDR-M1 Reference Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones for marathon sessions. The soundstage is wider so you can hear every detail in the dialogue without that boxed-in feeling. Definitely grab them, you wont regret it.

To add to the point above: honestly, I've been pretty disappointed with how fragile the newer Sony models feel. If you're used to your old Sennheisers, the plastic on some of these might frustrate you. I had issues with the 7506 being way too piercing too, especially for dialogue. If you want something that actually lasts and gives you a truly flat, reliable response, you should look for the Sony MDR-7520 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones. They're built like absolute tanks with magnesium housings and have a much better low-end extension than the cheaper models. Unfortunately, they can be a bit harder to find now because everyone is obsessed with the lightweight stuff. If you're in a hurry, the Sony MDR-M1 Reference Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones are the current standard, but I'm still not convinced they'll survive eight years of daily studio abuse... they just feel a bit flimsy compared to the old pro gear. I've broken enough hinges to be skeptical of anything that feels that light.

Adding my two cents here. Over the years I've tried many different setups, and I've learned that the studio label doesnt always guarantee the best experience for long-haul editing. I spent way too much on gear early on before realizing that ear fatigue is the biggest threat to a deadline. In my experience, the Sony MDR-1AM2 Wired High Resolution Audio Overhead Headphones are a sleeper hit for video work. Here is why I eventually moved toward them for marathon sessions:

• Weight: They are incredibly light. You can actually forget they are on your head while you are deep in a timeline.
• Frequency Response: The sound is much smoother than the 7506s. You dont get that piercing high end that makes dialogue cleanup exhausting, yet the low-end remains very honest.
• Versatility: They come with balanced cables if you ever upgrade your interface, but they drive easily off a standard laptop jack too. I know you are looking at the higher-end models, but being cost-conscious has served me well. Saving that extra budget for storage or assets is often the smarter move. If you need a pair that wont lie to you but also wont hurt your ears after six hours, these are worth a look.