Head to head

Sony MDR-7510 vs Tascam TH-02

A side-by-side look at Sony MDR-7510 and Tascam TH-02 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.

Sony MDR-7510

Sony's professional closed-back with 50mm drivers and broadcast-grade build

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Tascam TH-02

The sub-$30 closed-back that does the job when the budget is nearly zero

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At a glance

Sony MDR-7510Tascam TH-02
Starting priceSee siteSee site
Free planNoNo
Free trialNoNo
Best forBroadcast professionals and podcasters who want Sony's professional-tier closed-back with wide frequency extensionBudget-conscious podcasters and studio operators who need a functional closed-back monitoring headphone at the lowest possible cost

Key features

Sony MDR-7510

  • Closed-back, over-ear, folding design
  • 50mm neodymium drivers with PET diaphragms
  • 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
  • 24 ohm impedance - drives from any device
  • Oxygen-free copper voice coil
  • Includes 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch adapter

Tascam TH-02

  • Closed-back, over-ear, folding design
  • 50mm dynamic drivers
  • 18 Hz - 22 kHz frequency response
  • 32 ohm impedance, 98 dB sensitivity
  • Fixed 3m cable with snap-on 6.3mm adapter
  • Foldable for compact storage

Pros and cons

Sony MDR-7510

Pros

  • 50mm drivers deliver fuller bass than smaller-driver alternatives
  • Very low impedance - no amp required
  • Folding design for portability and storage
  • Broadcast-quality build from Sony's Pro division

Cons

  • Less widely stocked than the MDR-7506
  • Heavier than comparable closed-backs at ~261g
  • Premium pricing for the category

Tascam TH-02

Pros

  • Extremely low cost - best value entry point for closed-back monitoring
  • 50mm drivers deliver surprising output for the price
  • Folding design for compact storage and transport
  • Reliable Tascam brand in the professional recording ecosystem

Cons

  • All-plastic build - not designed for rough handling over years
  • Fixed non-detachable cable
  • Frequency response and accuracy well below mid-range competitors
  • No carrying case or accessories

The verdict

Choose Sony MDR-7510 if

Broadcast professionals and podcasters who want Sony's professional-tier closed-back with wide frequency extension.

The MDR-7510 is the professional sibling of the legendary 7506 and it shows - the 50mm drivers deliver noticeably more low-end body and better extension at both frequency extremes compared to the 7506. The 24-ohm impedance means it drives loud…

Read the full Sony MDR-7510 review →

Choose Tascam TH-02 if

Budget-conscious podcasters and studio operators who need a functional closed-back monitoring headphone at the lowest possible cost.

The TH-02 is not a reference headphone - it's a utility headphone that gets the job done when you have $25 to spend and need closed-back isolation. The 50mm drivers at 32 ohms deliver more volume from any source than…

Read the full Tascam TH-02 review →

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