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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony MDR DS6500 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:20 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR DS6500 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony MDR DS6500
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.1

User score

â–²Better than 62% of headphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 61%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

52%

6.7

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

6.6

Connectivity

6%

5.6

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 59%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 71%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR DS6500

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

52%

6.7

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

6.6

Connectivity

6%

5.6

Battery

4%

5.0

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR DS6500 has a popularity score of 7.3 points, which is higher than that of 67.9% of products in this category.
7.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.5
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
12 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 64.9% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
20 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 20 ms, lower audio latency than 96.7% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Multipoint support
?
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
20 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 20 hours, lower battery life than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
650 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 650 mAh, higher battery capacity than 61.9% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
320 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 320 g, heavier than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 1.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sony MDR DS6500 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 130 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (20 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    20 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • Wireless charging support
    This pair of headphones supports wireless charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 3.9% of headphones support wireless charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 130 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (20 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    20 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 46.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    320 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 12 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    48 mm vs 60 mm
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 46.8% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (320 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    320 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 12 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (48 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    48 mm vs 60 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    20 hours vs 30 hours
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Bladic
≈ estimated
05/01/2018
Long-term test · one year of use
Verdict
Sony MDR-DS6500 is still comfortable and sounds great after a year, though the digital connection adds noticeable delay in sensitive uses.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony MDR DS6500

  • Immersive 7.1-channel virtual surround sound optimized for movies and gaming
  • Excellent wireless range of up to 100 meters with 2.4GHz digital transmission for interference-free listening
  • Long battery life of up to 20 hours with a relatively fast recharge time
  • Convenient tower-style charging dock that ensures reliable contact for recharging
  • Comfortable over-ear design with padded headband suitable for long sessions
  • Multiple sound modes (Cinema, Game, Voice) to adapt to different content types

What customers don't like about Sony MDR DS6500

  • Introduction of a 'hollow' echo effect in dialogue when specific sound fields like 'Cinema' or 'Game' are active
  • Limited digital connectivity with only an optical (Toslink) input; newer HDMI-only receivers may require workarounds
  • Lacks modern features like Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, or remote control capabilities
  • Ear cups can cause ears to feel warm after about an hour of continuous use
  • Slightly bulky and heavy compared to modern portable wireless headphones

Verdict

The Sony MDR-DS6500 is a wireless 7.1-channel surround sound headphone system designed for home cinema and gaming, utilizing uncompressed 2.4GHz RF digital transmission with a significant range of up to 100 meters. These closed-back, circumaural headphones feature 40mm neodymium driver units that deliver a frequency response of 12Hz to 22,000Hz, supported by a battery life of up to 20 hours with a 3-hour recharge time on its dedicated vertical charging tower. Key advantages include its immersive Virtualphones Technology (VPT), compatibility with Dolby Digital and DTS formats, and specialized audio modes for Cinema, Game, and Voice. However, some users note potential signal dropouts near metal obstructions, the lack of an optical output on the transmitter for pass-through connectivity, and the absence of a built-in microphone for voice chat.

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