Got these headphones this week and wanted to share my first impressions. As Lachlan said, these headphones clamping force is really strong. I've only used them for a few days so they may loosen up as I get more used to it. However, at this point at least, the clamping force is too strong (I like to take it off for around a minute for every 2 hours of use). In terms of build quality, it seems satisfactory but not the best. The material used feels really sturdy - However, when the cans are pulled, the metal (aluminum?) in the headband creaks a bit - which is a flaw that should've been noticed for a headphone at this price range. The material used to coat the cables are thick enough to be strong and durable, but not thick enough to be annoying. The main cable is a bit too long for MY preference, but should be ok for many people. If you do not like the cables, I believe you can use different cables as the plug into the headphones is standard. I don't know if I really believe in burning it in - so I haven't tried it. However, after I have used it for a while, I feel that the sound became more "softer", as opposed to the sharpness I experienced at the start (although still a bit sharp). This may be due to me getting used to it however. The sound quality is really neutral, and as Lachlan stated, slightly sibilant and sharp. Some recordings that were recorded in poor environments that have hissing noises, white noise, or excess background noise may be irritating when using this headphones. Although this is advertised as a portable headphone, I believe, I feel it is too bulky and inconvenient for outside use. The noise isolation is ok, but not good (which may be expected from the strong clamping force), and the sharpness in the sound will be irritating with high volumes - which people tend to use when outside. I am not too fond of labeling this as a portable headphone, even though I find these looks amazing. Although I wouldn't rate this highly as a portable headphone, I feel like this is a great headphone for indoor use - and are neutral enough to be compatible for mixing, but can also play music (especially if recorded in good conditions) with decent-good quality. I am just an average consumer, and this is my first pair of expensive headphones so some points may seem stupid - sorry :(
I'm currently deciding between these two headphones, leaning towards the MSR7 after listening to both of them. The MDR-1A definitely had a lot more bass, almost boomy bass, which I didn't feel too appealing. On the other hand, the MSR7 felt more controlled and as you said, tight and punchy bass. Vocals were clear and the emphasis on the mids was similar to my M80s. The only thing keeping me from jumping on the MSR7s is the fact that the MDR-1As were much more comfortable, mainly because of the clamp force of the MSR7. Have you noticed any change in clamp force after using them? I read that keeping them clamped on tissue boxes for a couple of hours relieves some stress, have you tried anything similar? Thanks in advance~
PhaseOfFact So far the clamping force has only loosened slightly. Of more concern is the hot spot that I get on the top of my head after about 2/3+ hours of wear...
***** I see, guess it's a matter of getting use to or loosening them over time. As for the hot spot, I didn't feel it mainly because I only had them on for around 20 minutes or so. I'm going to try them both out once more, then pull the trigger sometime next week. I didn't notice the negatives about the cable too much until you mentioned them, I'll take a look at that next time I head to the shop. Thanks for the video review, it was very informative~
Nice review. I think you are the first one to review ATH-MSR7 on TH-cam. Ordered Gun Metal today. One think bugging me is, Is it good for Genre: Techno, Trance, Electro, EDM etc. That's the kind of music I primarily listen on my smartphone. The cable with microphone is reason I chose ATH-MSR7 over ATH-M50X.
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About what you said about portable headphones with a balanced sound without a thick mid range, the AKG K545s pretty much belongs in that category. I find them quite natural with a slight emphasis on the upper midrange (around 5k) and sub bass. The soundstage is quite similar to the K550 but of course reduced. The headband can be permanently bent to your liking (if you don't mind slight deformations) and while the rotation of the earcups are quite stiff at first, they loosen up over time. It's got a nice minimalistic appearance which leads it to look like a single piece at times. Off topic but the HE400i sounds remarkably similar to the K545 with the differences having a more natural upper midrange and sparklier treble. The linear planar bass of the HE400i lends itself to tamer bass as well.
And further opinion 6 months later? From everything I've read I'm pretty sure the MDR-1As are more comfortable, at least out of the box according to this review. Any comment on the comfort of the MSR7s after continued use, any more comfortable? I listen to a lot of EDM/house/trance so bass emphasis would be nice but not excessively, I still want a natural, tight balance as I also listen to a lot of progressive rock, jazz fusion, hip hop, and reggae. Any further recommendations between these two? Thanks Lachlan I enjoy your reviews!
Py T Not really any more comfortable. To be honest I don't really recommend either just because I don't think the MSR7 comfortable and I found the MDR-1A isolates dismally. I prefer the sound of the MSR7 but in the end neither made my favourites list.
i got the msr7 recently, and i stretched the head band a little, just like what i used to do with es7, and just after a few days it actually feels much better! at least it feels very secure, and the sound is much more spacious and crispier than sony's
I have both and the MSR7 is now the regular companion to my DP-X1A. Real accurate though a bit bright. Completely correctable by your DAPs equalizers...
great video Lach. Im looking to replace my beats pro they hurt my ears after about 30 min and I've been using it for months. What do you recommend I use them for everything from watching anime to movies to various kinds of music?
crazygalaxy231 If you prefer around-ear, I reckon you should try the NAD Viso HP50. But if that's not your style, the M50X is a decent all-rounder. I find the MSR7 less comfy than the M50X. Something super comfortable, go the MDR-1A.
***** I have the HP50, very comfortable and great sound also. I also had GRADO si 325 and sold them when I bought the HP50. I think the viso are better.
I got the little brother of the MSR7, the SR6BT, very similar in design and both part of the Sound Reality line. Should I move over to the MSR7? Is there that much of a difference? The SR6BT are pretty comfortable (lighter than either of these two I believe) and clean-sounding, though smaller than the MSR7 so far as I know.
MSR7s are superior due to the bigger drivers. Although at this point I'd recommend you wait for the MSR7b to launch. They'll be an improvement over the big MSR7. I own the MSR7 and a pair of MSR7SE which use the new 2017 drivers and I can tell you the improvements with the 2018 successor will be worth the wait (if you haven't bought anything yet).
Hey lachlan I just ordered the jabra revo wireless headphones off amazon for 135$ for my birthday and was wondering if I made a good choice. Ive never owned anything except cheap earbuds really and I was going to get the jabra move wireless but I decided to get the jabra revo wireless instead. I found the concept of wireless headphones that came with a cord very intriguing. I was wondering if I made a good purchase? And my price range was 100$ but I though a 200$ headphone for 135$ was a good opportunity. Whats your opinion?
I have a little question about. Just got the MSR7 in my own hands but I noticed a pretty big deference is trebbel killers. The right one does and feels a lot thinner than the left one. Is that norma?l I can imagine but just wanted to be sure
lachlanlikesathing I currently own m40x and planning to upgrade. I'm into neutrality when it comes to headphones, actually more into "fun neutral rather than analytical neutral". Narrowed my choices between msr7 or m70x. What would you recommend?
I agree about the squeaky hinges of the MSR7. On the right side one of the earcup hinge has loosened up a bit and creaks if I push it round. The clamping force actually helps prevent most creaking while wearing them unless I stretch my forehead or my ears or tilt my head around suddenly.
I taped up foam where there is a rubber pad on the hinge. This can get sticky over time and often touches the earcup and it makes sticky and creaking sounds. The foams greatly reduce creaking although the hinge itself may still creak occasionally.
i have the k7xx its the honest akg answer to the various short comings of the akg 7 series...a few twists and turns from, all of the models imo. The foam covered outer caps implemented in the 702 annie for im guessing less leak and inclinations to bass isolation though its open backed....what the k7xx has shown over the 712 and 702 is the implemented foam additions in the inner lining between the earcup and the driver itself. Though for 200$ the high density memory foam earcups, the biggest stage AKG has to offer at the 7 series is quite nice. I wouldnt say that the overall sound signature is as good as the 702 annies though again with the price comparison the 7xx is very value driven. The audio playback is a sound signature ive grown to seek in most headphones, an appearance of neutral but with a necessary bass boost that most reference headphones lack due to the ideal reference headphone being as neutral as possible...does it make them ideal for most no...but again i find that reference headphones though as a quality stand point of pure unmolested playback is nice i still find them lacking in bass so its almost as if akg knew this and went heres a not to be taken seriously depiction of what youve been seeking. The k7xx stands out to me highly in gaming due to the vast sound stage, as well as generally neutral sound with that bolstered bass that shines out in explosions and gun play. Also when watching movies the immersion is highly apparent and sounds like engines in car chases or glass shattering is spot on. Vocal playback in videos like these is also animated in a proper fashion that i find ideal. The k7xx might not be everyones cup of tea but if you find that various AKG options fall short than the K7xx is your bet as its obvious akg attempted to make a more "fun" headphone where the 3db bass boost is implied to distract from its short comings. With all of the bells and whistles that the k712 and 702 annies contain while being priced near the q701s. Above all they score very high in the comfort area, i wear thick glasses so this was a high regard for me. They are also rated at 62 ohms so they dont entirely require an uber setup to run and IMO benefit from more transparent sounding amp/dac setups. For an open backed design its nice to have the presence of bass and a near neutral sound signature im not going to vouch that these should be regarded as ideal reference headphones, but more as reference headphones that were made into ideal headphones if you can see what im saying.
I have both the Audio Technica m50x and the V-Moda M100, I'm not too thrilled with either of them, what headphones would you recommend for just everyday around the house, casual listening, over the ear?
lachlan at first i doubt your point of view over the mdr 1a, after i saw some goldenears graphs. without even hearing them... they seem quite bassy,with recessed mids.. hands down the msr7 is technicaly superior, its almost the perfect headphone for neutrality.. but omg the treble at 10khz is a bit to much but nothing that a good eq cannot fix.
Hmm, I actually thought the Sony have a less better built quality because the chrome part chip off quite easily, coz every unit I've seen in Yodobashi today seems to have the same problem. Anyway, I was considering on which headphones to get multipurpose usage for games, movies and musics. Among the msr7, mdr-1a and the ath-ad1000x which would you recommend for that?
Hey, thanks for the info :D I've read a lot of good reviews about the ad900x, one of my friend who's currently working at Jaben actually recommend me the ad1000x for games, movies and musics but since I would want to travel around with them and like what you said, they're not really the "outgoing" type of headphone >< am currently in dilemma on which to pick haha, they just wont allow us to have all the pros eh :)
Hey Lachlan, do you have any recommendations for a comfortable pair of headphones that have accurate sound. I use Bose Quiet Comfort 15s but I only use them for comfort and noise cancellation. However, they are by no means accurate reference monitors. I've tried the ATH M50s but they were just way too uncomfortable for me. Thanks.
I have the MDR-1ABT and love them They pair with my phone instantly by touch NFC and sound great. The cups are real leather as well. You were correct that they are bass leaning and at the same time do not have any high end shimmer. This works out well for 4 hour listening sessions in the airport for example.
Hi Lachlan, I'll be going to HK in a couple of days and watched both your HK Store Safari videos so I can check out the places you went to. Anyway, where is this shop called "Broadway" where you bought the MSR-7's? Is it in Mongkok as well? Please let me know how I can find it. Thanks a lot, all your videos are wonderful!
This or sennheiser hd 598? I know both are of different types, one being open and the other being closed. But i really like the design of MSR7. How does the sound quality differ between hd 598 and MSR7?
What do you think is better, sony mdr 1a or MSR7 or m50x? I can't try MSR 7 (because they are not available in my city), but i tried MDR 1A and M50x. I think that m50x have a a large stage than SONY, but the are heavier...what do you think? 80% of time i listening to Rap music. 15% i'm listening to rock, post-hardcore. Now i listen from iPhone 5, so what do you think will be best buy under $300? Can you advise?
i listen to rap and if u dont have that thick mid and some base, you will not enjoy your music that much. I am a bass music fan, So having expensive headphone without proper bass feels like a dumb decision.
I've been thinking about the msr7 and I like to listen to a lot of pop punk and metalcore which get get kinda high but still has good bass lines that I like. So I've wanted headphones that are balanced. Would those be good or are there other headphones you'd recommend?
Great video! i am looking to get a pair of headphones for every day use. i have narrowed to audio technica M50x, Sennheiser Momentum m2 and bose qc25. can you recommend the best one you think? Thank you!!!
Hi lachlan, i've been enjoying your videos and purchased the m50x. I've since added on an ifi Micro iDSD amp as well, and started wondering what would be an upgrade for my m50x in terms of wider soundstage and fluid mids. I enjoy details and transparency, not overly colored or too crazy enhanced bass. Would you be able to recommend a few closed back cans which would be a good upgrade to the m50x?
Hey Lachlan, I need a little help becouse I am into buying a good new pair of on ear headphones and i am looking on sony mdr-1a and audio technica m50x but dont know which one to buy. Btw I am listening to electronic, pop, hip hop music and I realy love a good bass. If u have any other recommendation I would be grateful.
Lachlan, have you tried the ATH-M40x? The goldenears frequency response graphs would imply that they have almost the exact same sound signature as the MSR7, except slightly better. Those graphs don't say everything, but I think it is entirely possible, since expensive headphones are more about prestige and build quality than actual sound quality.
I actually have the Ath M40x and they are awesome. They are flat studio headphones and with a decent amp (Fiio E6) they will play music off a phone pretty freaking awesome. Im not sure about it sounding like the MSR7 but they are excellent sounding headphones and for under $100 I would definitely get them (and i did)
Sony claims its hi-res but i think the ath-m40x is much suited for this term. If you listen to the orchestral music with 192khz 24-bit, Clarity is superb.
Oh well. Baby steps, Audio Technica. Baby steps. An admirable first attempt at the high-end portable market. The sound is right up my alley, but the comfort issues and the various design quibbles turn me right off. It sure is gorgeous, though. Funny you should mention the Sennheiser Momentum. It's a real shame you sold it, since I'd be very interested to see if it holds up against the millions of portable around-ears you've looked it since. You shot this in your hotel, I presume? I got the feeling there was all manner of exciting stuff happening just outside the edges of the frame, and it drove me mad. Anyway, another superb video as always! I eagerly look forward to more videos, and I hope your plane doesn't go missing on the way back.
I too hope for my plane's non-disappearance. I might just get the Momentum for reference again one day. There is a 24/7 bunga bunga party happening in my hotel but I'm not invited.
I have the Audio Technica ATH-ES700 and had the ATH-M50x. Does the ATH-MR7 sound more like the ES-700 or more like the M50x ? I want to buy them, but if they sound more like the ES-700......
I'm still loving my IM70 to the point where I don't even feel the need to think about other headphones for portable use. Unless I could find something that sounds exactly like the IM70 but has a smaller driver housing so my ear doesn't get sore after 2-3 hours of listening.
Bradford Thornton I'm not sure what you've heard before, because I can compare them to other headphones, but to describe them on their own? I'd call them "aggressively neutral" with a bit of boosted bass and treble, much like the M50/M50x. They sound very similar to the UE Super.fi 5/UE600 as well, but with _much_ more low-frequency oomph, better and more detailed highs and less forward mids.
Corinn Heathers I think the IM70 is more mid-forward than the M50x, less v-shaped - IMO highs are almost rolled off unless you take of the filters or use wide-bore tips. It might be more similar to the MSR7 in terms of signature (I only tried them briefly)
Corinn Heathers I hav ethe IM50, and i think its the very best for my main genre of music (anisong) with most are female vocal. but i sometiemes still get the feeling of unnatural in acoustics music... and not really recommending it for movie, especially with it's mid forward signature. I use my M40x for out of house movie watching.
+Corinn Heathers The Sony MDR-100AAP (h.ear on) has a similar bass and treble to the IM70, but I found it lacking in the midrange, even compared to the M50x (which already wasn't known for its midrange). It's still a good choice if you can get it for under 200$ and it's more comfortable than the M50 or the MSR7 (I decided to get the MSR7 though as I wanted something with more sharpness in the midrange and highs).
I loved them but sold them due to not using them (i'm not really the Closed Back guy). But they're definitley worth the price and sometimes i regret selling them. They are very very good!
Spectacular Mind Thanks for your reply. I've used closed back headphones at my school before and the design didn't bother me so much. Will definitely buy a pair very soon!
I tried both and other headphones in stores. I bought MDR-1A. I think I have small head but the pressure of MSR-7's ear cup was like torture device. The MSR-7 was store's demo unit which was not new. So, I can't imagine how uncomfortable would the new MSR-7. On the sound quality, MDR-1A does amplify the bass but it sounds right for pre-EDM era songs. It also sounds better than other headphones, e.g. Beyers & etc. for that kind of songs.
hey please please pleasee help me decide. i listen to EDM music such as Trance and progressive Hous which sounds better with an excellent bass headhphones. which headphones is perfect for you, ATH-M50X or ATH-MSR7?
I own both these headphones. I used to listen to EDM and progressive house like you, when I used my m50s. The bass on the M50s is very satisfying. They have a fair bit of clarity too, don't get me wrong. I used the m50 headphones for 3 years (m50 and m50x have the same sound, just different design features). Just a few days ago, I got the MSR7 headphones. They have more clarity, and a more edgy sound. The bass is less, but it's quick, punchy and I quite like it. The m50 headphones have a meatier oomph to the bass, but still maintaining balance. Since I now listen more to Latin-House, Soul-House and Jazz-House, the extra clarity and edginess of the MSR7 is divine. For you though, I'd say buy the M50x and you'll be stoked with what you get,
I'm actually considering these two, plus some others like M50x... I like the fact that both are black and red so it matches my desktop color scheme very well. I'm actually looking for a balanced signature, although i'd like to have some additional bass, so 1R/1A or M50x would fit my needs i suppose, because i tend to game a lot and listen to electornic while gaming. This one will be specifically for my gaming pc, i'm not concerned about portability, so which would be the best?
which of this 2 (ATH-MSR7 and ATH-M50x) must I buy for electronic and trans music with Fiio X1 Player? as i know, ATH-MSR7 is Hi-Res, but what about ATH-M50x? pls, help
Lachlan, I love your reviews, and I bought the DT 770 after checking your review, and I love them, they spoiled me, the sound quality is amazing, I use it with my piano, I use it to listen to music, they are just the right ones for me, and I can listen a different dimensions to the music that I didn't before, I'm afraid I'm an audiophile now :D. Unfortunately, I can't commune with them and use them in the office. I need something with the same quality of DT 770, something I can take with me everywhere, do you think Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 would be the one? Thanks again for the wonderful reviews.
thanks for the comparison just ordered the mdr 1-A's to start a different direction this year see how they hold up,thanks again that red/gold does look nice i admit
Its a good first impressions review and such , afterall you've had for a few days. It'd be great to see a more indepth comparison in the near future albeit with some tech jargon in there too- Enjoy the area, and from experience , learning nrw cultures is amongst the best that can happen. Anyways safe trips back!!!
I've read the AKG 545s or the newer Mark II version thereof, is a good studio headphone, but that it lacks bass performance. But with 50mm drivers, one wonders why this might be the case. I know it's also overall design, and they are closed-back cans. I may go audition the newer AKGs soon and see what I think. The price went down recently to about $100 in the USA at some retailers.
So I bought the MDR-1A thinking I would like that better than the MSR-7's. Probably convinced myself to buy them due to the design and overall comfort (which is big for me). Your review is spot on though. There is just something about the headphones that bothers me. The bass is just like 30% too much at all volumes. It doesn't drown anything out, and if I listen I can still hear all mids and highs perfectly well - but when you don't listen carefully, the bass does dominate the music; which totally sucks on songs that are not supposed to have heavy bass. Coming from the Sony V-6 and I think those are much more balanced, I would stick with them if they weren't breaking - but I think I'll try the MSR-7's next.
Would love to hear your thoughts, coming from the V-6 and moving to the MSR-7. I'm a bit worried about the harsh highs. I do really like listening to mid heavy and high heavy songs, however all listening would be indoor, at moderate volumes.
Thank you for this excellent review - as are all your reviews. You say that you could point us to more comfortable options (feel). Which would they be please ?
i have problem with your video, there is a hissing on left channel. It's kinda creepy like someone is breathing on my left side all the time... i double check it and it's not my headphone problem...
Quick question. What headphones are the best for movies? This is off topic but I just want your opinion if you would care to answer. You don't have to.
I suppose it depends on whether you don't mind sharing the movie with everyone else in the room, in which case an open-backed pair is probably your best best. It's hard to know what to recommend without knowing your budget and sound preferences. You're so polite Tai. Long time no see.
i have the akg k7xx, they will be sold again at massdrop for a 215$ price with shipping and tax....one of the biggest sound stages out there, priced well they easily perform at a higher price point. These have easily made my movie watching experience far greater than i had anticipated. The HD 598s are good when they could be found on sale around 130$ OR less, they were sold for 98-99$ on amazon around black friday weekend a time to get them if ever...though if you do comprehensive research they do have some drawbacks. If those drawbacks dont seem like they are severe enough to push you away then those are a good bet as they are one of the more value cost/performance oriented open backed headphones on the market. Though bare in mind for most if not all open backed headphones you will be required to step up your game and purchase an amp and dac. Most better quality open backs benefit highly from transparent amps though if you go that route with a 598 then their drawbacks will be accentuated that much more and so on...just saying. I wouldnt look to far into tubes until you get a grasp of what a solid state setup brings and compare the differences from then on.
***** Oh ok i can see how some people dislike its treble. I like it though. But how much does it cost? I am very happy about the value i got from my m50xs.
MrTacticalinuit ~$330 on Amazon. ~$310 for standard. Edit: Might want to check Amazon Japan and see how much it is. It's usually cheaper to buy from the native country. Use Tenso service for shipping.
***** How does it compare to the NAD VISO HP50? I tried them at AT's showroom in Taiwan, they were definitely mid forward but not very sibilant, as you described. M50x does sound more aggressive at the top.
Wish u could try the Focal Spirit Classic to place them in your portable around-ear headphone list! Based on my experience i think if not the king they are at least in the podium! Keep up with this fantastic work of comparison, it is the most useful tool to get a new headphones when you do not have the chance to hear them.
+Daenerys Targaryen Depends in your own preferences. If you like a more balanced soudn i would recommend the MSR 7 but if you prefer a more bassy soundsignature the M50x might be the better choice.
Daenerys Targaryen Personally i think the MDR is far more comfortable but sounds a bit like a telephone because there seems to be a distortion in the mid-range. Furthermore the sony is way more bassy in opposition to the MSR 7 which is quite an analyst. So i would pick the audio-technica because i'm kind of into higher resolution regarding headphones. (Excuse me for sounding a bit strange but english isn't my native tongue and i haven't practiced it in the last few weeks)
Spectacular Mind thanks for your help! does by telephone do you mean its quality is really bad? btw Im not really an expert but is it possible you could link me some songs that are heavy bass so I get an idea of what bass really is cause I dont have a solid understanding of it xP
Well, i think it would be better to try the headphones out with well-known songs you like, because those are usually the songs that are played on the headphones and that's the way you can check if you like how the sound is reproduced or not. There are a lot of artists who are considered to have a bassy sound. Those are usually artists of the 20th/21st century who are located in the pop-genres such as hip-hop, electronica, dubsteb, electro, several metal and rock-bands aswell and so on. If you are into classic rock for example, you could check out some of Queens songs, since the have a huge diversity between low's, mid's and high's and are mastered excellently with a high dynamic range. BUT it is always important to keep in mind that it is necessary that you like how the music sounds, YOU want to listen to, on the headphone. That being said, i would recommend to look up a store who has both of your favourites (plus amount-x of other potential options) and check them out there while bringing your own music with you to try them out. Another option might be to buy them on amazon, try them out at home and send back the model you don't like as much as the other one (which is not as elegant in my opinion)
humm my friend was hitting me up for some nice headphones that were over ear design that had a bassy tinge with overall good sound quality, i saw these on massdrop for the price of near 200$ usdm, i was wondering at that value if these were worth a purchase. The total price is 249$ with a mute modmic which costs 50$...my friend also needs a mic for gaming and teamspeak
Hello lachlan, glad to see you finally received your msr7 (more like purchased them) i am also going to review these beauties and have started a channel based on important matters of headphones. I hope you get to see my videos one day, though I won't really have many headphones but earphones to review. I only have an intro video to the review so far. Stay tuned.
I am considering both of these for movie watching. But am having a hard time deciding still. I have zmf classics (to throaty for some reason with movies and tv), Hifiman he400i (to symbolent and not enough bass, otherwise perfect;currently my go to), Audio Technica AD700x/AD900X (not enough bass and just not pleasing compared to he400i), I have aune x1s+XP1 power supply, aune X7S+XP1, monoprice liquid spark, Geshelli labs Enog2 pro dac, Geshelli labs archel pro. Currently do all my listening with the Geshelli labs G stack. So I have some good gear and nice headphones but non of these are excellent for movies and tv watching. I want something with good bass extension for those explosive moments in movies and an open enough soundstage to help me feel in the scene of the movie, obviously very good imaging is important as the headphones need to place the sounds with what is happening on screen. Would either of these fit the bill you think or could you recommend something else?
I just bought the MSR7 last week. I'm love the sound. I just wish it was more comfortable. Despite the tricky comfort issue, I'm regretting the purchase.
![Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b headphones review [RU]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AAymGZP8SD0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b headphones review [RU]](/img/tr.png)
Got these headphones this week and wanted to share my first impressions.
As Lachlan said, these headphones clamping force is really strong. I've only used them for a few days so they may loosen up as I get more used to it. However, at this point at least, the clamping force is too strong (I like to take it off for around a minute for every 2 hours of use).
In terms of build quality, it seems satisfactory but not the best. The material used feels really sturdy - However, when the cans are pulled, the metal (aluminum?) in the headband creaks a bit - which is a flaw that should've been noticed for a headphone at this price range.
The material used to coat the cables are thick enough to be strong and durable, but not thick enough to be annoying. The main cable is a bit too long for MY preference, but should be ok for many people. If you do not like the cables, I believe you can use different cables as the plug into the headphones is standard.
I don't know if I really believe in burning it in - so I haven't tried it. However, after I have used it for a while, I feel that the sound became more "softer", as opposed to the sharpness I experienced at the start (although still a bit sharp). This may be due to me getting used to it however. The sound quality is really neutral, and as Lachlan stated, slightly sibilant and sharp. Some recordings that were recorded in poor environments that have hissing noises, white noise, or excess background noise may be irritating when using this headphones.
Although this is advertised as a portable headphone, I believe, I feel it is too bulky and inconvenient for outside use. The noise isolation is ok, but not good (which may be expected from the strong clamping force), and the sharpness in the sound will be irritating with high volumes - which people tend to use when outside. I am not too fond of labeling this as a portable headphone, even though I find these looks amazing.
Although I wouldn't rate this highly as a portable headphone, I feel like this is a great headphone for indoor use - and are neutral enough to be compatible for mixing, but can also play music (especially if recorded in good conditions) with decent-good quality.
I am just an average consumer, and this is my first pair of expensive headphones so some points may seem stupid - sorry :(
If you have a headphone that clamps to strong put them claps across the box for about 2 weeks it saves you braking them in just a tip for you
I call the red and gold version the Iron Man edition
What would be your opinion on m50x vs Mdr-1A
mdr-1a
Mdr 1a for music listening, m50x for studio use
Mikey Dee I would recommend the m40x over the m50x. M40x has a more neutral sound which is needed for mixing.
How about the gameplay
I'm currently deciding between these two headphones, leaning towards the MSR7 after listening to both of them. The MDR-1A definitely had a lot more bass, almost boomy bass, which I didn't feel too appealing. On the other hand, the MSR7 felt more controlled and as you said, tight and punchy bass. Vocals were clear and the emphasis on the mids was similar to my M80s.
The only thing keeping me from jumping on the MSR7s is the fact that the MDR-1As were much more comfortable, mainly because of the clamp force of the MSR7. Have you noticed any change in clamp force after using them? I read that keeping them clamped on tissue boxes for a couple of hours relieves some stress, have you tried anything similar?
Thanks in advance~
PhaseOfFact So far the clamping force has only loosened slightly. Of more concern is the hot spot that I get on the top of my head after about 2/3+ hours of wear...
***** I see, guess it's a matter of getting use to or loosening them over time. As for the hot spot, I didn't feel it mainly because I only had them on for around 20 minutes or so.
I'm going to try them both out once more, then pull the trigger sometime next week. I didn't notice the negatives about the cable too much until you mentioned them, I'll take a look at that next time I head to the shop. Thanks for the video review, it was very informative~
Nice review. I think you are the first one to review ATH-MSR7 on TH-cam.
Ordered Gun Metal today.
One think bugging me is, Is it good for Genre: Techno, Trance, Electro, EDM etc. That's the kind of music I primarily listen on my smartphone. The cable with microphone is reason I chose ATH-MSR7 over ATH-M50X.
I finally got some MSR7's, and your thoughts are spot-on. At first it felt like the high-mids were hitting me in the face, but now I love them.
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@Alex Rowe did everything smooth out after awhile?
.
Would like to see a MDR-1A vs MSR-7 vs M-50x video comparison in the future.
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Ngan Phan but surely you will get much unconfertable with it when you use for long time.
About what you said about portable headphones with a balanced sound without a thick mid range, the AKG K545s pretty much belongs in that category.
I find them quite natural with a slight emphasis on the upper midrange (around 5k) and sub bass. The soundstage is quite similar to the K550 but of course reduced.
The headband can be permanently bent to your liking (if you don't mind slight deformations) and while the rotation of the earcups are quite stiff at first, they loosen up over time. It's got a nice minimalistic appearance which leads it to look like a single piece at times.
Off topic but the HE400i sounds remarkably similar to the K545 with the differences having a more natural upper midrange and sparklier treble. The linear planar bass of the HE400i lends itself to tamer bass as well.
Interesting headphones, I think design wise SONY deserves some credit here.
Would you say the MDR-1A's are a worthy upgrade for comfort over the older MDR-1R's
so I listen to a range of music from dubstep/edm to classical/orchestra so would you recommend the mdr 1a or msr 7
And further opinion 6 months later? From everything I've read I'm pretty sure the MDR-1As are more comfortable, at least out of the box according to this review. Any comment on the comfort of the MSR7s after continued use, any more comfortable?
I listen to a lot of EDM/house/trance so bass emphasis would be nice but not excessively, I still want a natural, tight balance as I also listen to a lot of progressive rock, jazz fusion, hip hop, and reggae. Any further recommendations between these two?
Thanks Lachlan I enjoy your reviews!
Py T Not really any more comfortable. To be honest I don't really recommend either just because I don't think the MSR7 comfortable and I found the MDR-1A isolates dismally. I prefer the sound of the MSR7 but in the end neither made my favourites list.
Thanks for the tips!
i got the msr7 recently, and i stretched the head band a little, just like what i used to do with es7, and just after a few days it actually feels much better! at least it feels very secure, and the sound is much more spacious and crispier than sony's
+lachlanlikesathing What is your list then ? :)
I have both and the MSR7 is now the regular companion to my DP-X1A. Real accurate though a bit bright. Completely correctable by your DAPs equalizers...
great video Lach. Im looking to replace my beats pro they hurt my ears after about 30 min and I've been using it for months. What do you recommend I use them for everything from watching anime to movies to various kinds of music?
crazygalaxy231 If you prefer around-ear, I reckon you should try the NAD Viso HP50. But if that's not your style, the M50X is a decent all-rounder. I find the MSR7 less comfy than the M50X. Something super comfortable, go the MDR-1A.
***** thanks for the suggestions. ill definitely check them out and thanks for the quick reply
*****
I have the HP50, very comfortable and great sound also. I also had GRADO si 325 and sold them when I bought the HP50. I think the viso are better.
Just bought the MDR-1A's yesterday for £160 (inc. P&P), so I don't think I've made a mistake here.
Should I get Sony mdr-1a or Audio technica ATH m50x?
Karlo Krapec mdr 1A , unless you're a masochist that likes to be in the middle of 0 sound stage .
Yes.
I got the little brother of the MSR7, the SR6BT, very similar in design and both part of the Sound Reality line. Should I move over to the MSR7? Is there that much of a difference? The SR6BT are pretty comfortable (lighter than either of these two I believe) and clean-sounding, though smaller than the MSR7 so far as I know.
MSR7s are superior due to the bigger drivers.
Although at this point I'd recommend you wait for the MSR7b to launch. They'll be an improvement over the big MSR7.
I own the MSR7 and a pair of MSR7SE which use the new 2017 drivers and I can tell you the improvements with the 2018 successor will be worth the wait (if you haven't bought anything yet).
Hey lachlan I just ordered the jabra revo wireless headphones off amazon for 135$ for my birthday and was wondering if I made a good choice. Ive never owned anything except cheap earbuds really and I was going to get the jabra move wireless but I decided to get the jabra revo wireless instead. I found the concept of wireless headphones that came with a cord very intriguing. I was wondering if I made a good purchase? And my price range was 100$ but I though a 200$ headphone for 135$ was a good opportunity. Whats your opinion?
I have a little question about. Just got the MSR7 in my own hands but I noticed a pretty big deference is trebbel killers. The right one does and feels a lot thinner than the left one. Is that norma?l I can imagine but just wanted to be sure
lachlanlikesathing I currently own m40x and planning to upgrade. I'm into neutrality when it comes to headphones, actually more into "fun neutral rather than analytical neutral". Narrowed my choices between msr7 or m70x. What would you recommend?
msr7 - Fun neutral
m70x - Uncompromising true neutral
i am using UE 6000 currently and i am thinking about replacing them which one will u suggest ?
Same situation here
+Jan Peter van Irsel it seems like out of the two in the video the sony would be the best. if you liked the sound of your ue 6000
I agree about the squeaky hinges of the MSR7. On the right side one of the earcup hinge has loosened up a bit and creaks if I push it round. The clamping force actually helps prevent most creaking while wearing them unless I stretch my forehead or my ears or tilt my head around suddenly.
Try some graphite (pencil). In case you're unable to reach the spot, grind it to a powder and add it to the squeaky part. You're welcome :)
I taped up foam where there is a rubber pad on the hinge. This can get sticky over time and often touches the earcup and it makes sticky and creaking sounds. The foams greatly reduce creaking although the hinge itself may still creak occasionally.
What do you think about the akg k7xx? I just got it but I'm not so much of an audiophile I've heard that it is very similar to the Annie.
I haven't heard it! It looks nice though.
I have the K702, the soundstage is massive, vocals sound decent, and the treble is on point. Although it can get fatiguing at times.
i have the k7xx its the honest akg answer to the various short comings of the akg 7 series...a few twists and turns from, all of the models imo. The foam covered outer caps implemented in the 702 annie for im guessing less leak and inclinations to bass isolation though its open backed....what the k7xx has shown over the 712 and 702 is the implemented foam additions in the inner lining between the earcup and the driver itself. Though for 200$ the high density memory foam earcups, the biggest stage AKG has to offer at the 7 series is quite nice. I wouldnt say that the overall sound signature is as good as the 702 annies though again with the price comparison the 7xx is very value driven. The audio playback is a sound signature ive grown to seek in most headphones, an appearance of neutral but with a necessary bass boost that most reference headphones lack due to the ideal reference headphone being as neutral as possible...does it make them ideal for most no...but again i find that reference headphones though as a quality stand point of pure unmolested playback is nice i still find them lacking in bass so its almost as if akg knew this and went heres a not to be taken seriously depiction of what youve been seeking. The k7xx stands out to me highly in gaming due to the vast sound stage, as well as generally neutral sound with that bolstered bass that shines out in explosions and gun play. Also when watching movies the immersion is highly apparent and sounds like engines in car chases or glass shattering is spot on. Vocal playback in videos like these is also animated in a proper fashion that i find ideal. The k7xx might not be everyones cup of tea but if you find that various AKG options fall short than the K7xx is your bet as its obvious akg attempted to make a more "fun" headphone where the 3db bass boost is implied to distract from its short comings. With all of the bells and whistles that the k712 and 702 annies contain while being priced near the q701s. Above all they score very high in the comfort area, i wear thick glasses so this was a high regard for me. They are also rated at 62 ohms so they dont entirely require an uber setup to run and IMO benefit from more transparent sounding amp/dac setups. For an open backed design its nice to have the presence of bass and a near neutral sound signature im not going to vouch that these should be regarded as ideal reference headphones, but more as reference headphones that were made into ideal headphones if you can see what im saying.
I have both the Audio Technica m50x and the V-Moda M100, I'm not too thrilled with either of them, what headphones would you recommend for just everyday around the house, casual listening, over the ear?
lachlan at first i doubt your point of view over the mdr 1a, after i saw some goldenears graphs. without even hearing them... they seem quite bassy,with recessed mids.. hands down the msr7 is technicaly superior, its almost the perfect headphone for neutrality.. but omg the treble at 10khz is a bit to much but nothing that a good eq cannot fix.
Hmm, I actually thought the Sony have a less better built quality because the chrome part chip off quite easily, coz every unit I've seen in Yodobashi today seems to have the same problem.
Anyway, I was considering on which headphones to get multipurpose usage for games, movies and musics. Among the msr7, mdr-1a and the ath-ad1000x which would you recommend for that?
Hey, thanks for the info :D I've read a lot of good reviews about the ad900x, one of my friend who's currently working at Jaben actually recommend me the ad1000x for games, movies and musics but since I would want to travel around with them and like what you said, they're not really the "outgoing" type of headphone >< am currently in dilemma on which to pick haha, they just wont allow us to have all the pros eh :)
StrawKid Glad to hear that you like it :) just ordered mine and will be arriving today, can't wait to try them out before and after burning in :D
Hey Lachlan, do you have any recommendations for a comfortable pair of headphones that have accurate sound. I use Bose Quiet Comfort 15s but I only use them for comfort and noise cancellation. However, they are by no means accurate reference monitors. I've tried the ATH M50s but they were just way too uncomfortable for me. Thanks.
How does it feel on the head now (after longer use)? Does it still exert lot of clamping force?
As always, lachlanlikesathing giving a Solid, professional, and methodical review. Hands down one of the best headphone reviewers on the net today.
I have the MDR-1ABT and love them They pair with my phone instantly by touch NFC and sound great. The cups are real leather as well. You were correct that they are bass leaning and at the same time do not have any high end shimmer. This works out well for 4 hour listening sessions in the airport for example.
are they still working? how much do you use them?
Hi Lachlan, I'll be going to HK in a couple of days and watched both your HK Store Safari videos so I can check out the places you went to. Anyway, where is this shop called "Broadway" where you bought the MSR-7's? Is it in Mongkok as well? Please let me know how I can find it. Thanks a lot, all your videos are wonderful!
You will see Broadway everywhere don't worry!
What are those little ports on the back of the Headphones for? Is it to do with pressure; so the sound isn't trapped? Im real curious
This or sennheiser hd 598? I know both are of different types, one being open and the other being closed. But i really like the design of MSR7. How does the sound quality differ between hd 598 and MSR7?
What do you think is better, sony mdr 1a or MSR7 or m50x? I can't try MSR 7 (because they are not available in my city), but i tried MDR 1A and M50x. I think that m50x have a
a large stage than SONY, but the are heavier...what do you think?
80% of time i listening to Rap music. 15% i'm listening to rock, post-hardcore. Now i listen from iPhone 5, so what do you think will be best buy under $300? Can you advise?
with rap, you would want more bass, which mdr1a has the most bass out of those.
i listen to rap and if u dont have that thick mid and some base, you will not enjoy your music that much. I am a bass music fan, So having expensive headphone without proper bass feels like a dumb decision.
When I tried the ATH-MSR7s they were super comfortable, more comfortable than my ATH-m50x.
I've been thinking about the msr7 and I like to listen to a lot of pop punk and metalcore which get get kinda high but still has good bass lines that I like. So I've wanted headphones that are balanced. Would those be good or are there other headphones you'd recommend?
Great video!
i am looking to get a pair of headphones for every day use. i have narrowed to audio technica M50x, Sennheiser Momentum m2 and bose qc25. can you recommend the best one you think? Thank you!!!
Hi lachlan, i've been enjoying your videos and purchased the m50x. I've since added on an ifi Micro iDSD amp as well, and started wondering what would be an upgrade for my m50x in terms of wider soundstage and fluid mids. I enjoy details and transparency, not overly colored or too crazy enhanced bass. Would you be able to recommend a few closed back cans which would be a good upgrade to the m50x?
Hey Lachlan, I need a little help becouse I am into buying a good new pair of on ear headphones and i am looking on sony mdr-1a and audio technica m50x but dont know which one to buy.
Btw I am listening to electronic, pop, hip hop music and I realy love a good bass.
If u have any other recommendation I would be grateful.
Is the AKG K545 a portable headphone? From what I see in the Internet, it looks very similar in design and size compared to the K550.
It's got ear cups a fair bit smaller than the K550. It's designed for portable use :)
The plug on the end looks like a tiny hairdryer to me...
Random observation, but yes. I see it too.
Hi Lachlan, which headphones would you recommend me between ATH MSR7 and Fidelio L2?
Lachlan, have you tried the ATH-M40x? The goldenears frequency response graphs would imply that they have almost the exact same sound signature as the MSR7, except slightly better. Those graphs don't say everything, but I think it is entirely possible, since expensive headphones are more about prestige and build quality than actual sound quality.
No but I have been meaning to try the M40x for some time!
I'd be cool with sending you mine to test.
I actually have the Ath M40x and they are awesome. They are flat studio headphones and with a decent amp (Fiio E6) they will play music off a phone pretty freaking awesome. Im not sure about it sounding like the MSR7 but they are excellent sounding headphones and for under $100 I would definitely get them (and i did)
Sony claims its hi-res but i think the ath-m40x is much suited for this term. If you listen to the orchestral music with 192khz 24-bit, Clarity is superb.
+Lee Yew, Tan How does the Bass Boost sound?
Oh well. Baby steps, Audio Technica. Baby steps. An admirable first attempt at the high-end portable market. The sound is right up my alley, but the comfort issues and the various design quibbles turn me right off. It sure is gorgeous, though. Funny you should mention the Sennheiser Momentum. It's a real shame you sold it, since I'd be very interested to see if it holds up against the millions of portable around-ears you've looked it since. You shot this in your hotel, I presume? I got the feeling there was all manner of exciting stuff happening just outside the edges of the frame, and it drove me mad. Anyway, another superb video as always! I eagerly look forward to more videos, and I hope your plane doesn't go missing on the way back.
I too hope for my plane's non-disappearance. I might just get the Momentum for reference again one day. There is a 24/7 bunga bunga party happening in my hotel but I'm not invited.
I have the Audio Technica ATH-ES700 and had the ATH-M50x. Does the ATH-MR7 sound more like the ES-700 or more like the M50x ? I want to buy them, but if they sound more like the ES-700......
I'm still loving my IM70 to the point where I don't even feel the need to think about other headphones for portable use. Unless I could find something that sounds exactly like the IM70 but has a smaller driver housing so my ear doesn't get sore after 2-3 hours of listening.
How would you describe the sound of the IM70? I'm considering buying them.
Bradford Thornton I'm not sure what you've heard before, because I can compare them to other headphones, but to describe them on their own? I'd call them "aggressively neutral" with a bit of boosted bass and treble, much like the M50/M50x.
They sound very similar to the UE Super.fi 5/UE600 as well, but with _much_ more low-frequency oomph, better and more detailed highs and less forward mids.
Corinn Heathers I think the IM70 is more mid-forward than the M50x, less v-shaped - IMO highs are almost rolled off unless you take of the filters or use wide-bore tips. It might be more similar to the MSR7 in terms of signature (I only tried them briefly)
Corinn Heathers I hav ethe IM50, and i think its the very best for my main genre of music (anisong) with most are female vocal. but i sometiemes still get the feeling of unnatural in acoustics music... and not really recommending it for movie, especially with it's mid forward signature. I use my M40x for out of house movie watching.
+Corinn Heathers The Sony MDR-100AAP (h.ear on) has a similar bass and treble to the IM70, but I found it lacking in the midrange, even compared to the M50x (which already wasn't known for its midrange). It's still a good choice if you can get it for under 200$ and it's more comfortable than the M50 or the MSR7 (I decided to get the MSR7 though as I wanted something with more sharpness in the midrange and highs).
How does the ATH-MSR7 fair against the ATH-ES700? This is because i'm considering getting the ES700.
really love that color scheme, makes me think of what tony stark would wear while listening to music while upgrading his Iron Man Suit.
Your video got me super excited about the MSR 7, Lach! Ordered them yesterday and am really looking forward to try them out.
Spectacular Mind So how are they?... After a year...
I loved them but sold them due to not using them (i'm not really the Closed Back guy). But they're definitley worth the price and sometimes i regret selling them. They are very very good!
Spectacular Mind Thanks for your reply. I've used closed back headphones at my school before and the design didn't bother me so much. Will definitely buy a pair very soon!
Calabi-Yau Manifold You won't regret it ;) If you've any further questions feel free to ask.
Spectacular Mind Hey, can't decide, should I get the Plantronics Backbeat PRO 2, Or should I go for the MSR7's?
If you gonna use one of these headphones to watch films or play games which one will you choose?
Lachlan do you still own the Sennheiser Momentum or did you get rid of it?
So how do you actually rate the MSR7s as far as HI Res audibly?
I tried both and other headphones in stores. I bought MDR-1A.
I think I have small head but the pressure of MSR-7's ear cup was like torture device. The MSR-7 was store's demo unit which was not new. So, I can't imagine how uncomfortable would the new MSR-7.
On the sound quality, MDR-1A does amplify the bass but it sounds right for pre-EDM era songs. It also sounds better than other headphones, e.g. Beyers & etc. for that kind of songs.
hey please please pleasee help me decide. i listen to EDM music such as Trance and progressive Hous which sounds better with an excellent bass headhphones. which headphones is perfect for you, ATH-M50X or ATH-MSR7?
I own both these headphones. I used to listen to EDM and progressive house like you, when I used my m50s. The bass on the M50s is very satisfying. They have a fair bit of clarity too, don't get me wrong. I used the m50 headphones for 3 years (m50 and m50x have the same sound, just different design features). Just a few days ago, I got the MSR7 headphones. They have more clarity, and a more edgy sound. The bass is less, but it's quick, punchy and I quite like it. The m50 headphones have a meatier oomph to the bass, but still maintaining balance.
Since I now listen more to Latin-House, Soul-House and Jazz-House, the extra clarity and edginess of the MSR7 is divine. For you though, I'd say buy the M50x and you'll be stoked with what you get,
+Zharif Ismail go for vmoda m100
It sounds like I am going to like the new Audio technica MSR7. I hope to get a chance to listen to them in the near future. Thanks for the review.
I'm actually considering these two, plus some others like M50x... I like the fact that both are black and red so it matches my desktop color scheme very well. I'm actually looking for a balanced signature, although i'd like to have some additional bass, so 1R/1A or M50x would fit my needs i suppose, because i tend to game a lot and listen to electornic while gaming. This one will be specifically for my gaming pc, i'm not concerned about portability, so which would be the best?
Which is better mdr 1r or mdr 1a , because i purchased a pair of mdr 1r on amazon and i dont know has been a bad election :'(
Would you consider either one of these a worthy upgrade coming from a pair of ATH-M50s?
Manny Zavala Not the 1A, but I will have to do some longer comparisons with the M50X when I get home...
How do you think, MS7 is better in sound or AT DSR7 BT? Thanks
which of this 2 (ATH-MSR7 and ATH-M50x) must I buy for electronic and trans music with Fiio X1 Player? as i know, ATH-MSR7 is Hi-Res, but what about ATH-M50x? pls, help
what kind of camera are you using for recording TH-cam videos?
Is this better than the M50X? Looking at buying either of them.
Lachlan, I love your reviews, and I bought the DT 770 after checking your review, and I love them, they spoiled me, the sound quality is amazing, I use it with my piano, I use it to listen to music, they are just the right ones for me, and I can listen a different dimensions to the music that I didn't before, I'm afraid I'm an audiophile now :D.
Unfortunately, I can't commune with them and use them in the office. I need something with the same quality of DT 770, something I can take with me everywhere, do you think Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 would be the one?
Thanks again for the wonderful reviews.
Can we considered the mdr-1A is BASSHEAD? What other BASSHEAD do you recommend me?
So basically the msr7 sound better and the mdr1a are more comfortable?
where is the full in depth review of msr7 and 1a?
What bluetooth headphones would you recommend I love the Hd dj 8 but it's not bluetooth
thanks for the comparison just ordered the mdr 1-A's to start a different direction this year see how they hold up,thanks again that red/gold does look nice i admit
Its a good first impressions review and such , afterall you've had for a few days. It'd be great to see a more indepth comparison in the near future albeit with some tech jargon in there too-
Enjoy the area, and from experience , learning nrw cultures is amongst the best that can happen. Anyways safe trips back!!!
Great video as usual. I was wondering if you know of a good cheap over-ear headphone(s)
I've read the AKG 545s or the newer Mark II version thereof, is a good studio headphone, but that it lacks bass performance. But with 50mm drivers, one wonders why this might be the case.
I know it's also overall design, and they are closed-back cans. I may go audition the newer AKGs soon and see what I think. The price went down recently to about $100 in the USA at some
retailers.
Does the MSR7 fair well without an amp? I'm asking this because I think I'd be more likely to trust you over shouty dudes on Head-fi.
CECRedGhost Seems to work well with my iPhone and NWZ-A15, no amp :)
So I bought the MDR-1A thinking I would like that better than the MSR-7's. Probably convinced myself to buy them due to the design and overall comfort (which is big for me). Your review is spot on though. There is just something about the headphones that bothers me. The bass is just like 30% too much at all volumes. It doesn't drown anything out, and if I listen I can still hear all mids and highs perfectly well - but when you don't listen carefully, the bass does dominate the music; which totally sucks on songs that are not supposed to have heavy bass. Coming from the Sony V-6 and I think those are much more balanced, I would stick with them if they weren't breaking - but I think I'll try the MSR-7's next.
Would love to hear your thoughts, coming from the V-6 and moving to the MSR-7. I'm a bit worried about the harsh highs. I do really like listening to mid heavy and high heavy songs, however all listening would be indoor, at moderate volumes.
are there any music genres you would suggest the sony mdr1a for?
Has audio technica made a newer version of the msr7?
I would like to hear about witch headsets or the best when it comes to sound?? bose , sony or beats??
Thank you for this excellent review - as are all your reviews.
You say that you could point us to more comfortable options (feel). Which would they be please ?
One question how is the bass and is it better then the iphone earphones because i never bought a headset
Steven Lee I think it sounds much better. The bass is okay, but it's not a super bassy headphone if that's what you want.
if the bass is like the apple earphones then its oke for me ;D
***** if the bass is like the apple earphones then its oke for me ;D
Can I use a third party cable with the msr7?
i have problem with your video, there is a hissing on left channel. It's kinda creepy like someone is breathing on my left side all the time...
i double check it and it's not my headphone problem...
M Satrio Unfortunately I was using on-camera audio, so it's not the best quality in the world :(
***** that's a good thing, i was worried if it's supernatural factor...
Quick question. What headphones are the best for movies? This is off topic but I just want your opinion if you would care to answer. You don't have to.
Sennheiser HD 598's have an amazing soundstage, those are good for movies.
I suppose it depends on whether you don't mind sharing the movie with everyone else in the room, in which case an open-backed pair is probably your best best. It's hard to know what to recommend without knowing your budget and sound preferences. You're so polite Tai. Long time no see.
Harrison Lichtenberg
I concur. Have them, love them.
i have the akg k7xx, they will be sold again at massdrop for a 215$ price with shipping and tax....one of the biggest sound stages out there, priced well they easily perform at a higher price point. These have easily made my movie watching experience far greater than i had anticipated. The HD 598s are good when they could be found on sale around 130$ OR less, they were sold for 98-99$ on amazon around black friday weekend a time to get them if ever...though if you do comprehensive research they do have some drawbacks. If those drawbacks dont seem like they are severe enough to push you away then those are a good bet as they are one of the more value cost/performance oriented open backed headphones on the market. Though bare in mind for most if not all open backed headphones you will be required to step up your game and purchase an amp and dac. Most better quality open backs benefit highly from transparent amps though if you go that route with a 598 then their drawbacks will be accentuated that much more and so on...just saying. I wouldnt look to far into tubes until you get a grasp of what a solid state setup brings and compare the differences from then on.
Sorry for the second comment but where was this broadway? I would like to visit this.
masterwazaboo123 Broadway is a major chain of electronics stores in Hong Kong, you can't miss them. In some areas there is one on every block.
I understand, but the ones I've visited in causewaybay didn't have much headphones available.
masterwazaboo123 I guess it might be one of the shops in Mong Kong.
I have no idea why you would take this over the m50x... Please can someone explain that to me?
MrTacticalinuit I think it actually sounds better than the M50X. More natural treble.
***** Oh ok i can see how some people dislike its treble. I like it though. But how much does it cost? I am very happy about the value i got from my m50xs.
MrTacticalinuit ~$330 on Amazon. ~$310 for standard.
Edit: Might want to check Amazon Japan and see how much it is. It's usually cheaper to buy from the native country. Use Tenso service for shipping.
***** How does it compare to the NAD VISO HP50?
I tried them at AT's showroom in Taiwan, they were definitely mid forward but not very sibilant, as you described. M50x does sound more aggressive at the top.
Wish u could try the Focal Spirit Classic to place them in your portable around-ear headphone list! Based on my experience i think if not the king they are at least in the podium!
Keep up with this fantastic work of comparison, it is the most useful tool to get a new headphones when you do not have the chance to hear them.
Antonio Alvarez I tried it today, it was quite nice!
Hey welcome to Hong Kong! What do you think about the Philips A5-PRO?
can't find the ath in red? anyone find them?
would you recommend mdr1a over msr7?
Where can I find this audio technica in red?!
Can someome recommend headphones with a mic under $200? I usually listen to pop or edm
how does the Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 compare with ath m50x?
This might help: th-cam.com/video/4VQyRNcniM4/w-d-xo.html
Great review, can you please list prices in the text or where to buy them, awesome video thank you.
Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 Vs ATH-M50X wich one u prefer?
Dex Tan Still have to do the direct comparison but I suspect I'll like the MSR7 more.
***** im planning to buy the m50x since alot people recomend it
Do u have any other recomendation within around that price?
should I get the MSR7 or the ATH - m50x. I usually just listen to jpop,jrock.
+Daenerys Targaryen Depends in your own preferences. If you like a more balanced soudn i would recommend the MSR 7 but if you prefer a more bassy soundsignature the M50x might be the better choice.
Spectacular Mind ok also what would you prefer overall MSR7 or Sony MDR-1A? I really prefer comfortability.
Daenerys Targaryen Personally i think the MDR is far more comfortable but sounds a bit like a telephone because there seems to be a distortion in the mid-range. Furthermore the sony is way more bassy in opposition to the MSR 7 which is quite an analyst. So i would pick the audio-technica because i'm kind of into higher resolution regarding headphones. (Excuse me for sounding a bit strange but english isn't my native tongue and i haven't practiced it in the last few weeks)
Spectacular Mind thanks for your help! does by telephone do you mean its quality is really bad? btw Im not really an expert but is it possible you could link me some songs that are heavy bass so I get an idea of what bass really is cause I dont have a solid understanding of it xP
Well, i think it would be better to try the headphones out with well-known songs you like, because those are usually the songs that are played on the headphones and that's the way you can check if you like how the sound is reproduced or not.
There are a lot of artists who are considered to have a bassy sound. Those are usually artists of the 20th/21st century who are located in the pop-genres such as hip-hop, electronica, dubsteb, electro, several metal and rock-bands aswell and so on.
If you are into classic rock for example, you could check out some of Queens songs, since the have a huge diversity between low's, mid's and high's and are mastered excellently with a high dynamic range.
BUT it is always important to keep in mind that it is necessary that you like how the music sounds, YOU want to listen to, on the headphone. That being said, i would recommend to look up a store who has both of your favourites (plus amount-x of other potential options) and check them out there while bringing your own music with you to try them out. Another option might be to buy them on amazon, try them out at home and send back the model you don't like as much as the other one (which is not as elegant in my opinion)
humm my friend was hitting me up for some nice headphones that were over ear design that had a bassy tinge with overall good sound quality, i saw these on massdrop for the price of near 200$ usdm, i was wondering at that value if these were worth a purchase. The total price is 249$ with a mute modmic which costs 50$...my friend also needs a mic for gaming and teamspeak
andola jackson It's a good deal if they need the mic :)
+lachlanlikesathing do the v-moda boompro work with msr7?
+jeremy tcj I'm sure it would work with any headphone with a 3.5 jack input.
Hello lachlan, glad to see you finally received your msr7 (more like purchased them) i am also going to review these beauties and have started a channel based on important matters of headphones. I hope you get to see my videos one day, though I won't really have many headphones but earphones to review.
I only have an intro video to the review so far. Stay tuned.
any idea what the MSRP is on these in the US?
Lachlan are u in HK now? I'm from HK and Broadway is in HK.
Does the Sony MDR-1A leak out sound
I am considering both of these for movie watching. But am having a hard time deciding still. I have zmf classics (to throaty for some reason with movies and tv), Hifiman he400i (to symbolent and not enough bass, otherwise perfect;currently my go to), Audio Technica AD700x/AD900X (not enough bass and just not pleasing compared to he400i), I have aune x1s+XP1 power supply, aune X7S+XP1, monoprice liquid spark, Geshelli labs Enog2 pro dac, Geshelli labs archel pro. Currently do all my listening with the Geshelli labs G stack. So I have some good gear and nice headphones but non of these are excellent for movies and tv watching. I want something with good bass extension for those explosive moments in movies and an open enough soundstage to help me feel in the scene of the movie, obviously very good imaging is important as the headphones need to place the sounds with what is happening on screen. Would either of these fit the bill you think or could you recommend something else?
I just bought the MSR7 last week. I'm love the sound. I just wish it was more comfortable. Despite the tricky comfort issue, I'm regretting the purchase.