Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review

For three years on the market Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 headphones managed to become one of the most popular models in the premium class. Universal not only in sound, but also in use, headphones have come to the taste of many audiophiles, and the use of design unique to Audio-Technica two-layer air-flow technology and even brought the sound out of reach for competitors in this price range level. Why are these headphones so loved by audiophiles?

Design and ergonomics

The ATH-MSR7 is available in three colors - red, brown and black. Full-size closed-back headphones in a classic, versatile style with 90-degree swivel cups and a leather headband.

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The MSR-7's cups are made of aluminum-magnesium alloy and, thanks to special Air Dynamic technology, have a special internal structure that makes the sound so balanced and versatile. The sides of the bowls have the company's logo on them.

In addition, the headband guides are also made of metal. With the notches on the bars, it is easy to adjust it to the desired head size. As for the ear cushions, they have an oval shape and are filled with memory foam, which remembers your anatomy and allows you to achieve maximum noise isolation and listening comfort.

But, as a consequence, these headphones after a week of use will not suit any other music lovers, because the ear cushions are already "tuned" to the first owner.

Despite the high price, the ear cushions are covered with good quality leatherette. At the same time, all other parts are made of plastic. As it should be for a device of this level, the assembly is at the highest level, no creaks or backlashes were detected.

The headphones come with a leatherette case and three cables:

• 1.2-meter cable with smartphone microphone;
• 1.2 meter cable with mini-jacks on each side, one of them L-shaped;
• Three-meter round audio cable to connect to a PC.

Sound and Technical Data

The ATH-MSR7 headphones reproduce a wide frequency range of 5 - 40,000 hertz at a reasonably good sensitivity of 100dB. The versatility of the reproduced sound is achieved by the special cup structure and the ear cushions with memory effect. With this tandem, noise does not distract the owner from listening, and 45mm drivers produce quality sound without mixing in foreign notes.

The headphones have extremely accurate localization of instruments in a wide scene, surround and balanced sound. Of course, audiophiles will immediately notice the saturation of the middle frequencies and lack of bass when listening to electronics or hip-hop. But this can easily be adjusted with the equalizer.

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Opinion of users about the ATH-MSR7

Definitely, all owners of headphones MSR7 after a couple of weeks of listening come to the conclusion about the versatility of sound, the presence of surround and clear audio. Package, build quality and materials, wearing comfort and excellent noise isolation - all these pluses can be found in a huge number of reviews of real users of ATH-MSR7.

However, due to the use of leatherette, many users have sweaty ears after long listening sessions, especially in hot weather. A number of owners are dissatisfied with the presence of a soft case included, which is not as convenient to carry as a hard case. In addition, according to users, a three-meter cable would be better to replace the twisted and complement it with an adapter for 6.3 mm jack.

Competitors in the market

In the category of premium headphones costing 300 euros a sufficient number of decent models. The table below shows the headphones which can compete with MSR7, but only the model from Audio-Technica can be used with smartphones because of the low resistance of 35 Ohm.

Model Name	Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7	Sony MDR-1ADAC	Beyerdynamic DT 250	Panasonic RP-HD10E-K	AKG K 702
Headphone type	full-size, closed	full-size, closed	full-size, enclosed	full-size, closed	full-size, open
Connecting	3.5mm mini jack	3.5mm mini jack	3.5mm mini jack	3.5mm mini jack	3.5mm mini jack
Frequency range	5 to 40000 Hz	4 to 100000 Hz	10 Hz to 30,000 Hz	5 to 50,000 Hz	10 to 39800 Hz

Strengths and weaknesses

MSR7 audiophile headphones have many advantages:

• excellent sound quality at all frequencies;
• "omnivision of the headphones and the ability to listen to audio on portable devices;
• Use of high quality materials during assembly;
• Affordable price for the premium segment;
• the availability of interchangeable cables in the kit and a microphone for smartphones.

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In the process of use, the following disadvantages are revealed:

• The use of leatherette in the premium-segment device;
• personalization of the ear cushions, which adjust to the owner's ears and do not fully allow other users to use the headphones;
• The lack of an adapter for 6.3 mm jack in the package;
• useless complete leather case.

Bottom line

The ATH-MSR7 from Audio-Technica is one of the best in its class. Proving itself as a device with harmonious sound and high build quality, the headphones are suitable for every music fan who wants to enjoy music without any "off-cuts" from the device. The low impedance makes them easy to use with HI-FI players as well as regular smartphones. But to get quality sound, it is desirable to use devices with a built-in DAC.

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