Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review

Key features

The Audio Technica ATH MSR7 headphones are the best in their category. A nice and comfortable design means you can use these headphones in public and for hours at a time. The memory foam on the headband and the ear cups offers comfortable grip. The sound balance is fantastic and the slight focus on bass makes the audio not boring at all. The noise isolation is far better compared with the previous Audio Technica headphones.

Introduction

Good looking high-end headphones always have something extra to offer and Audio Technica ATH MSR7 is no different in this regard. Nicely designed in plastic and aluminum, these headphones offer you comfort for long hours of use. The sound is among the best in comparable headphones and the bass and treble add a lot of punch to the audio. The noise isolation is more or less excellent and prevents sound leakage effectively.

What is the sound quality?

The sound quality of Audio Technica ATH MSR7 is the best in the category. The sound is accurate and the slight emphasis on bass makes the audio seem more fun. The bass may be tad above neutral but the balance is perfect. The lows are punchy and controlled and the mids lean towards bass and treble. You get that much vaunted V-shaped sound where the bass and treble have their pronounced peaks. The dynamic range in these headphones ensures that the sound is not boring and flat. The only complaint someone may have is about the soundstage, something that Sony has mastered in its headphones.

Are they comfortable to wear?

Audio Technica ATH MSR7 has a more high-street design with a narrower headband and the cups are shaped like some of the top-end Sony headphones. When you try out these headphones for the first time, they may feel a bit hard but the memory foam used in the headband and the ear cups actually this feeling go away soon. The memory foam distributes the pressure equally and this is a great convenience feature. The ear pads are large and hug your ears – firm but not uncomfortable.

Are they noise isolating?

Audio Technica ATH MSR7 is not completely noise isolating but the isolation is much better than the previous models of headphones from the manufacturer. You can use these headphones in public place. However, keep in mind that some amount of sound will leak and 100% noise isolation (like the Bose headphones) is not what you get from these headphones.

Conclusion: Should I buy it?

For just over USD250, Audio Technica ATH MSR7 is the best pair of headphones you can buy. The marketing of these headphones as high-res is a little farfetched, but in terms of purity of sound, you should have no complaints whatsoever. The balance of sound is excellent and the extra emphasis on bass adds a lot of fun to your listening experience. These headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and thanks to better noise isolation, can be used in public place.