It does look extremely similar to the  MDR-1R, however, as soon as you touch them the difference screams:  the ATH is much better built.  The SONY feels toy-like, flimsy, plasticky, and like most things SONY, likely soon to break.  (Z1 is an exception).  
 
Sound wise, A-Bing from my 120ii, the ATH also walked all over the  MDR-1R, no comparison.  MSR7 vs Z1 would be more fair, SQ-wise, however the price difference and foldability of the ATH make the comparison less useful.  
 
I`m still unclear if the LTD version is different internally/sound-sig-wise from the non-LTD.  The CKR9 LTD iem is clearly a different phone from the CKR9 and CKR10 . . . . 

Great review, it would be nice if you compared it directly against the sony mdr 7520, ( not the 1r/a or the z1000 as those seem to have rather underwhelming sound quality given the price ). 

Copycat it's like they grabbed some MDR-1R's, processed them with a CAD software and did a carbon-copy using a 3D printer

So with a warm amp does the MSR7 beat out the M50X overall? Desert island, personal preference accounted for, what would this reviewer pick?

I agree, they look like a rebadged MDR-1R. Not complaining, I love the look of the 1R. Review seems to bode well for great sonics from the ATH..

@Dopaminer From the info I received, and the units I tried, the MSR7LTD is the same as the standard black and gunmetal version. Only different color.
 
@Fidelity King right! I hope will have a chance to compare MSR7 with the Sony.
 
@gerelmx1986 yes they look pretty close! not sure if AT took inspiration from other brand, or it is genuinely their own design, that coincidentally pretty similar with the Sony.

@Neo Zuko Yes, with matching amp, I do prefer MSR7 over M50x. But it doesn't mean M50x is inferior, but it is just that my personal preference is closer to MSR7.

earfonia, could you elaborate more on the AT-HA22TUBE amp? It seems like detailed impressions are scarce on this amp. How does it sound compared to say a Centrance DACMini or Burson Solist? Does the knob feel good? Could you do a hands on mini preview / review?

ATH-MSR7 look so much like a Sony MDR-1RBT/Mk2. Are they sharing the same design?

Yeah my 2 ATH headphones have that too,headband is too tight and after a while it hurts.And padding has always been too thin,and i find that just plain stupid cause comfort is most important after sound quality off course.

Yeah my 2 ATH headphones have that too,headband is too tight and after a while it hurts.And padding has always been too thin,and i find that just plain stupid cause comfort is most important after sound quality off course.

Yeah my 2 ATH headphones have that too,headband is too tight and after a while it hurts.And padding has always been too thin,and i find that just plain stupid cause comfort is most important after sound quality off course

LIke some other headfiers, the ATH-M50 was my very first headphone, so I have always had a love for the company who made less stylish, but certainly better sounding than many of the higher priced and higher profile headphones.  Glad to see they have adopted a more stylish look with this offering, and the ATH-M50X as well.  Great review.

@Neo Zuko I plan to write a review for HA22TUBE when have time. It's a nice little desktop tube amp. Needs some burn-in to open the sound, after burn-in it's a nice sounding tube amp, not too warm, very good bass, with relatively good transparency for a tube amp. No issue with volume pot so far. I will probably post its internal pictures in my review later.
 
@NewForce I haven't tried Sony MDR-1RBT/Mk2, so no idea.
 
@dailysmoker Yes, headband is quite firm, could be too firm and uncomfortable for some people. I agree, it would be good if AT could improve the comfort of MSR7 by reducing the headband pressure force. For me, probably because I used to wear headphones for hours, I didn't have comfort issue from MSR7.
 
I found MSR7 is very revealing, it really helps me to analyze minute sonic differences between audio equipment. Quite surprising for a headphone in this price range for the level of detail retrieval. Now it becomes instrumental for me to do reviews. On the other hand, it is not a forgiving headphone. It will simply let us hear all the sonic flaws from recordings and equipment. But on good equipment and recordings, MSR7 is really rewarding!

COUGH COUGH MDR-1R COUGH

Hi @earfonia, do you think the D-Zero Mk2 will be a good match for the MSR7?

Very nice review.
I´m new here and I´m lucky owner of the At-MRS7, but have not AT-HA22TUBE. After burn-in it has perfect, clean and quick bass for me. I tried to EQ bass, but have to let it as it is to sound best for me. Even +1db around 25-300Hz sounded little darkling for me. Is it a big diference between bass with/without AT-A22TUBE? I'm afraid, that it will have too much bass for me. I love strong quick and clear bass, but not darkling with leakage to lower mids. So please your advice here.
Second problem is, I can´t find any AT-HA22TUBE with euro plug to buy. I have found some info about japanese version, that it requires 100V. Is any Korean version around? Any avice here?
Thank you

I forgot third question abou AT-A22TUBE. How about ATH-AD1000X with it. Thats my second pair of headphones and I love it. They have less stronger bass then AT-MRS7, but they are a little diferent category. Open headphones with clear nice mids and highs with attention to vocal.
What this little beast do with these beauties?
Thank you.

Great review!!! I purchased a MSR7.Thank you earfonia!