Well, having finally sold my MDR1-ABT (travel well!), I bought a second hand MSR7. I haven't had much time to test it but I can safely say that :
- The DSR9BT is much more comfortable. Yes, I know I sound like a DSR9BT ambassador/fanboy, but it's true ! Now, for me, the claming is not the problem on the MSR7. In fact, the clamping force and the hoop are basically the same on the MSR7 and the DSR9BT. For them both, I had to bend a bit the hoop (like I usually do with all the headphones) and stretch it of three notches. To me, it's not a problem, but if it's a problem to you with the MSR7, well it might be a problem too with the DSR9BT. No, what I find incomfortable with the MSR7 is the pads, which are not thick and soft enough given the claming force. Like I said, I haven't had much time to test it, but in 10 minutes, my ears were hot. It's not that the MSR7 is incomfortable per se -- I like how it fits the head (in the same way the DSR9BT does) -- but it's too tiring with time. This is absolutely not the case with the DSR9BT where the pads are much more comfortable, even if the hole is little tighter, because the pads are slightly thicker and larger. Look at the pics :
- About the quality build, the DSR9BT is a also a lot better : it's easier to stretch the hoop and there isn't this annoying squeak that we can hear when the MSR7 earcups are moving.
- And concerning the sound, well, I need more time to get used to it, but I was surprised with it because initially I thought it was a pretty neutral headphone. I don't think so. I'm not a bass-head, but I have to admit that I was starting to miss them a bit while listening to some songs with the MSR7. It's amazing how a track can be totally different while switching back and forth between the WS1100 and the MSR7. These two are both completely two different things (and for now I find the WS1100 to be more accomplished in its kind... notably because of the quality build, the esthetic beauty, the comfortability and how the sound is powerful).
Anyway I find the DSR9BT to be a perfect compromise between this two kinds of headphones (one bright, the other bassy). And to be perfectly clear : The DSR9BT has a lot more bass than the MSR7. It's as clean and bright, while being a lot more dynamic and lively.