Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Discussion Thread

[Asr]

Yes, I got them because I was so impressed by your set at the last meet! Not sure if you read a bit further down, but my dog ate the earpads off my MSR7's. I ordered and installed the brainwavz pads, which I don't like, sadly those are the only pads available at this time it seems. I've signed up for the January CO meet, will be bringing the MSR7's, will be interesting to get other peoples opinion on them with the Brainwavz pads.   
I got my fingers crossed that ATHUSA gets some earpads in this coming month so I can order a replacement set of the stock pads. 

 
Cool, definitely interested to check out how the Brainwavz pads affect the sound.

 

[woodpecker]

Apparently there will be a new MSR7 presented at the CES 2016. Maybe with a rumored headband redesign, we'll see...

 

[riposte]

http://positive-feedback.com/industry-news/audio-technica-at-ces-2016/
"An exciting new turntable and Hi-Res Audio compliant SonicPro® headphones will make their debut. Be sure to come see these products including a new version of the ATH-MSR7 headphones, which won the Reviewed.com/USA TODAY 2015 Best Headphones of the Year award and other major awards."
 
OMG.... My wallet is not ready. Saraundo Chonmage 3, and then MSR7 successor... 

 

[FYLegend]

I feel like this successor will be marginal at best and more likely an aesthetic update, the same way M50x is to M50. Maybe slight improvements to sound but AT may even market it as the "same sound signature.
 
I'm not sure if the creakiness of the headband will be fixed, not just the comfort. Even 2 weeks out of the box I notice the creakiness, but it isn't as bad as my worn-out M50x, as it only creaks when the earcups aren't tightly clamped onto your ears and are not perfectly flush with your ears.

 

[riposte]

MSR7 have brother, MSR7NC, SR5 and SR5BT (both are on-ear version)

 

[FYLegend]

A bummer I was expecting a foldable version, and they should have went for more colours...
 
No values given for passive mode so we don't know if the impedance or sensitivity are the same as the original... I think a French site says it sounds the same as the original though...

 

[arteom]

  A bummer I was expecting a foldable version, and they should have went for more colours...
 
No values given for passive mode so we don't know if the impedance or sensitivity are the same as the original... I think a French site says it sounds the same as the original though...

I think more colors would make it come across more as a toy than a professionally executed piece of equipment. Honestly the only thing could use some improvement is padding in the headband. 

 

[FYLegend]

 
I think more colors would make it come across more as a toy than a professionally executed piece of equipment. Honestly the only thing could use some improvement is padding in the headband. 

Well, I would have liked to see Gun-Metal Grey at least, as it still seems pretty professional-looking

 

[zazex]

 
I think more colors would make it come across more as a toy than a professionally executed piece of equipment. Honestly the only thing could use some improvement is padding in the headband. 

 
And a bit less clamping force...

 

[FYLegend]

   
And a bit less clamping force...

I personally don't find the clamping force to be that bad - I'd say it's about the same as the M50x. Tyll said you can bend the headband around at the top.
 
With no hands-on reviews I'm not so sure if they changed the headband or not.

"The ATH-MSR7NC’s memory foam earpads, flexible swivel design and padded headband ensure a comfortable fit for any wearer." they said the exact same thing for the original... lol
 
Why don't they make it foldable or add Bluetooth/NFC? Some will still opt for the Sony MDR-100AAP (h.ear on) as it has both of those features.

 

[riposte]

but few people (not head-fi member, from local group and a store owner) is disappointed with 100AP 'plasticky' sound

 

[zazex]

  I personally don't find the clamping force to be that bad - I'd say it's about the same as the M50x. Tyll said you can bend the headband around at the top.
 
With no hands-on reviews I'm not so sure if they changed the headband or not.

"The ATH-MSR7NC’s memory foam earpads, flexible swivel design and padded headband ensure a comfortable fit for any wearer." they said the exact same thing for the original... lol
 
Why don't they make it foldable or add Bluetooth/NFC? Some will still opt for the Sony MDR-100AAP (h.ear on) as it has both of those features.

 
Perhaps our heads are different sizes, or perhaps I'm just more sensitive to this kind of thing.
 
I really liked the headphones, but after about two weeks I felt it was only prudent to return them.
If I fell asleep with them on, I'd wake up with a headache from them.
 
So I hunted around for something I liked as much in about the same price range.
Didn't see anything which interested me.
(Closed headphones).
 
After a while of researching, it seemed that my best choice was the Shure 1540,
never mind the extra hit to my wallet.  Ouch!
 
So I got them, and liked them way much.  Still remembered how nice the MSR7's
sounded, so - yes.  I bought them again (from a different dealer).
 
And dang, they sounded beautiful. 
But the clamping was identical to the first pair I had.
 
Sold them after a couple of weeks..
 
Still have the 1540's, I'm convinced they're "better" than the MSR7's (as they should
be at twice the price), but the MSR7's are a heck of a great deal IMO.

 

[FYLegend]

  but few people (not head-fi member, from local group and a store owner) is disappointed with 100AP 'plasticky' sound

I was just pointing out that there is a cheaper, high-res Bluetooth and NC headphone, which begs the question who is AT aiming for with this headphone? The MDR-100AAP is a casual headphone,while the MSR7 is more or less the same but is at the same time more analytical. The MDR-100AAP I have somewhat mixed reactions about as well - it sounds a bit like M50x with a wider soundstage and crisper but more laid-back treble extension, but it's lacking in the midrange, and the M50x wasn't particularly known for its mids in the first place... I prefer something with a bit more directedness, even if there's a touch more sibilance.

 

[arteom]

  I was just pointing out that there is a cheaper, high-res Bluetooth and NC headphone, which begs the question who is AT aiming for with this headphone? The MDR-100AAP is a casual headphone,while the MSR7 is more or less the same but is at the same time more analytical. The MDR-100AAP I have somewhat mixed reactions about as well - it sounds a bit like M50x with a wider soundstage and crisper but more laid-back treble extension, but it's lacking in the midrange, and the M50x wasn't particularly known for its mids in the first place... I prefer something with a bit more directedness, even if there's a touch more sibilance.

 
I can't disagree more with you here. The MSR7 while a portable headphone, is in my view one of the better executed closed headphones on the market currently and in the past. It does so many things right. It's not heavy, it's comfortable, it's durable (survived acts of dog for me), it's very pleasing aesthetically. It's not too big, can easily be used as a portable headphone. That's not even going into sound signature, which in my opinion is very well tuned by AT. It avoids the bass bloat that you find in too many cheaper closed headphones. The midrange is not thin, I say that with experience of having owned a Denon D2000 and having heard a think midrange. The top end does have a bit of energy, and that may be it's only fault, but some might characterize that as flavor than any sort of weakness. It is definitely very well detailed, especially for a closed headphone which has a proportionally appropriate low end response. I'd have a hard time pointing out a closed headphone that sounds as well as the MSR7, isolates as well, doesn't leak as much, is portable. Especially in the $250 price range. As far bluetooth and NC, I can speak only for myself.. those are gimmicks. Features most all audiophiles would avoid when searching for a headphone. 
 
I personally think the MSR7 is one the best values in closed headphones. Nothing casual about that 

.

 

[jermy4]

   
I can't disagree more with you here. The MSR7 while a portable headphone, is in my view one of the better executed closed headphones on the market currently and in the past. It does so many things right. It's not heavy, it's comfortable, it's durable (survived acts of dog for me), it's very pleasing aesthetically. It's not too big, can easily be used as a portable headphone. That's not even going into sound signature, which in my opinion is very well tuned by AT. It avoids the bass bloat that you find in too many cheaper closed headphones. The midrange is not thin, I say that with experience of having owned a Denon D2000 and having heard a think midrange. The top end does have a bit of energy, and that may be it's only fault, but some might characterize that as flavor than any sort of weakness. It is definitely very well detailed, especially for a closed headphone which has a proportionally appropriate low end response. I'd have a hard time pointing out a closed headphone that sounds as well as the MSR7, isolates as well, doesn't leak as much, is portable. Especially in the $250 price range. As far bluetooth and NC, I can speak only for myself.. those are gimmicks. Features most all audiophiles would avoid when searching for a headphone. 
 
I personally think the MSR7 is one the best values in closed headphones. Nothing casual about that 

.

I agree on all of your points, it is very competitive and has a lot of strengths especially for the price.  Oh, it also has a standard 3.5mm detachable cable too.