Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Discussion Thread

[twister6]

  Anyone compared it against the Bayer T51p? Interested to know cause I did audition the T51p before, I love it and would have gotten it if not for the fact that I got one with a defective band that broke on my 2nd use, had to return it for a refund rather than exchange as this was overseas. Was hoping that this would be a possible alternative to it as the build looks tougher than the T51p.

 
T51i/p is on-ear vs MSR7 over-ear with a better isolation.  Soundwise, T51 is a lot darker and deeper, more textured, better low end extension, and in my opinion (typical for Tesla drivers) benefits from a good amping.  MSR7 is brighter, more reveal, less sub-bass, brighter upper mids/treble.  These two are not in a competing categories.  Also, in my opinion T51 has a decent all metal lightweight build.

 

[twister6]

How would they compare to the sennheiser momentums. Which one is the the best jazz and why?

 
It has been awhile since I heard the original momentum, though have momentum 2 now (but wireless version).  In general, Senns has more sub-bass and more bass slam.  MSR7 low end is accurate but doesn't have as much body/weight.  I don't listen to jazz, but thought for this type of music you need deeper bass and lower-mids with more body?  So perhaps MSR7 is not the best choice for this type of music.

 

[lostinthesauce]

AD900x when in the mood still my favorite headphones.  They are more fun sounding than the MSR7.  The mids are more recessed I think on the MSR7?  AD900x mids are fuller, and prominent, gives it a heavier sound.  AD900x are warmer than MSR7.  Definitely a more airy sound, the bass isn't as tight though, bass is better on MSR7.  The highs are more "fun" but the highs are more detailed on the MSR7.  But for a fun headphone, AD900x definitely probably at the top, but K712 Pro is more resolving and detailed than any of them.  The treble on AD900x I think is "fuller?" and MSR7 bit thinner/tinny at times.  But for a closed that isolates this well, MSR7 is beyond my expectations.  I found headphones with bass like that often have subdued mids and too much emphasis on treble and for me MSR7 mids is best I've heard for closed.

There is something magical about AD900x.  I know the sound is more congested, not as detailed as K712 or MSR7, maybe not has high res sound, but they are simply more fun to listen to when I'm listening to EDM, rock. AD900x has IMPACT, on both bass and treble, and mids are sweet.  The music just slams and impactful unlike the other headphones.  I can't put it into words since it's more emotional than sound I think, the impact is what makes AD900x special for me.  And the treble is harsh enough that if I blast the music, doesn't hurt and it's not shrill.  Unlike the others.

While I may rank the K712 and MSR7 above AD900x in overall sound evaluation, if I could only keep one, it would be AD900x.  May not make sense to others, it's not as great as others, but it just has more impact and fun.

The problem with AD900x is while it has the airiest sound of my headphones, sound can be congested, K712 Pro is the opposite, the separation is best I've heard (I don't spend more than $450 on headphones).  I'd say MSR7 has better separation than AD900x.

MSR7 has more similarities in mids/treble to K712 to me, but the bass on AD900x.  It's just a much better headphone than K551 for me.  K551 for me would cause ear ringing from that harsh treble, it's an enormous amount of treble, and mids just not up to snuff.  I listen to MSR7 at lower volume than any of the headphones, K551 I listen to loudest because the mids/bass just aren't enough, but then treble probably ear damaging (treble damages your ears more than bass does).

It's hard to compare AT to AT and then compare AT closed to AT open.  MSR7 is just surprisingly good sounding for a much smaller, isolating headphone I'm used to.  It's more detailed than any Sennheiser I've heard (up to HD650/Momentum), and Shure SRH840. 

Bottom line though, sitting at home, I'm going to be grabbing AD900x when I just want to blast music, K712 Pro when I want the separation and details.  MSR7 is the portable, open air > closed.

My review/impression are probably awful.  But there it is.

Thanks for your impressions. The AD900X is a great headphone and I often have to fight the wife to use them. I was considering a new hp to supplement my ESW9 as it's so mellow and sweet that I often tune the music out. Also not happy with the bass as it is, accurately described by another poster, a bit swampy. To my ears the ES88 is better in that department. I definitely prefer quality over quantity and these sound like the ticket. Now to just decide if I can sport the LTD version without looking like Tony Stark.

 

[SSandDigital]

Thanks for your impressions. The AD900X is a great headphone and I often have to fight the wife to use them. I was considering a new hp to supplement my ESW9 as it's so mellow and sweet that I often tune the music out. Also not happy with the bass as it is, accurately described by another poster, a bit swampy. To my ears the ES88 is better in that department. I definitely prefer quality over quantity and these sound like the ticket. Now to just decide if I can sport the LTD version without looking like Tony Stark.

 
Over time I've changed my mind on the MSR7.  The bass and the liveliness of sound is there, but the treble is just too much for me.  It's not LOUD like it is with K550, it's not as if the treble is drowning out the sounds, but with MSR7 it's like 1/3 the sound coming at me and it's peaky to me.  
 
Best way I can describe it like dessert.  The bass layer has crisp, but some thickness like a nice fudge, bitterness for depth, and nice crisp on top.  It's perfect thickness, enough to know it's there and give the dessert depth in taste.  Mids would be key lime, smooth feeling with a lime sweet pop, tasty.  But again sprinkled with crystalized flaky/sharp sweetener.  And it's about 1/4 less thickness than I expect.  And the treble, where I would like it to be a natural whipped cream, with nice volume, chilled peaks, some smoothness, and texture.  Instead it's very sweet artificial sweetner that has been crystalized into thin flakes.  And it's 1/4 thickness too much.
 
And it doesn't matter what I listen to.  I've tried Armin Van Burren's A State of Trance mix, uplifting trance.  Then tried Simon Patterson's more interesting progressive trance.  Then I tried listening to Thirteen Senses brit rock, some earlier heavier Incubus, some Rammstein, then Beethoven's Third and Mahler's 7th, Tchaikovsky's 4th, it's the same.
 
Maybe my ears just can't cope with the "transient response" and other characteristics others have been amazed by with the treble.  It's weird to describe and disappointing since the bass and mids are nice. 
 
If they managed to control the treble more, roll it off, would be great.  But honestly even at low volume, everytime I listen to these headphones, after I take them off, my ears feel like I've been to a loud concert. 

 

[riposte]

What do yo think? http://www.amazon.com/Headphones-MDR-XB920-MDR-XB900-NWZ-WH303-Accessories/dp/B00TYUR550/ref=sr_1_46?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1427640090&sr=1-46&keywords=Headphone+Case
 
USD to IDR convertion rate sooo high....

 

[twiztedjoker]

   
Over time I've changed my mind on the MSR7.  The bass and the liveliness of sound is there, but the treble is just too much for me.  It's not LOUD like it is with K550, it's not as if the treble is drowning out the sounds, but with MSR7 it's like 1/3 the sound coming at me and it's peaky to me.  
 
Best way I can describe it like dessert.  The bass layer has crisp, but some thickness like a nice fudge, bitterness for depth, and nice crisp on top.  It's perfect thickness, enough to know it's there and give the dessert depth in taste.  Mids would be key lime, smooth feeling with a lime sweet pop, tasty.  But again sprinkled with crystalized flaky/sharp sweetener.  And it's about 1/4 less thickness than I expect.  And the treble, where I would like it to be a natural whipped cream, with nice volume, chilled peaks, some smoothness, and texture.  Instead it's very sweet artificial sweetner that has been crystalized into thin flakes.  And it's 1/4 thickness too much.
 
And it doesn't matter what I listen to.  I've tried Armin Van Burren's A State of Trance mix, uplifting trance.  Then tried Simon Patterson's more interesting progressive trance.  Then I tried listening to Thirteen Senses brit rock, some earlier heavier Incubus, some Rammstein, then Beethoven's Third and Mahler's 7th, Tchaikovsky's 4th, it's the same.
 
Maybe my ears just can't cope with the "transient response" and other characteristics others have been amazed by with the treble.  It's weird to describe and disappointing since the bass and mids are nice. 
 
If they managed to control the treble more, roll it off, would be great.  But honestly even at low volume, everytime I listen to these headphones, after I take them off, my ears feel like I've been to a loud concert. 

I share the same sentiments -  a little treble roll of would be great for me too. It's a pity because aside from this, I am seriously digging these can. At twister6's recommendation i've decided to go for a Schitt Fulla. I'm hoping for a bit more soundstage and warmth. Nice Dessert Analogy dude.

 

[earfonia]

   
Over time I've changed my mind on the MSR7.  The bass and the liveliness of sound is there, but the treble is just too much for me.  It's not LOUD like it is with K550, it's not as if the treble is drowning out the sounds, but with MSR7 it's like 1/3 the sound coming at me and it's peaky to me.  
 
Best way I can describe it like dessert.  The bass layer has crisp, but some thickness like a nice fudge, bitterness for depth, and nice crisp on top.  It's perfect thickness, enough to know it's there and give the dessert depth in taste.  Mids would be key lime, smooth feeling with a lime sweet pop, tasty.  But again sprinkled with crystalized flaky/sharp sweetener.  And it's about 1/4 less thickness than I expect.  And the treble, where I would like it to be a natural whipped cream, with nice volume, chilled peaks, some smoothness, and texture.  Instead it's very sweet artificial sweetner that has been crystalized into thin flakes.  And it's 1/4 thickness too much.
 
And it doesn't matter what I listen to.  I've tried Armin Van Burren's A State of Trance mix, uplifting trance.  Then tried Simon Patterson's more interesting progressive trance.  Then I tried listening to Thirteen Senses brit rock, some earlier heavier Incubus, some Rammstein, then Beethoven's Third and Mahler's 7th, Tchaikovsky's 4th, it's the same.
 
Maybe my ears just can't cope with the "transient response" and other characteristics others have been amazed by with the treble.  It's weird to describe and disappointing since the bass and mids are nice. 
 
If they managed to control the treble more, roll it off, would be great.  But honestly even at low volume, everytime I listen to these headphones, after I take them off, my ears feel like I've been to a loud concert. 

 
Try it with tube amplifier or Centrance DACport. Warm sounding amp makes a lot of different to the way MSR7 sound.

 

[SSandDigital]

Try it with tube amplifier or Centrance DACport. Warm sounding amp makes a lot of different to the way MSR7 sound.

No. Not buying new amp because the headphones has peaky sharp thin tinny treble. These are advertises as portable and I expect them to sound good with portable devices.

 

[lostinthesauce]

Try it with tube amplifier or Centrance DACport. Warm sounding amp makes a lot of different to the way MSR7 sound.

Have you heard it with either the Fiio X3 or E12? I have both of them as my portable stack and they're fairly warm.

 

[earfonia]

No. Not buying new amp because the headphones has peaky sharp thin tinny treble. These are advertises as portable and I expect them to sound good with portable devices.

 
IMHO the analytic sound quality and the strong headband clamping force of MSR7 are more appropriate for Pro Audio headphone, rather than consumer portable headphones. With good tube amp, it sounds really good. But so far no luck with smartphone.

 

[earfonia]

Have you heard it with either the Fiio X3 or E12? I have both of them as my portable stack and they're fairly warm.

 
Maybe not so matching with Fiio X3, but it sounds good with my Fiio E12DIY with OPA827 op-amps. Fiio X3 2nd generation has better chemistry with MSR7 than the X3 1st gen.

 

[q2klepto]

No. Not buying new amp because the headphones has peaky sharp thin tinny treble. These are advertises as portable and I expect them to sound good with portable devices.

They sound pretty good coming from my phone (LG G3), dont usually need to have it at 100% (maybe 2-3 ticks down). The G3 is considered to have one of the better DACs, altho a slightly weaker amp compared to something like the HTC M8. 

 

[twister6]

 

Have you heard it with either the Fiio X3 or E12? I have both of them as my portable stack and they're fairly warm.

 
Maybe not so matching with Fiio X3, but it sounds good with my Fiio E12DIY with OPA827 op-amps. Fiio X3 2nd generation has better chemistry with MSR7 than the X3 1st gen.

 
It will all come down to a personal preference since we all hear things differently   I personally really enjoying it straight out of a warmer X3 2nd gen or a more neutral N6, and use it exclusively with my laptop (quite a warm and noisy HO output).  Lately with all my USB DAC reviews, I was using it exclusively as well.  Yesterday, got a review unit of GeekOut 450 - MSR7 sounds like a POWERHOUSE straight from 0.47ohm output of GO450.  I do have to admit, the sound is revealing and reaches analytical level in my book.  But I'm very sensitive to sibilant bright sound, and can tell you with certainty I can use MSR7 for hours without ear fatigue.  After probably 200+ hrs, clamping force is just perfect and sound really settled in.  As a matter of fact, now I can't stand any of my other headphones or IEMs with enhanced low end lol!!!

 

[lostinthesauce]

Maybe not so matching with Fiio X3, but it sounds good with my Fiio E12DIY with OPA827 op-amps. Fiio X3 2nd generation has better chemistry with MSR7 than the X3 1st gen.

I'm obviously new to headfi so I appreciate all this feedback. Everyone that has listened to my Fiio stack has really liked the sound with the headphones listed in my profile so I am hoping that the MSR7 plays nicely also.

It will all come down to a personal preference since we all hear things differently   I personally really enjoying it straight out of a warmer X3 2nd gen or a more neutral N6, and use it exclusively with my laptop (quite a warm and noisy HO output).  Lately with all my USB DAC reviews, I was using it exclusively as well.  Yesterday, got a review unit of GeekOut 450 - MSR7 sounds like a POWERHOUSE straight from 0.47ohm output of GO450.  I do have to admit, the sound is revealing and reaches analytical level in my book.  But I'm very sensitive to sibilant bright sound, and can tell you with certainty I can use MSR7 for hours without ear fatigue.  After probably 200+ hrs, clamping force is just perfect and sound really settled in.  As a matter of fact, now I can't stand any of my other headphones or IEMs with enhanced low end lol!!!

I am also sensitive to highs...but am a bit dismayed by the ESW9 (and to lesser extent the ES88) in regards to their subpar reproduction of cymbal crashes. Could you please provide an idea of how the MSR7 does? Note that it may simply be my source or even my ears...

 

[SSandDigital]

You have to hear for yourself and decide.  I'm a AT fan and not a fan of these MSR7, too sibilant for me.  I've settled on NAD HP50, and I own the AKG K550, tried the MSR7 and Sony's MDR1.  I'm returning the MSR7 tomorrow, listened to them for a week, left them running while I was at work etc, the sibilance still there.  AD900x (recabled dual entry separate grounding), K712 Pro and K550 don't leave my ears feeling this way.  As another said, we all hear differently, MSR7 are obviously great headphones, just don't work for my hearing.
 
Good luck with your search for headphones.  Also I did put in an order for the AKG K553 @ $120. 
 
I recommend putting in an order for the HP50, I think they sound more like AT/AKG open air headphones than MSR7 do.  And they seal better for portable use, the MSR7 have venting and porous isolation.