Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 or Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z or Sony MDR-1A headphones or alternatives

[Needforspeed]

Hi, I want to get Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 or Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z or Sony MDR-1A headphones for High-Resolution Audio. I'm not sure which is the best or are there better alternatives? (<£200)
Mostly worn at home.

Is the Audio-Technica’s 3D wing support system comfortable? (I wear glasses)

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

Type Dynamic
Driver Diameter 45mm
Frequency Response 5 - 40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power 2,000 mW
Sensitivity 100dB/mW
Impedance 35 ohms
Weight 290g
Cable 1.2 m, 3.0m and 1.2m with mic for smartphones
Connector 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug
Accessories Included Pouch

https://eu.audio-technica.com/headphones/hifi/ATH-MSR7#specifications


Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z

Type Closed-back dynamic
Driver Diameter 53mm
Frequency Response 5 – 42,000Hz
Maximum Input Power 2,000mW
Sensitivity 100dB/mW
Impedance 44 ohms
Weight 335g (without cable)
Cable 3.0 m
Connector 6.3/3.5 mm gold-plated stereo 2-way plug

https://eu.audio-technica.com/headphones/hifi/ATH-A990Z#specifications


Sony MDR-1A

DRIVER UNIT
40 mm dynamic – Dome type
CIRCUM AURAL TYPE
Yes[/SIZE]
DYNAMIC TYPE
Yes
MAGNET
Neodymium
IMPEDANCE (OHM)
48Ω
[FREQUENCY RESPONSE
3–100,000Hz[/SIZE]
SENSITIVITIES (DB/MW)
105 dB/mW
CORD TYPE
Detachable
CORD LENGTH
1.2 m
PLUG
Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini
WEARING STYLE
Headband, Over-Ear

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-1a-headphones/specifications

 

[onevstheworld]

The MSR7 does not use the 3d wing headband.

 

[yong_shun]

For what I experienced with MDR-1A, the bass is good. It exhibits a V-shaped sound signature. If V-shape is your cup of tea, go for it

 

[Needforspeed]

The MSR7 does not use the 3d wing headband.

How about the Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z? Is it comfortable?

 

[PurpleAngel]

How about the Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z? Is it comfortable?

I have the ATH-A900X and it for awhile is was my preferred headphone for all audio with my computer
And I could wear the A900X for long periods of time and I assume it would be the same for the A990Z.

 

[Dimos Zagaris]

Anyone tested the ath-msr7 wiht ath-a990z
i got the ath a990z but i am not satisfied. I feel the sound is kind of 3d sounding ..I dont think they are so accurate when you record vocals
What do you think?

 

[PaganDL]

Hi, I want to get Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 or Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z or Sony MDR-1A headphones for High-Resolution Audio. I'm not sure which is the best or are there better alternatives? (<£200)
Mostly worn at home.

Is the Audio-Technica’s 3D wing support system comfortable? (I wear glasses)

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

Type Dynamic
Driver Diameter 45mm
Frequency Response 5 - 40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power 2,000 mW
Sensitivity 100dB/mW
Impedance 35 ohms
Weight 290g
Cable 1.2 m, 3.0m and 1.2m with mic for smartphones
Connector 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug
Accessories Included Pouch

https://eu.audio-technica.com/headphones/hifi/ATH-MSR7#specifications


Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z

Type Closed-back dynamic
Driver Diameter 53mm
Frequency Response 5 – 42,000Hz
Maximum Input Power 2,000mW
Sensitivity 100dB/mW
Impedance 44 ohms
Weight 335g (without cable)
Cable 3.0 m
Connector 6.3/3.5 mm gold-plated stereo 2-way plug

https://eu.audio-technica.com/headphones/hifi/ATH-A990Z#specifications


Sony MDR-1A

DRIVER UNIT
40 mm dynamic – Dome type
CIRCUM AURAL TYPE
Yes[/SIZE]
DYNAMIC TYPE
Yes
MAGNET
Neodymium
IMPEDANCE (OHM)
48Ω
[FREQUENCY RESPONSE
3–100,000Hz[/SIZE]
SENSITIVITIES (DB/MW)
105 dB/mW
CORD TYPE
Detachable
CORD LENGTH
1.2 m
PLUG
Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini
WEARING STYLE
Headband, Over-Ear

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-1a-headphones/specifications

Hi @Needforspeed,

I suggest you consider the Audio Technica SR 9 instead as it is basically the more refined version of both MSR 7 (I own this) & MSR 7B ( Basically the same sonically, just balanced).
Though depending on how they fit you, you may need to change the pads to increase comfort, I suggest Yaxi Comfort in Alcantara or Leather if that is the case.

Or I would suggest the Sony MDR 1AM2 as a better option over its predecessor asby all reports, there were issues with both sound & fit on the original MDR 1AM but since I only ever tried & own the M2, I can't confirm this but @yong_shun might.

Aside from wanting to experience High Res Audio, what are your Music Preferences, Preferred Sound Signature & what are you hoping to achieve?
Knowing these two facts will better help narrow things down for you.

The three headphones you listed also have largely different sound signatures, not to mention this will also vary depending on source quality, recording quality & head amp, if any, involved.

Feel free to ask more.

Hope you have a great day !

 

[Dimos Zagaris]

i read another review about msr7 and sr9 and i think i dont like the v shaped but the sound quality of msr7 that its more open wide. I record vocals in deep house music sometimes pop sometimes electronic and sometimes acoustic so i want something clear.the a990z didnt help me at all cause they sound more full and they have kind of 3d sound..i cant explain it..but with the extreme 25 i could record much better on the studio. i think i like more mrs7 cause the vocals and specially the mids are on your face and they are not recessed like a review i read about those two

 

[PaganDL]

i read another review about msr7 and sr9 and i think i dont like the v shaped but the sound quality of msr7 that its more open wide. I record vocals in deep house music sometimes pop sometimes electronic and sometimes acoustic so i want something clear.the a990z didnt help me at all cause they sound more full and they have kind of 3d sound..i cant explain it..but with the extreme 25 i could record much better on the studio. i think i like more mrs7 cause the vocals and specially the mids are on your face and they are not recessed like a review i read about those two

@Dimos Zagaris,

First of all, You didn't actually demo either headphone, did you?

Honestly, I wouldn't put much stock in reviews, not to mention I actually own both MSR 7 & MSR 9, so I can tell you as far as width in sound is concerned, it will depend on several factors but limited to the following on both headphones :

Source Quality
Recording Quality
Head Amp (If Used)
Head Gear Itself


Also, from experience, MSR 9 responds better to higher current, not necessarily power or voltage than MSR 7.
Also, MSR 9 has more pro audio bass response where MSR 7 can be potentially bass light by consumer standards which is not a good or bad thing but just because...


As stated, MSR 9 is basically a more refined MSR 7 but will also depend on how you perceive sound, head shape, ear shape, ear canal shape, etc
The only way someone is going to know for certain is just demo the gear.

Hope you have a great day !