Audio-Technica Introduces Us To High-Resolution Audio
The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review
Priced at around $250, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 is easily the most affordable pair of headphones for producing high-resolution audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with Audio-Technica’s 45mm ‘True Motion Drivers’, which are designed to deliver the most detailed audio reproduction. After using these headphones extensively in the home and studio setting, I can confidently say that they are some of the best headphones I have ever heard from Audio-Technica and a high-value investment for any audio purist. Let’s take a look in this Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 review.
- Incredibly Precise Sound
- High-Resolution Audio
- Beautiful Design
- 3 Interchangeable Cable Options
- Tight Fit
- Mild Low End
- No In-Line Volume Control
- Headband/Cuffs Aren’t Leather
Audio-Technica Design
Available in Black and Gun Metal Gray, the ATH-MSR7 headphones look beautiful. We tested out the Gun Metal Gray, which features light brown ear and head cushions. The leather and metal portions are blended seamlessly throughout the headphones, giving them a very elegant and professional appearance.
The overall construction is extremely well executed and assures high quality. The headphones include three different 3.5mm cables; one standard, one extended and one with an inline microphone control. Also included is a soft cloth carrying bag.
The ear pads and headband are made with soft, ultra-comfortable memory foam that holds snugly on your head. While the snug fit ensured these headphones would stay in place during my daily commute, I found them to be a little too tight after wearing them for a couple of hours in a studio-type situation.
[envira-gallery id=”4674″]SonicPro® Performance
Now, on to the most important element of these headphones: the sound.
Personally, I loved the clarity of the MSR7’s audio profile. If you are a bass-head, then these are not the headphones for you; the bass is present but not overwhelming. The balanced EQ produced by the 45 mm True Motion Drivers make these headphones ideal for studio work and anyone who wants to hear audio in its most unaltered form. From my Tidal account, I streamed Hi-Res Audio through these ‘bad boys.’ The precision and clarity of the sound were outstanding. Acoustic guitars, orchestras, and highly articulate music paired best with these headphones, as they output sharp detail.
The only issue with this intense clarity is that at high volumes, the headphones can produce excessive highs that are sharp to the ear. However, at moderately high volumes the clarity is maintained without any notable distortion. The MSR7’s produce sound so accurately that even the most minute peak or dip in a poorly produced audio file will be highly evident – but that could be argued as a strong suit. I would suggest any producer check their recording on these headphones before release.
[envira-gallery id=”4682″]Final Thoughts on the ATH-MSR7 Sonic Pro® Headphones
All in all, these headphones get our strongest recommendation. They work wonderfully as a casual over-ear headphone for the daily commuter and work equally as well for any precision-minded producer who wants to catch every detail in their mix. At $250, ATH-MSR7’s are the most affordable high-resolution audio headphones on the market – coupled with the eye-catching design and detailed sound; you cannot go wrong with Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7.[Tweet “At $250, the ATH-MSR7’s are the most affordable high-resolution headphones on the market @USAudioTechnica”]
Have you tried the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 headphones? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this review? Let us know on social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. And don’t hesitate to head over to the Audio-Technica website. Feel free to check out their recently introduced 2016 Hi-Res Audio product lineup, particularly the ATH-MSR7NC SonicPro® headphones.
The ATH-MSR7 headphones come with a 2-year limited end-user warranty when purchased from an authorized Audio-Technica dealer (A.T.U.S.)
FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one ATH-MSR7 headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC. The video is the copyrighted property of Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
