We've been seeing over-ear headphones rain from the skies over the last couple of years, as one of the fastest expanding areas in tech. With new names entering the fold, the long-time established brands, such as Audio-Technica, are fighting back with kit from their every corner.

Excellent neutral audio; comfortable to wear for hours at a time; solid build quality; excellent price point

Would prefer less prominent branding (including the "left/right" markings); mid-high push less natural

With the launch of digital audio players like the Sony Walkman ZX2 and Neil Young's PonoPlayer, "High Resolution Audio" seems to be quite the buzzword these days. The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 too goes to great lengths to tell you that it's meant for high resolution audio.

Great detail; Comfortable for a closed back; Good isolation

Could've been more affordable; Some will find them bass shy

The sound boffins at Audio-Technica are back with their latest pair of over-ear headphones, the ATH-MSR7, which promise to deliver top-notch sound and high-res audio support, all in a slick package that costs just ￡199. Are they worthy of being your next pair of headphones?

The Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 is handsome in an old school way and well built. They're a bit heavy though and clamping pressure is a bit high out-of-the-box, but with some careful bending of the headband a fairly comfortable fit can be had. Accessories are spare: 3 cables and a bag.

Design and Specifications The 45mm 'True Motion' closed-back drivers produce 100db of output with 35ohms of impedance, which make these headphones great for portable and home use. The only real flaw is that they weigh 290g, but the increased weight is offset by their superior comfort levels to some...

Solid Metal Build, Comfortable, Open, clean sound; live up to the high-resolution name, Useful cable options

Not portable enough for commuting or on-the-go use; Bass may be inadequate for some users

If you're after a pair of do-all over-ear headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 headphones should be high up on your want list. For (non-wireless) easy listening in almost any scenario, the ATH-MSR7 headphones are among the best you can buy for under £200. Highly recommended.

The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 headphones might not be able to square up to Beats in the fashion department, but they manage to hit out where it matters and that's sound quality; You'll find the headphones come with redesigned 45mm drivers that punch out top-notch quality, and impressively ensconce...

With top notch sound quality, there's not too much to complain about the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 headphones; While their styling might not be for everyone, as they are a little on the bland side, but when they sound as good as they do it doesn't matter too much.

AVForums Home Hi-Fi Hub > Headphones > Reviews > Hop To What is the ATH-MSR7? How is the ATH-MSR7 designed? Any drawbacks?

Refined yet entertaining sound; Extremely good build; Very comfortable...

...if you aren't wearing glasses; Slightly dull looks; No hard carry case

Audio-Technica has been producing audio equipment, from microphones to magnetic cartridges for turntables, since the 1960s. These days it is probably best known for its headphones, such as the ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones and the slightly more consumer-oriented ATH-M50x model.

The most recent addition to Audio-Technica's SonicPro line of headphones, the new ATH-MSR7 is an over-the-ear, closed-back design that carries an MSRP of $249.95. Audio-Technica bills these as "hi-res audio" headphones, which is the company's way of saying that they are designed to offer a very...

Audio-Technica's ATH-M50 and subsequent ATH-M50x have long been among the best sounding headphones for the money with a price tag of around $150 online. And while the company has plenty of other headphones in its line, it hasn't had a killer step-up model to go up against popular "premium"...

The Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 offers impressive audio quality; is sturdily built; should fit most people comfortably; and comes with three cables; including one that has an inline remote/microphone for cell-phone use

A little heavy; not quite as comfortable as some competing models'; abundance of clarity reveals harshness or distortion in recordings