Audio-Technica - ATH-MSR7

Interesting, I also own the MSR7. See the great reviewer Tyll, from Inner Fidelity: [https://www.stereophile.com/content/incisive-audio-technica-ath-msr7](https://www.stereophile.com/content/incisive-audio-technica-ath-msr7) The sound signature of the MSR7 is pretty bright. Shows how we are all different. I can't handle them at high volumes, with the stock EQ. I found a website that posted some good EQ settings for them, and they sound *much* better to me now. (diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com). Increased the bass, adjusted the treble, etc. Not saying that I don't like treble, because these have superb treble, and very quick transient response. I also own the Sony MDR-1AM2. That headphone was developed years after the MSR7, as Sony's response to it. The 1AM2 has a warmer signature, (although the treble can still get me at times). The Sony is lighter, more comfortable, and has a better soundstage. Nevertheless, the MSR7 has more energy, and character. I still like the MSR7 more. The MSR7 responds very well to EQ. I can get strong, clean, tight bass out of them, and that excellent treble, it is just an amazing headphone, imho. One of my favorites. (Also they do sound much better with an amp, 😜)

True, everyone is different, which makes headphones an interesting topic. The more information and experience, the better. Yes, the MSR7 was designed to be played directly off of a smartphone, iPod (yes, they come from that era, lol), etc. They have a low input impedance, similar to the Sony MDR-1A, MDR-1AM2, etc. It is great that you can play these straight out of the box, and enjoy the treble, with no issues. The MSR7 is well-tuned stock, and I do like the stock sound signature. At like 70% volume. However, I like to "crank it up" often, and the treble would get to me. Moreover, the stock bass is good, definitely not bloated. Yet it needs more power, overall, for my tastes. I use Equalizer APO and the Peace application, which has 13 different frequency adjustments. The MSR7 is really an "diamond in the rough", imho. When EQ'd properly, they sound much better than exponentially more expensive headphones. An amp also helps to enhance the sound. You don't necessarily need to spend big money. I use an Objective 2 amp, from Mayflower Electronics. Bought it for \~$110, over 5 years ago. It performs well for all of my headphone needs.

I own the Audio-Technica MSR7 and every genre sounds great. They don't need and amp and they're first headphones I've ever owned where I don't have to EQ them and they still sound great with everything I've listened to. They're also the the headphones that helped me understand what is meant by better soundstage. One of my goto songs to test headphones is "Ignorance is Bliss" by Jellyfish and even though I had been listening to the song for over 20 years, when I first listened to the MSR7 I could hear instrument placement better and heard sounds I had never heard before.

>Shows how we are all different. This is true, but that's a good thing. It doesn't matter to me if someone gives an opinion that differs from mine. If it gives people information that helps them make a more educated decision then it's a good thing. I stand by what i stated before, but then again I do love treble. I also love bass, as I can listen to Streisand to Slayer and all genres in between. When I listen to Slayer and the like I want bass that can pound my brain into submission, but I want it clean and the headphones deliver. I don't have audiophile grade gear, all I have is my phone and my DAP. They definitely sound better with my DAP, but they still sound good enough with phone where I don't have to EQ, which truly impresses me. Maybe one day I'll experiment with some EQ setting, but as of now it's just not necessary in my opinion.

ATH-MSR7. Just plug them into anything and I’m off to the races.

Forget gaming headphones, only one I ever had was one of the early HyperX ones. Moved over to closed over ear studio headphones and never looked back. Had a pair of Audio Technica’s MSR7 and nowadays the Sony MDR-M1, extremely light with premium sound quality.