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Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£240
Avg. price in US: ~$250
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Good

5.1

Good

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.6
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £240

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b is a closed-back dynamic headphone weighing 237g, featuring 45mm True Motion Drivers with diamond-like carbon-coated diaphragms and a high-resolution frequency response of 5Hz–50,000Hz. Designed for audiophiles, it boasts a low 36-ohm impedance and 101dB/mW sensitivity, utilizing Multi-layer Air Damping technology within an aluminum/magnesium housing to minimize resonance. Main pros include its exceptional clarity, lightweight portable build with memory foam comfort, and the inclusion of both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced A2DC cables for versatile connectivity. However, some users report cons such as slight sibilance in the treble, a lack of deep bass impact for enthusiasts, and occasional mechanical creaking in the joints.

Technical Specifications of Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b

Overall score

5.1

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

6.3

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

6.5

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audio-Technica

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b vs the average headphone

Why is Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
5 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.45 mm vs 40 mm
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
20x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher max input power than the average headphone (2,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher max input power than the average headphone (2,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.2000 mW vs 100 mW
24 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.134 dB vs 110 dB
Hi-Res Audio certification
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
5 mm larger driver size
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
20x higher input power handling
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher max input power than the average headphone (2,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
24 dB higher max SPL
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b worse than the average headphone?

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1.5 higher clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Tangle-prone cable
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
8.7% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is heavier than the average headphone (237 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
No neodymium magnet
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
1.5 higher clamp force
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.8 vs 4.3
1 fewer microphones
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
Tangle-prone cable
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2.67x more expensive
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is more expensive than the average headphone (£240 vs £90).
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is more expensive than the average headphone (£240 vs £90).£240 vs £90
No neodymium magnet
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.
Importance: LOW
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
8.7% higher weight
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is heavier than the average headphone (237 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b is heavier than the average headphone (237 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.237 g vs 218 g

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b?

High-resolution sound with excellent clarity and fine detail retrieval
Lightweight design (around 200g) that is much lighter than the original MSR7
Generous memory foam padding on the headband and earpads for long-term comfort
Includes both a standard 3.5mm cable and a 4.4mm balanced cable out of the box
Impressive, wide soundstage and precise instrument separation for a closed-back design
Forward, smooth, and engaging vocal presentation (particularly female vocals)
Tight, fast, and well-controlled bass response

What customers dislike about Audio-Technica ATH MSR7b?

Bass profile is leaner and can feel a bit light or mellow for bassheads
Plastic elements in the build can sometimes produce a squeaking or creaking noise when moving
The high-mid and treble response can occasionally feel overly bright or sibilant depending on the audio source
Uses proprietary A2DC connectors, making third-party aftermarket cables harder to find
Earpads are relatively shallow, which might cause comfort issues for larger ears
Wired-only connection with no built-in wireless or Bluetooth options

Video reviews

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