Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Dec 29, 2016 22:15:20 GMT
It was a real surprise to me Simon. Couldn't believe how anyone could like them and now I know why!!
I'd say that the msr7 sounds quite 'clean' and squeaky up top, but nowhere near as glassy as the copy!! Bass is done well. It's not a low bass but it is very quick and clarity is good. If lower bass were added, I do wonder whether the perception of clarity might get veiled in. They are quite a good 'hear through' headphone without being too analytical. Surprisingly, for a low impedance and very sensitive headphone, they respond well to amping as well. I didn't expect much more and then on the Polaris, it sounds like a larger headphone.
They suit me, I think and I've been through a few myself. Closed smaller headphones are a difficult area since I think there has to be compromise in their design. Some seem to compromise by whacking in fat bass (Momentum/Sony mdr1) while others go the other way with a prominent top (Beyers) but this one is a bit like piggy in the middle.
I borrowed it to try the real thing, expecting a nasty thin sound, but for me, it's really not so. It has more clarity in the treble alright but not typical Beyer piercing peak like quantities. I think it's best to hear one first if you can though, since they might not be to everyones' taste. I can see that. (Like the little Beyer didn't suit me at all)
The imaging thing was a surprise too. They seem to focus better than the AKG closed headphones.
|
|
oldson
extremely active
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by oldson on Dec 30, 2016 19:37:22 GMT
I tried them on in a shop in Avignon and really liked them comfort-wise. I do really like the finish, something AT have always been pretty good at. They are expensive though and although I haven't heard them I'd be surprised if they were any better than the Superlux's I'm using right now. which superlux do you have, Gordon?
|
|
oldson
extremely active
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by oldson on Dec 30, 2016 19:45:17 GMT
It was a real surprise to me Simon. Couldn't believe how anyone could like them and now I know why!! I'd say that the msr7 sounds quite 'clean' and squeaky up top, but nowhere near as glassy as the copy!! Bass is done well. It's not a low bass but it is very quick and clarity is good. If lower bass were added, I do wonder whether the perception of clarity might get veiled in. They are quite a good 'hear through' headphone without being too analytical. Surprisingly, for a low impedance and very sensitive headphone, they respond well to amping as well. I didn't expect much more and then on the Polaris, it sounds like a larger headphone. They suit me, I think and I've been through a few myself. Closed smaller headphones are a difficult area since I think there has to be compromise in their design. Some seem to compromise by whacking in fat bass (Momentum/Sony mdr1) while others go the other way with a prominent top (Beyers) but this one is a bit like piggy in the middle. I borrowed it to try the real thing, expecting a nasty thin sound, but for me, it's really not so. It has more clarity in the treble alright but not typical Beyer piercing peak like quantities. I think it's best to hear one first if you can though, since they might not be to everyones' taste. I can see that. (Like the little Beyer didn't suit me at all) The imaging thing was a surprise too. They seem to focus better than the AKG closed headphones. they are at a real tempting price point at £170 (would probably buy from currys to ensure genuine), would like to shift my lcd2 first but ideally wanted to advertise them when people have recovered from christmas. ideally i would like to have these and the dt1770 to compare to my filtered d2000 but finding it hard to justify the price tag on the beyers, so they will probably drop off my radar. i have to be semi-sensible now i have a mortgage again.
|
|
Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Dec 30, 2016 19:49:32 GMT
The biggest problem was that the copy seemed to match quite a few descriptions that I'd seen so I suspected absolutely nothing and presumed that was how they sounded. The real thing is way more solid sounding.
For a start, it has bass!! The treble is bright but not glaring like the copy.
Yet the descriptions seem to mention lack of bass and a treble that's too hot. Exactly how the copy sounds. Makes me wonder ...........
For me, it is definitely one of the better small closed headphones. Didn't like the Beyer mini one because it had a strange colouration. The So y mdr1a is very nice but bloated. I could put up with it. The Momentum is very nice but lacks top end sparkle for me. Sony v6 just too edgy and thin. Beyer dt250 has a daft lead and problems with balance.
I've gone through quite a lot of little headphones and none have done it for me really. This one is one of the better ones and serves as a good home closed headphone with a long lead that comes with it. It comes with three leads so it's a good all rounder.
I did get a bit suspicious when I saw Lachlan compare the mdr 1a with it and felt that the bass was better in the msr. I thought ... 'What bass?' And then felt something was wrong.
HF caused me a lot of problems, reading reviews there. I now wonder whether some people have been describing copies. I think there are more out there than we think.
|
|
oldson
extremely active
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by oldson on Dec 30, 2016 19:55:59 GMT
Ian, do you think the genuine pair you have would benefit from a filter?
i asked Frans way back, but he may have based his reply on a fake pair's FR!?
|
|
Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Dec 30, 2016 20:02:32 GMT
He certainly did because I sent them to him and didn't want them back!! Could be that the msr7 might benefit if the drivers are better, which they probably are judging by the sound.
I like the headphone as it is though tbh. Sparkly with a good slam. Lacks really deep bass but for portable, they're great.
I'd still suggest trying them first if you could though. I took to this pair straight away, whereas I struggled like hell with the fake.
Ear room might be tight. Mine fit in but it could be a problem. The Sony is more comfortable.
I've borrowed these but I don't really want to take them back. I use them every day in preference to the Momentum.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2016 22:46:56 GMT
I tried them on in a shop in Avignon and really liked them comfort-wise. I do really like the finish, something AT have always been pretty good at. They are expensive though and although I haven't heard them I'd be surprised if they were any better than the Superlux's I'm using right now. which superlux do you have, Gordon? I have the HD662 EVO. It's not hifi nirvana but it's amazingly good for 30 bucks. If it was all I could afford I'd be happy enough. It doesn't do jazz like my HD 650's but it does everything else near (if not better) than the Senns. I'm very impressed to be honest.
|
|
Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Dec 31, 2016 15:34:35 GMT
My msr7 is going home soon. I might hide with it behind the sofa......
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2016 15:44:29 GMT
I didn't know the cable was brown too. That's one classy pair of headphones.
|
|
Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Dec 31, 2016 15:56:37 GMT
Yes. They are a really nice headphone, Gordon. Better in real life than in my photo actually. 3 brown leads including a long one and one with IPod/android start/stop button. Built beautifully and sound great. That's why I'll be behind the sofa like a naughty dog when my friend arrives.
I've grown to really respect them a great deal. In comparison to other portables, they do a lot well in the clarity area especially and the speed of the drivers so that the bass you get is quick and what I've found - better than many descriptions that I've read on the amount of bass from them, which still makes me wonder the sources of some of the review headphones .......
Maybe measurements too.
|
|
oldson
extremely active
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by oldson on Jan 8, 2017 17:54:51 GMT
my attention is focused now on a headphone for portable use with excellent isolation as my denon d2000's are just not up to it. (though i dont intend to sell them).
these are on my short list along with either a used B&W PM7(wired) or oppo P3. gonna try and get to trial these at my local currys tomorrow, but in the meantime, any advice on their isolation quality?
|
|
oldson
extremely active
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by oldson on Jan 13, 2017 17:56:12 GMT
still not been able to get near a pair of these to try out, maybe tomorrow. isolation is key for me though.
|
|
Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Jan 13, 2017 18:25:09 GMT
Isolation is adequate for normal in house situations but I'd say quite average. For loads of isolation, noise cancelling is a better option. In fact, if noise isolation is the key aim, I'd definitely get an active headphone or, if you can stand them, a quality iem.
So on a plane, I use an n/c headphone but at home, for a better sound, a closed non active headphone.
I'm getting my own msr7 on 21st January so not long, since tbh I am quite happy with the msr7. It's a little sharper in the treble, but actually, I think that it does bass quite well. Not that low down thick bass, but what you get is very clean.
I prefer it to the Sony mdr 1a because the bass doesn't splatter itself all over the mids. I also prefer it to the Momentum because it has a more etched treble. I'd say the sound is verging towards the AKG type of sound, but actually, I find it slightly fuller than the K553 which surprised me.
The other handy thing is with the lead changing capability, it's also easy to use them as a home headphone as well on a longer run.
You might prefer the 'smoother' sound of the Oppo though ....
Best to try them because they are a slightly more polarising headphone and I can imagine that you'd either like them or hate them straight away, depending on what you're used to listening to. (Although the d2000 is also quite toppy)
|
|
oldson
extremely active
Posts: 1,678
|
Post by oldson on Jan 13, 2017 18:53:47 GMT
Thanks Ian, it sounds like these will not suit if only average isolation. never tried an active headphone that i liked so would prefer passive. may just go for the 662evo for now and see how long they last.
on a side note with ref to fake headphones. would it be a good idea to post a thread listing all models that have known fakes out there? this would stop people like me taking a punt on ebay on something that may have been copied.
|
|
Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
|
Post by Rabbit on Jan 13, 2017 19:07:30 GMT
To be honest Simon, not that many closed headphones seal that well.
If I rub my fingers together right by my ear, then I can't hear it. If I click my nails, I can. I can listen on them with the tv on.
The bass itself is a little bit heavier than a K702. Personally, I think that the bass is pretty nicely presented. TBH, when music is playing, external noises aren't really interfering. After a certain amount of external noise attenuation, it becomes a bit insignificant and actually, I prefer the leather seal on these than the velours on the Superlux.
That's a good idea about fakes. It's a kind of 'grey' area where they seem to be around but we don't know much about them. The msr7 is the first one I've been aware of and it was extremely good to say the least in terms of looks.
I've heard that Portapros are all over the place. And Sony V6's.
With the Audio Technica, I wouldn't have been aware without checking the drivers themselves. They were even sold with a two year guarantee as well. It would be nice to know what to look out for.
I know one thing .... that really got my notice and I have become extremely wary of where they might be coming from because the one that I borrowed is a lot better sounding but I wouldn't have known, judging by internet reports. In fact, now I'm beginning to think people have actually reviewed fakes as well amongst all the reports. The descriptions are too close to what I heard ...
No bass. Harsh, jangling treble. Just plain unmusical sounding and nasty. But, build was superb!!!!
I've grown to really respect what the MSR7 does. It has a punch in the bass that not many mention. There's a definite 'slam' with good recordings. Bad recordings is another story. The treble is raised but with it comes a very good 'open' feeling, similar to the K553 so it doesn't have this 'shut in' feeling of so many closed headphones. I get a little of that shut in feeling with the Superlux and feel the need for the top end to be let out a bit more. (After mods) The AT sounds like an open headphone with a closed slamming bass.
It's better than I expected which is why I think I may well be getting my own one soon.
|
|