Tag Archives: audio-technica

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review – The Dark Horse From Tokyo

Posted on by
Reply

audio technica ath-msr7

Verdict

Exceptional quality for the price. The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 renders every detail clearly and leaves no sonic stone unturned, but steers just clear of being overbearing at the top end of the frequency range.

Pros

  • 3 cables for all scenarios, including one for smartphones
  • Solid but light construction
  • Carry pouch

Cons

  • There must be something..!

The new Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 has escaped from Japan and has made it to our eager earholes in the UK; but can we expect a bigger version of the M50, or something else? The styling is reminiscent of the M50, but can we expect the recessed mid range that the M50 is known for?

Key Features

The ATH-MSR7 features ‘True Motion’ Hi-Res audio drivers with a diameter of 45mm; this according to Audio-Technica’s website improves response times and minimises distortion for a clearer and and more detailed sound, due to the inclusion of a super-light voice coil and precision diaphragm. Also ‘Dual layer air-control technology’ is described as a method for reducing vibrations within the housing; together with a triple-vent on each side, virtually all extraneous sound can be dealt with. Audio-Technica have been generous with extra cables in the box; there’s both a 3m and 1.2m cable and for those of us with friends, a cable featuring a mic and smartphone controls. For those without, we can always place the plush and well-made carry pouch over our heads.

First Impressions

The headphones don’t inspire much in the way of excitement on first seeing them; they’re pretty standard and much like the M50 with a less broad headband and larger earcups. The build quality is superb however, exuding a feeling of solid reliability. I’m reminded of a Beyerdynamic DT250.

Sound Quality

Under the ATH-MSR7’s dour and business-like appearance beats the heart of a party animal; ready to draw you in for the time of your life! The sound of these cans really must be heard to be believed; for under £200 the ATH-MSR7 represents some amazing value for money. There’s no ‘effortless’ feeling of headphones at the high end of the market, but everything else is there. A very pleasing bass which knows its place but is very impactful and rich, leaves room for a stunningly clear midrange with bright treble extending high, but with a smoothness which does not stray near harshness.

Soundstage is good for a closed back headphone, but it’s the imaging and speed which really makes the ATH-MSR7 shine. It certainly seems that the mysterious techniques that Audio-Technica have implemented here have paid off. I can think of headphones this good which cost twice as much as the ATH-MSR7! Little harmonic details and hard-panned instruments vie for attention, and the ATH-MSR7 demands pretty much all of it!

Summary

All too often we’re forced to find new exciting ways to say something is very good, and this is another of those times. The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 just does everything well. Understated enough to be worn in public, vented enough to provide a great sound, but also with a good amount of isolation. The ATH-MSR7 is just heavy enough to give the impression of solid build quality, but light enough to be enjoyed in great comfort. And as above, the sound is immersive.

Score – 9.5/10

Click Below to see our Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Unboxing video

Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS Review – Combined Earbud and In-Ear Headphones

Posted on by
Reply

Verdict

Great for those relaxing at home and in the office, the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is a slight departure from the usual style of in-ears and earbuds. Audio-Technica have mashed the two styles in a way that reminds us of the Final Audio Piano Forte Series. These are not designed for all scenarios; on a motorbike journey for instance, enjoyment is reduced to knowing only when cymbals are being used in a recording. Of course, open-back headphones do not receive low scores for leaking sound and so the snappily named Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is being viewed with a similarly open mind.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Feel secure whilst worn
  • Great open wide sound

Cons

  • Case very small
  • Not for noisy places

Being big in Japan, Audio-Technica have been satisfying the Japanese fetish for personal audio products for some years now and have a huge number of different models. This allows for a little experimentation in the boardroom and some interesting items for us to try.

Key Features

The Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS comes with a handy button for smartphone functionality, and a volume control. The volume control does not communicate with the phone, it is a variable resistor only but works very well. The carry case is very small indeed; being hard it will afford some protection but the cable would need to be wound more tightly than perhaps it should. The relatively large size of the driver units doesn’t help either.

First Impressions

We all like something a bit different and the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS is certainly that. Given that portable audio is all about blocking out the outside world, these earphones are a departure from the norm. Perhaps taking a leaf out of Final Audio’s book (their Piano Forte range is similar), Audio-Technica have seen a potential for small, open-backed models for those quieter moments out there, or for casual listening at home.

Sound Quality

As with anything open, the surroundings make a crucial difference and with a design worn like this, people are going to expect to use them outside. Great if it’s quiet, but a bit of road noise will reduce the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS to a tinny irritant by contrast.

At home though, the presentation is as comfortable as the fit and I have the impression of a halfway house between headphones and speakers; it’s like a very cheap alternative to the AKG K1000 speakerphones. Soundstage is the best feature of the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS, along with the natural feel they have.

The sound is very well balanced despite the loss of bass due to the open fit – perfect for lounging around the house while still remaining alert of the surroundings. The sound is on the bright side but this may just be the added soundstage making certain details stand out more, and also the fit. By pushing the capsules gently against my ears the bass is heightened; perhaps it is the design of our ears which might lead to subtle differences here in what we each perceive.

Summary

It would be good to see more models like the Audio-Technica ATH-CHX7iS coming through; we’re in danger of becoming too conventional in the headphones world and being set in our ways. It seems that companies like Audio-Technica and Final Audio don’t want us to get too comfy and are happy to prod us towards a more inclusive attitude. And why not? The headphones concept might be 100 years old, but things are far from predictable; particularly with new technologies being developed and many new ways of using and relating to music to look forward to.

Score – 8.5/10

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones

Posted on by
Reply

The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Open Back Audiophile Headphone from Audio-Technica, the ATH-AD700X is now available to be purchased on our website.

With overhauled looks and improved driver performance the ATH-AD700X represent Audio Technica’s latest revision of the acclaimed AD700. The soft and relaxed sound, with deep resonating bass and extended vocal projection offers a completely natural listening experience.

As with the predecessor, the AD700X incorporate a lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing, allowing these open-air headphones to produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation. Newly designed 53mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils deliver spacious sound with superior highs and mids.

The included flexible raised-fabric earpads of the AD700X are also exceedingly comfortable and guarantee fatigue-free listening. Self-adjusting wing supports automatically adjust to your head size for easy-wearing listening comfort. A straight cord at the left earpiece terminates to a mini plug with included 6.35mm adapter.

  • Newly designed 53mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange
  • Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling
  • Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears
  • Lightweight aluminium honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
  • Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience
  • Flexible raised-fabric earpads offer excellent wearing comfort and durability
  • Highly conductive OFC single-sided cord with elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangles
  • Gold-plated stereo 3.5mm connector with 6.35mm adapter

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphone

Audio Technica ATH-ES700 Headphones – Announcement

Posted on by
Reply

The HiFiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Closed Back Foldable On-Ear Headband Headphone from Audio Technica, the ATH-ES700 is now available to be purchased on our website.

Audio-Technica introduces a new and improved portable headphone into the EAR SUIT series, the ATH-ES700. The 700’s have an improved midrange and bass with a clear and sharp sound reproduction.

In addition, the ATH-ES700 has beautiful high quality mirror finish housing, and helps deliver a sound reproduction in the high frequencies unique to stainless steel. The headband is cushioned with light-weight material to further enhance comfort and a swivel hinge for storage. The newly designed 42mm drivers deliver powerful bass and detail in a compact size

  • Powerful bass and detail in a compact size
  • High quality mirror finish
  • Winding CCAW voice coil
  • Suitable for portable players
  • Swivel and collapsible design
  • Carry pouch and cleaning cloth included

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy Audio Technica ATH-ES700 Closed Back Foldable On-Ear Headband Headphone

Audio-Technica Noise Cancelling Headphones – ANC3 & ANC7 comparison

Posted on by
Reply

This article aims to briefly compare Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 full size headphones with the new ATH-ANC3 in ear sound isolating noise cancelling earphones.

Noise Cancelling or Sound Isolating?

Noise cancelling headphones are an excellent choice for air travel and noisy environments, such as computer rooms. The clever electronics in these headphones and earphones does an excellent job of cutting out the low end rumble of aircraft engines and whirring fans.

However, be aware that a new highbred earphone is now available that offers the best of active noise cancelling technology, as well as the passive noise blocking of in-ear sound isolating earphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Audio-Technica or Bose?

So, what noise cancelling headphone manufacturer should you trust? Should you choose a model from the expensive, and highly regarded, Bose noise cancelling headphones range? Or alternatively should you try the far cheaper Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7?

Only launched onto the UK market in 2007, Audio-Technica’s noise cancelling headphones have quickly become recognised as the best value noise cancelling headphones available.

Audio-Technica initially launched the ATH-ANC7 full size noise cancelling heapdhone, and soon afterwards developed the ATH-ANC3 in-ear headphone. Very quickly the ANC7 has become know for offering performance equalling, and possibly surpassing, Bose QC2 or QC3 noise cancelling headphones.

Noise Cancelling & Noise Isolating

Instead of full size noise cancelling headphones, you may be looking for an in-ear earphone that also offers active noise cancelling functionality. This type of earphone gives the best of both worlds.

Active noise cancelling electronics does an excellent job of removing low frequency, constant noise, but is not so good at cancelling out high frequency irregular noise. On the other hand, sound isolating earphones are good at removing high frequency sounds, but struggle to seal out low frequency noise. Therefore, the match between active noise cancelling and an in-ear sound isolating earphone is actually very good.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3 Active and Passive Nois Cancelling Earphones

The Audio-Technica ANC3 is an excellent quality earphone and based on feedback from customers who have tried the ANC3 in flight we can highly recommend this incredible little earphone.

More Information

Check out the HiFi Headphones online shop for a wide range of Noise Cancelling Headphone from all the top manufacturers.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Review

Posted on by
Reply

Audio Technica ATH-ANC7 Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you travel often by aeroplane or long distance train and you have a passion for music it’s likely you’ve considered (or maybe already own) a pair of active noise cancelling headphones. The clever electronics in these headphones does an excellent job of removing the low frequency boom of aircraft engines, train air conditioning and any other consistent rumbling noises. While some feel the addition of this electronics interferes with the quality of audio reproduction, there is no doubt that the technology is impressive and very effective at reducing low frequency noise.

Visit the HiFi Headphones online store for a closer look at the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7

What about Bose?

The obvious choice for many when it comes to noise cancelling headphones is the Bose range. The Bose Quiet Comfort noise cancelling headphones have long been regarded as the standard by which other noise cancelling headphones should be measured. This domination of the market has meant that Bose has been able to justify a hefty price tag for their superior technology.

In recent years manufacturers such as Sennheiser, Panasonic and others have to some degree caught up with Bose, but many feel Bose still have the upper hand with their noise cancelling technology..

Audio-Technica’s ATH-ANC7’s headphones are well and truly aimed to challenge the position of Bose.

ATH-ANC7 Quietpoint Overview

Upon opening the box the ANC7’s are immediately impressive, with excellent build quality and a comfortable fit on most ears. The headphone ear cups have a rather handy pivoting link to the headband that means they can be folded 90 degrees for convenient storage of the headset. Also included with the headphones is a useful airline connection adapter, the single AAA battery needed to power the active electronics and a practical carry case to protect your headphones.

Audio-Technica’s ATH-ANC7 Quietpoint noise cancelling headphones come in a full size headset package with sealed (or closed) ear cups to help reduce high frequency noise from leaking in, while the active electronics handle the suppression of low frequency noise. The ear cups do not completely enclose the ears, but instead rest on the outer ear with soft pads that mould to fit comfortably on most ears.

Clever Cable Design

The headphone connection cable design of the ANC7’s is worth a mention. The convenient 1.6 metre cable is terminated with a full size 6.35mm (1/4”) jack at the source end and a 3.5mm (1/8”) mini jack at the headphone end. While the length is perfect for using with a portable music player on the move, the use of standard connectors means the cable can be easily replaced with a longer item for other applications such as home or office listening. The ANC7’s can also be used without the cable attached to just perform noise cancelling duties – handy if you are looking to get some sleep on a long flight.

How Do They Sound?

The quality of audio reproduction is excellent. The sealed ear cup headphone design means there is very little bass leakage and the lower frequency response is very strong. Moving through the mid-range and high frequencies the sound is pure and crisp and very accurate.

The closed back design does give the sound an enclosed character, which owners of good quality open back headphones may find immediately noticeable. The difference between open and closed back headphones can be compared to listening to a band in a large open concert hall and then hearing the same band playing a small intimate venue – it’s just different. There is no doubt that the ANC7’s close back design does change the character of the sound, but without the sealed ear cups the listener would be disturbed by high frequency external noise.

The active noise reduction technology of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7’s is very impressive. Low frequency external noise is dramatically reduced, while still managing to maintain excellent quality audio reproduction.

More Information

Visit the HiFi Headphones online store for a closer look at the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Quietpoint Noise Cancelling Headphones.

For more information on how noise cancelling headphones work see our Noise Cancelling Headphones Buyer’s Guide.

Audio-Technica Headphones – stylish new headphone range!

Posted on by
Reply

At the Hifiheadphones we appreciate products that sound as good as they look. All too often good looks are not backed up by solid audio engineering.  Audio Technica seem to have got it just right with their newest range of stylish consumer and semi-pro headphones.

Check out a wide selection of Audio-Technica headphones at the HiFi Headphones online headphone shop.

If you follow the world of professional audio you won’t be surprised they sound so good, as Audio Technica have a background in professional sound and audio equipment. Audio Technica are primarily known for their range of professional microphones and studio headphones.

 

 

 

It may not be a surprise that Audio Technica are the number one headphone manufacturer in Japan. A bit like Sennheiser in Europe, Audio Technica have the Japanese market well and truly sown up. Audio Technica are widely regarded as the best headphone manufacturer in Japan.

Audio Technica offer a large selection of headphone models to suit most budgets and applications, including portable/iPod, high end hifi models, noise cancelling and semi-professional headphones. Audio Technica have really paid attention to the aesthetics and design – their headphones look beautiful.

 

Audio-Technica ATH-OX5 SonicFuel Closed Back Headphones

More Information

Take a look at the full range of Audio-Technica headphones on the hifiheadphones website.