Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7B High-Resolution Headphone

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7B High-Resolution Headphone

The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b is a closed-back over-ear headphone built for high-resolution listening, the balanced-connection evolution of the well-known MSR7. Its 45 mm True Motion drivers use a diamond-like carbon coated diaphragm — stiffer and lighter than standard diaphragms — inside a housing with multi-layer Air Damping Technology that controls airflow for cleaner, lower-distortion sound, with a frequency response rated from 5 Hz to 50 kHz.

The MSR7b’s defining upgrade is connectivity for modern high-resolution players: the box includes a 1.2 m balanced cable terminated in a 4.4 mm 5-pole plug, alongside standard 1.2 m and 3.0 m cables, all with Audio-Technica’s A2DC detachable connectors at the earcups. Balanced drive from a compatible DAP or amplifier improves channel separation and output, letting the headphone scale with better sources.

Key Features

• 45 mm True Motion drivers, DLC-coated diaphragms, 5 Hz to 50 kHz response
• Hi-Res Audio certified design
• Balanced 4.4 mm cable included for high-resolution audio players
• A2DC detachable cables: 1.2 m, 3.0 m and balanced 1.2 m
• Multi-layer Air Damping Technology for controlled, low-distortion airflow
• Memory foam earpads and swivel earcups that fold flat; 237 g

Balanced Connection, Explained

Most headphone cables share a common ground return between the left and right channels, which can blur stereo separation. A balanced cable gives each channel its own return path, and sources with a true balanced output — the 4.4 mm Pentaconn jack is now standard on quality portable players — can drive the drivers more cleanly, with lower crosstalk. If you own a balanced DAP or desktop amplifier, the MSR7b is one of the few closed-back headphones in its class that arrives ready to use it.

Everyday Use

The MSR7b suits critical listening at home, detailed portable listening with a good player, and studio-adjacent monitoring where a closed back is needed to keep sound in and noise out. The full technical specification is in the Additional Information tab.