Audio-technica ATH-MSR7NC SonicPro High-Resolution Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

Last year, we reviewed Audio-Technica's original ATH-MSR7 and found it to be an excellent value for the money — it was our pick for best wired headphone of 2015 — even if the headphone might have a bit too much treble energy for some users.…

At this price, these headphones find themselves in very capable company – take a look at our list of the best headphones, and you’ll see that there are no shortage of fantastic options available, not least the Bose QuietComfort 35 , which has both wireless AND active noise cancelling, and at £290...

Here at MajorHifi, we’re a little hesitant to jump on the hype train every time a new headphone starts making the rounds. So it was with reluctance that we pounced on the new MSR7NC – probably because the original MSR7 sounded , and we figure this one is going to be even better.

It was 18-months ago that we reviewed the excellent Audio-Technica MSR7 over-ear headphones - and might impressed we were. Now it's the turn of the MSR7NC which, as those additional two letters in the name denote, are the noise-cancelling version.

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  Excellent natural audio yet enough kick in all frequencies where needed, comfortable to wear for long periods, fairly priced, 30-hour on-board battery, subtle noise-cancelling works well for travel and largely avoids wind "tear"

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  Not the best-in-class noise-cancelling ability in terms of dramatism, no Bluetooth wireless, simplified mono design compared to originals - some colour accent options would be good

The same sound quality and comfort we loved in the original MSR7, but the ANC could be better.

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  Great-quality, clear sound, Comfortable, Good battery life

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  ANC not as effective as the best, Slight granularity to the mids

These headphones have outstanding resolution, balanced tonal response, and excellent dynamics. Bass response is very tight and deep without being heavy handed.Like any good headphone, poorly ripped MP3s, mediocre electronics (DAC and amp) will all hold these puppies back, so it's important to make...

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  Outstanding clarity, tonal balance and dynamics. Comfortable. Good NC within their stated limitations.

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  NC only operates below 300 Hz.