In this review, four models of the top-end wired headphones Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7, Bowers & Wilkins P7, OPPO PM-3 and Sony MDR-Z7 are reviewed. All of them are designed not only for use at home, but also on the go, with portable devices.

Main characteristics

As a test device, we took a compact player that supports high-resolution audio (Hi-Res Audio): Sony Walkman NWZ-A15. It is equipped with a S-Master HX digital amplifier capable of processing wideband audio, while reducing noise and distortion.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

Among the selected models, these are the cheapest headphones. Nevertheless, this is still a top class with all the inherent attributes: high-quality plastic and metal components, genuine leather with excellent finish, removable cable. Headphones are presented in three colors: black, brown and red.





Please note that a number of elements are painted in silver and red, combining well with the dominant brown. Not catchy, but at the same time not sad. Ear pads and headband are covered in leather. Metal cups, as well as headband guides.



These headphones seemed to us the least comfortable. If you have large ears, it is possible that after a while you will begin to get tired of these headphones. Usually, models of this price range are still more comfortable with prolonged wear. At the same time, sound insulation is good here, external noise is effectively cut off. Of course, in the subway I had to make the music louder, but I did not need to twist it to the maximum.



Cups have two degrees of freedom, turning on the horizontal and vertical axis (90 degrees). Positioning when moving along the guides of the headband is clear. Headphones do not fold, the kit comes with a soft transport case. The cable connector is in the left cup. By the way, they come with three different cables, one of which is equipped with a microphone, which turns the MSR7 into a headset.



I must say that by the manufacturer these headphones are assigned to the Casual line, not Premium. The playback quality is high regardless of the sound source - a test player, a computer audio card or stereo amplifier.



The sound is characteristic of Audio-Technica products: inexpressive, unaccented low frequencies, with an emphasis on highs and elaboration of the middle ones. The scene is present, although it is better expressed in some models from the review. If you prefer musical genres such as Hip-Hop, Black Metal, Drum-n-Bass or Dubstep, then you better look at other models.

Despite the closed design, the sound of the headphones is closer to the open models due to the specific ventilation system. In this review, these headphones were in last place in terms of sound quality.

Bowers & Wilkins P7

Headphones in a sort of nostalgic English retro style a la 70s.





This is the flagship model of the line of consumer headphones from this manufacturer. Most of the surface is covered with leather interspersed with metal elements. Pay attention to the elegant form of attachment of the cups to the headband, a similar you are unlikely to find elsewhere. We liked the design of these headphones more than anyone else.



Unfortunately, ergonomics were not up to par. The size of the cups is not too large, so they can be uncomfortable for owners of large ears. There are no complaints about noise isolation, in fact, like with all the headphones in this review. The headband guides do not have clearly fixed positions, while the course is somewhat tight.



Headphones fold completely, the headband is equipped with a hinge. The case is rigid, with a magnetic valve.



A 6.3 mm adapter and two cables are supplied with headphones: a regular one and a microphone and a remote control. The connector is hidden inside the left cup.



These headphones are most adapted for use with mobile devices that do not have powerful amplifiers. If you are used to listening to music through stationary amplifiers, we recommend that you look at other models. However, this does not mean that the playback quality here is inferior. Excellent work on the entire frequency spectrum, normal attack, no specific accents, good detail, the specifics of a particular sound recording are clearly distinguished. The sound is very balanced, suitable for any genre.

OPPO PM-3

This company made a splash last year, winning all kinds of awards. Previously, OPPO was better known as a manufacturer of fairly advanced low-cost smartphones. These headphones are the most compact model in the line and, with their small size, are equipped with planar-magnetic drivers.





Design discreet, discreet. Headphones are finished with high-quality plastic, soft leather and polished metal. They have the softest ear cushions among the rest of the models in this review. In addition to black, there is also a white model on sale.



The headphones turned out to be very comfortable, the head and ears do not get tired even after many hours of wearing. Nothing presses or rubs. The movement along the guides of the headband is clear, with clicks. The headphones are not foldable, but the cups rotate 180 degrees horizontally. Comes with a hard case.



External noise is cut off very well. Also included is a 6.3 mm adapter and several cables, one of which is equipped with a control panel for Android and iOS. If desired, the headphones can be used as a headset. The “default” cable has a length of as much as 3 meters.



In terms of sound, the OPPO PM-3 is significantly different from other models. Planar-magnetic drivers provide superior transparency and sound detail. Sometimes even too much. The balance is wonderful, all frequencies are well designed. The scene is good. Honestly, we also became fans of the products of this manufacturer.

Sony MDR-Z7

This is the flagship model in the headphone line of the Japanese manufacturer, and at the same time - the best model in this review (and the most expensive). The resistance here is only 70 ohms. These are classic dynamic headphones that do not need an additional amplifier. Included is no case and cable with microphone.





The design is simple but rigorous. The cups are very large and covered with a simple plastic. When twisting, the entire structure creaks slightly, which you do not expect from such an expensive model. There are no complaints about the quality of metal and leather parts.



These are not only the largest, but also the heaviest headphones in the review, weigh 335 grams. However, when worn, this does not cause any discomfort. The design of the cups is so well thought out that the ears fit snugly, without any pressure and air gaps. This gives excellent sound insulation, even in the subway you do not need to turn up the volume. In our opinion, this is a great alternative to active noise reduction.

Unfortunately, the positioning on the headband guides is not very clear. But perhaps these are the most comfortable wearing headphones among all those considered.





Unlike other models, the cable is attached to both cups. A stereo cable with two plugs is also included. Surprisingly, there is no 6.3 mm adapter. The cables are heavy, with a thick braid, three-layer.



These are headphones of a closed design, they are equipped with dynamic drivers of size 70 mm. The diffusers are covered with an LCD polymer film, designed to more evenly distribute the sound wave. In terms of evenness, the sound is comparable to Bowers & Wilkins P7, while the detail is at the level of OPPO PM-3. We did not notice any sounding or accent characteristic characteristic of this model.

Conclusion

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 stand out for their most interesting appearance. With a closed design, they sound like open, which someone might not like. At the same time, these are the most inexpensive headphones in our review. True, we liked the sound the least because of the excessive emphasis on the upper and middle frequencies.

Bowers & Wilkins P7 liked its distinctive design, discreet and noble British. If you travel a lot, then you will like the completely folding design. In sounding, this model did not cause strong neither positive nor negative emotions.

OPPO PM-3 are distinguished by good workmanship and an unusual scheme of planar magnetic drivers. The detail of the sound is excellent, it is very clean, but specific. In general, the sound is second only to headphones from Sony. This model can be awarded with the icon "Optimal purchase".

Sony MDR-Z7 give very high sound quality. Workmanship could be better. The dynamic drivers are huge, so the sound is very voluminous, detailed and natural. What is reflected in the price, as you understand. This model from Sony receives our main award “Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru recommends” for its perfect sound.