Audio-Technica ATH-ES7 Reviews

The ES range is smarter and more upmarket (design-wise) than the rest. Mirror finish stainless steel earcups, lightweight, low profile design, and can be made to fold flat to fit briefcases, travel bags, etc. It also comes with a handy carrying pouch. The ES7 is an upgrade from the ES5 but it shares very little in terms of mechanical design. The ES5 is smaller and has a very slow-folding mechanism. The ATH-ES7's build quality is top-notch and everything feels very "bespoke."

Like I said in "construction," the headphones are very lightweight, it is also bigger (compared to the ES5) so the earcups cover the ears easily. The clasp is nothing stronger than usual, just regular I guess. External noise isolation is decent, not close to the Sennheiser HD25-1, but up to par with most DJ/closed headphones in this range.

In terms of sound quality and treble/midrange response, the ATH-ES7 is quite similar to the more ubiquitous Sony MDR-V700DJ headphone. That means a relatively mild treble and a slightly prominent midrange. However, the ATH-ES7 ups the bass ante from the MDR-V700DJ with much more "boom," delivering real weight in the mid-bass.

There is a noticeable hint of "closed-phone honk," caused by sonic reflections not being overcomed by closed headphones. But these are already expected because you sacrifice a little for noise isolation.

For me, the overall sound is quite pleasing for pop and rock use, and I can imagine many people being very happy with this sound. Afterall, these headphones are not really made for the uber audiophiles, but rather, the younger, hip, portable (iPod) using generations. Plus, they are fairly easy to power with portable players as well.

By the looks of these headphones alone, you would know that they do not come cheap. Although, the mirror finish is a fingerprint and scratch magnet, it also comes with a cleaning cloth so there is added value there as well. In terms of sound quality/value, I would still say it still carries the Audio-Technica name and sound signature so it would be a dissapointment if these headphones did not sound good to begin with. If I were buying these headphones for the same $100 price tag without the well-built, good-looking appearance, I guess I can say I was ripped-off. But, not a lot of headphones look as good and sound as decent as these.

There are some definite plus points with these headphones. For the commuter in you, these would work well - easy to store (foldable), nice to look at, good noise isolation, great sound. I'm more into high-end audiophile headphones but this pair is just too pretty to let go. Will not leave my collection anytime soon.