Over-Ear
Audio Technica ATH-MSR7
78Great
$166
Full review dataAudio Technica ATH-MSR7 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio Technica ATH-MSR7
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $166 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 45 mm | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 45 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 | - |
| Features | ||
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 290 g | 370 g |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Audio Technica ATH-MSR7
The Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a detailed, high-resolution sound with articulate mids and crisp highs, though its bass response is lean and lacks weight. Its sturdy build, comfortable fit for most, and included cables make it a solid portable choice, but a tight clamp and missing inline volume controls are practical drawbacks. Overall, it offers strong performance for its price, though some competitors may provide a more balanced tuning.
- Pro:Detailed and clear sound with strong treble and mids
- Pro:Sturdy build quality with premium feel
- Pro:Includes multiple detachable cables
- Con:Thin tonal balance with limited bass weight
- Con:Tight fit may be uncomfortable for some
- Con:No inline volume control on cables
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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