Audio-Technica DSR7BT review: Who needs wires anymore?

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TA-ratings-95I use and review a lot of headphones and for the most part, they all have their lows and highs about them. I’ve had the chance to review multiple headphones from the same brand but it’s always a treat to review a brand for the first time. The Audio-Technica DSR7BT headphones are the company’s latest entry into the wireless space. Bluetooth headphones are becoming ever more popular, especially since the headphone jack is being eliminated. I mean, who needs wires anymore, right? Read on for the full review of the Audio-Technica DSR7BT wireless headphones and find out why they earn a Techaeris Top Pick award.

Specifications

The Audio-Technica DSR7BT has the following features and specifcations:

  • Driver Diameter: 45 mmDriver Diameter 45 mm
  • Frequency Response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
  • Impedance: 35 ohms
  • Battery: 3.7V rechargeable lithium polymer battery
  • Battery Life: Approx. 15 hours continuous use (1,000 hours standby) Charging Time: Approx. 4 hours (for 0-100% charge) Depending on environmental conditions
  • Weight: 300 g (10.6 oz), without cable
  • Type: (Microphone) condenser
  • Sensitivity: (Microphone) -44 dB (1V/Pa a 1 kHz)
  • Frequency Response: (Microphone) 50 – 4,000 Hz
  • Polar Pattern: (Microphone) omnidirectional
  • Input jack: Micro USB Type B
  • Communication System: Bluetooth Version 4.2
  • Output: Bluetooth Specification Power Class 2
  • Maximum Communication Range: Line of sight – approx. 10 m (33′)
  • Compatible Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
  • Support Codec: aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
  • Exclusive Pure Digital Drive system keeps audio signal completely digital from source to driver for exceptionally pure sound
  • Dnote chipset controls driver amplitude directly with digital signals – no D/A converter required
  • Compatible with Qualcomm aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC codecs, enabling wireless transmission with a resolution up to 24-bit/48kHz
  • Exclusive 45 mm True Motion Drivers, featuring Bobbin-wound voice coil, top-mounted printed circuit board, and specially designed diaphragm, provide rich, detailed audio reproduction
  • Housing’s dual-layer isolation structure keeps the electric circuitry separate from the acoustic space for optimal phase and transient response
  • Acoustic resistor controls airflow inside the diaphragm housing to yield a natural sound
  • Mic and volume/control switch is built into the earcup for convenient control of smartphones and other Bluetooth wireless devices
  • NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality enables touch pairing with NFC-compatible Bluetooth wireless technology devices
  • Remembers the last eight Bluetooth wireless devices paired
  • LED indicators in the earcup display pairing and charging status, battery level, and the codec currently in use
  • Ultra-comfortable, soft, memory foam earpads and headband
  • Internal battery provides approximately 15 hours of continuous use (1000 hours on standby) on a full charge

What’s In The Box

  • Audio-Technica DSR7BT headphones
  • Carrying pouch
  • 2m USB charging cable/audio cable
  • Manuals and Warranties
Audio-Technica DSR7BT
Love the design!

Design

The design of the Audio-Technica DSR7BT, to my eyes, leans to the industrial side of the spectrum and that’s a good thing. The materials are a mix of aluminum, plastics, and foam, everything is very premium feeling. The earcups and headband are both covered in a very nice supple cushy material that is super comfortable. The headband did bother me a little after a few hours of use but it was far from unbearable like some other headbands.

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The flex in the headband is really forgiving and adjusts well to any size melon. The earcups have a tilt axis that adds to the comfort of the headphones, a nice touch. I do wish the earcups would fold into themselves for easier storage. On the right earcup, you’ll find a touchpad for controlling music, Play/Pause, and Call/End Call, power button, and Bluetooth. Over on the left earcup, you’ll find NFC pairing and a nice white LED battery indicator.

One thing missing here is an AUX/Headphone jack. Now, this isn’t a deal breaker for me as I use Bluetooth on my mobile devices. Audio-Technica does allow Hi-Res audio playback through the included USB cable though. Of course, this isn’t going to work on your mobile device or anything with an AUX port but you can use these wired through USB only. The other option is to pick up a USB to AUX adapter if you absolutely need to be wired to your mobile.

Overall I love the design of these headphones. They’re simple, not flashy, yet not dull and boring. Some people may not like the fact there is no AUX port here, that does make them difficult to use if the battery runs out.

Ease of Use

Bluetooth pairing is just as simple as any other Bluetooth device and I was very impressed at how fast these connect after you’ve paired. NFC pairing is also available for Android users and works as expected, quick and easy. The Audio-Technica DSR7BT headphones also remember the last eight devices paired to them making them great for multi-device users. The touch controls are easy to use. It does take some learning to tap in the right spot but it’s fairly easy to remember. Overall, simple to use, simple to set up, and you’re enjoying your music.

Sound

Let’s kick this section off by saying, bass lovers need not apply. Unless you’re using an EQ or something to tweak frequencies from your source, these are not going to be for people who enjoy heavy bass. However, these are very well balanced, which is something I happen to enjoy. I usually like just a slight bit of extra bass and the built in EQ settings on my iPhone provide me enough to make me happy.

Everything sounds nice and crisp here with nothing overpowering the other thing. Guitar, vocals, strings, bass are all intelligible and easy to make out. These headphones are also made to work with Hi-Res audio files via the included USB cable. I did not test any Hi-Res files as I don’t own any, but they do sound even better when plugged into a computer via the USB cable.

The Audio-Technica DSR7BT headphones are also volume independent. What I mean by that is, you can control the volume on the headphones independent from the source. I love this feature and I wish more headphones did this. That means I can crank the volume on the phone all the way to max but still have a little more volume on the headphones themselves. One Amazon review dinged these headphones for poor noise isolation. I found the noise isolation to be more than acceptable, considering these are not noise-cancelling.

It could be that the user doesn’t realize there are independent volume controls and may not have the volume up enough. I found the earcups to cover my (rather large) ears well and they do a great job of keeping noise out. Of course, they don’t totally block every sound out but they do an admirable job. Overall the sound here is balanced, if you need frequencies tweaked it’s best to use an EQ and if you’re into heavy bass just move along.

Audio-Technica DSR7BT
Comfy earcups!

Reception/Call Quality

I hate using headphones for phone calls, but the Audio-Technica DSR7BT headphones can certainly be used for that. While I normally don’t use headphones for phone calls, I always test the feature on every headphone just to make sure it works. There was no issue here, these performed well, calls were clear and callers could hear me well without any sort of echo. The Bluetooth reception was great as well, no issues and they conform to Bluetooth standards.

Battery Life

15-hours is the claim on these and I was able to get just over 14 and a half at 60% volume. Standby battery is 1,000 hours, I didn’t test that but I can say that leaving them to sit for a few days and coming back, they still had strong battery left.

Price/Value

Pricing of these headphones is one of the reasons they have earned a Top Pick Award. For $299.99USD you’re getting an amazing pair of headphones that are sonically well balanced, have a great build quality and stand up to headphones priced $100USD higher. I was actually surprised at the sub $300 price tag, these are easily worth more than that.

Wrap Up

Wrapping up, bass lovers need not apply (unless you’re using a great EQ machine in front of these). A balanced sound stage is the name of the game here. Pricing is more than fair. If you need an AUX input then these probably aren’t going to make you happy. Overall a superior pair of headphones for the price, very well balanced but some people will find some flaws.

*We were sent a sample of the Audio-Technica DSR7BT for the purposes of this review.

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