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RHA MA750

RHA MA750 / MA750i Review

RHA MA750
Reviewed December 2014

Details: Flagship in-ear from Scotland-based RHA
MSRP: $119.95 (manufacturer’s page) ; $129.95 for MA750i w/mic & 3-button remote (manufacturer’s page)
Current Price: $120 from amazon.com for MA750; $130 from amazon.com for MA750i
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 16Ω | Sens: 100 dB | Freq: 16-22k Hz | Cable: 4.4′ I-plug
Nozzle Size: 4.5mm | Preferred tips: Stock single-flanges
Wear Style: Over-the-ear

Accessories (5/5) – Single-flange (6 pairs in 3 sizes) and double-flange (2 sizes) silicone tips, foam tips (2 pairs), shirt clip, stainless steel eartip caddy, and zippered leather carrying case
Build Quality (5/5) – As with RHA’s lower-end models, the construction is impeccable. The MA750 boasts machined stainless steel housings, metal nozzle filters, and thick, rubbery cables. At the earphone end there is a molded “earhook” section about 4” long. It’s not memory wire, but it’s a lot more comfortable than the earhooks I’ve come across in the past. The cable is thick and tangle-resistant, and all of the hardware is metal, including the 3.5mm I-plug with a long “spring” strain relief. The 3-year warranty is very impressive as well
Isolation (3.5/5) – The housings are narrow at the front, allowing a good insertion depth and good isolation
Microphonics (4.5/5) – The cable carries some noise but microphonics are generally not a problem due to mandatory over-the-ear fitment and the fact that the cord is thick and heavy, and doesn’t move around much
Comfort (4/5) – The earphone housings have a familiar flared shape a-la Dunu Trident and RHA’s lower-end models. The earpieces of the MA750 made of stainless steel, though, so they are a little heavier. The small diameter at the front nonetheless affords a surprisingly comfortable fit considering the weight

Sound (8.9/10) – The previous RHA earphones I’ve tried left me impressed with their bass power and clarity, but the new MA750 is a strong performer all around. Its signature is predicated on enhanced bass, but less so compared to the lower-end models. It has a strong emphasis on sub-bass, and a little less on mid-bass. The bass quantity is not at what I would consider “basshead” level – deep bass presence is good with the MA750 but there’s not too much mid-bass punch compared to some of its competitors. On the other hand it is a lot bassier than the HiFiMan RE-400, which sounds more controlled but appears deficient in subbass in comparison the RHA unit.

The MA750 is warm in tone, but not overly so. It has decent enough treble presence to balance out the bass, though it is certainly is not a neutral earphone. The midrange is rich and full-bodied, with very decent clarity considering the sound signature. Clarity is better than with many other stereotypically “warm” earphones, such as the Sony MH1C and Dunu Trident. The RE-400, on the other hand, is more mid-centric, but still sounds more neutral and is a little clearer through its midrange. The pricier Dunu DN-1000 hybrid, too, is clearer, making the MA750 sound veiled comparison.

The upper midrange of the MA750 is energetic but emphasis diminishes before getting into the regions that typically cause harshness and sibilance. The MA750 is brighter overall compared to the Sony MH1C and Dunu Trident and has a slight tendency to sound “tizzy”, especially at high volumes, thanks to the lower treble emphasis. It isn’t bothersome, however, and I definitely would not call the treble energy excessive. On the other end of the spectrum, the Dunu DN-1000 has treble that is brighter and more revealing of artifacts, making the MA750 sound quite smooth in comparison.

Presentation-wise, the MA750 performs well for the price. Its soundstage is larger than those of the MH1C and Trident, and separation is better as well. The Trident especially sounds more in-the-head and congested in comparison. Aside from the enhanced bass having the ability to throw a slight veil over minute details and take away from its imaging ability, there is not much to complain about with the MA750 here.

Select Comparisons

RHA MA350 ($40)

RHA’s $40 MA350 is one of my favorite budget-friendly sets for enhanced bass, but while the flagship model does command a healthy price premium, it also offers up a significantly more refined sound. The MA350 has strong, domineering bass, but the MA750 manages to sound rich and full-bodied while maintaining lower overall bass quantity and better bass control. It’s more balanced, as well as smoother and more refined. The treble of the MA350 is a little grainy in comparison, and more prone to harshness. The MA750 sounds more natural and enjoys a larger presentation with better depth and separation, making the MA350 appear congested in comparison.

Onkyo IE-HF300 ($129)

The IE-HF300 couldn’t be more different from the RHA MA750 in design, but sonically both earphones tend towards a warm, enhanced-bass sound. The RHA unit boasts bass that is both more extended and more powerful overall. The HF300, meanwhile, has less bass quantity with a focus on mid-bass. This results in mids that are a little more veiled compared to the MA750. The MA750 sounds clearer and more crisp, though it is a little more laid-back at the top end compared to the Onkyos. Both earphones boast above-average soundstages, with the HF300 being a little more open-sounding.

RBH EP1 ($149)

Yet another enhanced-bass, consumer-friendly earphone in the sub-$150 range, the EP1 nonetheless offers a sizable contrast to the MA750. Both earphones have a strong emphasis on bass but the MA750 is a little more powerful here, which gives it a warmer and more full-bodied sound. The RBH earphones place more emphasis on the midrange and sound a little clearer as a result. The MA750, on the other hand, has a thicker midrange presentation and a smoother and more forgiving sound. The RHA also boasts a slightly wider presentation and tonal character that, to me, is more natural overall.

VSonic GR07 Bass Edition ($179)

This earphone’s “Bass Edition” moniker is only true insofar as it is more bass-heavy than the regular GR07. Next to the MA750, however, the GR07BE sounds rather balanced. The RHA unit has more bass and a warmer tonal character while the GR07 is closer to neutral. The bass of the MA750 is boomier and results in more veiling of the midrange. The GR07BE lacks some of the full-bodied character of the RHA, but remains clearer, especially in the midrange. Up top, the MA750 is a little smoother where it counts while the GR07 is more sibilance-prone.

THL Recommended Badge 2014Value (9/10) – The RHA MA750 has a lot going for it – a warm and lush sound, spacious presentation, and good bass presence. No less important is the construction quality, which features stainless steel housings and thick cabling. The earphones are comfortable, too, thanks in large part to the over-the-ear fit and molded earhooks, and isolate surprisingly well. Most impressively, the MA750 is not at all exorbitantly-priced – it’s extremely comfortable just north of $100. Early last year I found myself impressed with the entry-level MA350 and hoped to see more great things from RHA, and this year starts off with another hit from the Scottish manufacturer.

Pros: Extremely solid build quality; 3 year warranty; warm sound with excellent bass presence
Cons: Housings a bit on the heavy side

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ABOUT AUTHOR

ljokerl

ljokerl

Living in the fast-paced city of Los Angeles, ljokerl has been using portable audio gear to deal with lengthy commutes for the better part of a decade. He spends much of his time listening to music and occasionally writes portable audio reviews across several enthusiast sites, focusing mostly on in-ear earphones.

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337 Responses

  1. I hope this threaв is not abandoned. I am comparing MA750i with Audio-Technica ATH-CKRS90iS Sound Reality (not on the list) which frequency range is much wider 5-42khz.
    MA750i start only with 16, I wonder how this earbuds got so high in the rating, and if will the ATH give more base and generally a better sound with this advantage. thanks

  2. I have had the MA750i for a while now. I wouldn’t recommend them for Hip hop though. The bass is lacking that solid punch. Male vocals can be recessed and can seem to be ‘behind’ the music sometimes.
    These would be more suited for orchestral and regular pop. The bass is not it’s strong point.

    It’s strengths are more clarity and sound stage,
    I personally love them, they’re very clear, detailed without sibilance, spacious, yes, the bass is good but not amazing.

    If you do decide to get them, I recommend a solid 100hrs burn in. When I first got mine I thought they sounded like crap, but after a week they showed their true power.

  3. Hey Joker, how are you doing? I’ve been using the Philips SHE 3580/3590/3595 over the past 3-4 years based off your recommendation, and they’re my favourite IEMs; I love how small and compact they are, and the V shaped signature is perfect for my music. Honestly, I can’t imagine how you could improve the sound.

    However, the problem is that they keep dying on me every couple of months (I’ve had 6-7 pairs by now) and by now I’ve gotten really annoyed by it. I decided to save up and get something better built this time, something which not only sounds better but will also last me longer – and so I ended up at the MA750. I love what I’ve read about their customer service and the 3 year warranty pushes it above all other competitors for me.

    The only thing I want to know before I pull the trigger is, do these sound similar enough to the Philips? I mainly listen to hip-hop, so I want something which is fun and energetic, with good bass and clear vocal presentation. From your review it seems like that is the case, but I’d still like to have a confirmation, since I won’t be able to return them once I get them. Looking forward to your reply!

  4. Hey joker, may I know how does this pair compare to Vmoda Forza series? Your reply will definitely help me to buy a nice pair :). Any other pair would you recommend in this price range?

  5. Hello Joker.
    Tank you very much for that amazing job of yours.
    Got my MA750 (and a few other IEM, all acquisitions mainly based on your tests) a few years ago. They are my best and most expensive IEM yet, used mainly for gaming since audio immersion is essential for me. I love them.

    If i’d decide to update those, for the same purpose, what would you recommend under 200€?
    I guess I’m looking for deep but dynamic controlled bass, maybe a bit V-shaped or so, no harshness, big soundstage and 3D imaging, nice separation…
    I guess you see where i’m going here. (I must add that i hate covering my ears… So IEM is the name of the… game).

    All the best.

  6. Hi Joker – Long time reader. I purchased the MA750i 1.5 yrs ago based on your recommendation. I really enjoyed them even though I had periodic trouble getting a perfect seal. The cord has recently failed me in 2 places: (1) the metal shaft and spring protecting the plug became unglued and moved freely up and down the cord; (2) the rubberized part of the cord directly below the plastic “weights” that anchor the earphones has deteriorated on both sides.
    I’m now in search of something (1) durable, (2) with removable/replaceable, (3) offering great isolation, and (4) priced at $200 USD or below. I’ve auditioned the MEE Pinnacles recently and fell in love. Before I buy them, are there any others you recommend that I try out?
    They’d be used 75% with iPhone 6; 25% with Mac laptop, so I won’t have anything extra to drive them. Mostly podcasts, bass-heavy music (hip hop/rap), jazz, and phone calls.

    Thank you!!

  7. RHA strikes again! They’ve agreed to replace my RHA MA750 pair with a new one, so I’ll be able to do some direct comparisons between this and the Musicmaker TK12 when they both arrive. The sound signature should be similar so I’m very interested what a quality single dynamic can do against a chinese 1DD 2BA setup. Musicmaker is one of those brands that haven’t made the transition into western markets nor mass appeal, they still ship products without boxes, only in small carrying cases with some bare minimum quality tips. Still, by the hype they’re getting from chinese IEM connoisseurs, I’m very curious to hear them.

  8. Thanks for the reply. I just ordered some Musicmaker TK12 chinese IEMs, not sure if you’ve heard those before, but your reviews are pretty much spot on for the products I’ve owned, so if I like them a lot, I’ll be sure to give you a shout to check them out since there’s a good chance you’ll like them as well. Going by their description, I’m expecting something between the MA750 and the Sennheiser momentum in-ears in terms of signature, and hopefully a step up in sq for the price and hassle. Cheers!

  9. EPH-100 is a great earphone and one of the few natural predators of the MA750, especially for electronic music, out of what I’ve heard. There’s a lot of crossover in the comments of this MA750 review mentioning the EPH-100, and in the EPH-100 review mentioning the MA750, all with good reason.

    The 1MORE Triple falls behind a bit on sheer visceral impact compared to these two. It’s still a good earphone but considering you liked the MA750’s bass and soundstage the 1MORE is kind of the wrong way to go, since those are not its strengths.

    Haven’t tried any Magaosi products. I have three or four custom-style Chinese IEMs from other brands and none of them have impressed me very much, but they’re popping up so quickly that it’s difficult to keep up.

  10. Hello Joker!

    I got these because of your recommendation and at first I was kinda disappointed, I grew to like them and after I switched to another DAP/AMP, they really had me impressed. Unfortunately, I seem to have damaged them somehow as the right IEM isn’t outputting nearly as much bass as the left one. The cables also deteriorate at the joints and the filters on the nozzle come off easily, so I have been left very unimpressed with the build quality, no matter how quality it feels.

    What would you recommend for someone who really liked the sound of the RHA MA750s? I can’t find them anywhere in my country at the moment so I’m kind of stuck. Have you had a chance to hear something from MaGaosi perhaps? From what I hear they’re Chinese IEMs often praised for the sound, and their MaGaosi K3 Pro is something that is in a similar price range as the RHA MA750 with a more custom IEM design with detachable cables (and replacement cables included), as well as filters and other such faux-premium stuff for a ~$100 IEM. How about the Yamaha EPH-100s? My biggest pursuits are bass and soundstage; both of which the MA750s did really well (though the biggest soundstage still has to go to the Momentum IEMs for me, that was insane). How about the 1MORE Triple Driver, just how much less bass impact is there compared to the MA750s?

    In case you read this, thanks in advance. I love your reviews and they really help me when buying IEMs.

  11. These headphones sound great but they are garbage.

    Do Not Buy.

    I bought mine in Oct 2016 and I have had to replace them twice via the warranty already. I really thought they were going to be different but they aren’t. The first pair I had, the gray sheathing started to pull loose at a few places. This continued until the ground wire was exposed. At that point I only had them a few months so I contacted their warranty replacement team. After giving them a photo of my receipt and the headphones, they sent me a new pair.

    This pair lasted about the same time period and the gray sheathing again started to pull away, but this time the stainless steel ear bud also popped apart…only held together by glue. The wire finally snapped and the bud was left unusable.

    Again I contact the warranty team and they replaced them again.

    I tried to request the next pair up to avoid these issues, instead they sent me a warranty snippet and said they would be happy to keep replacing them over the next 2.5 years. I would even paid for the upgrade.

  12. Awesome, glad the MA750 hit the spot! That’s exactly how I would describe them in comparison to GR07s.

    Appreciate the feedback!

  13. Just received these and I must say I am impressed with SQ. The reason I shifted from GR07B to these was the lows of GR07B, which disappointed me alot, The bass rumble of RHAs is full bodied and tight at the same time, mids are adequate and treble is very pleasing and makes the sound retrieval clear. Thanks joker for this precious list, bcz i blindly follow it when ever made an iem purchase.

  14. MA750 is definitely warmer and bassier, and has a much more “consumer” sound than the GR07 BE. It’s about the most bass you can get in the price range (alongside the Yamaha EPH-100) before you start getting into “compromising other aspects of the sound for bass quantity” territory.

  15. Unfortunately I no longer have my EPH-100 so I can’t do any additional spot comparisons – the comparisons I’ve provided in the comments below are pretty much as detailed as I can get at this point. There is a difference in balance – the M750 has a slightly more “v-shaped” signature with a more noticeable midrange dip and more lower treble energy, as well as a slightly wider soundstage. Even if that’s not ideal, coming from the EPH-100 I still don’t think you have a better option in this price range, other than another EPH-100.

  16. Hi, i have vsonic gr07BE. Just bought them last week, but after a week with them , i think they are too bass shy for my taste. Want to exchange or buy, tell me.

  17. Hey joker, a happy new year to you! Recently my Yamaha EPH-100 broke and I’m looking for something with musical mids, good bass and a non-fatiguing sound sig. I guess I’m looking at a good place with the 750 but can I have your comparison between the bass impact, presentation and midrange between the two? Thanks a lot and I hope to continue reading your updates here for the next year ands well.

  18. Thanks for reply,

    I prefer clarity of sound instead of boomier bass, so I will go with GR07 BE again 🙂 What do you mean by say “richness”?

    Thanks,

  19. If you think you would like more bass and “richness” in your sound in exchange for some of the VSonic’s clarity and resolution, the MA750 can be a good choice, especially for EDM, but I consider the GR07 to be the more Hi-Fi earphone and generally wouldn’t trade it for the MA750 as an all-rounder.

  20. Hi,

    My vsonic gr07 be was broken so I want to new one. I want to buy another vsonic gr07 be but amazon cannot send to my country. Do you advice ma750 over vsonic ? l am listening electronic music (psychill,ambient,goa grance…)

  21. Thank you so much for all the info, I ordered the 750s and should receive them soon. I’ll be referring to your guides in the future as well!

    Best regards 🙂

  22. 99.9% of Shure SE215 owners haven’t tried the Flux :).

    The SE215 ticks a lot of boxes for $100 – it’s well-built, comfortable, has a detachable cable, etc. It’s also relatively easy to get your hands on one, Shure earphones are available all over the world. And it sounds good, just not as good as the best sub-$100 IEMs.

    MA750 is a good buy and does some things better than the Flux – it’s not as grainy, for example, and the midrange is more rich and lush. Don’t expect it to sound two or three times better, but if the microphonics are really bothering you and you’re going to upgrade from the Flux anyway, I wouldn’t recommend getting an IEM below the sound quality level of the MA750.

  23. Oh wow didnt realise the 215s were that bad, how come they’re so highly recommended everywhere?

    Are the MA750s worth the jump? Because technically my flux earphones work fine, its just the microphonics that bug me a lot.

  24. SE215 does not sound as good as the Flux IMO, so I’d be hesitant to make that jump. Momentum is a little better, but it sounds like you still won’t like the sound as much as the more balanced Flux. So the MA750 seems to be the natural choice here. More than adequate bass, definitely smoother than the Momentum, good soundstage, etc. It is pricier, but I really don’t think you will enjoy the other two sets.

  25. Hi joker! Big fan of all your reviews!

    I’ve been using the steelseries flux in ear model, NOT the BA pros, and i simply can’t stand thier microphonics any more. I can’t fully decide between the RHA MA750s, Shure SE215s, and the Sennheiser Momentum in ears.

    Considering what I’ve been listening to, i think these have a similar sound signature except for the 215s.

    The issues i have with these 3 are as follows:
    215s have an iffy MMCX connection according to A LOT of people, and that worries me because i cant probably get them replaced from here in Pakistan. Besides that, their bass is muddy according to most reviewers.

    The momentums have a strong V signature according to most reviews which can be harsh/tinny at times and i absolutely hate that in earphones.

    Finally the 750s are pricier than both the above models and look really heavy. I am satisfied with their sound though.

    What i want in a set of earphones is a slightly relaxed high end, nothing harsh or sibilant, adequate bass, nothing boomy that covers up the spectrum or muddies it, and preferably strong mids that emphasise vocals and maybe gives them a warmer overall feel. Soundstage isn’t a first priority but i absolutely adore wider soundstage, it takes the listening experience to a whole new level on specific tracks. Lastly a good build is a must for me.

    I understand that’s quite a handful of things i want packed into one headset, but this is just what I’d ideally want. Anything close would be very appreciated.

    Looking forward to a response from you!
    Best Regards

  26. Just dropping by for a quick update for anyone interested.

    Actually got the Sony MDR-XB90EX after more research and reviews.
    After listening to them for a bit I have come to the conclusion that these earphones take in an electric current and and successfully convert it to pure unadulterated love. I don’t know how but it’s right there. I put them in my ears and love just begins to pour in my mind and soul.

    Amazing deep, soft, well-balanced between punchy and boomy bass.
    Mids seem fine to me. Not recessed, and not too forward either.
    Highs lack some extension and sparkle but they are still there.

    Because of this they do lack a bit of detail compared to the MA750 but they keep the inoffensivenes and smootheness intact. There is no sibilance at all.

    I’m going to go slightly on a limb here and say that these do indeed seem to me to be the CAL!’s in an IEM form: solid and abundant bass with good everything else without any sharpness so I can simply lean back and enjoy my music with the enhanced bass.

  27. More durable than most, but there’s still an expectation of using them like you would any other small electronic gadget that cost upwards of $100. Keep them in the included case and don’t stress the wires more than you have to and they’ll last the 3-year warranty term.

    Glad the site has been helpful!

  28. Hi I have been using apple quality ear bud for ages ad I am sick of the terrible quality and how easy they break, I was just wondering how durable these are for mainly everyday use?
    Also thanks for the review, the buyers guide is awesome and i will be using it in the future

  29. I like the MA750i just fine out of my phone as well, but I don’t have any dedicated DAPs in that price range besides an old Cowon DAP (meh)

  30. Hi ljokerl!
    After a few monthes with the MA750i I found out that they sound a lot better with my phone (Xiaomi mi4c) than my Fiio X1 (which sounds flat and boring with these).
    Unfortunately my phone has extreamly low storage space (not to mention the humilation of using my god damn phone as an audio player like some peasant!).

    Do you have a better match for the ma750i than the X1 at the budget of 100$-200$?
    Thank’s!

  31. T20 is more v-shaped, a little clearer, can be brighter. If anything it’s further away from the Aurvana Live! sound signature/tone, but it definitely can deliver more bass impact than the MA750 if you use the +bass setting.

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