Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open Air Headphones

These are the best headphones I have ever heard - or at least the opportunity to critically evaluate. At AU$139, they are extraordinarily good value for money. I have long been a fan of my ATH-M50s and remain so, but being closed back (basically DJ) headphones, they are subject to the bass resonances and "closed in" sound stage that goes with that. The outstanding clarity of voice and instruments and openess of sound stage of the AD500Xs is immediately obvious in a simple like for like comparison. I was especially pleased with the bass response, which is exceptionally clean, balanced and extends down very low, although it is not as dominant as in the M50s. A lot of reviews criticise the "wings" that sit on your head to hold the headphones up - but fail to do ... MoreThese are the best headphones I have ever heard - or at least the opportunity to critically evaluate. At AU$139, they are extraordinarily good value for money. I have long been a fan of my ATH-M50s and remain so, but being closed back (basically DJ) headphones, they are subject to the bass resonances and "closed in" sound stage that goes with that. The outstanding clarity of voice and instruments and openess of sound stage of the AD500Xs is immediately obvious in a simple like for like comparison. I was especially pleased with the bass response, which is exceptionally clean, balanced and extends down very low, although it is not as dominant as in the M50s. A lot of reviews criticise the "wings" that sit on your head to hold the headphones up - but fail to do so - allowing them to slide down your head. I found that this was very simply fixed by adding a cable tie to tie the wing pads together and adjust the length to fit your head - problem solved. They are now the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. Other notes:- very easily powered by your phone or PC - sound great from my phone. - can be a bit sharp in the treble, but only if the track is mixed by a treble deaf muso- physically big and bit cumbersome - for sitting down use - not the phones for getting out and about with. - fabric covered, very large earpads are very comfortable to wear - no sound isolation at all, so only suitable for quiet listening environments- excellent spares backup from Audio Technica - I have replaced both drivers in my M50s now - after about 15 years of service. I had a driver fail and chose to replace the other one to restore L/R balance - for $27/driver and postage. - don't expect the openness of sound stage or bass you can feel of a high quality 5.1 surround sound rig - these are still headphones afterall.

The sound is excellent. The comfort/fit leaves a bit to be desired, since the cups don't pivot at all. The cardinal sin however is the cable. It is long, impossible to roll up nicely, and not replaceable without a soldering iron. I unfortunately broke my cable quickly. Did a solder job for a new plug, but did it poorly, resulting in shorting an amp. I suggest anyone who likes AT to go for the R70X instead, despite the higher price.

Been using various models of the AD series for years and they have never let me down. I mainly enjoy them with gaming, they are enjoyably haunting to say the least. Walking around in Fallout 4 was unnerving with these headphones. And playing classical and live music is a dream. The only thing I will forever dislike about these headphones are their band design. They are too loose on my giant head, and tend to slide down without doing the elastic band hack on them. The also leave weird impressions on my head, even if I only wear them for a couple of minutes. One of those cheapo headband cozies is a quick and simple (albeit, ugly) solution for this. Other than that, these headphones always sound amazing out of the box. Def the least troublesome headphones Ive ever used ... MoreBeen using various models of the AD series for years and they have never let me down. I mainly enjoy them with gaming, they are enjoyably haunting to say the least. Walking around in Fallout 4 was unnerving with these headphones. And playing classical and live music is a dream. The only thing I will forever dislike about these headphones are their band design. They are too loose on my giant head, and tend to slide down without doing the elastic band hack on them. The also leave weird impressions on my head, even if I only wear them for a couple of minutes. One of those cheapo headband cozies is a quick and simple (albeit, ugly) solution for this. Other than that, these headphones always sound amazing out of the box. Def the least troublesome headphones Ive ever used (i.e. no need to hack or mod for good sound).

I've been looking for a drop with these for a while--I have the older A700, which made me fall in love with the head-rest mechanism that these all share. I went with the 990z headphones, because I use these at work and need the closed-back style.I am by no means an audiophile, but I do appreciate a good/decent set of headphones.I use my headphones with a couple small, portable amps, for reference: Audiolab...something or other ([LINK] and the EarStudio ES100 ([LINK]I like the A700s because they did a better job of creating neutral-ish sound than any of the (cruddy) headphones I'd had before. The 990z are decidedly more punchy and bass-heavy, which initially was a bit off-putting because that's not what I look for. However, after pairing them with the Audiolab ... MoreI've been looking for a drop with these for a while--I have the older A700, which made me fall in love with the head-rest mechanism that these all share. I went with the 990z headphones, because I use these at work and need the closed-back style.I am by no means an audiophile, but I do appreciate a good/decent set of headphones.I use my headphones with a couple small, portable amps, for reference: Audiolab...something or other ([LINK] and the EarStudio ES100 ([LINK]I like the A700s because they did a better job of creating neutral-ish sound than any of the (cruddy) headphones I'd had before. The 990z are decidedly more punchy and bass-heavy, which initially was a bit off-putting because that's not what I look for. However, after pairing them with the Audiolab amp, the highs and mids improved. I've started to miss the bass from the 990z when I go back, so I guess I'm converted. The 990z also do a better job of separating the voice from the rest of the instruments, which is generally good but can sometimes sound...a little too separated? Like the voice was recorded separately and then mixed in almost (could be the case I suppose.)The head-rest is still amazing. It feels like nothing is on my head. No problem with listening for long sessions.Have also used with the Massdrop ModMic for Skype calls, no problems with volume or clarity (at least, not any that weren't related to Skype itself.)

Cheap Piece, Unusable

The wings at the top of the headpiece are made extremely cheaply, one broke on me the second time I used these headphones.Can't even use the headphones since they tangle in my hair without the piece in place, and they don't sit properly on my head even if I settle it in place despite the broken plastic. Check the photo. The sound quality isn't to my liking either, although I'm not an educated audiophile so I can't say what exactly's wrong with them. But I prefer my old Audiotechnica M30's, which were cheaper than these when I first got them.Overall I recommend passing on these.

Excellent Entry-level Open-back Cans

About to retire a this headset after half a decade with it, so I thought I owed it a review.I paired this set with a ModMic5 to make a headset with better sound quality and a better microphone than any "gaming" headset on the market. It's been a truly excellent experience - the open-back design provides a wide sound stage for both music and games, while also helping me keep awareness of my actual surroundings (letting sound in is a deliberate feature of open-back sets - if you want sound isolation look for closed-back instead. The sound signature on these cans is very well balanced (flat), which I personally like. If you like the booming bass and twinkling treble of the "v-curve", these aren't the headphones for you.Visually, I'll admit, these headphones look ... MoreAbout to retire a this headset after half a decade with it, so I thought I owed it a review.I paired this set with a ModMic5 to make a headset with better sound quality and a better microphone than any "gaming" headset on the market. It's been a truly excellent experience - the open-back design provides a wide sound stage for both music and games, while also helping me keep awareness of my actual surroundings (letting sound in is a deliberate feature of open-back sets - if you want sound isolation look for closed-back instead. The sound signature on these cans is very well balanced (flat), which I personally like. If you like the booming bass and twinkling treble of the "v-curve", these aren't the headphones for you.Visually, I'll admit, these headphones look doofy. The Air System looks absurd with its goofy "wings" the "rollcage" well above your head - it won't impress in a video-call. However, it's an exchange of aesthetics for comfort, so I guess you can't argue with results. I will note, though, that it starts to get slightly uncomfortable during long sessions when you notice that the wings have stopped doing their job and your ears are what's holding up the cups - this only becomes noticeable after hours with them on.Reliability is a mixed bag. In a lot of ways, they've continued to hold up great - they still work and sound great, the pads haven't torn or frayed (though they have become notably squished with use), the joints and frame are all still solid - the only reason I'm retiring them now is the right ear cup has started to shock me if I move too much (walking around the room, not just bobbing my head to the beat or anything like that). Unfortunately, I don't know how I'd repair that.Overall, it's been a great companion. As of writing, you can find these around the internet for closer to $80 - for that price, I would gladly recommend them to anyone looking to step into audiophile listening.

Excellent sound quality at any price!

A lot open back headphones can be pretty rolled off in the lower bass frequencies these aren’t. The bass is well defined never exaggerated or boomy. The mids and highs are very detailed but not fatiguing at all. Only reason theyre not a five star review is the fit and some minor duribilty concerns. The clamping force isnt strong enough to prevent them from slipping down my really big 7 3/4” head, and the little flaps on the head band dont really do much to keep them in place. The cord isn’t detachible, and doesnt seem super secure. These are all nit picks and over all i love these headphones.

Extended listening!

Overall, I've had a good experience using this pair of headphones daily. The headphones sound good enough to enjoy my favorite music and play some video games. The open back allows your ears to "breathe," so it's fine to wear them over an extended period of time.Note that the head bands may be a bit wide and loose for some people. I put a standard rubber band between the two clips, and they're good afterwards.

Great Value

Sound Quality: 8/10Comfort: 10/10Build Quality: 5/10The AD500X headphones don't get a lot of attention in comparison to the (in my opinion) overrated M50x. However, at $79 they are a tough deal to beat. The sound quality is excellent and probably about the best you can get at the price point. They have exceptional clarity and a neutral sound profile that I've come to expect of Audio Technica. They are also very comfortable and feel almost weightless even after long sessions. The only downside to these phones is the build quality. Mine still work after nearly 10 years of service. However, you can expect the headphone cable to disintegrate after about 5-6 years. The inner wire is quite durable but the outer sheath dries out and starts cracking around the strain ... MoreSound Quality: 8/10Comfort: 10/10Build Quality: 5/10The AD500X headphones don't get a lot of attention in comparison to the (in my opinion) overrated M50x. However, at $79 they are a tough deal to beat. The sound quality is excellent and probably about the best you can get at the price point. They have exceptional clarity and a neutral sound profile that I've come to expect of Audio Technica. They are also very comfortable and feel almost weightless even after long sessions. The only downside to these phones is the build quality. Mine still work after nearly 10 years of service. However, you can expect the headphone cable to disintegrate after about 5-6 years. The inner wire is quite durable but the outer sheath dries out and starts cracking around the strain relief where they connect to the headphones. I've kept it together with electrical tape and hope for now but it's a losing battle. The faux leather portion of the ear pads have also started disintegrating. However, they haven't caused too much of an issue yet and it isn't a unique problem to these headphones either. Overall, if you want a good set of entry-level open-backed headphones that will serve you for many years, these are a great option.

Great for the price!.

Overall great buy only two downsides there doesn't seem to be away to adjust it appears to just auto adjust, but if it doesn't fit you. I don't think you can make any adjustments to help. Very great sounding and light. Comfortable. It's biggest sin is a fixed cable so if the cable gets damaged its pretty much junk for the price I can forgive it.