Audio Technica ATH-AD900X Audiophile Open-air Headphones

After short 5 hours of burn in the sound is fast and immensely fun. These are a tad bright, but definitely not painful. Bass is there, not much of it, but it is not lean, it's accurate and goes pretty low. Sonically these are the best headphones I've ever had pleasure to listen to, comparing to HE-4XX, HD595, CAL!, K612, K550. The soundstage is especially phenomenal. 5 stars for sound, especially considering the price.However, having a below average sized head, these are simply too big for me. Clamping force is applied mostly below my ears, to my jaw, and upper side of the pads barely touch my head. It's a shame that they don't have a different, adjustable construction, and I'll likely get rid of them for this reason alone. I cannot really rate how comfortable ... MoreAfter short 5 hours of burn in the sound is fast and immensely fun. These are a tad bright, but definitely not painful. Bass is there, not much of it, but it is not lean, it's accurate and goes pretty low. Sonically these are the best headphones I've ever had pleasure to listen to, comparing to HE-4XX, HD595, CAL!, K612, K550. The soundstage is especially phenomenal. 5 stars for sound, especially considering the price.However, having a below average sized head, these are simply too big for me. Clamping force is applied mostly below my ears, to my jaw, and upper side of the pads barely touch my head. It's a shame that they don't have a different, adjustable construction, and I'll likely get rid of them for this reason alone. I cannot really rate how comfortable they are, because they barely sit on my head.EDIT (almost a month after arrival):I've fixed the issue with headphones being too big for me by leaving them for two nights with rubber bands pulling 3D wings downwards. Sound has improved some more, but not much. I'm very happy with bass extention, sound could be a bit darker, but overall I'm in love with these. Avoid if you prefer darker sound though.Plugged into Topping DX3 pro.

I only have about 18 hours of play time on my set, but I just did a few minutes of listening on my 789 and my Liquid Platinum (both driven by a SU-8). Contrary to the review below, I feel these are not worthy of a one star review. At the very least they deserve more than a single sentence.I find them very fast and accurate (think light on their feet), but I wouldn't call them "bright". The sound stage is very W I D E and the imaging is very precise. They are also very efficient and can be driven by pretty much anything, but they do respond to better amplification. My primary use for these will be gaming, so the attributes above are all beneficial. That being said, they are perfectly adequate for music. If I had to quickly summarize these it would be spacious and ... MoreI only have about 18 hours of play time on my set, but I just did a few minutes of listening on my 789 and my Liquid Platinum (both driven by a SU-8). Contrary to the review below, I feel these are not worthy of a one star review. At the very least they deserve more than a single sentence.I find them very fast and accurate (think light on their feet), but I wouldn't call them "bright". The sound stage is very W I D E and the imaging is very precise. They are also very efficient and can be driven by pretty much anything, but they do respond to better amplification. My primary use for these will be gaming, so the attributes above are all beneficial. That being said, they are perfectly adequate for music. If I had to quickly summarize these it would be spacious and pretty neutral sounding.Other somewhat similarly priced headphones I own are the 6XX and T50MK3, and both of those are "warmer" and have more bass. Also, both of those require significant amplification to sound even remotely good. The AD900X can absolutely do more with less when it comes to power. Sure the 6XX is better when properly driven, but you have to include amplification in the cost of admission with them. Yes relatively inexpensive amplification like the Liquid Spark and Atom has come a long way, but it isn't a requirement for AD900X. The 6XX is also double the price of the AD900X, so that is also worth mentioning.In terms of negatives, I would agree with what others have said about bass output and extension. The bass they have is very well defined and controlled, but there isn't a lot of it compared to my other headphones. The fit is comfortable, but they don't really feel "solid" on my head - but this could be because they are super light. The biggest annoyance, as expressed by many others, is the cable. It is, in a word, terrible! No matter what you do it tries to coil itself back up and won't stay straight. It is also very long (over 9') which might be an asset depending on your use case, but it's far too long for my needs.Considering the $100 price Massdrop was selling these for, they are really good. I paid that same price for the ATH-A500 (also for gaming) nearly 15 years ago and these are significantly better. If light weight and efficiency are important factors for you then there isn't much out there that will challenge these at anywhere remotely near this price. Right now I am deducting a star for the mediocre bass and the absolutely horrible cable, but I think four stars is pretty fair considering the price.NOTE: If the bass response changes after putting some additional hours on these I will note it in the comments section below, but I don't expect much change since these have dynamic drivers. I might pick up the SHP9500 to see how they compare to these, but I expect anything they pick up in bass over the AD900X they will lack in terms of sound stage and overall refinement the A-T has.

A must have in your collection! Great for music, audio files and gaming!

Ive owned several Audio Technica closed back headphones and Ive loved them all. I did not know much about the Air Series open back headphone until I watched several reviews on YouTube. All the reviews praised this series from the ATH AD 500x up to the ATH AD2000x. After watching Z Reviews on the series I had to get a set. I really didnt have a preference as to which one in the series. I just wanted the best one at the best deal I could get. Well I picked up a used pair ATH AD900X headphones. WOW! They do NOT disappoint. They produce great sound that is immersive, but it does Not isolate you from the rest of the world. Music is clean and true. Good base range and treble that is not too harsh. Female vocals sound amazing. I listen to everything from death metal to ... MoreIve owned several Audio Technica closed back headphones and Ive loved them all. I did not know much about the Air Series open back headphone until I watched several reviews on YouTube. All the reviews praised this series from the ATH AD 500x up to the ATH AD2000x. After watching Z Reviews on the series I had to get a set. I really didnt have a preference as to which one in the series. I just wanted the best one at the best deal I could get. Well I picked up a used pair ATH AD900X headphones. WOW! They do NOT disappoint. They produce great sound that is immersive, but it does Not isolate you from the rest of the world. Music is clean and true. Good base range and treble that is not too harsh. Female vocals sound amazing. I listen to everything from death metal to classical music to industrial and the ATH AD900xs play them all very well. Listening to 3D audio files is a little unnerving. Its is hard to tell what is happing in the real word and what is coming from the headphones. I found myself looking over my shoulder during many scary audio files that had sounds coming from behind. Listen to audio files with these is like augmented reality for your ears. Gaming with these is a joy. I hear more jungle background sounds playing Tomb Raider using the ATH AD900xs. Anthem is another game that comes alive with these headphones. These are light and comfortable even with stock ear pads. I have worn them for over 6 hours straight and they are still comfortable after 6 hours. The draw backs I would point out: The cord is not detachable. A detachable 3.5mm cable would be my # 1 improvement. My second request would be to have the two arched rods connecting the ear pieces shortened so they are not sitting as high above my head. I would like them to hug the contour of my bald head a little closer. Finally, you need to keen in mind that all open back headphones do NOT isolate you from the rest of the world like closed back headphones do. If you have screaming children, these may not be the best choice. In closing they do live up to all the great reviews I have seen on YouTube. They sound great. They are light and comfortable. They are great for music, audio files and gaming. They are a great addition to my collection and Im glad I got them.

Excellent for loud music

These headphones are my go-to phones when i wanna listen to rock music at level 10. . They can handle it. . . Best used with a headphone amp. . like my ifi Gryphon. . Exceptional sound all around great headphones!

Great sound in a dissapointing design.

The sound quality of these headphones is exactly what you would expect of Audio Technica. It is genuinely second to none.That is somewhat offset by a few design flaws and build quality issues. Some of these have crept in over time, such as headrest "wings" breaking off recently, or the connector/cord requiring careful finagling in whatever socket its plugged into after around twelve months of use. Others where there from the outset, such as the extremely loose design and non detachable/interchangeable cord.As far as the design, these headphones naturally sit closer to the lower jaw, rather than over the ears, unless some modification is applied, such as an hair tie over the wings. Countless forums recommend this modification and the immediate replacement of the ... MoreThe sound quality of these headphones is exactly what you would expect of Audio Technica. It is genuinely second to none.That is somewhat offset by a few design flaws and build quality issues. Some of these have crept in over time, such as headrest "wings" breaking off recently, or the connector/cord requiring careful finagling in whatever socket its plugged into after around twelve months of use. Others where there from the outset, such as the extremely loose design and non detachable/interchangeable cord.As far as the design, these headphones naturally sit closer to the lower jaw, rather than over the ears, unless some modification is applied, such as an hair tie over the wings. Countless forums recommend this modification and the immediate replacement of the cord and connector. Clearly, for such forums to exist, these are common problems for users.I've owned many AT products over the decades, including headphones, earbuds and turntables. As it stands, I can't see myself purchasing any AT products in the future.

Great, but require detachable cables for that score

Could be great but failed because of cable not being detachable or replaceable.I've written a review 7 years ago for my pair (you can find here "2 years and still going, great sound").They worked great. in all honesty that review still stands with a single critical change, which is very important for me as a customer and a user.After about 3-4 years the cable dried up where it's connecting to the headphone and I can't replace it. It was very disappointing as I liked them and I feel this failure forcing me to buy a different pair is unfair to me as the consumer. I'd rather buy a new cable and replace it, but not buy an entire new headphones, it makes them feel cheaper to me now as i expect expensive headphones to have this option but these don't. I don't think ... MoreCould be great but failed because of cable not being detachable or replaceable.I've written a review 7 years ago for my pair (you can find here "2 years and still going, great sound").They worked great. in all honesty that review still stands with a single critical change, which is very important for me as a customer and a user.After about 3-4 years the cable dried up where it's connecting to the headphone and I can't replace it. It was very disappointing as I liked them and I feel this failure forcing me to buy a different pair is unfair to me as the consumer. I'd rather buy a new cable and replace it, but not buy an entire new headphones, it makes them feel cheaper to me now as i expect expensive headphones to have this option but these don't. I don't think there's a design limitation, if it's a marketing decision it's a poor one. pleas e give us the ability to replace the cable. I want to be a loyal customer and these are NOT cheap headphones and that's part of my expectation as a customer, that extra step that takes into account I want to retain my headphones so i get better ones because I regard these highly. This is something I did, i got a much more expensive pair of A1000Z that cost me x3 times because of how i liked these, but after this experience I had to scale back in price.In all honesty expect a universal 3.5mm cable here, or even a/the unique 2.5 mm cable that fits only AT headphones that I can order, but having no replacement options? that rendered my great headphones 100% useless once the rubber of the cable dried up. it's so stupid, the rest of the headphone assembly worked and sounded great. it hurts me see them broken. just unfair.learning the lesson, i still did not give up on Audio Technica, I bought a pair of RX70 which DO have detachable cables, their cables failed after less than 2 years, (they dried up), but at least today i could order a replacement cable assembly for a high price.

Outstanding - 10/10 IGN

I've just purchased a second pair! WOW!The year was 2011? Started gaming, and all the recommendations for ATH-AD700 and Xonar Essence was the rage. A short while later I picked up a set of ATH-AD900x's and fell in love immediately.Unfortunately, I recently broke mine by expanding the right cup over my ear, as I was taking them off. The band snapped under pressure (a bit of plastic glue would fix this easily, and be cheaper than a repurchase!) but I've looked around for other headphones, and on other stores too!I came back here for the ATH900x's as they are the most well rounded, well suited, well shaped, and best performing for their price range, headphones I've ever come across. You forget they're on your head, even 16 hours later.The sound is detailed, not ... MoreI've just purchased a second pair! WOW!The year was 2011? Started gaming, and all the recommendations for ATH-AD700 and Xonar Essence was the rage. A short while later I picked up a set of ATH-AD900x's and fell in love immediately.Unfortunately, I recently broke mine by expanding the right cup over my ear, as I was taking them off. The band snapped under pressure (a bit of plastic glue would fix this easily, and be cheaper than a repurchase!) but I've looked around for other headphones, and on other stores too!I came back here for the ATH900x's as they are the most well rounded, well suited, well shaped, and best performing for their price range, headphones I've ever come across. You forget they're on your head, even 16 hours later.The sound is detailed, not sharp. The mids are beautiful and if you add a tiny bit off bass on your EQ, like 3+dB on 20-50hz range, you're able to enjoy all sorts of music. I love my techno, dubstep, rap, hiphop, trance, psy and everything from 80 to 220bpm and I've always been satisfied with every listening scenario I've thrown at them.My only gripe with them is there's no detachable AUX cable (although you can easily do a DIY) and if you're in a loud environment, the open back design might not be fore you, but in a bedroom they're perfect!Please keep these in stock, 'cause if I break them again, you can be sure I'll be making another order :D

Owned a set of these for about 8 years, almost permanently on my desktop pc.

Fantastic headphones. Honestly well worth the money. Very comfortable even after very long periods of time, not hard to get seated comfortably on your noggin. Ear pads do not get sweaty on hot days.Open back allows sound bleed from your environment in, which is up to personal taste as to whether you are willing to accept this. In a quieter workspace/office/room this isn't an issue.The gains you get from the open backs in terms of sound quality and sound stage are well worth it.The ad900x are incredibly clear. There are no frequencies that it over powers or under delivers. Every instrument is recreated clearly, with amazing sound stage, from the lows to the highs.

Wow I Love 'em

I recently purchased the Audio Technica ATH-AD900X Headphones ... and Yes, I Love 'em Lightweight with a sleek modern look. I can wear them for several hours without any ear discomfort or fatigue. Sonically, The open-air design sounds wonderfully wide and precise while mixing. The Audio Technica ATH-AD900X Headphones are exactly what I've been looking for. I'm completely overwhelmed by the high quality and performance of this product

great 'phones, unusual appearance, good sound, comfortable

I reviewed similar model open headphones from Audio Technica, and may have not been as fair as should have. I came from the Sony XB series 'phones, which are quite bass heavy, which may have influenced my original review. Headphones are very personal, and all have distinct sound, and need to "auditioned" for some time before passing judgment. Anyway, on to these....First - comfort. The fit is nice, they are fairly lightweight. The "wings" are a neat feature, but on my head did not apply enough pressure around my ears, and felt as though they slipping down on my jaw. Easily cured with a small elastic cord to add pressure. I kept adjusting the length of the elastic until I had a perfect fit, and comfort for my head / ears. Can use now for hours and hours...Next, the ... MoreI reviewed similar model open headphones from Audio Technica, and may have not been as fair as should have. I came from the Sony XB series 'phones, which are quite bass heavy, which may have influenced my original review. Headphones are very personal, and all have distinct sound, and need to "auditioned" for some time before passing judgment. Anyway, on to these....First - comfort. The fit is nice, they are fairly lightweight. The "wings" are a neat feature, but on my head did not apply enough pressure around my ears, and felt as though they slipping down on my jaw. Easily cured with a small elastic cord to add pressure. I kept adjusting the length of the elastic until I had a perfect fit, and comfort for my head / ears. Can use now for hours and hours...Next, the sound of these headphones. I have come to realize all sound reproducing systems (headphones, speakers, etc.) have their own tonal characteristics, or coloration. These headphones are capable of reproducing sound from below hearing to above hearing. Having said that, they are not "bass heavy". The bass is truly very deep, but needs a little push. To that end, using an amp, or some EQ will make these headphones light up.These have an "in the middle" soundstage, as though you were on stage with performers - whereas my Beyerdynamic seem to be a bit more "open soundstage" - as though you were in audience.Overall, for the price, a very nice sounding set of cans that do justice to your listening.