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Description

Dive into a world of clear, immersive sound with the Audio Technica ATH AD900 headphones, designed for musicians and audiophiles who demand precision and comfort. These open-air headphones deliver a natural and expansive soundstage, perfect for critical listening or studio work where capturing every nuance matters. Crafted with large 53mm drivers, the ATH AD900 ensures that both highs and lows are reproduced with exceptional accuracy.

The lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing provides an airy listening experience, while the self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing offers a secure fit without the pressure, making extended listening sessions a breeze. The soft earpads provide additional comfort, making these headphones ideal for long hours in the studio or at home.

Engineered for optimal sound quality, the ATH AD900 has a frequency response range of 5 to 35,000 Hz, ensuring you hear every detail across the spectrum. The open-back design minimizes sound isolation, making it possible to remain aware of your surroundings without compromising on audio fidelity. Ideal for mixing, mastering, or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, these headphones are a versatile addition to any musician's toolkit.

Key Features:

  • Open-air design for a natural sound
  • Large 53mm drivers for accurate sound reproduction
  • Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing for comfort
  • Honeycomb aluminum casing for lightweight durability
  • Frequency response range of 5 to 35,000 Hz
  • Comfortable earpads for extended listening sessions
  • Ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering tasks
HeadphoneReviewHQ

HeadphoneReviewHQ

ATH AD900 Review

Video thumbnail for ATH AD900 Review by HeadphoneReviewHQ

ATH AD900 Review

HeadphoneReviewHQ

HeadphoneReviewHQ

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent treble and midrange, offering a natural and balanced sound profile

  • Large soundstage gives a sense of being close to the music source

  • Comfortable fit with velour pads that completely cover the ears

  • Easily driven by portable devices like iPods without needing an amplifier

  • High level of instrumental separation and detail

  • Reasonably priced, often available below MSRP

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions

  • Superior for instrumental and acoustic music due to neutral sound

  • Open-back design provides an airy and spacious audio experience

CONS

  • Bass is present but not a prominent feature, may not satisfy bass enthusiasts

  • Sound leakage makes them unsuitable for vocal recording

  • Reports of static shock issues when standing up while wearing

  • Durability concerns with sound failing in one ear after light usage

  • Slight coloration in lower-to-middle treble frequencies

  • Open-back design may not be suitable for noisy environments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATH AD900.

User experience

  • Audio-Technica's wing headband design often causes comfort issues, with reports of headphones sliding off due to insufficient clamp force.

    Source
  • Bending the suspension wires on top can significantly improve comfort by adjusting the fit to individual head shapes, though sudden movements may cause the headphones to shift.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing original ear pads with half velour, half faux leather pads from AliExpress can improve comfort and slightly enhance bass response.

    Source
  • A rubber band can be used between the wings to enhance fit for those struggling with the headband design, although it negates the intended function of the 3D wing system.

    Source

Comparisons

  • ATH-AD900 headphones excel in soundstage but fall short compared to Sennheiser HD600 in overall sound quality.

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  • The AD900 is noted for its soundstage similar to the AD700, but with a more classical-oriented signature compared to the K712.

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  • The AD900X is perceived as outdated compared to current models like the X2HR and 58X, with criticisms focusing on comfort and the non-detachable cable.

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Use cases and applications

  • These headphones are particularly well-suited for vocal and acoustic music due to their coloration and forward midrange frequencies.

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  • Ideal for classical music and FPS games, but less engaging for cinematic games or music that benefits from a fuller bass presence.

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Features and functionality

  • The ATH-AD900 is highly undemanding in terms of amplification, easily driven by most audio sources.

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  • The attached cable is a notable downside for potential buyers who prioritize modularity and convenience in their headphone setup.

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Other

  • A wire delete mod on both sides of the driver, utilizing L L+ and R R+ connections, reportedly enhances sound quality.

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  • These headphones are described as having a fast punch but lack deep bass impact, making them less suitable for bass-heavy music genres.

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Build quality

  • The metal grills are malleable and can bend during transport; users report damage when packed in a travel case.

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  • The plastic holding the wing headband is fragile and susceptible to snapping, especially with prolonged use on larger heads.

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Value and pricing

  • The AD900x is considered a significant improvement over the AD700x, offering better value despite its higher price point.

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Critic Reviews

Review: Audio-Technica ATH-AD900 | WIRED

wired.com

Audio-Technica's ATH-AD900 headphones are a standout for their comfort and sound clarity, offering an open-air, well-balanced experience with excellent treble and midrange. The lightweight, durable design with unique 3D wing supports ensures comfort for extended use. However, bass enthusiasts might find them lacking, and their open-air design means sound leakage, making them unsuitable for quiet environments. Overall, a great choice for rock, pop, and jazz lovers seeking a lively listening experience.

positive

Audio-Technica ATH-AD900 | Sound & Vision

soundandvision.com

The Audio Technica ATH-AD900 headphones are a mixed bag, offering superb comfort and open sound, but faltering with weak bass and an unconventional fit. While the sound is praised for its balance and clarity, it's not ideal for bass-heavy music. If the unique fit suits you, these headphones are a bargain below $200, delivering an engaging listening experience with low distortion and decent sensitivity.

positive

5.0 out of 5

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austinmw

Great Open back headphones

I've always been an Audio Technica fan. I like the airy sound you get from open cans so much more than closed cans. The fact that they're open does mean quite a bit of sound leaks though, so they aren't great for recording vocals, as the sound gets picked up on the microphone. But for listening to music, and mixing and mastering, they're perfect.

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