Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X

The ATH-AD900X is an open-air dynamic headphone built around a 53 mm driver designed specifically for this model. The voice coil uses a large-diameter CCAW bobbin winding, and the open structure lets sound and its natural decay spread out around the listener.

The housing is an aluminium honeycomb punched case, which keeps weight down while retaining strength and lets air move smoothly inside the cup. A 3D wing support headband and brushed-fabric ear pads with three-dimensional stitching are used for a lighter fit with less pressure on the head, and the pads are intended to hold the ear in place so low frequencies are not lost.

It connects with a 3.0 m single-sided OFC cable in a high-elasticity TPE sheath, which resists tangling. The plug is a gold-plated 6.3 mm stereo plug with a screw-on-style 3.5 mm mini adapter option (2-way plug). Because the design is open, sound leaks out readily, so it is better suited to quiet home listening than to travel or public places. Replacement ear pads (HP-AD900X) are sold separately.