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What I will bring you in this review
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Amp/DAC requirements
- Who these headphones benefit?
- Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Audio Technica ATH AD900x
Ratings/Price
Specifications
- Type: Open air dynamic. Closed back vs. Open back headphones.
- Driver diameter: 53mm. What is a Headphone Driver?
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
- Maximum input power: 1,000mW
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
- Impedance: 38 Ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
- Weight: 265g
- Cable: 3.0m (9.8′)
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8″) mini stereo, gold-plated with 1/4″ adapter
Summary
Before investing in these, know that you’re going to look like a downright obnoxious nerd should you choose to don them out in public. Lol. I went to the pool with these to bask in the sun while listening to some tunes, and I just about hesitated to put them on due to how freaking geeky they look.
What makes them appear this way is the gigantic overarching poles, plus the winged nature of the fit itself. It’s not your traditional headband outfit; The wings sort of rest on the sides of your dome piece, and while this is a good idea, in theory, it just doesn’t make logical sense, unfortunately. Why do you ask? Well because there’s no support once the entire headphone decides to sink down until the tops of the ear-cups are essentially resting on the tops of your ears.
Comfort
With all that said, they actually are exceptionally comfortable until that very thing happens. My first impression was “Wow! These are light!” They are some of the lightest headphones I’ve ever tried on for sure. The only thing that compares is the Sennheiser HD558, which is also a feathery type of can. The only adjustment I have to make is when the cups start to rest on the tops of my ears, but aside from that, I believe I could wear these things for hours with no real discomfort. The velour ear-pads feel like air against your head, and because I have a rather large melon, they fit fine. Smaller heads may have some issues here though.
Build
The build seems fairly solid, although I wouldn’t be too comfortable with these getting roughed up in any capacity. They are definitely meant for the studio and nowhere else. Technically you could take them out (as I did at the pool), but I wouldn’t advise it very often. The headphones come with a pretty long, non-detachable cable which is kind of irritating, but not a deal-breaker. I’ve come to appreciate short chords. It terminates in a 3.5mm jack and comes with a 1/4″ adapter.
Sound
It’s hard for me to succinctly come up with a good way to describe these. They are definitely revealing, and have an airiness about them for certain. They don’t really excite me all that much, though the bass is plenty in my opinion. These could absolutely be described as “bass lean,” and for some people, it really won’t be enough. I do find them sibilant at times, but it’s rare that they delve into that territory except at high volumes with mediocre recordings. The other order of business is the soundstage; it’s not quite as open as I was expecting. There is a nice sense of space, but I wouldn’t call them “out of your head” and I don’t get a “live” feeling if that makes sense. What is Soundstage?
They do a good job of revealing the subtle details that you may have missed before, but there’s nothing inherently fascinating about them to me. I suppose maybe I’ve heard better, or I’m just used to good sound by now. Lol. They kind of just get the job done admirably, and that’s all I can really ask for the price. This is a great value and will satisfy the majority of listeners, especially newer audiophiles who are just getting into the hobby.
Pros
- Very comfortable overall aside from the one minor problem. What I liked about them was that there’s no adjusting a headband. Just slap them onto your noggin’ and away you go!
- Lightweight and feathery. Good build.
- Articulate and airy sound. Very balanced with no frequencies overpowering each-other.
Cons
- Sometimes sibilant. What does Sibilant mean?
- Can dig into your ears after some time.
Video Review
Amp/DAC requirements
An amp isn’t required or necessary for these, and they’ll sound fine out of nearly anything while giving a top-shelf performance. I have them plugged into my Schiit Magni/Modi right now and they sound great. Just know it isn’t necessary and I like them with my Android device just the same. How to choose a headphone amp!
Who these headphones benefit?
They do well with:
- Gaming. I saw a lot of endorsements for this as well. They do a great job of pinpointing particular sounds, to the point where people may think you’re cheating!
- Hip-Hop. When the song calls for bass, they provide it. It’s never going to be a head rattling bass, so be forewarned if that’s your thing.
- Indie
- Jazz
- Classical
- Pop
- Rock
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
Rubber Band Man.
- I must say, there is definitely a difference between a headphone in this price range vs. something like the PM3. Perhaps I built these up in my head to be absolutely fantastic, which isn’t fair given their price. They are phenomenal for what they are: Great entry-level audiophile headphones. The clarity isn’t quite what I was expecting, and they have a bit more of a strident character than I prefer, even at lower volumes. The sound doesn’t run together, but there’s not enough definition for me. Again, you get what you pay for here, and I do like the headphone even though it may not sound like it.
- The rubber band mod is a solution to the comfort issue. By placing a band in between the two wings, you can essentially make it so the headphones don’t droop down onto the tops of your ears as I mentioned before.
Consensus/Conclusion
An open, airy headphone with good build quality and a good comfort level overall. Can get a bit sibilant at times, and the headphones do tend to slump downwards toward your earlobes (causing mild discomfort and an urge to adjust). Good bass definition and a balanced sound across the spectrum.
Final Word
I would recommend these if you need an entry-level, open-back audiophile headphone with a lot of air in the treble and an overall detailed and revealing signature. I actually thought the bass was heavier than most people claimed. For what you’re paying, there’s not much out there that’s better. Interested in reading some reviews?
SEE THE 900x FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Audio Technica ATH AD900x review.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
What do you think about these? Are they worth the investment? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
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Audio Technica ATH AD900x
Pros
- Airy open sound
- Good bass definition
- Comfy
- Durable
Cons
- Sibilant at times
- May slide down on your ears (rubber band mod)
2 comments
I wonder how this compare to the SHP9500 and if the ATH would be an worthy upgrade from the SHP.
How was the bass on this compared to the SHP?
The SHP9500 is the best open headphone in it’s price range, bar none. The 900x and 9500 have similar sound signatures, but the 900x is overpriced for sure, and seems a lot duller by comparison. Bass does roll off on both, but I would say the 9500 is more resolving, textured, and a tad deeper overall. Just a phenomenal headphone for the price, and a super easy purchase. Here’s my review: Philips SHP9500 Review Let me know what you think!