AD700X High-Fidelity Open-Back Headphones Black

for music: the first few songs i was not impressed, felt like returning... few more songs later and experimenting with sound settings they actually have such detailed sound its almost painful to listen at times. for gaming: instantly impressed, they have insane accuracy in panning direction and you can also tell how far away the sound is coming from! like real life but more reliable? they are also capable of buttery bass if you boost it. going back to other headphones sounds awful (some £110 bluetooth over-ear senheisers i bought in a physical store 4 years ago)... beware. definitely at-home use only, unless its good weather and you only want a walk. i paid £150 for these which feels fair enough.

I was a bit sceptical at first. I wasn't sure if I was wasting money as I had already a pretty decent pair of headphones that everyone I knew who listened through them where impressed . And when I first started using them I was pretty disappointed. They sounded flat to me and some mids where too loud for me. Then I kept using them and burned them in and adjusted to them myself. And they still didn't seem that great. Just a good pair of headphones. Then I used my older headphones and it was day and night. My older pair sounded muddy and unclear and really closed in and just wasn't enjoyable to listen through anymore these made them sound like a 5 pound headphone in comparison. I love these.

I recently started acting upon my long since dormant audiophile urges. These were my second pair of half-decent headphones (after an earlier purchase of ATH-M50's). The first thing you notice when you pull these out of the box and put them on your head is that they are BIG but extremely light. The adjustable "clamps" on top are super comfy and you can wear them for hours on end. It may feel a little "loose" at first but when you find the right spot for them and learn to put them on through the top of your head instead of the front, you will find that other headphones just hurt your head compared to these. My idea was to use these for gaming (as their sound signature and large ANGLED drivers does wonders when it comes to 3D positioning) but to be perfectly honest I have not found a decent excuse to use them, videogame wise. Very few videogames excite me nowadays and even the recently purchased Arma 3 has seen little playtime. So, I ended up using them as a complement to the M50's when it comes to music listening. I kept the M50's to the rock, metal and electronic stuff and dedicated the AD700x's to classical (John Williams scores), jazz (Turnabout jazz soul), prog (Genesis, Yes) and more "sludgy" rock and metal (Mastodon, Intronaut) (believe me, you won't call it sludge anymore, it just brings out all the details that were initially buried beneath the walls of distortion. I'm hearing new things in albums I've listened to hundreds of times). Initially, I was very underwhelmed. The bass was extremely lacking and the sound quality wasn't that outstanding, to be honest. Boy did that soon change... Please note I am very sceptical of the purported "burn in" phenomenon but against facts there are no arguments: after a few weeks, maybe a month of burn in through the occasional videogame and music play these puppies came alive! I am 85% sure these are not just my ears getting used to the equipment. I am now prefering them over my long beloved m50's for most uses as with a smidge of soundcard EQ on the 60 and 120hz ranges (I know, I know: "EQ?! Shun the Heretic!") they are now just bassy enough to be considered "exciting" while still retaining their amazing clarity on the mid and upper ranges. Great headphones that need time, patience, home-use (their size negates portability) and someone who isn't a die-hard basshead to take full advantage of. Edit (26.12.2013): I have decided to downgrade the score I gave to 4 stars. Although I waited a few months before writing the initial review (so as not to be biased by the initial excitment of owning the product) and I stand by everything I said before, I have also come to realize through comparison with other headphones that the cable on these could be a lot better. It is both too long and could benefit from being coiled at some point. Like other users have said (and I attest to this): the cable never really stretched properly and although they are working fine I have rolled over them with my chair wheels because of the cable size and its aforementioned unwieldy crookedness.

These things have lasted me for over a decade and are still going with excellent sound.

I use it for music production and mixing and I love it. However, I found that without proper EQ, it doesn't sound as good as I expected. That's why I use the EqMac app, where I found EQ settings by Oratory and Rtings. It helps me to find a balance in the mix. Additionally, I have Audio Technica M50x and I use it with the AD700X to find a nice balance between stage presence and balance in the mix.

From the time I received these headphones when I want to listen to music, these are the one's I go for. Wonderful open back headphones

If you have a small head or even a regular head size this might not fit you well unless you make some small modifications. As far as sound quality goes it great especially if you have a sound card. The dual wing support is a joke they are far too weak to hold the headphones up most people use the rubber band mod to fix this issue. In my case i slightly bent the top support since the headphone dont have pivots so it does put a lot of pressure right under your ears. as far as comfort goes it is terrible when used without any adjustments (stock) sound quality is great it also has a huge sound stage which makes it great for gaming paired with a 5.1 sound card these headphones are top notch. They are also ridiculously light i remember picking up the parcel it felt like i was carrying an empty box. TL:DR who ever designed these headphones should go kill themselves but as far as sound quality goes its really good.

I absolutely love this pair of headphones, it works great, the sound is amazing. However, the size and lack of adjustability on the headphones is pretty awful. I like to think I have a regular, perhaps even slightly larger than normal sized head, and the headphones are still too big for me to use, they get rather uncomfortable to wear after a while, which is quite unfortunate as the sound quality is great.

Je recommande por son rapport qualité/prix.

I have been on the hunt for the RIGHT gaming headset for over a year. I have owned the Turtle Beach Stealth PX24, Hyper X Cloud Stinger, both the Playstation Gold and Platinum Wireless headsets. Then, I upgraded to the wire-happy, Astro A40 TR with mixamp. I felt the A40 was a bit, overpriced, performance-wise. THEN, I went to the Turtle Beach Stealth 520, which is wireless and has several, surround sound presets, including the featured, SuperHuman Hearing. However, it seemed, like each time I would game with the Stealth 520 for a bit, my ears and eventually, the head would start to sweat, due to the enclosed, faux-leather design of the ear cushions. Many times, I would snatch the headset off and play, without it. Then, I went to the Arctis Pro, which was superb in sound quality and builds. However, I returned them because they caused me to have headaches after gaming sessions. Then, I was on the hunt for another headset. However, I decided to go a different route and get some stereo headphones for gaming, which led me to find out about the semi-open back, HD688B by Superlux, which are superb, especially for its low price. However, I wanted to try an open-back pair of headphones, which is something I have never owned, previously. That led me to purchase the Audio-Technica ATH-700X. So, the question is, will I like open-back or return to closed or semi-open? ATH AD700X VS. ATH AD500X: There has been, much confusion in what is the difference between the two. Amongst the many, design and specs similarities, the only difference is the ATH AD700X has a frequency response of 5-30KHz, while the ATH AD500X has a frequency response of 5-25KHz. Then, the ATH AD700X has an impedance of 38 ohms, while the ATH AD500X has an impedance of 48 ohms. Also, the ATH AD700X has a maximum output of 700 mW, while the ATH AD500X has a maximum output of 500 mW. The price discrepancy between both is $15. DESIGN: Overall, the design of the ATH AD700X is good, overall. The double-hooped, headband is made up of a thick, wired, plastic structure, which looks cheap, but is extremely, durable. Underneath, is what Audio-Technica calls, 3D Wing Support, which is spring-loaded and self-adjusting for stability and comfort. Underneath the 3D Wings, which covers the head is made of mesh, fabric. Ear cups is lightweight, aluminum-honeycomb, which is transparent enough to see the drivers on the inside. The ear cushions are made of raised fabric ear cushions, similar to velour. Overall, the headphones have a bit of weight to them. In fact, some say the headphones are uncomfortable. However, I have no issue, when wearing them for long periods of time. Also, the headphones do not have any external buttons to work the headphones, like a volume button or an external mic, as it is not a gaming headset by default. PS4 users will have to change the volume by accessing the Volume Control (Headphones) option on the PSN settings menu. Not much of a hassle in my opinion. A mod-mic will be needed to use a microphone for these headphones. SOUND: Instead of using the ordinary title, open-back, Audio-Technica uses what is called, Open-Air Dynamic technology. The Open-Air Dynamic technology was made to produce, lower pressure on the ears while listening. I must mention, they keep the ears cool. However, ordinary open-back headphones have sound leakage by default. This means sound from the headphones can be heard by others, nearby. In addition, the user will be able to hear some outside noise, as well. Honestly, I do not hear, much sound-leakage, while playing. Beneficially, open-air has a wider sound-stage, which creates an immersive, natural, surround sound-like, performance. Sounds can be heard, very clearly and accurately. Of course, sound performance, may vary, depending on where and how they are used. With that said, I will only be speaking from a video game, standpoint. The driver size is 53mm, which is very, large. As I mentioned, the frequency response is outstanding, 5-30KHz. The impedance of 38 ohms with a maximum input power is a whopping, 700 mW is impressive for protection from overload by various audio equipment. The sound can be pumped up with a DAC. I have a Neoteck 192hz DAC and Converter. I used it on these headphones and it pumped up the sound. However, they can put out some sound, without a DAC. Once, I connected the headphones to my PS4 Pro controller, along with turning the controller volume up on the PSN settings menu. Unlike many, gaming headsets, surprisingly, they can get mighty, using the controller. Speaking of gaming, I tested the Open-Air Dynamic performance of the ATH AD700X, while playing Rainbow Six Siege and Call Of Duty Black Ops 4 on my PS4 Pro. The sound from the ATH AD700X, gave perhaps, the clearest and most authentic sound I have heard, while gaming with open-back headphones. I was more impressed with the open-air performance of the ATH AD700X, rather than with closed and semi-open, gaming headphones or headsets. Every sound was heard with crispness and ample, clarity from all angles with no distortion. The highs and mids were very, balanced. The lows are good, too. Great, but surprising, treble. In fact, it can be a little harsh on the ears. When playing Black Ops 4, the "squish" sound, when getting a kill, has me on edge because I am never prepared for that abrupt, loudness. The bass is there in the ATH AD700X, but not, much. I prefer a decrease amount of bass because I believe it drowns out some sound in my opinion. Of course, preference varies. While testing the ATH AD700X on Rainbow Six Siege, which is a very, detail-oriented game, when it comes to a need of hearing, various sounds while playing. Having the right headphones can be essential to survival. Anyhow, my character, Ash, sent the drone around the area. She could hear the White Masks, shuffling back and forth, while crouched in cover positions, waiting to attack. She could hear, exactly, where they were, either behind a wall or other structures. She could hear footsteps of roving patrols, very clearly. Plus, hearing how close and how distant he was from her position while taking his patrol routes. Also, she could hear the White Masks, communicating with each other, while waiting in their cover positions. I could hear my character’s footsteps getting louder or softer, depending on movement speed. Knowing this, lets you know, when to move slowly, as your footsteps can also, be heard by the enemy. They WILL shoot through a wall if they hear you coming. While testing the ATH AD700X on Call Of Duty Black Ops 4, I could hear gunfire, explosions, dialogue and other random sounds, which can be heard, throughout the map to the left and right of me were heard with an increasing amount of accuracy and clarity. I knew, EXACTLY, what was going on and where the action was taking place on the map, especially on the Nuketown. I felt, as though I had been thrown directly into the middle of a war. The ATH AD700X picks up small sounds, like a vacuum, thanks to the headphones lows. For example, on the Morocco map, outside of hearing the common sounds, during game-play, I could hear the subtle, clinging and breakage of pottery, kicked around, while traversing the area. Also, hearing voices from other Specialists on the maps, who were at a bit of a distance. I could, barely here this with other headsets, but in more abundance, but not with the ATH AD700X. The crunching sound, as my character was trampling through the deep snow and the crack of the ice on the Icebreaker map, sounded unbelievably, real. Once, my character, Battery, ran inside of an open-ended bay of the Summit map. Battery was communicating, while outside and finished talking, while going inside of the bay. There was an echo of Battery's voice while speaking inside of that open-ended bay. The authenticity of the echo was unbelievable and nearly, scary. Of course, I am sure, some are wondering about footsteps. Well, the ATH AD700X, picks up footsteps on Call Of Duty Black Ops 4, very well. I have been able to get the drop on enemies while ducking for cover and waiting on them to search for me. This happened, while on the Summit map, once. Battery ran up the stairs and took cover on the side of the building, looking toward the open trailer, while waiting on an enemy to pop out of the bay. Meanwhile, she heard footsteps to the left of her. She waited, patiently for the enemy to pass. Sure enough, it was Prophet, running towards the bay, where Battery was waiting on enemies to come out of. She ran up behind him and took him out. Immediately, she got fired upon from the rear. She immediately ran and hid in a corner, between some with tarp in-between the back of the opened, trailer door. Again, she heard footsteps from her left. This time, it was Crash. He came in front of her with his gun drawn. However, due to her being able to hear his footsteps and seeing his shadow on the ground, she was ready and took him out. Then, she saw another enemy coming on the mini-map. She went on the other side of the tarped crates with drums and skid, lying next to a yellow forklift. She heard footsteps on the left. It was Crash, again. This time, he was heading into the bay to take on some of Battery’s teammates. She took him out. Hearing footsteps, helped Battery take out three enemies. Be warned! Players cannot always, rely on hearing footsteps because of the nature of the going-ons, during matches, which is lots of gunfire, explosions, etc. MIC (OPTIONAL): As I mentioned, a mod-mic will have to be purchased to utilize, while online gaming. The prices vary. I have not tried this, yet, as I do not have a mod-mic at this time. I do know, with one attached, it should perform, exceptionally, well. VERDICT: Overall, the ATH AD700X is currently, a good price, considering it was once, sold for $200. In addition to that, Audio-Technica is a well-known and trusted, brand. At this point, when it comes to gaming in a quiet environment, I would argue that open back is the best way to go because of that sound, which I mentioned, above. At this point, when it comes to gaming, I will likely, not go back to closed-back headphones or a headset.

I grew up amongst a bunch of stereophiles, dwelling in speaker boxes, horns, electrostatic and ribbon speakers from brands like Roger, Audio Research, Apogee, Krell, etc......as well as vinyl turntables, vacuum tube amplifiers. So I only knew speakers could sound really really good. And the recording makes a huge difference as well. Before this pair of ATH-AD700x, I already had a pair of ATH-EM7 on ears since 20 years back. They sound ok, but never like the speakers. Fast forward 20 years, my gal asked for a pair of headphones. She had never heard of Audio Technica before this and after letting hear my 20 yr olds ATH-EM7, she was shock that such an old pair still sounded so good. So she finally chose a pair of ATH-ANC900BT (tha all black one). Gosh I was amazed by the sound quality. Definitely better than my 20 yr old EM7. Then I went on a small spree and got myself a cheap pair of ATH-AVS200 (for movies), a pair of ATH-EQ300M (modern version of the EM7), and a pair of ATH-250AV (for movies). The AVS200 and 250AV sounded better than most headphones, but defniitely not as good as the ANC900BT. Then I compared it with my wife's pair of ATH-WS660BT (which seems to have more bass than the ANC900BT), and also my nephew's Sony WH-1000XM5. The 1000XM5 has plenty bass and good for someone who loves bass, but pales in comparison with the AD700X and the other Audio Technicas. The AD700X (IMO) beats even the ANC900BT and the WS660BT (which are more dynamic). The recording definitely makes a difference. Listening to mediocre recording on the AD700X sounds similar to listening to high fidelity flac recordings on the AVS200 or 250AV. Or like the ANC900BT or WS660BT on average recordings. The AD700X with hi-fi flac recordings just sound sublime, crystal clear. Really the monitor headphones you would want to have. They elevate mediocre recordings. Now I wondering how will the AD900X/1000X/2000X will sound like. Or how the A1000X or W1000Z will sound like. I cannot imagine.

Estaba acostumbrado a la versión cerrada de estos audifonos (los ATH-M50), en los cuales el bajo resalta mucho más.... Así que escuchar este tipo de audífonos (abiertos) cuesta trabajo acostumbrarse (ténganle calma si vienen de un background similar). La fineza y detalles en medios y agudos es notoria desde la primera vez. Sin embargo en lo personal si me quede con esa espinita del detalle de bajos... creo que depende mucho de gustos y del tipo de musica que escuches (yo los uso para producir musica electronica, entonces talvez el sonido de bajo es algo que busco más la hora de escuchar). En cuanto a comodidad se refiere son muy ligeros pero no son ajustados... entonces acomodarlos en el spot perfecto puede ser batalloso (más si eres como yo que se está moviendo mientras escucha) ya que se van cayendo poco a poco.

Good starting point for people digging themselves into the rabbithole that is headphones. Reasonably priced for what you get. Fit feels a bit loose due to the wing design headbands. They are LAAARGE. Sound wise, detailed and clear, good soundstage(if you care about that kinda thing), pretty good for any genre.