Audio-Technica ATH-AD1000X

The ATH-AD1000X is an open-air dynamic headphone from Audio-Technica's AD series. It uses a 53 mm driver designed specifically for this model, with a voice coil wound from 7N-purity OFC (99.99999%) and a magnetic circuit whose two-part metal yoke is combined into one piece to raise efficiency. A newly designed diffuser inside the housing spreads the air to widen the sound image.

The frame is made from lightweight, rigid magnesium alloy, and the baffle has a finned air path for strength at low weight. Fit relies on 3D wing supports that contact the head along a line rather than a surface, while the suede, low-resilience ear pads contact the ear over a surface to keep bass response intact. A replacement pad, HP-AD1000X, is sold separately.

The 3.0 m cable enters both earcups, with independent ground wires for left and right in a four-core build, and an elastomer sheath intended to resist tangling. It ends in a gold-plated 6.3 mm stereo plug with a 3.5 mm mini adapter. Because of the open construction, sound leaks readily, so it suits quiet private listening rather than public spaces.