Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Flame maple housings are crafted with precision and look premium, adding both durability and aesthetic value
- Delivers exceptional clarity with detailed highs and a balanced mid-range
- Lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear for extended periods
- Offers a fast, tight, clean, and well-separated sound signature with a colorful and multidimensional soundstage
- Easy to drive, making them suitable for use with various portable sources
Product Considerations
- Bass response may feel a little too neutral for some listeners who prefer more emphasis on the low end
- The low midrange is somewhat recessed, which might rob male vocalists of presence and richness
- The included soft case may not be sufficient for protecting the headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Focal Stelia or Sennheiser HD800S, the ATH-WP900 excels in build quality and high-frequency clarity, but those alternatives might be better for bass enthusiasts
- The WP900 has a natural sense of detail and energy, similar to Grado mids, but unlike a Grado, it delivers a fun, thumping bass line
- Compared to the Sennheiser HD-660S or the Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro, those alternatives offer a bit more warmth and bass presence, albeit with different designs
Takeaway: The ATH-WP900 headphones are a great choice for audiophiles who value clarity and a unique aesthetic design. The build quality and easy portability make them a set of headphones that is fun to use.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
ATH-WP900
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Type: Closed-back dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 53 mm
- Frequency Response: 5 - 50,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 1000 mw
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Weight: 243 g (8.6 oz), without cable
- Cable: Detachable 1.2 m (3.9') cable (A2DC to 3.5 mm (1/8") gold-plated stereo mini-plug; detachable 1.2 m (3.9') cable (A2DC to 4.4 mm (1/6"), 5-pole gold-plated balanced plug)
Description
The ATH-WP900 portable over-ear headphones feature beautiful flame maple housings for high-fidelity on-the-go listening and high aesthetics. Maple is a stiff, dense wood often used to make string instruments such as guitars and violins. Here, we've fused a thin slice of flame-grain maple on top of solid, machined maple to produce housings that ensure clear, natural sound quality. The flame maple finish, provided by Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, brings out the unique grain of each housing for a one-of-a-kind beauty that will deepen with age.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Audio-Technica's products are known for their sturdy and comfortable build, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
- Audio-Technica offers open-back headphone designs, like the ATH-GDL3, geared toward gamers and audiophiles seeking a wider soundstage, a feature uncommon among gaming headsets.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ATH-AD500X
- Positioning: Entry-level open-air audiophile headphones designed for comfortable, natural listening.
- Description: Features newly designed 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing that deliver natural sound with impactful bass and clear vocals. Compared to the higher‐priced models in the lineup, it offers a straightforward open-air design ideal for casual listening and home use without advanced studio-level acoustic refinements.
ATH-TWX9
- Positioning: Premium truly wireless earbuds engineered for dynamic everyday use and active lifestyles.
- Description: Incorporates digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology with customizable ambience control, deep-UV sterilization, and support for Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound to create an immersive 3D sound stage. In contrast to the over-ear studio and monitor designs, they prioritize portability, flexible noise management, and extended battery life to meet the needs of commuters and workout enthusiasts.
ATH-M70x
- Positioning: Professional closed-back monitor headphones tuned for precise mixing and tracking in the studio.
- Description: Uses proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers to achieve an extended frequency response from 5 to 40,000 Hz, ensuring balanced and accurate sound reproduction. Compared to the more portable TWX9 and the open-back reference model, they offer enhanced sound isolation and durability for long studio sessions with a focus on critical listening tasks.
ATH-R70xa
- Positioning: Flagship open-back reference headphones crafted for critical studio listening and production.
- Description: Delivers pure, natural sound with a fully open-back design that minimizes internal resonance and distortion, providing precise imaging and quick transient response through meticulously engineered drivers. Compared to the closed-back M70x, the R70xa offers a more spacious and uncolored soundstage ideal for mixing, mastering, and detailed production work in quiet environments.
ATH-AWKG
- Positioning: Ultra-premium audiophile headphones that merge traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge audio engineering.
- Description: Features an exclusive KUROGAKI wooden housing with a hand-applied lacquer finish and a double air damping system coupled with 53 mm drivers to offer clear, expansive sound quality. In contrast to all other models in the lineup, the AWKG emphasizes luxurious materials and artisanal construction along with advanced acoustics.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
1
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
593
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
50
Founding Year
1962
Our take on the brand
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
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Brand Page
What if you spend more?
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Audio-Technica
ATH-AWAS
1499
1499
/
7
Reviews
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, even for long listening sessions, due to soft, plush synthetic leather earpads and a wide headband that avoids pressure on the head.
- Employs rare Asada Zakura wood for the earcups, known for its delicate acoustic characteristics, minimal resonance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Superior clarity and ability to bring out the finest characteristics of acoustic instruments, especially guitars and strings, with tight and well-controlled sound.
- Wide and deep soundstage, offering a spacious presentation for a closed-back headphone, with instruments feeling broadly spaced out.
- Easy to drive due to an impedance of 40 Ohms and a sensitivity of 99 dB.
Product Considerations
- Far from bass-heavy.
- May not be suitable for listeners who prefer a darker, full-bodied sound signature or genres like hip-hop, due to lacking in bass.
- High frequencies have plenty of bite and insight, though the headphones can become a little too much on some pop tracks and exhibit a touch of vocal sibilance on certain songs.
- The leads transmit a lot of mechanical noise into the earcups every time they brush against them.
- May sound a little too cold if connected to a more sterile amplifier.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATH-AWKT: Warmer sounding than the flagship ATH-AWKT.
- Vs beyerdynamic T1 Gen 2: Offers detail resolution and clarity, while the beyerdynamic T1 Gen 2 produces more emotional punch—though it sounds grungier and less precise.
- Vs Sony MDR-Z1R: The MDR-Z1R has an insanely powerful bass and can play louder and more entertaining.
Takeaway: The ATH-AWAS is a beautifully crafted, comfortable headphone that excels in clarity and detail, making it a great choice for acoustic music lovers who appreciate a balanced sound. Its unique Asada Zakura wood and wide soundstage offer an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-AWKT
1999
1999
/
6
Reviews
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- High-density Japanese Kokutan wood earcups are featured, known for their low resonance and ability to produce clear sound.
- Crystal clear sound and a deep level of clarity are present, which has the potential to redefine the way listeners experience music.
- Soundstage is wide, providing a spacious and clear presentation of instruments.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to the even weight distribution, soft earpads, and adjustable headband.
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers felt the plastic elements of the design felt too cheap for a $2000 set of headphones.
- Included cables transmit mechanical noise when brushed against, which some found annoying.
- A good quality DAC is required to fully realize its sound potential.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATH-AWAS: The ATH-AWKT has greater technical ability at the cost of a little bit of low-end.
- Vs Focal Stellia: The ATH-AWKT cannot match the detail or the fast response of the Stellia, but it has the edge in soundstage and imaging.
Takeaway: The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT is a closed-back headphone with a beautifully crafted design, delivering an incredible and transparent listening experience. Listeners can be transported to a personal concert setting filled with music by getting lost in its massive amphitheater.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-AP2000Ti
1250
1250
/
4
Reviews
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Lightweight and comfortable due to the plastic headband, extenders, and yokes, which minimizes weight.
- The sound is richer and more spacious than any closed-back at this price due to the Core Mounted Technology allowing for greater airflow.
- Offers a thick and rousing performance in the low end, warm with punch, but never too overblown.
- Impressive high end, with an excellent sound for high-frequency instrumentation.
- Articulated throughout the frequency range, with lightning fast and hard-hitting bass drum and razor-sharp focus.
Product Considerations
- The mirrored cups may prove a little eager to smudge or scratch.
- The titanium watches are very prone to grease stains and fingerprints.
- Audio-Technica only included a 4.4mm balanced cable measuring 4 ft long.
- Some may find the sound a bit 'forward.'
- May require an amplifier that is a little warm in the sound to tame the midrange a little.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-XC: Offers a more even-keeled sound, with a more agreeable profile for use with disparate genres of music.
- Vs Focal Elegia: Will still falter to keep up with the level of detail at home in the AP2000Ti.
- Sounds just as good as the ATH-L5000, and will only cost one-third of the price.
- Vs Sony MDR-Z7M2: Sounds far more controlled when used with a smartphone.
- Vs beyerdynamic T 5 p G2: Impulse response, speed and transparency are in another league, and is better suited if you need a pair of closed headphones for studio use.
- Vs M50x: Similar sound profile to the M50x, but taken to a much more extreme level with more detail, a more comfortable fit, better materials, including the super-large earpads, and a whopping big soundstage.
Takeaway: The ATH-AP2000Ti offers a phenomenal sound and dreamlike comfort, making it great for critical listeners and folks who just want an immaculate listening experience. It is comfortable, lightweight, and performs well even when used with a smartphone.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-WBLTD
1599
1599
/
3
Reviews
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Beautiful wooden housing is made of three-layer maple, walnut, and mahogany
- Soundstage is one of the best for closed-back headphones, with balanced width between the left and right channels, creating a large scope for tracks
- The bass frequencies resonate outward, forming an engaging pool of texture
- Highs feel completely balanced with the rest of the sound signature, maintaining a steady layer of height and detail
- The earcups fold flat, which is not commonly seen on high-end closed-back headphones
Product Considerations
- Frame of the headphones does not appear to be of high grade at first glance
- Midrange can sound hollow and a bit inelegant initially
- Definition in the mids and highs is lacking
- Bass texture isn’t always the most articulately shaped
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- In competition with Kennerton and Denon wooden closed-back headphones
Takeaway: The Audio-Technica ATH-WB LTD is a uniquely crafted closed-back headphone with impressive soundstage and textured bass. For those who want a quality headphone with a ton of character, it could be the best of the bunch.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay HX
749
/
Released
2021
Wireless over ear headphones. Listen in comfort whether you're on a call, working from home or taking a moment for yourself.
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
- Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
- Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
- Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
- Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
- The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
- ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
- Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
- Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
- Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
- Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
- Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed
Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Product Page
Product Page
Neumann
NDH 20
549
/
Released
2019
The Neumann NDH 20 is a closed-back headphone combining excellent isolation with the carefully balanced sound image and outstanding resolution you'd expect from a Neumann product. The NDH 20 is thus ideally suited to monitoring and mixing tasks, even in loud and noisy environments. Circumaural memory foam ear pads offer high long-term comfort.
Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable for extended wear, with reviewers sometimes forgetting they are wearing headphones
- Sound reproduction is transparent and reliable, providing an accurate monitoring experience
- Good at isolation, making it easier to identify unwanted sounds in recordings
- Excellent build quality and handsome design using aluminum
- Midrange accuracy is a strong point, potentially comparable to the HD600
Product Considerations
- The bass can be a little bloated
- Some find the earpads stiff and uncomfortable initially
- Treble may be a bit too recessed
- Cable microphonics can be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Focal Allegias, the NDH 20 offers a more neutral tuning
- Compared to the Sennheiser HD 650, both models convey the midrange accuracy about the same, but the Sennheisers are lighter in the bass and a little brighter in the upper mid/treble area
Takeaway: The NDH 20 offers a combination of comfort, isolation, and accurate sound, making it a solid choice for studio use. It is a well-built and reliable tool for those needing a focused monitoring experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
Product Page
Product Page
Kennerton
Magni
835
/
Released
2020
Magni is Kennerton's most popular headphone model, proven by time. Based on 50mm drivers equipped with graphene-coated membranes, they provide balanced, extremely realistic sound.
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good build quality and finish, with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Natural, organic, and well-balanced sound, with good detail.
- Spacious soundstage for a closed-back headphone.
- Very easy to drive and efficient, suitable for portable sources.
- Very good mid-range, with up-front vocals.
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit recessed or rolled-off.
- Burn-in time may be required before the sound settles.
- Can be critical of poor recording quality.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Tone balance is as good as HiFiMan Aria, but more dynamic and better with female vocals.
- Wider soundstage than Focal Celesti.
- Audeze LCD2 is darker.
- More high mid than beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro.
Takeaway: The Magni headphones are well-built and comfortable, offering a natural and enjoyable sound, with a surprising soundstage for closed-back headphones. It is a great choice for someone who wants a well-rounded headphone without needing a powerful amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Master & Dynamic
MW75
599
/
Released
2022
The MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones deliver detailed, serious acoustics and custom-tailored sound with 40mm Beryllium drivers and Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation for the perfect combination of sound and silence. Choose to listen in Adaptive, MAX, or All Day ANC modes for more tailored listening.
Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium build quality with materials like lambskin leather, aluminum, and tempered glass, gives it a solid and luxurious feel
- Comfortable for extended wear, due to soft memory foam padding on earcups and headband, and a balanced headband
- Balanced sound signature with warm bass, clean mids, and well-defined treble, making it suitable for various music genres
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) significantly reduces low-frequency sounds
- Comprehensive package includes various adapters for different connections, and a hard-shell carrying case for protection
Product Considerations
- The earcup size might be too small for some users, potentially affecting comfort and seal
- Some reviewers found the clamping force to be loose, which could be an issue for active use
- Audible hiss can be noticeable when ANC is activated
- The app lacks a customizable graphic EQ
- Ambient mode is subtle and might not let in as much surrounding sound as competing models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Master & Dynamic MW75 delivers above-average ANC performance, but it is not class-leading
- Compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has an audible ANC hiss
Takeaway: The Master & Dynamic MW75 are stylish and comfortable headphones that deliver excellent audio quality and decent noise cancellation. They are a great choice for those looking for a premium listening experience and appreciate high-quality materials.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Product Page
Product Page
SJY Audio
Horizon
999
/
Released
2024
The SJY Audio Horizon are closed-back planar magnetic headphones featuring a CNC-machined aluminum housing, proprietary in-house handmade planar drivers with strong magnets and aluminum frames, a full-grain leather head-strap for comfort, magnetic earpads for customizable listening, and a proprietary tuning plate for smooth treble reproduction and sibilance control. They deliver exceptional mid-range and treble clarity across a balanced frequency spectrum.
SJY Audio is a boutique Houston-based hifi brand that hand-builds planar headphones featuring pure silver diaphragms and proprietary tuning plates designed to eliminate sibilance. The brand offers customization options, including unique colors and wood grills for a low price.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal sound quality with a balanced, natural, and organic signature, and exceptional detail retrieval
- Outstanding bass performance; deep, powerful, clear, and well-controlled
- Midrange is smooth, well-balanced, natural, realistic, and never grainy
- High-quality materials, including CNC aluminum and carbon fiber, are used in the build
- Very comfortable, even with some heft, due to a well-designed headband and ear pads
Product Considerations
- Needs a powerful amplifier to perform optimally, and won't play well off laptops or phones
- Ear cups can rotate freely and may come off relatively easily, and the magnetic earpads can be knocked off
- Some reviewers note a 'DIY' or 'hand-built' look and feel
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Horizon basically negates any excuses about how difficult making a good-sounding closed-back planar magnetic headphone can be, and it does so for about half the price
- Compared to the Focal Radiance, the Horizon has a warmer tone with more of a bass shelf, yet the closed-back carbon is not far behind the Radiance's overall bass presence
- Compared to the HIFIMAN Audivina, the SJYs have a slight advantage and are worth the price difference
- Compared to the ZMF BOCA, the Horizon presents exceptional balance where the Boca is not focused on being a technical performer
Takeaway: The SJY Horizon delivers outstanding sound quality with impressive bass and clarity, making it a worthwhile investment for serious music lovers. This headphone is incredibly comfortable and well-built, and it also features some unique design elements.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SJY Audio is a boutique Houston-based hifi brand that hand-builds planar headphones featuring pure silver diaphragms and proprietary tuning plates designed to eliminate sibilance. The brand offers customization options, including unique colors and wood grills for a low price.
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