Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Headphones Review: Open-Air Design with Impactful Bass
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
Flagship Headphones Redefining Open-Back Excellence
Audio-Technica has long been synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, from their legendary turntables to their comprehensive library of studio headphones spanning every price range. The ATH-ADX5000 Headphones have reigned supreme as the company's flagship headphone for audiophiles–until now.
Enter the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Headphones, a $3,499 statement piece that doesn't just succeed the ADX5000, but reimagines what Audio-Technica can achieve at the flagship level. With innovative HXDT driver technology, a featherweight frame, and a sound quality that challenges conventional open-back headphones, the ADX7000 is an ambitious headphone fit for the ambitious audiophile.
PROS
- Natural sound quality with surprising bass impact
- Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Useful accessories included
CONS
- High-impedance requiring serious amplification
- Swapping earpads can be finicky the first few times
Design
The ATH-ADX7000 Headphones bear a striking resemblance to their predecessor, the ATH-ADX5000, maintaining Audio-Technica's distinctive industrial aesthetic. While this isn't the kind of flashy, jewelry-like design you'll find on some competing flagships, it's a purposeful design that prioritizes function over fashion–and there's something truly refreshing about that approach.
What immediately surprises first-time listeners is how absurdly light these headphones feel. At 275 grams with the velvet earpads (and 265 grams with the Alcantara), the ADX7000 practically disappears on your head. That feather-like feel is attributed to the thin, rigid magnesium alloy frame that delivers both strength and stability while maintaining the caliber necessary for a flagship headphone. But the magnesium frame serves a dual purpose beyond comfort. It plays a critical role in the acoustic performance of the headphone by dampening unnecessary vibrations generated by the driver's powerful voice coil. By absorbing these unwanted resonances, the sonic result is minimized coloration and enhanced purity.
The ADX7000's headband adjusts manually via the tension rods on the sides. Users can slide the rod up or down using the notches to achieve the perfect fit. The clamping force is minimal, and comfort is supreme. That's a win-win for me. And yes, while the headband lacks any true cushion, it is surprisingly comfortable. I've tested headphones with ample cushioning on the headband that were incredibly uncomfortable, so while at first glance I assumed the ADX7000's headband would fall victim to the same fate, it was quite the opposite.
The headphone's housing features a honeycomb-punched design on the outside of the ear cups, lending itself to a pure open-back design that leaves little between the driver and the outside world. Some might call it risky, Audio-Technica calls it purposeful. By incorporating an open-air design that optimally positions the driver within the housing via their proprietary Core Mount Technology, the entire sound output comes directly from the diaphragm, resulting in more accurate, dynamic, and detailed sonic reproduction.
Audio-Technica includes two sets of interchangeable earpads–high-density velvet earpads and Alcantara earpads. The velvet earpads deliver well-balanced sound while suppressing unwanted resonances. They're the default choice for those seeking Audio-Technica's neutral, spacious, and articulate tuning. The Alcantara earpads offer a more luxurious feel, enhanced durability, improved bass response, and a mellowed treble. Test them out, find your perfect fit, and swap them as you please.
Alongside the earpads, the ADX7000 ships with two detachable 3-meter nylon-wound cables–a balanced cable with 4-pin XLR and an unbalanced cable with 6.3mm gold-plated stereo plug–each terminated with Audio-Technica's A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors. Everything arrives in a modestly-sized, rigid hard-shell carrying case with custom-cut foam inserts for the headphones, spare earpads, and a separate leather pouch for cable storage. The outward packaging and presentation are flagship-level in and of themselves.
Sound
Coming off the heels of the Wattson Audio Madison Streamer review, it was a no-brainer to pair the ADX7000 with this stellar streamer. Overall, the ADX7000's sound signature is balanced and natural. The soundstage has a good amount of depth that emphasizes an intimate listening experience. With two included earpads yielding different sonic results, swapping between them was a no-brainer, and I wasn't expecting to enjoy one over the other as much as I did.
Immediately, I noticed the velvet earpads delivering a more balanced, warmer, and bassier sound quality. The warmer, bassier impressions I got are contrary to what Audio-Technica mentions, but it is truly subjective. As a bass lover and a fan of a more musical experience, I quickly fell in love with the richer tonality the velvet earpads delivered. The music felt closer, which is in line with the earpad's higher density, but the only pitfall to that is the reduced detail retrieval and airiness you get from the Alcantara earpads.
When I switched to the Alcantara earpads, I noticed an immediate change in the bass response. It was punchier with more articulation. There was a slightly brighter sound in the treble region, but detail retrieval and articulation were standout features. These earpads lend the headphones a more analytical sound quality, perfect for the detail-oriented listener. Having two sets of earpads to choose from is a luxury in and of itself, but to have them deliver slightly different tonalities is like owning two headphones for the price of one.
The bass response is surprisingly punchy for an open-back headphone. Where many open-back designs prioritize airiness at the expense of low-end response, the ADX7000 delivers weight and impact while maintaining control and articulation. There's a clear mid-bass presence that delivers body without bloat and punch without overwhelming power. For an open-back headphone, the bass response is perfectly poised. It's quick and punchy when it needs to be, the low-end is textured, yet it doesn't rattle your skull with rumble.
From the psychedelic synth vibes of Tame Impala to the laid-back vocal flow of reggae, the ADX7000 delivered an intimate concert experience. Listening to Slightly Stoopid's song No Cocaine, I was transported to what felt like a one-on-one concert where it was just me, the lead vocalist, and his supporting bandmates jamming together. Subtle details emerged clearly and naturally, making instruments feel present and lifelike. There's no artificial warmth in the mids, just pure authenticity.
Anyone who's listened to reggae knows that the lyrics can be one of the hardest things to decipher and understand in a song. Slightly Stoopid's lead vocalist has a knack for that hypnotical sound where words flow into one another, and if you're not paying close attention, you may never learn the song, no matter how many times you listen. I'm laughing to myself as I write this because it wasn't until the other day that I realized how horribly I'd been butchering the lyrics to their song 2 a.m. What I thought was a moment of humming in the song was indeed actual words being sung, which were inaudible to me until I listened with the ADX7000 and Madison Streamer. The level of detail and nuance the ADX7000 delivers is nothing short of impressive.
Obsolete
By Tame Impala
(Deadbeat)
No Cocaine
By Slightly Stoopid
(Slightly Stoopid Not Stoned Enough to Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid)
Tokyo Drifting
By Glass Animals
(Dreamland)
No One Noticed
By The Marias
(Submarine)
Features
- Audio-Technica’s flagship Open-Air headphones allow unrestricted airflow, producing natural bass with no artificial resonance while maintaining pure mid and high frequencies
- Innovative HXDT driver technology uses a precision molding process to ensure the roundness of the diaphragm for highly detailed musical expression
- The 58 mm integrated driver unit features enhanced alignment of circular driver components (baffle plate, magnet, voice coil, diaphragm) for more accurate, dynamic, and detailed sonic performance
- High-impedance voice coil (490 ohms) delivers fast transients, defined low-frequency response, and an expansive dynamic range
- Proprietary Core Mount Technology places driver unit in optimal position for improved airflow and reduced distortion
- Lightweight magnesium frame absorbs vibrations, minimizing coloration and enhancing sonic purity
- Aluminum honeycomb-punched housing design blocks side ventilation
- Japanese craftsmanship: From conception to construction, every element of the ATH-ADX7000 has been carefully crafted by our team in Japan to produce the ultimate open-air listening experience
The defining feature of the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 is its unique driver engineering that combines innovative HXDT (High-precision eXtreme Dynamic Transducer) technology with proprietary Core Mount positioning.
HXDT Technology: A Driver Unlike Any Other
Audio-Technica is reimagining what dynamic drivers can do by incorporating its unique HXDT molding process to yield excellent sonic results.
Audio-Technica's HXDT molding process creates a 58mm diaphragm with exceptional roundness and precision–the kind of accuracy essential for highly detailed musical expression. Think of it as the difference between a perfectly balanced wheel and one with minor wobbles; both roll, but only one delivers truly smooth performance. The 58mm driver size provides substantial diaphragm surface area for moving air and generating those impressive bass dynamics that defy open-back performance.
The baffle, plate, magnet, voice coil, and diaphragm are meticulously aligned to ensure consistent diaphragm movement across the entire surface. This precise alignment improves transient response and delivers a cleaner, more natural sound quality. Completing the ATH-ADX7000's acoustic system is Audio-Technica's proprietary Core Mount Technology, which positions the driver at the optimal location within the housing to improve airflow and reduce distortion.
The ADX7000 boasts a frequency range of 5 Hz to 50,000 Hz, contributing to the overall sense of realism and sonic naturalness. With an impedance of 490 ohms, the ADX7000 falls on the power-hungry side of the spectrum for a dynamic driver headphone. With that being said, we highly recommend pairing it with a dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC/Amp combo unit that provides sufficient power. The 100 dB/mW sensitivity doesn't rule out portable devices as an option, but once again, make sure that device has the proper amplification needed for the headphones to truly shine.
Dragon Cables
With a sound quality that's not overly analytical or overly warm, the sonic qualities of the Blue Dragon Headphone Cable complement the ADX7000 perfectly. The Blue Dragon is the best choice if you're not looking to change the coloration but want some added detail and resolution. It's a neutral-sounding cable that will "clean" the sound of the ADX7000 without warming or brightening it.
Verdict
At $3,499, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Headphones prove that dynamic driver technology is engineered to its absolute limit, it doesn't just compete with planar magnetic flagships–in many ways, it surpasses them. This isn't about brand loyalty or price tags. This is about Audio-Technica fundamentally reimagining what's possible.
For listeners seeking an open-back headphone that delivers analytical accuracy without sacrificing tonal richness and midrange musicality, the ADX7000 is among Audio-Technica's finest flagship headphones. If you value openness, bass authority, and detail retrieval, the ADX7000 deserves serious consideration. With the implementation of Audio-Technica's newly developed HXDT driver design, the ADX7000 delivers a clear and detailed musical reproduction.
For those looking to elevate the ADX7000 further, the Blue Dragon Headphone Cable is our top recommendation—a neutral cable that enhances detail and resolution without altering the headphone's balanced, natural signature. The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Headphones don't just replace the ADX5000—they redefine what Audio-Technica can achieve when they push their technology and craftsmanship to the absolute limit.
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What's in the Box
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Headphones
- 3m Cable with 6.35mm plug
- 3m Cable with balanced 4-pin XLR plug
- 2 sets of earpads
- Hard shell carrying case
- Cable pouch
Specifications
Type: Open-air dynamic
Driver Diameter: 58mm
Frequency Response: 5 to 50,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Impedance: 490 ohms
Weight: Approx. 275 g (9.7 oz) (HP-ADX7000: Velvet earpads), Approx. 270 g (9.5 oz) (HP-ADX7000: Alcantara earpads) without cable
Connector: A2DC Connector Jack
Accessories Included: Cable (3.0m 9.8' / 6.3mm 1/4", gold-plated stereo plug), Balanced Cable (3.0m 9.8' / XLR-M connector 4-pin), Earpads (HP-ADX5000), Hard shell carrying case, cable pouch
Replacements/Separately sold Items: Cable, balanced cable, earpads (HP-ADX7000, HP-ADX5000)
Notes: For product information, the product is subject to modification without notice
