Audio-Technica
ATH-W1000X
Best audiophile headphones for long, fatigue-free listening sessions.
Immerse yourself in natural sound with the Audio-Technica ATH-W1000X headphones. Crafted with exquisite American black cherry wood ear cups finished in a violin gloss, these closed-back headphones offer a premium aesthetic and superior acoustics. The innovative self-adjusting 3-D wings-support system ensures a comfortable, secure fit without manual adjustments. Experience a smooth, uncolored midrange and impressive bass extension, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. While versatile, they truly shine when paired with high-quality amplification to unlock their full sonic potential.
$699.00
More ATH-W Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+19%
Above average
Ear cups
American black cherry wood
/ American black cherry wood
Who it's for
- Aesthetic-focused listeners valuing natural, warm acoustics
- Vocal enthusiasts and acoustic music lovers
- Casual listeners enjoying long, fatigue-free sessions
Who should skip it
- Bass-heavy electronic music fans
- Users with smaller heads needing a secure, consistent seal
- Audiophiles seeking an expansive, open-back soundstage
Performance breakdown
Build Aesthetics
American black cherry wood finish offers a stunning, high-end visual appeal.
Ergonomic Comfort
The 3-D wing system provides a weightless, fatigue-free fit for hours.
Midrange Clarity
Delivers a smooth, uncolored sound profile that feels natural and intimate.
Bass Extension
Provides deep, controlled low-frequency response without muddying the overall soundstage.
Amplification Scaling
Performance improves significantly when paired with a dedicated high-quality headphone amplifier.
Passive Isolation
Closed-back design blocks ambient noise effectively for focused, private listening sessions.
Key Specs
Ear cups
American black cherry wood
Impedance
42 ohms
Driver Size
53 mm
Style
Over-Ear, Closed-Back
Connectivity
Wired, 3.5mm Jack
Compatibility
A/V receiver, iPod/iPad, smartphone, high-quality headphone amplifier
Noise Cancellation
Passive Noise Isolation
Intended Use
Everyday Listening
Features
- Elegant black cherry wood ear cups
- Automatic fit via 3-D wings-support
- Smooth, uncolored midrange tonality
- Good low-frequency extension
- Low listening fatigue
- Scales well with better amplification
- Passive noise isolation design
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
What customers say
The Audio Technica ATH W1000X earns praise for its exceptional sound quality and musical presentation. Users highlight the expansive soundstage, creating an immersive listening experience. The signature warmth, enhanced by the cherry wood construction, delivers rich midrange and smooth highs, ideal for acoustic, jazz, and classical genres. While bass is articulate, sub bass remains reserved, favoring nuanced music. Comfort is generally good thanks to the unique 3D wing support system. This model rewards pairing with quality amplification, confirming its status as a beautifully crafted choice for dedicated audio enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
While these headphones have a relatively low impedance of 42 ohms and can be driven by a smartphone or tablet, they are designed to scale with higher-quality gear. Using a dedicated headphone amplifier will significantly improve the depth, clarity, and overall control of the sound.
The 3-D wing system uses spring-loaded pads that automatically adjust to the shape and size of your head as you put the headphones on. This eliminates the need for a traditional clicking headband adjustment, providing a light, secure fit that is ideal for long listening sessions.
The ATH-W1000X features a closed-back design that provides passive noise isolation. While it is effective at muffling ambient sounds in a quiet room or office, it does not feature active noise cancellation technology.
The wood construction contributes to the headphones' natural, warm resonance. You can expect a smooth, uncolored midrange and a solid low-frequency extension that avoids sounding overly aggressive or fatiguing.
Yes, they are specifically engineered for comfort. The combination of the lightweight 3-D wing support and the smooth, non-fatiguing sound profile makes them an excellent choice for extended periods of music enjoyment.
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