On September 20, Audio-Technica announced their latest products in the popular A-series "ART Monitor" linen of full-sized closed headphones, marking the first time in nine years that the company has completely revamped its midrange offerings. The ATH-A500X, ATH-A700X, and ATH-A900X are all said to use newly developed 53mm drivers in housings that appear to be a cross between the higher-end A1000X and A2000X and the previous midrange entries. Many AT fans will be pleased to learn that the A900X uses newly designed earpads that are similar in build to those of the A1000X; this should improve comfort and, at the very least, improve durability. The new A500X, A700X, and A900X will be available in Japan on October 14 are expected to sell for roughly ¥10,000, ¥15,000, and ¥20,000 respectively.
Audio-Technica also announced a new entry-level open-air headphone series which appear to be based on the ATH-T### series closed headphones. These include the ATH-TAD500 which utilizes 53mm drivers. These will also be available on October 14 with prices ranging from ¥3,000 for the TAD300 to ¥7,000 for the TAD500.
The ATH-900X and its handsome black aluminum finish
The A500X and A700X use colors that are familiar to users of the A500 and A700.
The new ATH-TAD500 is an affordable open-air option.audio-technica News Release 2011.8.24オーテク、53mm径ドライバ搭載のアートモニター3機種 -AV Watchオーテク、オープン型ヘッドフォン4モデル -AV Watch