Follow-up on Audio Technica ATH-A700. I posted couple critical comments about A700 previously. Here is my update impression.
In summary, A700 sounds decent for Alternative and Rock music. Pros: The highs and lows are good. Good sound stage. It is fun to listen to.
However, stay away from A700 if you enjoy listening to singing voice. Cons: Vocals is thin. A700 feels incomplete.
I have had A700 for 3 years now. This is the only headphone I have and use at home. I do have Shure SE420 IEM for use on the go. Recently, my brother purchases Shure SE530, so went over with all my gear and did a comparison with what he has.
Here are the models we listened to:
- Audio Technica ATH-A700 (Closed headphones. I had this for 3 years).
- Sony MDR-CD900ST (Closed headphones. Sold in Japan only. I bought this and then sold it to my brother).
- STAX SR-400? (My brother's. I don't know much about this, other than it is open headphones, pricey, use electrostatic, and has dedicated amp.)
- Shure SE420 IEM.
- Shure SE530 IEM.
STAX sounds the best. But it is different price point and not a fair comparison. And it is open.
Audio Technica ATH-A700. Fun to listen to. It sounds great for the Alternative and Rock. Plus the sound stage is very good; it is like I'm in the room with the musicians. But like I said above, the vocals on A700 sounds thin. Not a major issue for most Alternative music. But it is lacking if you are into vocals.
Sony MDR-CD900ST. Accurate sound. Balanced across all frequency ranges. But not as fun to listen to. Sound is very 1D. Probably good as studio monitor, but not great for enjoying music.
For me, listening Alternative music, I prefer A700 over Sony MDR-CD900ST. A700 is more fun to listen to. On the other hand, my brother, who listen to variety of music (classic rock, classical, vocals) cannot stand A700.