Audio-Technica ATH-WP900

[Xero the Banana]

I couldn't resist; I scored a good deal on the WP900 for about $510. I should be getting my unit on Wednesday.

Good sound, great looks - a fantastic combo anytime!

I feel like sooner or later I’ll succumb and buy a WP900 at least for the looks, even if the sound isn’t to my preference haha.
How would you compare the 900 to the Aeon 2 closed? I think those are the two standout sub-$1k (usd) headphones right now.

 

[Malevolent]

I've been dealing with it for years now. I used to be more of an IEM guy but I can't put anything in my left ear now without pain. It's part of the reason I stepped away from the headphone hobby for a few years but recently I started getting the urge again. From previous experience I knew the AudioQuest headphones were so super comfortable. I got luck and found a shop here in Canada that still had stock of NightHawks and NightOwl's so I picked up a pair of Owl's.

I tried upgrading my wireless, noise cancelling headphones from the Sony WH-1000XM3's to the Sennheiser Momentum 3's but the clamp was too tight so I had to send them back. In the time I had the Momentums, my wife "acquired" my XM3's so I ordered the XM4's instead. I just got those today and actually finding those have a little more clamp than the 3's and it's a bit bothersome. Hoping the loosen up over time.

I see you the XM4's as well, how would you rate the clamping force of the WP900's in comparison?

I sincerely hope that your condition will get better in time.

Nevertheless, I can't really compare the clamping force of the WP900 vis-à-vis the WH-1000XM4 at this moment. However, I will do so once I get my hands on the WP900. I should be receiving them earliest tomorrow (Wednesday) or latest, the day after. From memory, I think that the WH-1000XM4 feels a little more comfortable and plush on the ears, with a lighter clamping force. To help you better, which part of the clamp gives you the most bother - the area closer to the jaw or above the ear?

 

[Malevolent]

I just sent an email to AT USA customer service, parts dept., to see if they will sell the ATH DSR9BT case separately. I'll let you all know what they say. What I like is the divider between the ear pads, which isn't in the case I already have.

Thank you, much obliged! I hope that you'll get a favorable response.

I wish there were more hard cases that let you leave cables connected so they could be more suitable for daily use... esp these small mmcx/a2dc type connectors have kind of limited durability in terms of how many connection cycles.

Agreed. Unfortunately, in the contemporary market, wireless headphones are the norm, so the majority of portable-case solutions are designed without cables in mind.

 

[JML]

Besides perceived clamping force on the sides of your head, comfort is also related to how the top of the headphone rests on your head and distributes the weight and starts to change the shape of the worn headphones (top section's shape and padding). Apart from some headphones that are notorious for being like a vise (e.g., Sennheiser 600 series), you really have to try them out. And of course the size of your head makes a big difference (no pun intended). I had tried the Quad headphones and couldn't get them small enough to fit on my head, and I wear a hat size of 7.5.

Anyway, I do not find the WP900 to be anything other than very comfortable. Definitely not a clamp monster.

 

[elnero]

I sincerely hope that your condition will get better in time.

Nevertheless, I can't really compare the clamping force of the WP900 vis-à-vis the WH-1000XM4 at this moment. However, I will do so once I get my hands on the WP900. I should be receiving them earliest tomorrow (Wednesday) or latest, the day after. From memory, I think that the WH-1000XM4 feels a little more comfortable and plush on the ears, with a lighter clamping force. To help you better, which part of the clamp gives you the most bother - the area closer to the jaw or above the ear?

It's mainly the front of the earpad on the joint of my jaw that becomes bothersome. With too much clamping force it gets inflamed, causing pain and the tinnitus I have in that ear gets worse. In some cases I can get used to the clamp or the headphones loosen up with a bit of use but a lot of times I just have to move on.

Besides perceived clamping force on the sides of your head, comfort is also related to how the top of the headphone rests on your head and distributes the weight and starts to change the shape of the worn headphones (top section's shape and padding). Apart from some headphones that are notorious for being like a vise (e.g., Sennheiser 600 series), you really have to try them out. And of course the size of your head makes a big difference (no pun intended). I had tried the Quad headphones and couldn't get them small enough to fit on my head, and I wear a hat size of 7.5.

Anyway, I do not find the WP900 to be anything other than very comfortable. Definitely not a clamp monster.

Hi JML, it's been awhile! Hope you've been doing well.

I had been thinking about grabbing a pair from Jaben but when I worked out the costs including taxes + duty + brokerage fees to get them into Canada, the price isn't too far off what I can get them for through Amazon here. With Amazon I have the option to return them so I might go that route.

 

[Malevolent]

I feel like sooner or later I’ll succumb and buy a WP900 at least for the looks, even if the sound isn’t to my preference haha.
How would you compare the 900 to the Aeon 2 closed? I think those are the two standout sub-$1k (usd) headphones right now.

In the sub-1,000 closed-back space, the AEON 2 Closed and the LCD-2 Closed Back are 2 of the best, IMO. The WP900 may not best these headphones for sheer technical brilliance, but it is also the most "fun-sounding", though.

The AEON 2 Closed is a warm headphone with a slight bass tilt. It is still comparatively linear in sound, with a balanced and lush midrange. The WP900, on the other hand, has a slightly "v-shaped" signature, with a heavier emphasis on its highs and lows; you'll get a stronger mid-bass presence, and a more energetic and lively treble section. Vocals are better on the Dan Clark headphone, as you get a very involving and rich tone; in contrast, the lower-mids on the Audio-Technica sound a little recessed, thus depriving it of some prowess in the vocal categories, particularly with male voices.

Both are great headphones that serve different purposes. For most forms of EDM, I'd grab the WP900; it presents an energetic signature with a powerful low-end that drives a strong and engaging bassline. The AEON 2 Closed is no slouch, however, and if you are not particularly fond of a heavier mid-bass, this is an excellent choice.

 

[Xero the Banana]

In the sub-1,000 closed-back space, the AEON 2 Closed and the LCD-2 Closed Back are 2 of the best, IMO. The WP900 may not best these headphones for sheer technical brilliance, but it is also the most "fun-sounding", though.

The AEON 2 Closed is a warm headphone with a slight bass tilt. It is still comparatively linear in sound, with a balanced and lush midrange. The WP900, on the other hand, has a slightly "v-shaped" signature, with a heavier emphasis on its highs and lows; you'll get a stronger mid-bass presence, and a more energetic and lively treble section. Vocals are better on the Dan Clark headphone, as you get a very involving and rich tone; in contrast, the lower-mids on the Audio-Technica sound a little recessed, thus depriving it of some prowess in the vocal categories, particularly with male voices.

Both are great headphones that serve different purposes. For most forms of EDM, I'd grab the WP900; it presents an energetic signature with a powerful low-end that drives a strong and engaging bassline. The AEON 2 Closed is no slouch, however, and if you are not particularly fond of a heavier mid-bass, this is an excellent choice.

Oh, from a technical perspective I didn't expect the wp900 to be around the very top. However, I believe they are the top in the visuals department .
Thanks for the comparison! I'd love to get both but I think the 2000ti is enough for this year (from Audio Technica)... The 2 closed I think I'd like first because I just overall prefer planar bass.

I can definitely see myself getting the wp900 within the next few years based on looks alone though .

 

[Mhog55]

In the sub-1,000 closed-back space, the AEON 2 Closed and the LCD-2 Closed Back are 2 of the best, IMO. The WP900 may not best these headphones for sheer technical brilliance, but it is also the most "fun-sounding", though.

The AEON 2 Closed is a warm headphone with a slight bass tilt. It is still comparatively linear in sound, with a balanced and lush midrange. The WP900, on the other hand, has a slightly "v-shaped" signature, with a heavier emphasis on its highs and lows; you'll get a stronger mid-bass presence, and a more energetic and lively treble section. Vocals are better on the Dan Clark headphone, as you get a very involving and rich tone; in contrast, the lower-mids on the Audio-Technica sound a little recessed, thus depriving it of some prowess in the vocal categories, particularly with male voices.

Both are great headphones that serve different purposes. For most forms of EDM, I'd grab the WP900; it presents an energetic signature with a powerful low-end that drives a strong and engaging bassline. The AEON 2 Closed is no slouch, however, and if you are not particularly fond of a heavier mid-bass, this is an excellent choice.

Man, I just can't get a read on Aeon 2 closed. I know most headphones get a few differing opinions, but these are just all over the place. Considering you said the wp900 is the most fun of the bunch, I'm even more confident I ordered the right can.

 

[Mhog55]

In the sub-1,000 closed-back space, the AEON 2 Closed and the LCD-2 Closed Back are 2 of the best, IMO. The WP900 may not best these headphones for sheer technical brilliance, but it is also the most "fun-sounding", though.

The AEON 2 Closed is a warm headphone with a slight bass tilt. It is still comparatively linear in sound, with a balanced and lush midrange. The WP900, on the other hand, has a slightly "v-shaped" signature, with a heavier emphasis on its highs and lows; you'll get a stronger mid-bass presence, and a more energetic and lively treble section. Vocals are better on the Dan Clark headphone, as you get a very involving and rich tone; in contrast, the lower-mids on the Audio-Technica sound a little recessed, thus depriving it of some prowess in the vocal categories, particularly with male voices.

Both are great headphones that serve different purposes. For most forms of EDM, I'd grab the WP900; it presents an energetic signature with a powerful low-end that drives a strong and engaging bassline. The AEON 2 Closed is no slouch, however, and if you are not particularly fond of a heavier mid-bass, this is an excellent choice.

Hey also - Have you heard the RT version by any chance? I wonder if it sounds closer to the AF2 or the original. Probably the ladder. I think I just really like the design of the AF2. How hard are they to push? Being there are relatively portable, I wonder if a dap with some decent power could drive them to full potential.

 

[Mightygrey]

Man, I just can't get a read on Aeon 2 closed. I know most headphones get a few differing opinions, but these are just all over the place. Considering you said the wp900 is the most fun of the bunch, I'm even more confident I ordered the right can.

The WP900 is infinitely more enjoyable than any iteration of the Aeon.

 

[obsidyen]

Comparisons to TH610?

 

[Malevolent]

They are here! I haven't had the time to open them yet, but I'll do so once I'm done with work and dinner.

 

[Malevolent]

Oh, from a technical perspective I didn't expect the wp900 to be around the very top. However, I believe they are the top in the visuals department .
Thanks for the comparison! I'd love to get both but I think the 2000ti is enough for this year (from Audio Technica)... The 2 closed I think I'd like first because I just overall prefer planar bass.

I can definitely see myself getting the wp900 within the next few years based on looks alone though .

I enjoy planar bass myself, but if I want impressive slam and impact, dynamic drivers do the job best, IMO. The sheer rumble produced by great dynamics, such as the MDR-Z1R and the TH900 Mk2, is simply unbeatable.

And yes, I wholeheartedly agree, the WP900 is one of the most beautiful headphones around. The wood cups are simply magnificent.

 

[Malevolent]

Man, I just can't get a read on Aeon 2 closed. I know most headphones get a few differing opinions, but these are just all over the place. Considering you said the wp900 is the most fun of the bunch, I'm even more confident I ordered the right can.

The best way to describe the AEON 2 Closed, IMO, is that it "plays it safe". It's a good headphone in many facets of its sound, and has enough of a bass slant and a touch of warmth to please most consumers audiophiles. I don't think that it excels in one particular area, though, so it's something of a jack-of-all-trades.

Hey also - Have you heard the RT version by any chance? I wonder if it sounds closer to the AF2 or the original. Probably the ladder. I think I just really like the design of the AF2. How hard are they to push? Being there are relatively portable, I wonder if a dap with some decent power could drive them to full potential.

No, I have not heard the RT version; it's not available here in Singapore. However, I have heard the original AEON Flow Closed, and I wasn't very impressed with it at all. It sounded lacklustre, with little emotive engagement. For lack of a better word, it sounded quite "dull".

Besides my main desktop setup, I've used the AEON 2 Closed with my choice portable player, the Chord Hugo 2. It sounded fine, so I reckon that the headphone doesn't require a lot of power to be driven well.

 

[Mhog55]

Thanks bud. It sounds like the Aeon 2 was a big enough improvement to please some, but not most. I agree with your assessment regarding planar and dynamic bass traits. I prefer dynamic drivers in general. The only planar I really enjoyed was the Quad Era-1. It actually sounded somewhat like a dynamic, but the fitment didn't work for me.