Audio Technica updates their open headphones "AD" Series: AD2000x, AD1000x, AD900x, AD700x and AD500x
Apr 21, 2016 at 10:52 PM Post #2,041 of 2,205
  AD900 (not x) vs AD1000x if anyone has an idea, also how they compare with HE-400s

AD900x has very sweet mids but sparkly trebles, the AD1000x is the most laid-back of the AD bunch (I'm not counting the  AD500x and AD700x as I've never tried these). HE400 is boring and requires good amping (even then it's still boring to me). So between the AD900x and the AD1000x it's a matter of taste. And honestly the "X" upgrade doesn't change the sound sig, so don't bother going for the older AD900 as I'm afraid there might be some age issue.
 
Apr 22, 2016 at 11:20 AM Post #2,042 of 2,205
Owned both years ago... They are completely different sounding headphones. AD900X is clear, airy and detailed while A900X in comparison sounds closed-in and noticably less clear. However, AD900X is the more fatiguing one due to its extended and sparklier treble. A900X would make for a smoother and more relaxing listen. Bass is very different as well; the AD900X's bass is tight, punchy but rolled-off while A900X has more quantity but is bloatier and less defined.

People generally consider the AD series to be better technically than the A series.

Hope this helps!

OMG
 
May 5, 2016 at 3:35 PM Post #2,044 of 2,205
Just got the AD900X's and I love them except for one thing; the stock pads are crap. Have a pair of aftermarket pads on the way but I currently have a spare set of Audeze Microsuede Pads lying around. Should I just opt for that?
 
May 5, 2016 at 5:03 PM Post #2,045 of 2,205
  Just got the AD900X's and I love them except for one thing; the stock pads are crap. Have a pair of aftermarket pads on the way but I currently have a spare set of Audeze Microsuede Pads lying around. Should I just opt for that?


As long as they don't change the sound for the worse, just use what fits. I'm one of the ones who the stock pads are perfect for, but there are some good options out there for smaller heads.
 
May 6, 2016 at 1:02 AM Post #2,047 of 2,205
Any AD-2000X owners still around? 
 
My library is 99% female vocals spread across punk rock, pop rock, indie, alt rock, trance, singer-songwriter, acoustic, jazz, etc. so these look quite appealing to me. Price to import them new from Japan is around $850CAD after all is said and done, so I'd love feedback from current or past owners if possible.
 
Examples of what I'd like to sound great:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFpDLLmrnz0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxc3O4mQV74
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYmlnl5U_lQ
 
Thanks.
 
May 6, 2016 at 4:08 AM Post #2,048 of 2,205
I don't have the AD2000X anymore^ but I do have the AD2000, and I can say that they're my endgame cans. Rave reviews on the AD2000 are all over head-fi, so perhaps the only thing I'll need to tell you is that the AD2000 does female vocals wonderfully.
The AD2000X is not quite an upgrade as its midranges is not quite as lush. You may find it better but in most cases, I've seen people actually prefer the AD2000, myself included. However, I'd still say that the AD2000X is a great choice on its own and it still has the distinctive Audio Technica sound.But if you'll have the chance, do look for the AD2000 and you won't have any regrets at all.
 
May 6, 2016 at 5:29 AM Post #2,049 of 2,205
Thanks for the reply. Thats pretty much what I was afraid of, that the original 2K would be better for my tastes. No clue where to go about getting one though other than luck with the classifieds.
 
May 9, 2016 at 5:38 AM Post #2,051 of 2,205
I own the ad2000x, and I honestly can't see what's so special about the female vocals with them. I mean... yes they sound great, but it's nothing unique or special to these headphones, maybe my hearing is bad.
 
May 9, 2016 at 5:47 AM Post #2,052 of 2,205
I own the ad2000x, and I honestly can't see what's so special about the female vocals with them. I mean... yes they sound great, but it's nothing unique or special to these headphones, maybe my hearing is bad.
Same here.. The AD1000x sound great but not unique or special. I find them surprisingly neutral actually, more than what other people say about them
 
May 9, 2016 at 6:00 AM Post #2,053 of 2,205
Ive had the AD1000x since Friday, and they sound great! A bit of fit issues sometimes, but it doesnt really bother me. I actually think they sound rather neutral..

The AD1000X was my main headphone for the past year. Fit issue is one of the major problem, my ear is always touching the coil shield inside. Its quite annoying. Many people said that the audio technica AD900x 1000x 2000x became more all round headphone and neutral, there is no more audio tech signature female vocal hype in them. And I totally agree with that statement. The upper mids are good, but many other good headphone is able to do that, there isnt any more special in the audio tech product line.
The only good part that I find with them is the treble and sound of hi hat instrument are very good and wont hurt your ears. (Compare to HE1000 , HD600 and HD800 where I have to EQ out the treble. 
 
My AD1000x went into the storage after I upgraded to HE1000 recently.  The clarity is much better and it will never be congested. 
An used pair of AD2000X in Japan is only about 25000 yen to 30000 yen max. Sound signature is too average.
 
Jun 18, 2016 at 2:05 PM Post #2,054 of 2,205
So these earpads for my AD1000x arrived yesterday
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/251699464310?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&var=550609323239&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
And while it's WAY easier for me to get a proper fit now, the sound suffers in a negative way. Basically the upper mids get boosted, while the lower mids take a step back. On a lot of songs (except songs that are vocal forward) the vocals just seem recessed... Which is a pity, because I can get an easy fit so fast with the new pads. But the sound of the first pads was definitely superior.
 
Jun 18, 2016 at 9:34 PM Post #2,055 of 2,205
  So these earpads for my AD1000x arrived yesterday
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/251699464310?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&var=550609323239&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
 
And while it's WAY easier for me to get a proper fit now, the sound suffers in a negative way. Basically the upper mids get boosted, while the lower mids take a step back. On a lot of songs (except songs that are vocal forward) the vocals just seem recessed... Which is a pity, because I can get an easy fit so fast with the new pads. But the sound of the first pads was definitely superior.

Yes I noticed a bad change also, it's not too bad, you get used to it. But the comfort improved to the point where it's worth it.
 

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