[JAZZed]

Researched A LOT here before asking... (230hs+ , I've done my homework before opening a new thread on something previously dicussed)

There are some threads talking about it (AD900 are trully great, but not that many heard it), but I couldn't gather the information I'm looking for (For the same reason, not so many have heard them, so not that many references for comparissons...).

Thing is: I'm looking for an upgrade. ATH ADs have a very peculiar sound signature and there's where the problem lies...

(I can add a "sound description" of the AD900 if it can help those who don't know it "to help them help me")

I'm not upgrading because of any insatisfaction... on the contrary, I LOVE THEM... they're "perfect".... (They don't even need amps! - that's why I have none)

But because like everyone of you "I know there's something better out there"....

I wear them for 14-17hs a day straight (even when not listening to anything... I feel weird without them... go figure...) - Work alone at home office.- I forget I'm wearing them.... super confortable for me

Thing is I want to keep the "same sound signature", but with everything improved....

No Sennheisers... please. No Grados (ON ear... it's a no no)

I'll have to buy it blind/unheard, so, I need all the help I can get...

AD2000 sound like the "safer/obvious" option.... same house, sound signatures is the problem, as it's said the AD2000 are not a "direct upgrade" from the AD900 once they have a different sound signature.

Some said DT880, but they seem "smothened" in the trebble region according to some in comparisson to the AD900...


Nothing smoothened, warm, softened, silky,


Open Back

I really need some help here

 

[Philimon]

https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHAD900.pdf

By upgrade you mean increased resolution but similar sound profile and comfort.

AD2000 is logical, but I dont know if it needs amp. And finding a used one since they are oop is another barrier.

Focal’s Elex/Clear are very open headphones with velour pads and would be massive upgrade. Would be wise to spend a few bucks on a measly amp too though. Its easy now to get cheap and good like from Schiit or a THX design, etc.
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/focal-clear-over-ear-open-headphones-measurements

You might like something from Hifiman as they are physically open and sounding which is something I greatly appreciate as well. Im in the process of getting another hifiman now.
https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/MassdropHiFiMANHE4XX.pdf

I had AD900. I went to Stax after that because they have the best treble. At the cheap side of electrostats but not amazing treble is Koss 95X. KOSS is american and comes with lifetime warranty so thats cool.
https://www.soundguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/massdrop-koss-esp-95x-FR-Chart.jpg

Im sure there are more headphones that meet your criteria but thats all I have off top of my head.

 

[JAZZed]

https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHAD900.pdf

By upgrade you mean increased resolution but similar sound profile and comfort.

AD2000 is logical, but I dont know if its needs amp. And finding a used one since they are oop is another barrier.

Focal’s Elex/Clear are very open headphones with velour pads and would be massive upgrade. Would be wise to spend a few bucks on a measly amp too though. Its easy now to get cheap and good like from Schiit or a THX design, etc.
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/focal-clear-over-ear-open-headphones-measurements

You might like something from Hifiman as they are physically open and sounding which is something I greatly appreciate as well. Im in the process of getting another hifiman now.
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/hifiman/ananda

I had AD900. I went to Stax after that because they have the best treble. At the cheap side of electrostats but not amazing treble is Koss 95X. KOSS is american and comes with lifetime warranty so thats cool.
https://www.soundguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/massdrop-koss-esp-95x-FR-Chart.jpg

Im sure there are more headphones that meet your criteria but thats all I have off top of my head.

You were MORE THAN GREAT!!!!

Thanks for all your time and trouble to help me out!!!



About the Elex, I know they're great, but thing is if it's sound signature wouldn't be much far from the AD900....

On the HiFiman Side I've considered the SUNDARAs.... any comparisson between them and the AD900 or even tham and the AD2000???

These ATH ADs are hard to find owners that could help.....

Thanks a LOT!

 

[Philimon]

A lot of older users here from those sweet AT days have migrated to other forums but I like to visit here as well. Take a look elsewheres for more AT knowledge. Good luck

 

[JAZZed]

A lot of older users here from those sweet AT days have migrated to other forums but I like to visit here as well. Take a look elsewheres for more AT knowledge. Good luck

Could you please share which other forums I could look for? I've always beem a Head-Fi "loyal" reader...so...

the more forums, the better, so that I can research more and evolve more..

Thanks!!!