Audio-Technica has unveiled a super-sophisticated set of new high-fidelity open-back headphones, the ATH-ADX3000. Handcrafted in Machida in Tokyo, each pair has been “meticulously assembled from components built in-house and rigorously tested by the brand’s team of skilled engineers”.
Building on the success of the celebrated open-back ATH-ADX5000 model launched in 2017 – which we reviewed here – the ATH-ADX3000s also aim to offer a natural and authentic soundstage. The exposed drivers and free flow of air – to eliminate unwanted distortion during audio playback – characteristic of the open-back design, are there to provide a pure and natural listening experience, eliminating unwanted distortion.
“Our engineers worked hard to achieve frequencies that are not easy to obtain with natural airflow. Our expertise in driver technology has influenced our approach to open-back headphones, enabling us to ensure the diaphragm moves with the purest motion.”
…So says Audio-Technica’s lead engineer, Hiromichi Ozawa. In a nutshell? The top three reasons to consider this new pair of headphones would be:
1. A lightweight (257g), minimalistic and highly breathable design for long listening sessions
2. The high-quality drivers result in the purest sound with realistic sound staging and imaging as each diaphragm movement translates into an instant generation of sound, meaning that frequencies are not artificially produced nor enhanced using acoustic cavities and resonance
3. Audio-Technica’s innovative Core Mount Technology, introduced with the 2017 acclaimed ATH-ADX5000 open-air dynamic headphones, directly integrates the driver into the baffle resulting in an optimal position to improve airflow and full-range audio reproduction
They also happen to come in what looks like a literallty bomb-proof flight case!