Dear reader, if you‘re an audiophile, music enthusiast, podcaster, or simply want the best listening experience, this guide on the top 5 Audio Technica over-ear headphones is for you.
As an experienced tech analyst and audio equipment nerd, I‘ve tested and reviewed countless headphones over the years. In this article, I‘ll share my in-depth research to help you find your perfect Audio Technica headphones.
After extensively evaluating Audio Technica‘s wide product range based on sound quality, comfort, design, and value, these are my top 5 picks:
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 – The All-Round Audiophile Pick
When you want stellar wireless sound without compromise, the ATH-M50xBT2 is your best bet. Here‘s why it takes the crown:
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Elite Sound Performance: With large 45mm drivers and premium components like an advanced internal DAC and amp, these headphones deliver sensational clarity across an expansive frequency range – deep accurate bass, crisp defined trebles, and natural vocal reproduction.
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Latest Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 provides cable-free convenience and rock-solid connectivity up to 10m/33ft with aptX and AAC codec support for CD-like quality over wireless.
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Intuitive Onboard Controls: Play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, take calls and activate voice assistants directly from the intuitive buttons on the earcup.
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Marathon Battery Life: Get up to 50 hours playtime per charge – enough for even the longest listening sessions or workdays. USB-C charging juices up the battery rapidly.
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Legendary M50x Sound: With the same critically acclaimed sonic signature as the wired M50x, these headphones retain every detail that made the M50x studio legends.
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Premium Comfort: The soft padded earcups and adjustable headband provide a comfortable seal around your ears for all-day listening fatigue-free.
For wireless over-ear headphones with impeccable sound and maximum features, the ATH-M50xBT2 is my top choice. Expect to be blown away by the audio quality!
Key Specs:
- Drivers: 45mm large aperture
- Frequency Response: 15Hz – 28kHz
- Impedance: 38ohms
- Battery Life: 50 hrs
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Weight: 310g
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2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x – Best Budget Studio Headphones
The ATH-M20x packs a ton of value for money if you want quality Audio Technica sound on a tight budget. Let‘s look at why they rule the sub $50 category:
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Capable 40mm Drivers: Equipped with capable 40mm neodymium drivers tuned for enhanced low-end – you get pleasing audio reproduction with thumping bass.
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Noise Isolation: The closed-back design and circumaural fit seal out ambient noise effectively so you can focus on the finer details.
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Robust Construction: From the headband to the earcups, the M20x is built from high-grade materials to handle regular studio use.
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Single-Side Cable: The 3.5mm connector cable exits only from one earcup for free movement. Locks securely in place as well.
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Portability: The earcups fold into the headband for easy storage on the go. Comes with a carrying pouch for added protection.
If you‘re on a limited budget but still want pro studio headphones with clean sound and noise isolation, the M20x gives you the most bang for your buck.
Key Specs:
- Drivers: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 47ohms
- Sensitivity: 96dB
- Connector: 3.5mm
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3. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x – The Professional Studio Workhorse
For the purest studio monitoring experience, the ATH-M40x consistently delivers across different audio environments:
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Sonic Accuracy: The 40mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils provide stunning detail and transient response for identifying nuances.
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Precise Sound Isolation: The closed-back circumaural cups completely seal out ambient noise so you can focus purely on the audio.
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Swiveling Earcups: Pivots a full 90° for convenient one-ear monitoring – ideal for tracking and mixing.
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Durable Construction: Pro-grade materials like the stiffer headband and improved earpad density make these headphones more rugged and road-ready.
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Enhanced Portability: The earcups fold in and detachable cables add to the portable utility for studio pros on the move.
For precise audio monitoring, robust construction, and high value, the ATH-M40x remains unrivaled in its price segment.
Key Specs:
- Drivers: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 15Hz – 24kHz
- Impedance: 35ohms
- Sensitivity: 98dB
- Connector: 3.5mm
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4. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT – Amazing Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you want to enjoy your music minus outside distractions, you need the remarkable ANC of the ATH-ANC900BT:
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Hybrid ANC System: Feedforward and feedback mics work together to cancel external noise up to 95% – from airplane cabin rumble to street traffic.
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Hi-Res Audio Ready: With Qualcomm® aptXTM HD support, you can experience music in crisp hi-res audio quality over Bluetooth.
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Intuitive Controls: Change music tracks, volume, calls and activate voice assistants directly from the earcups.
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Ultimate Comfort: The memory foam earpads mold comfortably around your ears for fatigue-free all-day wear.
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Robust Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC provide super-fast, stable pairing with your devices. Get up to 35 hours of wireless playtime.
When you want to enjoy pristine audio and block out the world, the technologically advanced noise cancelling abilities of the ATH-ANC900BT are extremely impressive.
Key Specs:
- Drivers: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
- Noise Cancelling: Feedforward + Feedback ANC
- Bluetooth: 5.0, NFC
- Battery Life: 35 hrs (ANC on)
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5. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B – Most Comfortable Closed-Back Headphones
When luxurious comfort meets superior sound and noise cancellation, you get the ATH-ANC7B:
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Plush Memory Foam Pads: The generous memory foam earpads envelope your ears in pillowy soft comfort – perfect for long listening sessions.
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90% Noise Cancellation: QuietPoint active noise cancelling technology effectively eliminates ambient noise for uninterrupted music enjoyment.
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Crisp Audio Reproduction: Large 40mm neodymium drivers enclosed in the earcups deliver impactful bass, vivid mids and sparkling highs.
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Convenient Controls: Built-in controls and mic allow you to handle music and calls directly from the headphones.
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Portable Design: The earcups fold flat and compact into the included carry case – ideal for travel and storage.
When the highest comfort and noise isolation matter most, the luxurious memory foam pads and advanced ANC of the ATH-ANC7B deliver a sublime listening refuge.
Key Specs:
- Drivers: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 10 – 25,000 Hz
- Noise Cancelling: Up to 90% reduction
- Impedance: 200 ohms
- Connector: 3.5mm
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How to Choose the Best Audio Technica Headphones – A Buyer‘s Guide
From studio monitoring to casual listening, Audio Technica headphones deliver top-notch audio reproduction, comfort and noise isolation.
But with so many models available, how do you pick the right pair for your needs? Here are some key factors I considered:
Sound Quality
Audio Technica headphones are renowned for their precise, balanced sound signature. The larger the drivers, the better the clarity and dynamics.
Look for models designed with audiophile-grade components like titanium-coated diaphragms, oxygen-free copper voice coils etc. These enhance overall sound purity.
The best studio/mixing headphones provide flat, accurate reproduction so you can make mix decisions confidently. For other uses, models with slight elevated bass or highs may be preferable based on taste.
Comfort
Since over-ear headphones enclose your ears, comfort is vital for extended wear. Seek generously padded earcups with memory foam or velour material. Lightweight construction also enhances comfort.
Noise Isolation
Closed-back over-ear models completely block external noise allowing you to focus on the music details. Open-back headphones offer more natural, airy sound but don‘t isolate sound.
For noisy environments, active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones use dedicated mic and circuitry to cancel ambient noise electronically. Look for effective ANC strength suitable for your needs.
Wireless Connectivity
For cable-free convenience, Bluetooth headphones allow wireless pairing with your smartphone, tablet or computer. Latest versions like Bluetooth 5 provide more stable connections.
aptX HD or LDAC codecs also enable headphones to stream hi-res audio content wirelessly at near CD-quality levels. Ideal for audiophiles.
Portability
If you plan to use your headphones on the move, look for foldable models where earcups can swivel/collapse into a more compact size. Hard carrying cases provide added protection.
Detachable cables are also convenient for packing and help extend headphone lifespan if cables wear out.
Extra Features
Features like onboard controls for music and calls allow you to easily control your headphones without reaching for your device each time.
Swiveling earcups offer flexibility for single-ear monitoring. Companion apps let you customize controls and EQ as per your preferences.
Budget
Audio Technica offers headphones from as low as $50 to over $300. More expensive models utilize better components and offer the most advanced audio reproduction and noise cancellation.
Prioritize your must-have features and set a budget ceiling to narrow down your options. You‘ll find headphones delivering great quality at every price point.
I hope this detailed guide helps you understand what to look for when choosing Audio Technica over-ear headphones. Let me know if you have any other questions!