Audio-Technica receives a lot of attention for its extensive lineup of phono cartridges and affordable turntables, but where the Japanese manufacturer wants you to divert your attention in 2024 and beyond is its growing lineup of high-end headphones. Having already proven that it can build one of the most expensive headphone amplifiers ever offered and some rather expensive dynamic headphones including the $2,000 AT-ADX5000, they have introduced the ATH-ADX3000 Open-Air (aka Open Back) Dynamic Headphones for $999.99 USD.
The ATH-ADX3000 features an open-back design that supports unrestricted airflow for the diaphragm contributing to realistic soundstage and imaging, without using added dampening material or acoustic aids.
The ATH-ADX3000’s full-range driver is designed by Audio-Technica and manufactured and hand-assembled in their Machida, Japan factory. The driver utilizes the same technology as the company’s acclaimed flagship ATH-ADX5000 headphones.
Another design implementation is Audio-Technica’s exclusive Core Mount Technology. This positions the driver’s voice coil in the middle of its housing so that the acoustic space is balanced in both the front and the back of the driver.
From Audio-Technica lead engineer Hiromichi Ozawa: “Our engineers worked hard to achieve a frequency response that is not easy to obtain by using only natural airflow. Our expertise in driver technology influenced our approach to open-back headphones, and enabled us to ensure that the driver diaphragm moves with the purest motion possible.”
The ATH-ADX3000 employs a 58 mm tungsten-coated diaphragm, pure iron magnetic circuit, voice coil, and aluminum housing which is combined in a single integrated driver unit. The diaphragm is lightweight and responsive, and the pure iron magnet enables improved dynamic range and high efficiency.
All combined, Audio-Technica’s approach is designed to support a structure that provides clarity and stereo imaging, with articulate bass, smooth midrange, and detailed, extended high frequencies. A honeycomb-punched housing design blocks side ventilation to prevent undesirable air pressure loss.
To support all-day wearing comfort the ATH-ADX3000 is light weight of only 280 grams. A detachable 3.0 m (9.8-foot) cable with A2DC connectors and a robust aluminum storage case make use and transport easy.
Comparison
| ATH-ADX3000 | ATH-ADX5000 | |
| Price | $999 | $1999 |
| Headphone Type | Open Air (aka Open Back) | Open Air (aka Open Back) |
| Driver | 58 mm, Dynamic | 58 mm, Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 5 to 45,000 Hz | 5 – 50,000 Hz |
| Maximum Input Power | 700 mW | 1,000 mw |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 420 ohms |
| Connector | A2DC connector jack | 6.3 mm (1/4″) gold-plated stereo plug |
| Included Accessories | Detachable cable (3.0 m (9.8’) / 6.3 mm (1/4”) gold-plated stereo plug) Hard shell carry case |
Detachable 3.0 m (9.8′) cable with A2DC connectors |
| Optional Accessories | Replacement earpads, AT-B1XA/3.0 balanced cable | Hard shell carrying case |
| Weight | 257 g (9.1 oz) without cable |
270 g (9.5 oz) without cable |
The Bottom Line
Utilizing the same driver technology and open-back form factor of the previously released top-of-line ATH-ADX5000, the ATH-ADX3000 is designed to deliver impressive performance, wearing comfort, and provides a hard case for $1,000 less.
Of course, there are some specification differences between the two, but are they enough to make a buying decision difference?
Other headphones in the ATH-ADX3000’s price category include the recently released Shanling HW600 and other models such as the HiFiMAN Arya Organic and Audeze LCD-X.
The ATH-ADX3000 are also priced less than the Sennheiser/Drop HD8xx which have proven to be somewhat controversial.
Price & Availability
The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones are available at a suggested U.S., retail price of $999.
For more information: audio-technica.com
