Review on 🎧 Top-Quality Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Art Monitor Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones Black: Experience Superior Sound Quality by Marc Gallner

Audio Technica ATH-A990z I have a little less than two months and use it every day. Given the success of the previous version of these headphones, the ATH-A900x, I'm genuinely surprised at the lack of reviews. I don't really write reviews very often, but I think these headphones deserve praise. Here's some background and context to my origins. If you don't care, just scroll down to the (SOUND) section. I mostly listened with open headphones. My first real headphones with Audio-Technica AD900 (original open-back, not Xs). They had amazing mids, soundstage and visuals. But they had absolutely no bass or treble, which was very accurate but verged on noise. I hooked it up to a Yamaha AV receiver which had a decent headphone output and it really pushed the highs to an acceptable level. I used the tone controls built into the receiver to bring the bass to a comfortable level. I also added extra padding to the ear cups to keep the drivers from stressing my ears. These were my daily drivers for almost 3 years before I accidentally stopped them from sitting on them all the time if I ever left them in my computer chair. I really liked the sound of these headphones (after modification) and that's one of the reasons I decided to buy the A990z. I bought an enthusiastic Phillips SHP9500 to replace my old workhorse, but they sounded very dull and muffled compared to the AD900. Very comfortable and didn't sound bad. but they made my entire music collection sound the same and didn't stand out in any way. I wanted to experience that Audio-Technica magic again and this time I also need closed-back headphones (my noisy little nephew lives with us now!). I'm eyeing the recently updated Art Monitor Z series, the A990z is spot on for the price. I also have TEAC AI-301DA headphones as my new audio output source. I mainly listen to electronic music (Aphex Twin, BOC, Chris Clark, etc.) and sometimes instrumental orchestras or jazz. (SOUND [with standard pads]). laconically. The picture/sound separation and soundstage are pretty good for these closed-back headphones (they work really well with games!). In spite of everything, whatever the name and title, they're not that great for sound monitoring and projection (although they're a lot better than the ATH-M50x in that regard). The sound is V-shaped, with an emphasis on bass and treble, but not overloaded. The bass gets deep and has quite a strong impact. These aren't bass cannons, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much they pump out low frequencies (although that might just be my preference for an open back panel). The mids are still present and fine, but not up to date like on my old AD900. The highs are emphasized but never hissing like the Audio Technicas of yesteryear and very accurate. He also stayed with me from my AD900 but without sharpness. Like most closed-back headphones, they sound closed. There is a sound stage but not much and not enough to surprise most people who like really nice open backs. The picture is very good, like the AD900, but I clearly remember that the AD900 was better (COMFORT [with standard pads]). If you know anything about the 3D AT-Wing system, then you know that comfort can be a major drawback (fortunately, this usually works for most people, myself included). There are a few issues to note. Initially, the headphones seem to slide off your head, but once you put them on and wear them, that feeling wears off after a while. The only thing that hasn't gone away is the tingling sensation on the pads. The pads themselves are quite comfortable and soft, made from high quality synthetic leather [?]. I personally don't like skin on the ears, I tend to prefer fabric or velor upholstery. But the real problem is that they are too small to support the head and the inner diameter of the ear hole is too small for most. My ears are not big and they are uncomfortable in them. I would imagine someone with big ears just won't fit in. Fortunately, you can replace the ear pads, although most ear pads not made specifically for the Art Monitor series will fit snugly. Some don't fit at all, while others do (like HiFiMAN pads and Brainwavz pads). Standard ear pads are the only downside to the A990z. (DESIGN) Nothing to say if you know the AT design with its A series headphones.3D wing design. Articulated cups up, down, left and right. corner driver. They also have a really nice solid 3m single braided cable that is oddly exclusive to the A990z in its own line. More expensive models also don't have cups that move up and down for some reason. They're not the best soundproofing, but they work well enough to keep babies from crying, especially with open backs. They are very efficient and not difficult to use. They can be muted to an unsafe volume by most smartphones or a PC's headphone jack. However, be aware that if your audio output is underrated or dirty, they are quite sensitive and will pick up noise. In fact, they can pick up a constant low hiss in my TEAC AI-301DA that I would never have guessed from my Phillips SHP9500. I really have no idea if the A990z will scale well with high-end hardware, but it definitely can't hurt. The cool dark green and reflective camera ring is very pretty (pictures don't convey it properly). (SOUND & COMFORT [with Brainwavz Hybrid Memory Foam]) So I'm tired of using standard ear pads and feeling pinched in all the time. The non-angled Brainwavz Hybrid Memory Pads were a well-known pad that (barely) fit in AT cans. It's a pain and will take about 20 minutes while you struggle to put them on, but be persistent and you will put them on. Small hands help too. I was just hoping for an increase in comfort and no more, but I got a lot more. In my opinion, the sound has changed for the better. The soundstage has grown which really helps it sound less closed and clipped, not to the high levels of my AD900 but pretty darn close, especially for a closed cabinet design. The visual/audio and mid-range separation is now FANTASTIC and really reminds me of the AD900. Not much has changed in the highs, but they sound a bit more voluminous and precise. The bass is much tighter and more precise, especially in the lower range. The bass is less bass-heavy, which makes the sound more neutral (for my taste, the sub-bass was quite emphasized). The midbass is still punchy and tight. The comfort is now just perfect. My ear now fits in the cups, no more slipping feeling with the headphones. I no longer have that pinched feeling in my ears and the ear cushions are much more breathable. For a small additional charge, these pads are worth their money. (GENERAL) Again, the only thing holding them back from 5 stars is the defective ear pads. It would be great if they gave it more depth and left more room for the ears. Other than that, it's a fantastic indoor performer. The sound is truly entertainment-focused, but still with Audio Technica precision that most audio snobs will enjoy. AT struck a really good balance here, be it randomness or design. The bottom end of the A550z is meant to sound like an upgraded A700x, but they're not made in Japan. The high-end A1000z is said to sound just like the A990z, but with less of everything (at twice the cost, not less!). And the flagship A2000z is said to be VERY different from all other headphones. For the asking price I would say it's worth it. And I personally see no need to update these headphones in the years to come. whether it was accidental or intentional. The bottom end of the A550z is meant to sound like an upgraded A700x, but they're not made in Japan. The high-end A1000z is designed to sound just like the A990z, but with less of everything (at double the cost, no less!). And the flagship A2000z is said to be VERY different from all other headphones. For the asking price I would say it's worth it. And I personally see no need to update these headphones in the years to come. whether it was accidental or intentional. The bottom end of the A550z is meant to sound like an upgraded A700x, but they're not made in Japan. The high-end A1000z is designed to sound just like the A990z, but with less of everything (at double the cost, no less!). And the flagship A2000z, as they say, very different from all other headphones. For the asking price I would say it's worth it. And I personally see no need to update these headphones in the years to come.