When Audio-Technica announced the ATH-ADX3000, they had one simple goal: let the world experience a bit of the “audio gods” without shelling out an entire paycheck—or at least, not more than one. These new open-air dynamic headphones claim high-end sound in the under-$1,000 category, sneaking just under the wire at US$999.
So, what’s the ATH-ADX3000 bringing to the table? Let’s start with its 58mm tungsten-coated diaphragm and pure iron magnetic circuit. This thing is loaded. With aluminum housing and a voice coil crafted in Audio-Technica’s Machida factory in Japan, every inch of these headphones says, “Yes, I come from high society.”
The open-back design on the ATH-ADX3000 is also worth noting. It lets air flow freely through the diaphragm, giving listeners that spacious, natural sound as if the music is unfolding in a private concert hall rather than in their ears. And with no acoustic trickery like dampening materials, Audio-Technica promises pure, unadulterated soundstaging.
Core Mount Technology—a highbrow term for placing the driver’s voice coil smack in the middle—means the driver isn’t playing favorites with audio space. Balanced front and back, the 3000’s sound aims for harmony in every frequency.
Audio-Technica’s Hiromichi Ozawa points out that hitting these pure audio frequencies wasn’t easy, but hey, Audio-Technica doesn’t back down from a challenge. With a dynamic range so wide it might just get lost in its own depth and clarity that would make even the most refined audiophile smile, the ATH-ADX3000 also delivers rich bass, smooth mids, and highs that stretch on like the perfect road trip playlist.
Comfort-wise, the ATH-ADX3000 keeps things light, weighing in at just 280 grams and equipped with a detachable 3-meter (9.8’) cable with A2DC connectors for maximum flexibility. And, naturally, it comes with an aluminum storage case—a necessity when carrying a headphone this dignified.
For those ready to enter the open-air elite, the ATH-ADX3000 is yours for a cool US$999 starting October 24, 2024.
Images: Audio-Technica.
