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This audio technica ath ad500x audiophile open air headphones review covers the ATH-AD500X, a wired over-ear option designed for natural sound reproduction. It features newly designed 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils to deliver deep bass and clear vocals. The open-back design ensures no ear pressure, creating a natural listening sensation. These headphones also include lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing for durability and comfort. You get a flexible raised-fabric earpad and a self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing. The package includes an OFC single-sided cable and a gold-plated 1/8" connector with a 1/4" adapter.
- 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils for natural sound
- Open-back design eliminates ear pressure
- Lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing
- Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing
- Flexible raised-fabric earpads
Good fit for
You should choose these headphones if you prioritize soundstage and natural imaging over isolation. The open-back design suits quiet environments where external noise is minimal. Audiophiles who enjoy critical listening at home will appreciate the 53 mm drivers and CCAW voice coils. The wired connection ensures zero latency, making it suitable for studio monitoring or desktop use. If you value comfort during long sessions, the 3D Wing Support and fabric earpads provide lasting wearability.
Who can skip it
Skip this model if you need active noise cancellation or Bluetooth connectivity. The open-back design allows sound to leak out and lets in ambient noise, so it is not ideal for commuting or noisy offices. If you require wireless freedom, the single-sided wired cable with a 1/8" connector will restrict your movement. These headphones also lack a microphone, so they are not suitable for calls or gaming without additional equipment. You should look elsewhere if you need a portable, all-in-one solution.
Verdict
The ATH-AD500X offers a natural, open sound signature ideal for quiet, stationary listening. It suits audiophiles who value driver quality and comfort over isolation and wireless convenience.
Key specs for the ATH-AD500X
53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils
The driver size and coil material shape your sound. Larger drivers often move more air, which can improve bass response. CCAW stands for copper-clad aluminum wire, a material chosen for its light weight and conductivity. This combination aims to reproduce natural sound with deep, impactful bass and clear vocal projection. You should compare this driver configuration with other models in the same price range to see if the tonal balance matches your musical preferences.
Open-Back design
An open-back design means the ear cups are not sealed against your head. This allows sound to escape and air to circulate, which eliminates the feeling of pressure on your ears. It creates a wider, more natural soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening at home. However, this design lacks sound isolation. You will hear background noise, and others may hear your music, so this model is not suitable for noisy environments or public transport.
Wired connectivity
This specification indicates the headphones use a physical cable for audio transmission rather than Bluetooth or wireless technology. You will need to plug the 1/8-inch connector into your device, potentially using the included 1/4-inch adapter for larger inputs. Wired connections typically offer lower latency and consistent audio quality without battery concerns. If you prefer a clutter-free setup or need to charge your device, this feature may not suit your needs.
1.1 pounds weight
The listed weight helps you gauge comfort during extended listening sessions. While 1.1 pounds might seem substantial for headphones, the design distributes this mass across the headband and ear pads. The lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing aim to balance this weight for comfort. You should compare this weight with other over-ear models to ensure it does not cause fatigue during long periods of use.
Design and build details
The listing describes the ATH-AD500X as a lightweight over-ear headphone. It uses a honeycomb aluminum casing to reduce mass. This material choice aims to keep the weight low while maintaining structural integrity. The brand notes a weight of 1.1 pounds. You should consider how this mass feels during long sessions. A lighter frame often reduces fatigue, though it may feel less substantial in hand.
Comfort features include self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing. This mechanism is designed to provide consistent support without manual tweaking. The earpads are made from raised fabric. According to the listing, these pads offer durability and comfort. The open-back design means there is no sealed pressure on your ears. This layout allows sound to escape, creating a natural listening field but offering no noise isolation.
The cable is a single-sided OFC wire with a TPE sheath. This elastic coating is intended to prevent tangles. It ends in a gold-plated 1/8-inch connector. A 1/4-inch adapter is included for larger inputs. The finish is black. These materials suggest a focus on practical, long-term use rather than luxury aesthetics. You get a wired connection with no wireless components or batteries to manage.
Setup and everyday use
Setting up the ATH-AD500X is straightforward because it uses a wired connection. The listing specifies a single-sided cable made of highly conductive oxygen-free copper. This cable is sheathed in elastic TPE to help prevent tangles. You plug the gold-plated stereo 1/8-inch connector into your audio source. If your device only has a larger jack, the package includes a 1/4-inch adapter. This ensures compatibility with most home audio equipment, mixers, and computers. You do not need to pair Bluetooth or install drivers. The hardware is ready to use immediately upon unboxing. For daily use, the open-back design is a key factor. It produces no sense of pressure on your ears. This results in a completely natural sensation during long listening sessions. The self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing provides comfortable support. It adapts to your head shape for a secure fit. Flexible raised-fabric earpads add to the wearing comfort and durability. The lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing keeps the total weight at 1.1 pounds. This low mass reduces fatigue during extended use. The headphones are designed for audiophiles who value natural sound reproduction. The open-air construction means sound escapes from the back. This isolates you from your surroundings less than closed-back models. You will hear ambient noise around you. This setup is ideal for quiet home environments. It is not suitable for noisy commutes or public transport. The simple wired connection offers reliability without battery concerns. You can rely on the OFC cable for consistent signal transfer. The included adapter adds versatility for different input types. This practical approach focuses on sound quality and comfort over wireless convenience.
Before you buy these open-air cans
Because these are open-back headphones, you must consider your listening environment carefully. The design allows sound to escape, so you will hear background noise, and others may hear your audio. This model is not suitable for noisy offices or shared spaces. You should check your device’s output impedance. While the 3.5 mm jack is standard, some sources may benefit from the included 6.3 mm adapter for better matching. Keep the flexible raised-fabric earpads clean to maintain comfort and durability. The lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing requires gentle handling to avoid dents. When comparing this to the 1 other options on this page, note that closed-back alternatives offer isolation. If you need privacy or noise cancellation, skip this model. However, for critical listening in a quiet room, the natural soundstage provided by the 53 mm drivers is a strong advantage. Ensure you have a quiet space to fully appreciate the vocal projection and deep bass.
Check before you buy
- Verify your listening space is quiet enough for open-back sound leakage.
- Confirm your audio source supports the included 3.5 mm or 6.3 mm connectors.
- Check if you need noise isolation, which this open design cannot provide.
- Ensure you have a clean, dry place to store the lightweight aluminum frame.
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open-Air Headphones
Best for: home listening and critical audio
- Form Factor
- Open-Air
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Use
- Audiophiles
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 8.3 × 4.8 × 11.3 inches
- Weight
- 1.1 pounds
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X uses 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils to deliver natural sound. Its open-back design prevents ear pressure for a natural sensation. The lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing ensure comfort. You get a flexible raised-fabric earpad and an OFC cable with a TPE sheath. It includes a gold-plated 3.5 mm connector and a 6.3 mm adapter.
- 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils
- Open-back design reduces ear pressure
- Lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing
- Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing
- Wired connectivity limits mobility
- 1.1 pounds weight is substantial for open-air design
- You prefer natural, open soundstage
- You want comfortable long-session wear
- You need precise vocal projection
- You require wireless freedom
- You need noise isolation
- You prefer compact travel gear
Verdict: Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open-Air fits listeners who value natural sound and comfort over portability. It suits home use where wired connection is acceptable.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open-Air Headphones |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Open-Air |
| Back Design | Open-Back |
| Use | Audiophiles |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 8.3 × 4.8 × 11.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Size | 4.90 |
| Model | AUD ATHAD500X |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X good for gaming?
This headphone is not ideal for gaming. It features an open-back design, which means sound escapes from the ear cups. This prevents effective noise isolation and causes sound leakage. You will hear surrounding noises, and others may hear your game audio. It is better suited for critical listening in a quiet room.
Does the ATH-AD500X have Bluetooth connectivity?
No, this model does not have Bluetooth. It relies on a wired connection using a single-sided cable. The listing specifies a highly conductive oxygen-free copper cable with a gold-plated stereo 1/8-inch connector. You must plug it directly into your audio source, which limits portability but ensures a stable signal.
Are the ATH-AD500X comfortable for long listening sessions?
These headphones are designed for comfort during extended use. They weigh 1.1 pounds and feature a lightweight construction. The brand uses a honeycomb aluminum casing to reduce mass while maintaining structural integrity. The over-ear design helps distribute weight, making them suitable for home listening and critical audio tasks.
What size drivers does the ATH-AD500X use?
The ATH-AD500X uses newly designed 53 mm drivers. These drivers are paired with CCAW voice coils, which stands for copper-clad aluminum wire. This material is chosen for its light weight, helping to improve transient response. The larger driver size aims to deliver deep bass and clear vocals.
Can I use the ATH-AD500X for phone calls?
This headphone is not designed for phone calls. It lacks an integrated microphone. The product is best for home listening and critical audio. You should use a separate microphone for calls. The wired connection provides audio output only, without input capabilities for voice communication.
What is the cable length on the ATH-AD500X?
The product data does not specify the exact cable length. It describes the cable as single-sided and made of highly conductive oxygen-free copper. The sheath is elastic TPE to help prevent tangles. You should check the specific listing for the precise length to ensure it fits your setup.