Audio-Technica ATH-A1000Z Sound Review

EqualizerAPO EQ Preset:
Channel: all
Preamp: -3 dB
Filter 4: ON LS Fc 100 Hz Gain 3 dB
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain -3 dB Q 2
Filter 12: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain -3 dB Q 3
Filter 13: ON PK Fc 12000 Hz Gain 0.5 dB Q 1.41
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[@MetProSOWC]

"The reason why the cable is attached is because, well it doesn't detach" *_Metal571, 2019_*

[@metal571]

Lmao I was trying to say that because I always detach cables before holding up cans normally when reviewing to show them but couldn't even do this here. Instead I've created a quotable quote

[@wikivinum8975]

So thank you very much for the review, may I suggest though a title change. Fit review 85% and sound review is quite as a zero "blob stage". Have to say ha d trouble just like many at first. Nevertheless I focused on the fit "issue", as you rightfully mentioned and lost focus on; and discovered by trial and error that the metal double arch can be bent and modified to fit.. Again, I came from a 2 way hinge system...and took my time and was disappointed at first. But then I kept focus on sound and overcome the fit issue... Best.

[@fuffy442]

It's spelled "niche" but it's pronounced "hyekremelnetz".

[@robertstrobel7338]

Talked to the Audio Technia guy at NYC Kan Jam couple of weeks ago, nothing he had on the table had wings, then he said "Of course they wouldn't fit you, you're not Asian." :/

[@metal571]

LOL

[@13n1304]

I own these and I like them tbh. They have some problems like the non-detachable cable (I considered modding, not sure how hard that would be yet) and some peaks but overall still very enjoyable for me. The fit works for me. My gf tried these and at first she didn't like them because of the fit but she started to like them after a while. I love these headphones for casual listening because I can wear them for longer than my other headphones. The only issue that bothered me was that I didn't find any other pads besides the stock pads that worked well. I think aftermarket pads can really improve sealing/fitment issues but the ones I have here just didn't sound good on these so I put the stock pads back on.

[@SweepTheLeg2023]

I have had my ad900x's now for near 6 years and love these more than any other headphones. They were under 200 dollars, I'm curious how the Aeon Flows compare or any other closed headphone that can compare or beat this with just plugging and going without eq or with eq with music, movies and big soundstage for gaming? Thank you!

[@propender7311]

I really dont get the appeal of the higher end series of closed-back AT (A1000/x/z and A2000/x/z models). No removable cable, no upward tilt of the cup, and as you mention it in the video, no significant gap in sound compared to the a900/x/990z models. The new AP2000ti looks great but it seems super overpriced. I've never tried the MSR7 but the FR is not super sexy, and the Woodies are not that good as well, though I didnt try the W1000Z.

[@metal571]

The 2000Ti closed back sounded way better than anything else I've heard AT do so far but yeah really pricey

[@FusionMusic]

I'm actually in the market for a900x / a1000z / a2000z, would you say just stick to a900x and call it a day?

[@clownworldresidentii5184]

@kokakoliah the NAD Viso HP50 has a following in headfi and similar places. They are amazing headphones indeed. I would say they're equal quality compared to the MSR7 but have a much different sound signature. The MSR7 are mids and treble focused and they are much more bright and a bit sibilant. For longer periods of listening/relaxed the HP50 are better

[@roufali3178]

@@metal571 I've heard 2000ti sounds very warm and bassy not like treble murder 😅what do you say?

[@metal571]

@@roufali3178 no idea. Was only a very short CanJam impression

[@HenryFanboy]

The fit can be remedied by wearing a cap, works well on all Audio Technical winged cans. You can also add a widely stretched rubber band that gives it a small bit of clamp.

[@nonenothing4412]

AT must put cap in box with headphone

[@HenryFanboy]

Martin Przizcesky once you do what I said, with a lot of time spent adjusting it, comfort is not too bad

[@nonenothing4412]

@@HenryFanboy i have only 400 dollars but no money for cap!!!! joking! i just wear my headphones for 7-9 hours and don't want to wear also a hat but thank you mr sucky hairline!!LOL

[@ololoshevkin]

Very strange review. All the information about this model is not true. The only problem is detouchable cable and that all.

[@x-ray3431]

Hi Metal, comparing those to the open back, which is better for gaming? Any clear advantages for fps?

[@metal571]

Definitely something like the HD 599 would be better for that

[@sophymeas8379]

Akg pro 712 and ATH-1000z which one is better for mixing?

[@twilinter5229]

Now I'm kinda confused. Z Reviews sings this headphone a lot of praises but you. To be honest I don't like Z Reviews but he's still a reputable reviewer. I've watched both your and his review about the M50 and I agree with them, though you provided more solid reasons why the M50 is bad unlike Z Reviews (which is also why you are the first one on my mind when it comes to headphone). Reviews about the A1000Z was scarce, there was only Z Reviews to trust. So the A1000Z became my next target if I ever plan to upgrade. And yeah, the time comes, I do my research again and saw your video. I wish I could try them at the store but I can't, most of them are out of stock, the only option is shipping far away.

[@roufali3178]

Don't buy that model ! Go with others like HD 600 they're much better I hope

[@TsunTzu]

Thanks for the review. These are up on Drop for $250 atm and- yeah, they don't sound worth it even at that price. Too many concessions. Think I'll stick with the closed Beyers I've been rocking.

[@hanszimmer5580]

I love your revies. Thanks for the good work.

[@davidhodgin8900]

how do you feel about diversifying frequency responses in a collection? And what do you think about your budy who said amps shouldn’t make any difference in audio quality?

[@wikivinum8975]

He doesn't, at least in this review which is a fit review as if it was meant to be for a New Era...

[@SparkyNarwhal]

Great review!

[@Firespike33]

How is the soundstage on something like the HD 650 compared to this? I saw someone say that the A1000Z has a much more open sound than the Sennheisers. (I've heard the A1000Z but not the HD 600/650 or any variants)

[@roufali3178]

HD650's are open back so I hope it may have a marginally better soundstage than a1000z/2000z, if you prefer soundstage you can buy ath ad900x / ad1000x model from Audio Technica they're quite open sounding !

[@PauZakArtist]

6:00 - spot on! had ATH-A2000Z and they had the same problem - angle does not adjust vertically and it sucked! big time.. the sound too. was terrible, simply put. was so dissapointed.. tried cnahging pads and all that. 600 down the drain. I felt robbed. got back to my old ATH A900. because I loooove how the previous models fit and sound, can't find a decent replacement up to date. wish they went back to the older models ergonomics they have patented :(( it's hard to understand, how stupid does one have to be, to make mistakes like these.. unimaginable idiocracy.

[@metal571]

Yeah my A900X is so damn enjoyable. Big fan of it

[@godders7594]

Ive got the AKG 553, any ideas on the next step up in quality regarding a closed back headphones, thank you

[@metal571]

ZMF Atticus

[@godders7594]

thanks metal571

[@rolandlemus203]

so, what are a better set of headphones for metal mixing is?????

[@metal571]

K371

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

Nice review bro.

[@metal571]

Nice smiley face bro

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

@@metal571 thanks bro.

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

@@metal571 you know I'm Jose Santiago Ortiz I support you with 5 dollars per month bro.

[@metal571]

Yeah bro I know bro I appreciate it bro :P just playing around and thanks for the support

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

@@metal571 my bro.

[@roufali3178]

You reviewed a900x 😋you like them! But, this one 1000z is the upgrade to that 😃isn't it as good as those 900x?

[@metal571]

There's no such thing as "higher number better" in this hobby.

[@roufali3178]

@@metal571 got it! in AT lineup the higher you go the more unrefined it becomes 🤣same m40x to m50x and what about the m70x? z reviews called it treble murder!

[@metal571]

@@roufali3178 yep M70x has a totally different FR from the 40 and 50. And the A900X sounds nothing like that M series line either. Always take every headphone one model at a time, and never ever be totally brand-loyal either.

[@roufali3178]

@@metal571 Sure, as you mentioned, I am sure you listened to the m70x's, will you ever plan to review it ?

[@joy_1703]

Which microphone do you use for your videos?

[@metal571]

Rode NT1

[@joy_1703]

@@metal571 thanks

[@Chase-yg5no]

I see you mentioned the A990z. How was it compared to the A900x? I almost considered the new A--0z series over my Custom One Pros for an easy to drive closed back.

[@metal571]

Have not heard the 990Z but to my knowledge it's mostly just an A900X with a new pad that causes it to be slightly more v shaped

[@Chase-yg5no]

@@metal571 Ah, I see. The A-z series is just less common than the A-x series, so opinions on those are harder to come by. I agree about the tilt-less design, it's really bad. As bad as my AD700 was, I'm sure.

[@metal571]

Yeah same kind of think as the open back AD series. Not a good design. I do find the AD2000X a really special headphone but unfortunately the fit is way too weird and is even worse on these closed backs that need to seal and don't. Definitely looking for an A990Z to review if someone can send me one.

[@HenryFanboy]

metal571 A990z has a ~5db LS hump over A900X and is very mid-bassy, like A900X however even more so and it isn’t ideal on well recorded music. The low-mids also sound distorted and overall headphone I’d image it’ll come across even darker.

[@stevetatten9422]

A990 z sound like Beats. Bought them thinking they were like the 900 x model but they are not. I don't know what Audio-technica was thinking when they made this model. Heading back to Amazon and I can't get the 900x anymore.

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

I am a person who uses average consumer headphones such as beats. Will this be a break through in sound and blow me away? What are your thoughts thanks

[@metal571]

I would just get a K371 to start out

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

metal571 may I ask why to start with K371

[@metal571]

This channel has a lot of reviews, including that one, watch it first

[@DARKERanimexxXxx]

Did you just cranked down upper mids in your eq preset lol? Audio technica are known for their upper mids tuning.

[@metal571]

And it doesn't sound right to me so I attempted to fix it

[@roufali3178]

Please review the ADX5000 the flagship 😋😋😋I have heard lots of praise of it, wanted to know specially how it compares to Legendary HD800

[@metal571]

Send me yours

[@roufali3178]

metal571 I don't have it, it doesn't ship to my country India I think 😂😂I am using DT1990 pro, I recently visited headfi, some people are talking about adx5000s, so got intersted😜

[@roufali3178]

I think I have read the X Army review there! He brought that from a friend works in Audio Technica, by the way it has detachable cables😂😂

[@metal571]

Yeah I am just saying I depend on viewers to send in their headphones for review. I wish I could magically satisfy all these requests to review certain headphones but it doesn't work that way unfortunately

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

What do you think of A990z with dual hinge action for better fit, (supposed to have same sound as your fav A900x with some improvement in mids, closer to balanced sound with slight V profile, "warmth with an oomph" not as "technically proficient" as AKG K553), much better than the ATH-A1000Z and not as "resolving/balanced/good" as AKG K553? If you're not mastering in studio is A990z as fun as H6 gen 2?

[@metal571]

Changed the pads on the 990Z so I'd have to hear it to know for sure how I feel about it compared to 900X

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

@@metal571 Do it! Do it Now! (Aanold Schwarzenegger accent lol)

[@metal571]

Send me one

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

@@metal571 Wish I had one to send. Still contemplating the H6 gen 2, then came across 990z and Denon AH D2000. I did reach out to Zachary, he had a couple Atticus at approx 10% discount, unfortunately out of my budget but much appreciated. Thank you for suggestion, when the time comes will revisit. Gratitude for your input, patience and reviews. Any additional insight always appreciated.

[@metal571]

Those are all pretty good choices, more of a matter of taste. Could also just look for a used 900X or original A900, both of those I've heard and are very similar

[@adeelzero1445]

Neeeshh!

[@3xplosiv0]

so are these worth it at $250 though? price right now on Drop

[@metal571]

No

[@BeatlesOasisFan]

So basically these are uncomfortable, sound okayish, and don't have a removable cable. And all for a "low" price? That's a nope from me.

[@alexanderjames6328]

You could always purchase a really crappy 'BOSE' (American) set. :-)

[@willsbox635]

why is it red?

[@metal571]

I'm really not sure, just the color they went with this year

[@greencaffeineupsb1728]

It shall be mounted onto the wall of shame along with the NAD HP50s for most halfwitted design. Mediocre seal is inexcusable. The NADs were so notoriously uncomfortable for u that you couldn't bring yourself to review them, ya?. How would you say these compare soundwise, if you remember? Technica is more peaky with weirder tonality? edit--i should mention i'm not mad, just disappointed and sad...why design team why?!?

[@metal571]

Yeah seriously the HP50 was one of the least comfortable things I've ever tried. AT is a lot weirder. The HP50 definitely sounds like Harman but it's hard to even tell since you can't listen to it for very long lol

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

The Sennheiser orpheus2 he 1 doesn't have a removable amp/energiser. And the amp is a brick. Metal...you don't like anything. But I agree... It's crazy that you need to bend the headband to make the seal right.

[@metal571]

I don't like anything? I just recently spoke highly of the LCD4, A900X, K553, HD 6XX, 660S, HD 800, LCD2C, and Elex. And yeah good point, I still haven't heard or tried the he-1 yet

[@horten229pilot]

Don't be a shitter, of course you can unplug the HE 1 from the marble block.

[@nxxxxzn]

Seems like meh x9000

[@alexanderjames6328]

Beats anything that is made in the USA!

[@bentobox3140]

So annoying that Audio Technica KNOWS how to make a proper headband mechanism. The AWAS, ADX5000 and even WP900 and G1 have great headbands with click adjustment sliders. This wingband shit on something more than 400 looks shoddy and uncomfortable. It is comfy on the R70x but that's more an exception to the norm.