Audio Technica ATH-WP900 Portable Headphone Review: We Have a Winner!

[@MinidiscAu]

I think this is the best thing from Audio Technica in a while, and no, it's not a sushi maker.

[@emillennartsson2783]

Hi Lachlan! Now I have placed an order on Audio Technica ATH-WP900. Ordered directly from Japan, since you only handle local customers. I really hope I experience a positive difference between these headphones and my ATH-MSR7 & ATH-MSR7B. Then I do not really mean difference but rather that they make everything sound a little better. Of course I have a bunch of other headphones, but only these from Audio Technica. I am curious to try them with the balanced cable. I will return with my judgment. :-) Sincerely, Emil

[@InternetUser-d7s]

@@emillennartsson2783 how did these end up comparing to the MSR7B? Looking to upgrade myself.

[@emillennartsson2783]

@@InternetUser-d7s All in all, I paid $ 1000 for my ATH-WP900! Customs, shipping and for the product. If I were on a slim budget I wouldn't recommend the jump. You get 4 of the ATH-MSR7B for the same money. Having said that. The WP900 does everything a little better. They are lightweight, more comfortable (smaller clamp), wider soundscape, fuller bass. The details may be the same? The base and that it feels less claustrophobic, I think, are their ups. If you are on a budget, the difference is not four times better. I use WP900 as my number 1 driver. 🙄

[@sasasasasasasami]

What about w1000z？

[@emillennartsson2783]

Hi Lachlan. Now I have got my ATH-WP900 and have listened to different music genres with them. I was worried that I would not experience enough difference between these and my ATH-MSR 7 / 7B. I am pleasantly surprised. You have already reviewed the headphones, so I only agree with what you have already highlighted. What I can say is that it is a lot of money for a pair of travel headphones. But if you buy them you will not be disappointed with the sound picture and comfort.

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

Emil Lennartsson should I get these or the msr7b’s? If you are on a budget

[@emillennartsson2783]

@@fluffypenguin888ramirez6 All in all, I paid $ 1000 for my ATH-WP900! Customs, shipping and for the product. If I were on a slim budget I wouldn't recommend the jump. You get 4 of the ATH-MSR7B for the same money. Having said that. The WP900 does everything a little better. They are lightweight, more comfortable (smaller clamp), wider soundscape, fuller bass. The details may be the same? The base and that it feels less claustrophobic, I think, are their ups. If you are on a budget, the difference is not four times better.

[@s7robe297]

The price range it’s in puts it in a very precarious position due to the insane amount of competition from other companies. How does it stack up to offerings from audeze, focal, or hifiman?

[@MinidiscAu]

While there are a lot of headphones out there for $1k, there's actually very little competition in terms of closed, portable headphones at the same price point. The closest I can think of are the Focal Elegia, Beyerydynamic T5P and Campfire Audio Cascade. I definitely prefer the WP900 over all three in terms of design, since it is a lighter weight, more discreet and more comfortable headphone. In terms of sound I also prefer the WP900, though I think the T5P is also a great choice if you wanted a flatter, smoother signature. If you wanted monster bass, the Cascade is a great option, though there seems to be a worldwide supply issue with that model at the moment. The best way to think about the WP900 is, it's Audio Technica's portable spin on the Fostex TH610/TH900. If portable use or comfort isn't at all important to you, I would say that the Fostex TH610 also offers a lot of what the WP900 does, at a lower price. They aren't exactly the same though. - Lachlan

[@InternetUser-d7s]

@@MinidiscAu Good stuff, Lachlan. Your reviews are always informative, articulate, and on point.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

Lachlan, I want to know what a workday in the life of a Minidisc employee looks like

[@thecat8513]

the ATH sound is unique enough some of us LOVE it!!! no other headphone sound like them, for good and ill.

[@Carolyne_games]

Compared to some other AT headphones I find the WP900 vocals sounding a bit further than my sweet spot, but that somewhat helps create a larger soundstage and everything sounds so clean and on point! It sounds pretty much like a more accurate and refined MSR7b, which is a winner for me. Like you said though, the WP900 does sound a tiny bit harsh and fatiguing, for longer listening sessions I'd probably go with the R70x

[@MinidiscAu]

Glad you like it, I do the same - R70x for long / all round listening, the WP900 for special times ;)

[@Carolyne_games]

After a few days it seems to be getting warmer, with the highs slightly softened and lows feeling richer. It just gets better everyday 😊

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

Karlovia what device do you listen with? Do you use a dac or Walkman or phone?

[@Carolyne_games]

@@fluffypenguin888ramirez6 I'm replying so late not sure if it's even gonna be helpful, so sorry :P. When I commented I was using iPad Pro with a USB DAC. Now I'm just using it with the new base model MacBook Pro 14". The 3.5 jack on the new MBP is amazing :)

[@unkowndata2338]

Hi Lachlan, I found this channel from your personal channel. I really liked your review of the Sennheiser pencil mic, it's still one of the only reviews for it that talk about vocals. What mic did you use for this video? It sounds really good.

[@vladimirwozny3095]

I love the sound of my ath-msr7b, I wonder how they compare to these... As far I understand, the sound signature should be really similar.

[@Carolyne_games]

Vladimir WOZNY not sure if this helps after 3 months, but I’ve owned the MSR7b before and just recently got the WP900, and based on what I can recall of the MSR7b, they do have quite similar sound signatures. They’re both creating some distance for an overall gentle sound to my ears. I remember the MSR7b being a bit too gentle for my liking though. The WP900 I feel like is an overall enhancement over the MSR7b, with more details, better imaging (that rivals the AD2000X imo) and more separation. Brand new it sounded a bit thin and held back (with some harshness in the highs), but with a bit of time it gets fuller, warmer and packs a bit more punch than MSR7b, which makes me happy. I guess considering the price difference all this is to be expected... but idk, it’s just so beautiful and I love it 🥰

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

Karlovia thanks if the wp900 goes down In price I will buy it. If it doesn’t than I will get the msr7b’s

[@vladimirwozny3095]

@@Carolyne_games Thanks ! ;) I will definitely put one ear (or maybe even two) on it.

[@FusionMusic]

Focal Elegia or this? I'm upgrading from Denon AH-D2000, thanks!

[@Xerpocalypse_]

Promare soundtrack on the DAP! Awesome choice there! :) One of the most enjoyable films for me in recent memory.

[@mark32123712]

I bought a pair 3 weeks ago. I find them to be an unbeatable set of headphones. Am getting a lot more than my money's worth Just get yourself a pair. You will not regret it.

[@ericrietschel6854]

What are you driving them with? Are you amplifying them in some regard? Thank you

[@terryRBNF]

Hows the long term comfort of these ON-EARS? , I tried a pair of Audeze Sine ( which were also ON-EARS ) before and while i liked the sound the comfort became an issue after an hour or two since my ears felt squished. PS Great channel and reviews, more power to your show.

[@lokyinglin]

There is a brief mention of the ATH-AP2000Ti, which I'm considering. How would you compare the 2?

[@MikoMuru]

They sound insanely similar as far as sound signature. I have both. The WP900 sounds more even and balanced. You can flush out more volume with less sibilance.

[@lokyinglin]

@@MikoMuru Thanks! Which would you recommend for jazz and classical?

[@laiduong1498]

Can you compare with Denon D7200

[@twoften]

Nice! Speaking of new wood cup AT headphones, any plans on getting the ATH-AWAS in when it becomes available?

[@MinidiscAu]

This is definitely something we are gunning for!

[@twoften]

@@MinidiscAu Awesome. Cheers!

[@marcusbryant2007]

@@MinidiscAu looking forward to it. According to a review from Amazon.jp, if you want more bass go for wp900 instead of AWAS.

[@ryanhostudio]

those cup look amazing doe

[@bluelaser2145]

I'm thinking about buying an Audio Technica Headphone this year particularly this model. My main headphone right now is Sennheiser HD660S (Also have Yamaha, Beyerdynamic, Sony and Ultrasone Headphones). Do you think this one is worth it? Comparing with HD660S? I know they are different (open vs closed ... etc) but if you own HD660S is it worth it to added ATH-WP900 to your collection?

[@MinidiscAu]

It’s hard to answer this as the WP900 is so different from the HD660s. If you wanted to get an idea of the AT sound this isn’t a bad starting point, though if you just want to dip your toes in the MSR7(b) is a classic too.

[@bluelaser2145]

@@MinidiscAu Thank you for the reply. I ended up ordering WP900 because you said it is the best headphone AT has released in years. MSR7B is good but I think this one will be better in terms of sound and build quality. Currently I enjoy listening to HD660S (Balanced) and I hope this one will stand toe to toe with my Sennheiser. Thanks again :)

[@leonardleonunu]

Hi Minidisc, nice review, i know it is dated a year ago. Quick question, if I like music with an edge towards heavier base, would you recommend this one over the AP2000Ti which you commented on your review better for classical and instruments. Thankss!

[@MinidiscAu]

Hi Loenard, correct I would learn towards this one for heavier bass, though neither are amazing for very bass heavy genres if you want maximum sense of impact.

[@kevinsetiawan2147]

Hi, Thanks for review! would you mind commenting on how it performs in comparison to ESW-950? I've been a fan of the ESW series and have owned every single limited edition ESW series headphone ever released. Personally I find ESW950 to be among the best of the series (ESW10JPN edge it out in some aspect) but anyway the only complain I have with ESW950 is minimal soundstage, since its slightly bigger does it improve in some way ? How's the build quality in comparison ? Any significant changes in terms of portability (ease of carrying/wear-abilty when walking)?

[@MinidiscAu]

I have a pair of 990Hs (AKA 950) myself - it is also a favourite of mine! Compared to the 990H the WP900 has less high frequency roll off and sounds less congested. The soundstage is noticeably wider. However they are not nearly as forgiving or mellow. Build quality I would say is neither better nor worse, but the build looks more simple compared to the slightly ornate 990H. In terms of comfort they are far ahead, but they are also slightly more bulky to carry around. I think the 990H sounds more like a really good "portable" headphone whereas the WP900 comes closer to sounding like a full size flagship, if that makes any sense?

[@mark32123712]

Long ago I listened to Koss 4AA. They were simply fantastic. Then for some reason I got away from headphones all together. In 2020 I started a very long period of research for new headphones. After about 6 months I purchased a pair of Audiotechnica WP900. These are the answer for modern day headphones. Period. End of story

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

Thoughts on newer wireless headphones like the Beats Solo Pro?

[@brandonlim5709]

You are trolling right

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

I have the solo pro ( I know I know bad purchase decision) and I want to start clean with the msr7b’s

[@jasongardner8104]

great video

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Do an impression for the new AT IEM too!

[@metal571]

Guitar manufacturer? ZMF x Audio-Technica is real now, apparently

[@MinidiscAu]

The manufacture is Fujigen. I didn’t want to say the name because I was sure I would mispronounce it.

[@MsSpookykid]

Do you think I could push the male voices a bit with using an EQ on a Shanling m6pro 21 for example?

[@shaned7793]

Nice review! I am a huge Grado fan, so you have piqued my interest. I also own the TH-610's and find them a bit sloppy. I do have a tune up kit coming from Lawton Audio though. I am curious if these would be a better choice for out and about than my Meze 99 Classic's? Very expensive though.

[@MinidiscAu]

I'm not sure you will necessarily find these less sloppy than the TH610 because the bass response can sound even more uncontrolled at times. It is even more "fun" than the TH610.

[@FusionMusic]

@@MinidiscAu I also currently using Denon AH-D2000 and is looking to upgrade to either ATH-WP900 or TH610 or Denon AH-D5200 or Elegia (different price point). Would you have any feedback regarding the choices?

[@upy0ur5]

@@FusionMusic sounds like you will like the WP900 the most.

[@FusionMusic]

@@upy0ur5 LOL I end up buying WP900 and returned it since it lacks mids. I mean I should've expected since it's v shaped headphone LOL. I then have moved on to D5200 for a while and recently got Hifiman R7DX which is my daily driver now. :)

[@upy0ur5]

@@FusionMusic did you like the 5200 more than the WP900 or less?

[@robmacled8431]

Would you share any feelings how they may feel on a big head listener please. I`m having that problem for years .... still can`t find perfect headphones.

[@JoseHernandez-br7lb]

Astell and kern SA 700 review please

[@janlevine7819]

Got one and love it (using with my Sony NW-WM1A, balanced). Worst thing is the bag - which isn't a case. Any suggestions on a hard-shell travel case?

[@MinidiscAu]

We would love to know some options too! We can confirm that the WP900 fits well in the Grado Medium Hard-Shell case but you need to detach the cables. www.4ourears.net/hard_shell_headphone_case_p/4e-casebk.htm

[@janlevine7819]

I'm waiting for a case that is intended to hold "larger" fold-flat headphones, from Accessory House, via Amazon. I'll let you know later this week if it works. They have three versions: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072LCDZFB

[@janlevine7819]

The Accessory House XL case works, width-wise, but it's a bit deeper than necessary, so the headphones can move around. The middle size, model DN1PRO-A, fits, but I'm using it for my KEF M500 and not the ATH-WP900. The divider is great, but the little pouch for the cables, etc., is larger than necessary and hits the head pad of the AT cans (it doesn't touch the KEF head pad). I tried another case that I had in my office, purchased two years ago for my KEF M500 headphones, and I found it works almost perfectly with the AT cans. It lacks the built-in divider to keep the earpieces from touching each other (but I can put a microfiber or ultrasuede pad in there), and the removable pouch for cables doesn't touch the headphone's head pad at all. It's the GOcase F3 model (the outside of the current version is different than the older version I have, which has a faux-carbon-fiber finish): www.amazon.com/dp/B073C5DNH5 Here's a photo of my ATH-WP900 in that the GOcase F3: lh3.googleusercontent.com/z_VGHztgqGVksJPstYj7uOdQyFmCjK6i7c9oGWbiehszjyTOCZNlfM1OqIbd3cknlG5VbCR70kB2VbxpTsFK3yIDh3gLCwZwoKYGRPno-QQrukDz-Gie6-U4jIA6z1bKcsm8lLFqLx5iv0-M_2jxeB-b70wrzphQ6NWOTCYlp7OxDsz9b064cLtFH4m_hrQqrnf9dRBbq1H0un7lOMBeuay5nJrTaNbZI6i3Q37hhKqqww534Lw4FOUprNGyZ_Whm-AE_H5GCOCKkNzZ77N1meq7XirIuZiWijZAELNW8cEB8aEhuq4bMemuBHO7fai42gbrUhAPPn7DmiQB_sSZszcDBD1BStsDL4nqRR7mBIRMILY8OAne9gKLO1Jx0df4MxvV2BhLuNunW_WbBi6yGNc4lghfYh3QgoBLbEhA9kqddgiBMXJMkR7CQWv4jmoymflpYk999Bi7a25O_QHHQP79EEQdkw5GFV6gcNifC20BAu1SIlmQPRz5FmTsP7PthQGOYmjDV3igd4NlsKFpUhCklt48kUfqitxBArgHq1KDMAMsVQ8guwE659vhYgDzHipq_mFy9BXncNMN1TFLpOSTJQSnWmxhADABtkwqttxPFZhwZGo_YiMasbg0ZAgeO4C9hS0pznp09VP8Y0UM67hSsqnjloMTyA015ZXd5WdTzwzaqjv6FoRjsYH7RIGwaPMN99d4aRRVStY3EDYAyro4qIB2c81RWNxMHt1xEnIeOEwJ4Q=w948-h711-no

[@Zubaruxa]

Hi, I loved this video, and I'm thinking about buying them! Just to know though-what is the dimension of the hole for the ears in the cups in respect, say, to a sennheiser hd 650 or a bose around ear? I found both really comfortable. Thank you! :)

[@MinidiscAu]

They are just slightly smaller than a Bose around ear, but much less deep so if your ears stick out they may touch the baffle.

[@frank2908]

Regarding size, what is the earpads diameter and the cup diameter? Total cup to bottom earpads thickness? I would like to have some idea regarding size

[@Cesar.Morningstar]

thanks for the review bro I have a question I want to update my ath msr7 and I am between these wp900 and some sony z7 I listen to elechronic pop and jazz swing and some other rap and rock and I would like something with a wide soundstage which would you choose from the 2?

[@upy0ur5]

WP900 has more detail and is more in your face than Z7. Z7 has a more relaxed sound. They both have impressive soundstage. How much are you paying for with both?

[@upy0ur5]

I do want to get this beautiful woody headphone. Im trying to get a headphone that is similar to my AP2000TI which is like a wall hack of a headphone for gaming in Apex Legends (I literally know where everyone within range is with the AP2000TI) Is the WP900 roughly the same amount of bass but with less harshness in the highs? Bass kinda ruins it for me if its any more than my AP2000TI. Only other reference I have is ATH M50.

[@MinidiscAu]

The WP900 has a bit more mid-bass than the AP2000TI, so it may be worse for gaming as it won't be quite as clear sounding. The AP2000Ti is definitely tighter in the bass with a flatter bass response.

[@upy0ur5]

@@MinidiscAu Thanks for the prompt response. Im a sucker for wooden headphones and I still want to see how they would compare by sound category to the lower end ath m50 or msr7b. Its hard to find a more detailed closed back portable headphone than the AP2000TI.

[@emillennartsson2783]

Hi Lachlan(likesathing).🙂 If you do not take into account neither the price nor the mobility, which headphones do you think deliver the best sound, from all aspects. ATH WP900 OR ATH AP2000Ti I would like you to give me a motivation. I've been following you for a while and appreciate your reviews! Sincerely/ Emil (Sweden)

[@MinidiscAu]

Hi Emil! Sorry to be obtuse, but it really depends on what kind of music you listen to. The AP2000Ti has flatter bass and a wider soundstage, and it really excels with good recordings particularly of classical, jazz, acoustic and instrumental pieces. However the brighter high frequencies may make it too harsh for studio pop, hip hop and electronic recordings. The WP900 is a little bit more forgiving in the high frequencies (though it is still brighter than most other headphones) and has that extra bit of bass to make things more fun. I think the WP900 is more of an all rounder and I like the sound more with different genres, but if you exclusively listen to what the AP2000TI does best, I think it's a solid choice.

[@emillennartsson2783]

@@MinidiscAu A big thank you! I have both the ATH-MSR7 & ATH-MSR7B. Do you think it's a upgrade enought? 🙄😁 I use SMSL SU-8(V.2), SH-8(dac/amp) att home and when I'm out I use Dragonfly Cobalt.

[@KKKLLL666]

Hello :) May I ask which one is better? ATH-WP900 or ATH-A200Z?

[@mrayars]

ATH-WP900 more fun and accurate

[@bartomiejwozniak8386]

Hello, I'm interested in replacing my old ATH ES10. Are WP900 and ES10 similar?

[@MinidiscAu]

I haven’t heard the ES10 in a long time, but remember it was also somewhat V shaped. I think the WP900 would sound overall less thin.

vs hd 280 pro and hd 300? Different price points I see. Vs the Fostex? :D T6ten or what are you saying? =P

[@bentobox3140]

Hi Lachlan. I tried these out recently too! But it's just got a couple of flaws that are semi-dealbreakers especially at such a price point: - the cables are sticky and microphonic. And you can't get aftermarket cables for them easily. Also, there are no aftermarket pads that are easily available for purchase. No Dekoni, no Brainwavz. - the lower mids push back male vocals quite noticeably, which kills a lot of genres with male voices. Acoustic music with one singer and one guitar, in particular sound out of balance as the instrument sound is well defined but the vocalist is "drowned out" - the R70x for instance is a much easier listen, with a more attractive mid range. It treats male and female vocalists much better, but loses out on some bass thump which the WP900 has. - the price point in most countries for the WP900 is approximately double the cost of the R70x, while being substantially more than the HD600, HD650 and Sundara. I think it could be a nice addition for someone's collection if they have other flat headphones but this one has such a polarizing signature that its hard to recommend it without trying it first

[@TCESCorp]

Same driver as ath ap2000ti? So what is the sound signature difference between those? What will you recommended in term of detail?

[@MikoMuru]

I own both and they are very similar as far as sound signature. I think you'll be happy with either one tbh. I prefer my WP900 because I can flush out more volume with less sibilance.

[@branislavcrljenica2584]

I am interested in which headphones are more comfortable ATH WP900 or Fostex TH610 because I wear glasses with a thicker frame (thicker ear the temples) in your personal experiences? Happy New Year from Europe! 🎶🎄 I hope the end of the fires that have caused a lot of damage to the ecosystem and wildlife 😢🙏🐨I'm very sad😢

[@MinidiscAu]

Thank you! The fires are a real tragedy, we hope they end soon too. I find the WP900 more comfortable due to lighter weight and smaller circumference that does not press as much on the arms of your glasses. Also make sure your glasses are properly fitted to the sides of your head.

[@branislavcrljenica2584]

@@MinidiscAu Thanks for your reply. I hope the end of the fire soon and that nature and the wildlife will recover and heal wounds 🙏🐨🙏🐈🙏🐪🙏🐍🙏🐸🙏🐝🙏🕊

[@MrRomanrin]

OMG its expensive ! but damn ... if thats the best of audiotechnica ... then its a gem !

[@fluffypenguin888ramirez6]

Imperiom it used to be 1200 usd but it fell in price to 650 usd and I hope it falls even more in price so I can buy it!

[@BabuRaj-pr8gt]

Are these Bluetooth headphones

[@zosmanovic9763]

No

[@llysender]

Thanks for the review. How do they sound compared to the MSR7 and how hard would you shill the WP900 to someone looking for a portable r70x experience?

[@MinidiscAu]

I prefer these to the MSR7 because they have a much stronger bass response, but the midrange has some similarities. I would not recommend it to anyone who wants a portable R70x, the R70x is a much more mellow sound.

[@llysender]

@@MinidiscAu Thanks I'll stick to the MSR7 then as I already find it has a tad too much bass

[@llysender]

I just got to experience the wp900 today using the UP4 as the source. It feels like a dark headphone and not really what I would like to use outdoors. Still sound good and clear but the highly recessed trebble is not to my taste.

[@白雪松-t1t]

Audio Tecnica: Audio comany ❌ furniture factory ✅

[@MikoMuru]

So its an weaboo anime girl vocalist headphone. Count me in.

[@JangoDu]

漂亮的木碗，太骚了

[@CamperIV]

Omg, I was really excited to see new good portable headphone until I checked the price. Wtf. This headphone looks and feels like something you'd buy 8 years ago. Cheap plastic hinges, lazy outdated build design, ugly connectors and cheap cable... Come on. For 1000$ it's insane. And they don't even give us replacement earpads? This headphone should have rivaled something like Sony MDR1am2 or AKG 361, in the 200-300$ range. Even their own ATH MSR7b is built much better than this. For this price range it would be worth it to save up a bit more and buy the Denon D9200 which actually sounds exceptional and is built like a 1000$+ headphone that I won't be afraid to use harshly.