Audio-Technica has been quietly perfecting the art of open-back headphones for nearly five decades. Starting with the AT-700 series back in the mid-’70s, the Japanese audio stalwart has long understood how unrestricted airflow could transform the listening experience. Now, with the ATH-ADX7000, they’re raising the stakes entirely with what they’re calling their most advanced open-air design to date — and the $3,499 price tag backs up that claim.
Handcrafted HXDT Drivers
The centerpiece here is Audio-Technica’s newly developed HXDT (High-Concentricity X Dynamic Transducer) technology, which uses precision molding to create a 58mm diaphragm with near-perfect roundness. This process ensures that all circular driver components (baffle plate, magnet, voice coil, diaphragm) align concentrically, allowing energy to transfer more efficiently while giving the diaphragm greater freedom of movement. The driver promises improved transient response and cleaner sound reproduction across the entire frequency range.
Core Mount and Open Honeycomb Housing
Beyond the driver tech, Audio-Technica deployed its proprietary Core Mount Technology to optimally position the driver unit within the housing. By placing the voice coil dead center, they’re able to reduce distortion. The aluminum housing features a honeycomb-punched design that keeps ventilation wide open. Combined with a high-impedance voice coil rated at 490 ohms, these headphones are engineered for expansive dynamic range — though you’ll need a capable amplifier to drive them properly.
Featherweight Construction
Despite all this hardware, the ATH-ADX7000 tips the scales at just 9.52oz with the Alcantara earpads (or 9.7oz with the velvet option). Credit goes to the magnesium-alloy frame, which provides rigidity while dampening unwanted vibrations that could color the sound. Two sets of interchangeable earpads come standard: high-density velvet for balanced audio or Alcantara for a warmer, fuller presentation. You also get two detachable 3-meter cables — a balanced XLR option and an unbalanced quarter-inch plug — plus a hard carrying case. Each pair is handcrafted at the brand’s Tokyo facility and individually serialized, which is a nice touch for those who care about provenance.
Spec Sheet
Model: ATH-ADX7000 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones
Driver: 58mm HXDT (High-Concentricity X Dynamic Transducer)
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 50,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Construction: Aluminum honeycomb housing, magnesium-alloy frame
Earpads: High-density velvet and Alcantara (both included)
Cables: 3.0m balanced (4-pin XLR) and unbalanced (6.3mm gold-plated)
Connector: A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial)
Production: Handcrafted in Japan
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $3,499, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 will be available starting October 31.
Recap
Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones
Audio-Technica just dropped the ATH-ADX7000, their most advanced open-back headphones yet, featuring new HXDT driver tech and a featherweight magnesium build that costs $3,499.
