Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
| Over-Ear | Open-Back | 53 mm Driver |
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X, one of the most affordable open-back headphones from Audio-Technica.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X features a single dynamic driver configuration with a very large diameter of 53mm and CCAW voice coils.
This model belongs both to the High-Fidelity Headphones series and to the Audiophile Open-air Headphones line of Audio-Technica headphones, among which can also be found:
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000X
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
- Audio-Technica ATH-AP2000Ti
Among all the open-back models in the HiFi series, the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is the 2nd most affordable model, preceded by the Audio-Technica ATH-AVA400.
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Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Review
Tests & Scores
A
Accessories & Packaging
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X comesbundled, simply, with a screw-on adapter (3.5mm to 1/4″).
6.5/10
CB
Cable
The cable of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is a fixed (non-detachable), oxygen-free copper cable with a single sided design.
The cable is fairly thick and rubberized which can help to handle (in part), gentle tangling issues.
The length of the cable (being 3 meters), though, might not be the best friend for casual listeners but will be appreciated for people mixing or monitoring.
The connector is straight with a gold-plated end and a “casing” end fully made of plastic.
W
Weight
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X weight in Ounces and Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X weight in grams.
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CQ
Construction Quality and Build
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is remarkably light-weighted despite the huge size and, contrary than it might be thought when holding it on the hands, this model offers many durable build materials.
The unit is constructed with more or less 4 different materials; the casing are aluminum, the frame structure is magnesium, the earpads are made of fabric and the rest of the pieces are mostly plastic.
B
Bass & Sub Bass
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X presents a mid-bass personality that is very bouncy and not particularly very precise.
On the other hand, this same style gives it a noticeable amount of punch – feature that tends to be uncommon on open headphones.
As expected, sub-bass is present but cannot reach very deep levels nor reproduce extreme low notes; as expected for an open-back headphone, as this is a typical characteristic of these kind of headphones due to a design “limitation” in comparison to fully or partially closed housings.
With an EQ, there was, mostly, an important deepening of the sub-bass but negligible gain in mid-bass punch.
7.5/10
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M
Mids & Vocals
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have very warm mids with somewhat congested flavor. However, the midrange on the ATH-AD500X is able to sound fairly non-distant.
The upper end of their midrange offers some crispness and a “less-busy” sound than their lower mids, yet this will not be a headphone winning awards as the crispier out there.
Nonetheless, this less pronounced upper-mids grants them a harsh-free sound on nearly any track or genre.
Applying an EQ can reduce their “busyness”, drastically clearing up their male vocals but beware that things get easily tinny and boxy if slightly overdone.
7.75/10
H
Highs & Treble
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X highs have some brightness but with a contrasting darkish/congested tint that is always present.
Still, for an open-back headphone with this darkish profile, detail is resolved but not do not expect a great amount.
In general all of our editors agreed that their highs had something a bit off that was not fully convincing. Unfortunately, sibilance is also present, yet piercing peaks usually did not show up on most tracks.
Using an EQ, highs can be brighten up and helped to resolve more detail, with a noteworthy overall amelioration of SQ.
7/10
SL
Sound Leak
The sound leaking out of this headphones will be strong and highly hearable by anyone nearby.
If you are concerned about the privacy of your listening sessions you should not buy this model, nor any open-back headphone.
1/10
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SI
Sound Isolation
The sound isolation provided by the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is practically none; wearing or not wearing them will make little difference of the perceived isolation (while not playing music)
This is a normal way how a fully open-back headphone should perform; this is not a defect of this particular model.
1/10
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C
Comfort
The earpads of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X are very large, soft and provide a deep space to fit anyone’s ears without any discomfort.
Moreover, the fabric is quite pleasant to the touch and enable a more “breathable” experience than plush-leather and real leather earmuffs.
The 2-rod main headband design on this Audio-Technica headphone combined with a self-adjusting wing system and an superb choice of build materials to keep the unit feather-light, results in a phenomenal experience regarding fit and prolonged use, with zero discomfort worries.
The only drawback of these wings and self-adjusting system is that the wings themselves might not be able to withhold a lot of weight.
9.5/10
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EQ
Response to Equalization
The response to EQ of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X showed a very efficient performance over highs and treble with not many cons while their mids risked to introduce some issues if overdone.
7.5/10
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SF
Size & Fit
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X size and Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X fit.
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Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Frequency Response Curve
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Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Technical Specifications
| Type | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver Unit | 53mm |
| Sensitivity | 100dB/mW |
| Power Capacity | 500mW |
| Impedance | 48 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 5-25,000Hz |
| Diaphragm | Unknown |
| Magnet | Unknown |
| Cord | round cord |
| Cord Length | 3m |
| Plug | Stereo mini plug |
| Weight | Approx. 235g |
| Supplied Accessories | 1/4″ adapter |
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ScoresAudio-Technica ATH-AD500X Scores
- Design - 8.5/108.5/10
- Bass - 7.5/107.5/10
- Mids - 7.75/107.8/10
- Highs - 7/107/10
- Comfort - 9.5/109.5/10
- Response to EQ - 7.5/107.5/10
- Value for Money - 7.25/107.3/10
Summary
✅ Extremely easy to drive with any device (even smartphones)
✅ Super lightweight
✅ Metal grids and headband structure
✅ Non-harsh mids
✅ Very comfortable
✅ High volume output
✅ Very open design
❌ Susceptible to deterioration of SQ if misplaced
❌ Easy to misplace them
❌ Bass might be too bouncy for some
❌ Sibilance
❌ Odd high
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X has built-up some strong fans through out the time. Nonetheless, our tests and performance results made us conclude that for listeners chasing refined and clean sound, the ATH-AD500X it might be more of an OK headphone than unforgettable - yet, the very affordable price might be tempting for people on a tight budget looking for their first open-back headphone.
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Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X FAQ
How many drivers does the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is a single driver headphone. Which means that the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X has 1 driver per side.
What type of headphone is the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is an over-ear headphone.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is an open, semi-open or closed back headphone?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is an open back headphone.
Does the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have a microphone?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X does not have a microphone and a remote.
What is the price of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X?
You can check the most up-to-date price of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X by following THIS LINK.
Where can I buy the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X?
You can buy the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X, here.
Which Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X colors are available?
The colors available for the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X are: black
What cable do the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have single-sided, round cable.
What cable connection does the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X cable connection has a 3.5mm mini stereo plug.
Are there replacement cables for the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X ?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X cables cannot be replaced.
Does the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X have Bluetooth / The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is a wireless headphone?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X does not have Bluetooth but you can buy adapters such as the FiiO BTR3
to make it wireless Bluetooth.
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X compatible with Apple devices?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is fully compatible with Apple devices.
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X compatible with Android devices?
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X is fully compatible with Android devices.
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Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
