Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000X

The ATH-AD2000X is an open-air dynamic headphone built around a 53 mm driver designed specifically for this model. The driver pairs a Permendur magnetic circuit with an OFC-7N voice coil. A diffuser inside the housing spreads the air to widen the soundstage, and a finned baffle keeps the structure strong while holding down weight.

The joints and frame are made of magnesium alloy, giving a weight of 265 g without the cord. A 3D wing support and suede-covered low-rebound earpads are used for a lighter fit with less pressure. The earpads touch the head across a surface rather than a line, which the maker says helps keep low frequencies from thinning out.

The 3.0 m cord enters both earcups and uses four-core wiring with independent left and right grounds, an OFC-6N plus OFC hybrid conductor and an elastomer sheath. It ends in a gold-plated 6.3 mm stereo plug with a 3.5 mm adapter. Because of the open design, sound leaks out easily, so it suits quiet private listening rather than public places. The model is listed as no longer in production.