For over 50 years, Audio Technica has established itself as a premier maker of high-fidelity audio equipment. If you‘re an audiophile who revels in hearing every subtle detail and nuance in your music, Audio Technica should be your headphone brand of choice.
In this guide, we‘ll explore the 5 best over-ear wired and wireless headphone models from Audio Technica specifically suited for critical listening and analytical monitoring.
Overview of Audio Technica Headphones
While Audio Technica manufactures microphones, turntables, and other pro audio accessories, they built their reputation largely on the performance of their headphones. Their line-up runs the gamut from budget-friendly to high-end, but core traits remain:
- Natural, balanced sound reproduction
- Comfort-driven design
- Robust build quality with metal/aluminum parts
- Circumaural form factor that encloses/isolates ears
Within their headphone selection, you‘ll find both open-back and closed-back varieties catering to different monitoring needs:
- Open-back: Ideal for mixing/mastering, optimized for a spacious, natural soundstage. Some sound leakage.
- Closed-back: Offer sound isolation for tracking/listening. Increased bass response compared to open-back.
Now let‘s break down the crème de la crème – the 5 best over-ear headphones from Audio Technica for discerning listeners.
1. ATH-M50xBT2 – Best Overall
| Price | $199 |
| Driver Size | 45mm, proprietary |
| Noise Cancelling | No (closed-back passive isolation) |
| Battery Life | 50 hours (BT), 80 hours (wired) |
The ATH-M50xBT2 takes the reigns as Audio Technica’s flagship Bluetooth over-ear model aimed at professionals but equally suited for recreational listeners.
You‘ll be stunned by the crystal clear highs, smooth mids, and satisfying low-end punch delivered through proprietary 45mm drivers. The extended frequency response ensures you‘ll hear intricate instrumental textures, while the noise isolation provides a cocoon for your music.
Conveniences like one-ear monitoring, volume/playback controls, and a beastly 80-hour battery life in wired mode make the M50xBT2 shine as an ultra-capable headset both in and out of the studio. Its balanced sound, rich clarity, and wireless freedom earn its place as the best overall Audio Technica headphone available.
Standout features:
- Expansive soundstage and audio precision
- Superb comfort with professional-grade materials
- Seamless device connectivity via Bluetooth 5
2. ATH-M20x – Best Budget Option
| Price | $49 |
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Noise Cancelling | No (passive isolation) |
The M20x carries over Audio Technica‘s signature sound profile at a fraction of the cost. You still get those clear mids/highs and enhanced low-end courtesy of the 40mm drivers coated in rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire.
It lacks some bells and whistles of pricier models, however paired with the right headphone amp, the M20x provides rich detail that outperforms its entry-level price point. For around $50, it‘s an unbelievable value for the sound quality on offer.
If you‘re tracking multi-station productions or listening analytically on a budget, the M20x has all the accuracy you need without breaking the bank.
Standout features:
- Balanced sound reproduction
- Single-sided cable reduces weight
- Extremely affordable pro-sumer option
3. ATH-M40x – Best for Monitoring
| Price | $99 |
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Noise Cancelling | No (passive isolation) |
Up a notch from the M20x, the M40x adds a few valuable monitoring functions ideal for studio engineers. Key among them, the swiveling earcups flip up to facilitate quick signal checks and cross-referencing on the fly.
The headphones maintain excellent passive noise isolation to eliminate external distractions, while upgraded materials like pro-spec earpads increase wearing comfort. Expect lush sonic textures and plenty of detail across acoustic, percussion and vocal elements.
For around $100, it‘s the most cost-effective pro monitoring headphone from Audio Technica thanks to the crystal-clear audio and flexible one-ear functionality.
Standout features:
- 90-degree swiveling earcups
- Durable construction with metal/aluminum parts
- Increased sound isolation
4. ATH-ANC900BT – Best Noise Cancelling
| Price | $349 |
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Noise Cancelling | Hybrid ANC |
| Battery Life | 35 hours (ANC on) |
Frequent travelers should look no further than the ATH-ANC900BT, Audio Technica‘s premier noise cancelling over-ear headphone.
It implements a hybrid dual-mic system to block up to 95% of ambient sound across a range of frequencies from jet engines to crowd chatter. This allows you to focus completely on the music and listen for longer periods without fatigue.
The 40mm diamond-coated drivers yield clean bass and sparkling highs that won‘t disappoint on long hauls. Topping it off, you get roughly 35 hours on a single charge to last multiple trips. For frequent commuters or audiophile jet-setters, the ANC900BT offers a peaceful haven.
Standout features:
- Cutting-edge hybrid noise cancelling tech
- Refined audio components like D/A converters
- Customizable ANC levels via mobile app
5. ATH-ANC7B – Best Comfort
| Price | $149 |
| Driver Size | 40mm |
| Noise Cancelling | Feedforward ANC |
If you want headphones suitable for marathon listening sessions, the ANC7B should top your list. The rich protein leather and memory foam earpads envelope your ears like a pillow. The headband shape evenly distributes weight across your head without pinch points.
This ergonomic comfort combines with very capable feedforward ANC that dramatically cuts down ambient noise on planes, trains and anywhere loud. Musical elements sound intimate yet roomy thanks to the Sound Reality driver positioning.
For all-day analytical listening in noisy environments, the ANC7B gives your ears a cushy oasis while wowing you with sound quality.
Standout features:
- Plush leatherette and memory foam padding
- 90% noise cancelling efficiency
- Very portable folding design
How to Choose Audio Technica Headphones
All the models above shine in specific monitoring applications, but you‘ll want to tailor your choice to your personal listening style and needs.
Key factors when selecting Audio Technica headphones:
Use case: Studio monitoring vs. recreational listening? Noise isolation necessary?
Audio components: Driver diameter greatly impacts sound reproduction. Also consider magnet types, wiring like OFC.
Comfort level: Marshall-listening sessions require ample padding, lightweight build.
Design: Open-back vs. closed-back each have acoustic tradeoffs. Over-ear cups fully enclose ears.
Cables: Detachable cables allow for easy replacement. Look for adapters like 1/4" to 3.5mm.
Price: Sets budget ceiling. But cheaper headphones can still achieve great sound.
By prioritizing these key variables, you‘re sure to end up with the perfect Audio Technica headphones to satisfy your personal listening penchants.
Final Thoughts
Through 50+ years crafting headphones optimized for critical listening across the frequency spectrum, Audio Technica has cemented itself as a choice brand for sound engineers and audiophiles. Their over-ear designs in particular allow for deep analytical listening thanks to noise isolation, specialized drivers, and materials emphasizing acoustic clarity across mids, highs and lows.
Hopefully this guide has outlined both the audio virtues offered by Audio Technica‘s headphones as well as how to select the right pair for your specific needs. Listening critically requires the best headphones after all. So treat your ears to the glorious sounds only Audio Technica cans provide.
