The Audio-Technica ADX3000 is a refresh of the ADX5000 that was launched in 2017. Audio-Technica has more premium closed-back models than open-backs, so the ADX3000 is a rare insight into Audio-Technica’s open-air tuning. Also, Audio-Technica’s premium headphones are laboured creations by the audio engineers who adjust the sound signature, design the transducers, and handcrafted the components in Japan. I feel privileged to experience some of the amazing products produced in limited quantities, like the WB2022 Wireless Headphones and the Narukami amplifier.
The plain brown external package of the ADX3000 reveals the elaborate silver hardshell casing, but what’s even more surprising is how light the actual headphones feel. They are the lightest over-ear headphones I have worn, and the only reason I can feel them on my head is the clamping force. The headband design is reused from other A-T premium headphones like the ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWKG, but instead of leather wrapping, it uses Velour fabric that matches with the earpads.
The reason why the ADX3000 is so light is that besides the use of lightweight magnesium alloy as the frame, there isn’t any need of any additional materials to hold the drivers. The Core Mount Technology directly integrates the 58mm dynamic drivers into the baffle to reduce unwanted vibration, improve airflow and achieve full-range audio reproduction. Surrounding the drivers are nothing thick or solid, designed to minimise any resonance, relying purely on the speaker diaphragms and natural airflow to drive the soundwaves into the ears.
One of the biggest technical differences from the ADX5000 is that the ADX3000 has a lower impedance of 50 ohms compared to 420 ohms on the former. It also means the ADX3000 is more consumer friendly and easier to drive on most audio players. Included in the package is two sets of cables, one on 3.5mm single-ended connection in three-metre length, another on 4.4mm balanced connection in 1.5m length. All Audio-Technica premium headphones employ A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connector that Audio-Technica developed, which has the advantage of ensuring more secure connection and reduce connector rotation.
Audio Quality
The ADX3000 is the headphones tuned to deliver sparkling sound to your ears. If you love to hear instrumental clarity, vocal sizzles, and airy reverbs, this is the headphones that you will love. The transparency is quite bearable partly due to the open-back design which prevents lurking resonances. That is the advantage of open-back headphones.
Conversely, while the bass is not as heavy as close-back models, it sounds less forced and more musical. Heavy-bass tracks like Daft Punk “Get Lucky” still get the kicks yet the vocals and other instruments are still clear and detailed. When listening to Jazz, Classical and other instrumental genres, the ADX3000 brings out the intricacies. The sound staging is more excessively wide, but the instruments have adequate layering.
The clarity is also the result of a tamer midrange that takes away the harmonic distractions, but with a little help from the upper bass and lower midrange, the headphones still offer some fullness and so the overall presentation is not as cold. As a result, the ADX3000 somewhat offers the best of both worlds: an expressive low registers, elevating highs, clear snappy instrumentations. If you pair it with a neutral-warm DAC, you will achieve magic.
The tuning reminds me of the Sennheiser IE200/300/600/900 series, so I connected the IE200 and indeed, they possess similar brightness. But the ADX3000 has the upper hand due to the larger drivers and is open-back. The IE200 delivers clarity but the tiny driver pushing sound through sealed ear canals can cause some discomfort. The ADX3000 achieves the frequency response while sounding more open, less cramp.
Comparing to the Sennheiser HD800S, the ADX3000 is more revealing, bass more kick, instruments are more pushy. The HD800S has wider staging, vocals are fuller and warmer. They have such different audio character that it really boils down to what type of frequency response you prefer. If you listen to more instrumentals, then ADX3000 will sound more impressive. The HD800S is better for vocal music.
Comparing to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, the ADX3000 is once again superior in clarity, but comparatively, the M50xBT2 has fuller-sounding midrange although it costs the headphones its transparency. Relatively-speaking, the ADX3000 could possibly turn listeners off due to its almost-excessive clarity. Or it could make M50xBT2 sound more bloated in the midrange and less glossy at the treble.
Verdict
It is very easy to love the ATH-ADX3000. It enhances the clarity of music, delivers instrumental details that brings sparkles to the listeners’ ears. The brightness is balanced with an open-sounding full bass and controlled warmth. These headphones can make instrumental genres sound spectacular, but they also can offer new listening insights to music in general when listening at moderate levels.
A part of me is asking what is so unique about the ADX3000 other than the astoundingly light frame. With a retail price of S$1499 in Singapore, they are actually not that expensive compared to other premium headphones at this range, given the components are handcrafted in Japan. I don’t think Audio-Technica is developing the ADX3000 to compete against any competitors in mind. Rather, it is a dedication of a passionate audio maker to create a sound signature that they are proud to call their own. In that respect, the ADX3000 is quite a joy to listen to, and will appeal to A-T fans and supporters all around the world.
