Audio Technica ATH-A500 review

With the ATH-A500, Audio Technica has produced a set of cans that really should be on your audition list Tested at £140.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you're looking for closed-back headphones, then give the 'A500s a try

Pros

  • +

    Open and detailed sound

  • +

    hefty bass

Cons

  • -

    Treble can stand out

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

These Audio Technicas are of the closed-back variety.

Sonically at a slight disadvantage to their open-backed peers (due to more colouration from the enclosure) this pair are nonetheless quite special.

They produce a welcoming openness, and detail levels are on a par with the best closed-back cans we've heard at this price.

They fire out a hefty bassline, too, and while treble can stand out occasionally, it doesn't impose too much.

If you're after closed-back headphones, give them a try.

See all our headphone Best Buys

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test