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Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Art Monitor Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones Black

  • Based on 302 reviews
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Availability: 19 left in stock
Fulfilled by American Musical Supply

Arrives Jun 6 – Jun 7
Order within 20 hours and 22 minutes
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Model: ATH-A990Z


Features

  • Frequency Response - 5 45,000 Hz and Impedance - 11.5 ohms

Description

The ATH-A990Z art monitor closed-back dynamic headphones feature proprietary large-aperture 53 mm drivers with OFC bobbin-wound voice coils to deliver Hi- Res audio reproduction The drivers' integrated yoke and top-mounted PCB contribute to the high-resolution performance by providing superior transient response and smoother airflow for precise diaphragm movement The lightweight aluminum housings reduce unwanted resonance and incorporate Audio-Technica's double Air damping system (D A D S) for Deep bass reproduction A-t's improved 3D wing support system ensures a great comfortable fit aided by the headphones' soft premium-grade ear pads The 3 0 M (9 8') tangle-free cable is cloth-wrapped for lasting durability


Product Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 9 inches


Item Weight: 11.8 ounces


Item model number: ATH-A990Z


Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No


Date First Available: August 10, 2016


Manufacturer: audio-technica


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Jun 6 – Jun 7

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Simply underrated and under appreciated.
Model: ATH-A990Z
I have owned the Audio Technica ATH-A990z for just under two months and have been using it daily. It really surprises me that this doesn't have any reviews considering the success of the previous iteration of this headphone, the ATH-A900x. I really don't often do reviews but I really think this headphone does deserve praise. Here is a bit of background and context of where I'm coming from. If you don't care just scroll down to the (SOUND) portion. I mostly listened to open backed headphones. My first real headphone where my Audio-Technica AD900 (the original open back, non Xs). They had an amazing midrange, soundstage, and imaging. But they had absolutely no bass and highs that were very accurate but on the edge of being sibilant. I ran them off a Yamaha AV receiver that had a decent headphone output and it really brought down the highs to acceptable levels. I used tone controls included in the receiver to bring up the bass up to enjoyable levels. I also added extra padding in the ear cups to stop the drivers from toughing my ears That was my daily driver for nearly 3 years before I broke them from constantly sitting on them accidentally when ever I left them on my computer chair. I absolutely loved they sound of theses headphones (after modifications) and is partly the reason why I decided to get the A990z. I had gotten the raved Phillips SHP9500 to replace my old workhorse, but those sounded extreme boring and dull compared the AD900. Very comfortable and nothing sounded wrong on them, but they made my entire music collection sound the same and nothing stood out. I wanted to experience that Audio Technica magic again, and I also need a closed backed headphone this time (my noisy little nephew lives with us now!). I look into the newly refreshed Art Monitor Z series, the A990z being right in my price point. I also have the TEAC AI-301DA headphone out as my new source audio output. I mostly listen to electronic (Aphex Twin, BOC, Chris Clark, etc..) music with some occasional instrumental orchestra or jazz. (SOUND [with stock pads]) Simply put, these headphones are fun and exciting sounding while still being very accurate and concise. The imaging/sound separation and soundstage is pretty good for this closed back headphone (These work very well with gaming!). Despite what the title and name say these are not that good for sound monitoring and engineering (although they are much better than ATH-M50x in that regard). The sound is V shaped, emphases on bass and highs but not overdone. The bass goes deep and has quite a bit of impact. These are not bass cannons but was I pleasantly surprised at much low end it pumps out (though maybe that's just my open back preference showing). Mids are still very present and wonderful, but not on front stage and like my old AD900. High are emphasized but nowhere sibilant like Audio Technicas of past and is very accurate. It also remained me of my AD900, but without the harshness. As with most closed headphones, these do indeed sound closed. There is soundstage, but not a whole lot and not enough to WOW most people like really good open backs. Imaging is very good, like AD900, but I clearly remember the AD900 being better (COMFORT [with stock pads]) If you know anything about AT's 3D wing system then you know that comfort might be a hit more miss (fortunately it's usually works with most people, myself included). There are some problems to note. The headphone will feel like its sliding off your head at first, though once you break them in and start wearing them after a while that feeling will subside. One thing that didn't subside was a pinching feeling on the pads. The pads themselves are quite comfortable and soft, made of high quality faux [?] leather. I personally don't like like any type leather touching my ears, I've been more inclined to cloth or velour pads. But the real problem is that they are too shallow to offer any support on the head and the inner diameter of the ear hole is too small for most. My ears are not big and they fit uncomfortably tight in them. I would image anyone with larger ears would simply not fit in these. Fortunately, you can change the ear pads, thought most pads that are not made specifically for the Art Monitor series will be a REALLY tight fit. Some wont fit at all, but will some will (Like HiFiMAN Pads and Brainwavz Pads). The stock pads are the only flaw that come with the A990z. (DESIGN) There not much to say if you familiar the AT design with their A series of Headphones. 3D wing design. Up, down, left, and right articulating earcups. Angled drivers. These also have a really nice fixed single 3 meter braided cable, which is curiously exclusive to the A990z within its own line up. The higher end models also don't have Up and Down articulating earcups for some reason. These are not the best in isolating sound, but it works well enough and keeps crying children noises at bay, more so that any open back. These are very efficient and not hard to drive. They can be driven off a most smartphones or a PC headphone jack to unsafe levels of loud. Be warned though, they are quite sensitive will pick up noise if your audio output is sub-par or dirty. These can actually pick up a constant low hissing in my TEAC AI-301DA, which I never realized was there with my Phillips SHP9500. I really have no idea if the A990z will scale well with high end equipment, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. The cool dark green and reflective chamber ring is very nice (the pictures don't do it justice). (SOUND and COMFORT [with Brainwavz Hybrid Memory Foam Earpad]) So I got tired of using the stock pads and constant pinching sensation it had. Brainwavz Hybrid Memory non-angled pads was one known pad that was able to (barely) fit on AT Cans. These are pain and will take like 20 mins as you struggle to get them on, but persevere though and you will get them on. Having smaller hands also helps. I only hoping for a comfort increase and not much else, but I got much more than that. The sound did change for the better in my opinion. The soundstage increased, really helps it sound less closed and congested, not to really big levels like my AD900 but it gets damn close, especially for a closed back design. The imaging/sound separation and mids is now FANTASTIC and really reminds me of AD900. Highs didn't really change that much but does sound a little more spacious and accurate. Bass is much more tight and accurate, particularity in the lower spectrum. There is less low end bass slam which makes it sound more neutral over all (the low bass was quite accentuated for my taste). Midbass still punchy and tight. Comfort is simply perfect now. My ear fit in the cups now, there is no sliding sensation with the headphones anymore. No more pinching feeling on my ears and the pads are much more breathable. For just a little extra, these pads are so worth it. (OVERALL) Again, the only thing that holding these back from a 5 star are the flawed earpads. The would be great if they gave it more depth and made more room for the ears. Other than that, these are fantastic closed back performer. The sound is really geared towards fun, but still that Audio Technica precision that most audio snobs will enjoy. AT struck a really good balance here, whether it was by accident or design.The lower end A550z are said to sound like a improved A700x, but are not made in Japan. The higher end A1000z is said to sound just same as the A990z, but with a littler more of everything (At double the cost no less!). And the flagship A2000z are said to be a VERY different headphone from all the rest. For the asking price, I say its well worth it. And personally, I will see no need to upgrade past this headphone in the coming years. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ on November 7, 2016 by Var

  • Sound Great, Emphasize Bass, Good Soundstage
Model: ATH-A990Z
So to start off I was looking for a replacement headphones that sounded amazing. I am not an audiophile, but I do enjoy my music. I plug my headphones into my computer and phone directly. My computer is high end so it's onboard sound can delivery somewhat more power than your typical budget computer, but really nothing that crazy. I mostly listen to Power Metal, watch shows, and play video games so my review is tailored towards that. Headphones I compared against: Meze 99 noir, Audio Technica M40x, Beyerdynamic dt770 pro, Sennheiser Momentum 2 TL;DR I consider these superior to all of the headphones listed above. If you don't like bass the dt770 pro is close. Read below for more details Songs I used to judge: I tried to use a variety of genre's and sounds to test all of the headphones. But my emphasis is power metal. Black Pentagram by Unlucky Morpheus - This has very high BPM double base drums, coupled with fast mid guitar and vocals as well as high notes from violin. It can be hard for lower end headphones to play a full spectrum of sound simultaneously Never Enough (cover) by Yannis Papadopoulos - This is very vocal heavy and light with more of a symphony backing track. The Last of Us by Dan Bull - This is piano and bass rap track. Can lyrics come through clear? 30 Pieces of Silver by Theocracy - Very heavy and fast mid bass guitars. This song is VERY hard to play without muddling the sound by most headphones/speakers. Something about the many layers of sound from the same range. Shinzou wo Sasageyo (metal cover) by Pellek - This is pretty typical power metal sound but with a lot operatic pieces with double bass. Ok now that we have gotten the songs I tested with out of the way we can get into grading. Bass: 10/10 The base is emphasized without being overwhelming. Double bass drums sounded clear and crisp. Beats from bass heavy rap sounded awesome. That said I have heard that compared to beats these have very little bass in comparison. But that is ok because these are amazing. Mids: 8/10 Mid's are somewhat quieter but are still clearly heard. Vocals never get lost, instruments are all clear. Highs: 9/10 The higher notes from violin, guitar solos and such all sound fantastic and super crisp. My hearing cuts off ~15000 hz so I can only confirm that the headphones can go that high. Soundstage (aka surround sound to me): 9/10 I had to lookup what soundstage meant, but from my understanding it is the ability of headphones to produce sounds as if they were all around you. For example you could tell something was behind you or in front. These headphones do an excellent job of surrounding you with the sounds. In games it is clear if something is left, right, behind, above, etc. Some music you feel as if you encapsulated by sound coming from all over. These are by far better than any other I have heard with the exception of the dt770 pro which are basically the same. Comfort: 6/10 Ah the one downside. These are not the most comfortable headphones. They are not awful, but they do wear on you if used for long periods. They do break in a bit, so first wear will be the least comfortable but they get better after a few sessions. Honestly I think some thicker, yet softer pads are all that are needed to fix the comfort issues. Portability: 4/10 So these are large headphones and are not really designed to carry around. But they can be powered by your phone just fine and they do not leak very much sound even at higher volumes. The cord would be obnoxiously long for routine on the go use. I'd say fine for the plane, but not constant on the go. Consider the Momentum 2 for portability. Overall these are superb headphones to listen to. The sound is just excellent with a slight but tasteful emphasis on lows and highs. The sound remains clear even on very cluttered tracks as well as in games and movies/shows. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ on January 18, 2020 by Justin

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