Audio-Technica's closed-back, wired studio monitor headphones with 45mm drivers, 38-ohm impedance, 90-degree swivelling cups and three detachable cables (coiled plus 1.2m and 3m straight). Years after launch owners still praise the punchy sound and tough build, but the small pads, long-session comfort and pads that wear out are the recurring caveats.
This entry is written from the 5 sources listed at the bottom of the page. The numbers are our editorial estimates drawn from that material, not measurements, and no statistical sample sits behind them.
On the evidence gathered here, yes. 85% of owners say they would buy it again, and satisfaction is still 7.8 out of 10 two years in. Replaceable pads and cables keep them going for years.
Most owners are still happy with the sound and build, and the headphones rarely show real wear this early. Comfort in long sessions is the complaint that sticks, and some begin eyeing softer replacement pads.
Earpads thin, peel or crack and need replacing every few years. Cables and plugs, especially the coiled cable, can fail over time. Comfort fatigue becomes the main gripe for long daily sessions.
Replaceable pads and cables keep them going for years. Sentiment across the ownership period stays close to flat, which is rare: it reads 8.4 out of 10 in the first week and 7.8 two years later.
Worth it for: Home studio monitoring; Bass-leaning music listening; Buyers wanting long-lasting wired cans. Think twice if: Multi-hour comfort seekers; Critical neutral mixing; Wireless or noise-cancelling needs.
Our reading of how sentiment moves across an ownership period, drawn from the sources below. It is an editorial estimate, not tracked longitudinal data.
| At purchase | 8.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| First week | 8.4 / 10 |
| One month | 8.2 / 10 |
| Six months | 8.1 / 10 |
| One year | 8.0 / 10 |
| Two years or more | 7.8 / 10 |
Owner reviews move this score. The researched figure stays visible next to it, so you can always see what the sources said before anyone voted.
Leave a review on the live pageEvery complaint and every piece of praise above traces back to these. The summaries are ours; nothing is quoted, and no link, quote or username anywhere on this site is invented.
A long-time owner finds the plastic build has held up with little pad wear over years of use and praises the balanced sound and portability, while noting it lacks modern features.
Hundreds of buyer reviews rate it highly for sound, value and durability, with several owners reporting around seven years of use, but many mention headband discomfort and pads that wear out.
Calls them comfortable, robust and good value with thumping mid-bass, but faults the recessed mids, sibilant highs and closed soundstage.
An owner's coiled cable developed faults after storage while the straight cables still worked; others suggest replacement cables.
Launch press release giving the $239 US MSRP, February 2014 availability, 45mm drivers, swivelling cups and the three detachable cables.