Audio Technica ATH-W1000Z
FOR Articulate and insightful; well built; closed-back design AGAINST Design may not suit smaller heads
Few headphones can claim a heritage to rival Audio Technica’s W series – the ATH-W1000Z marks the 11th generation of a range that started in 1996. As is the brand’s way, it’s a careful evolution of its predecessor rather than a radical departure. Audio Technica has tried hard to retain the traditional look and feel of previous W products, and has succeeded.
These are large headphones, intended for use in the home. They’re a closedback design, good for blocking external sounds and not leaking your music out. Despite their size, the ATH-W1000Z weigh in at 320g, which is light enough to remain comfortable over long sessions. Unlike many similar designs, they don’t warm our ears excessively.
Comfort has always been a priority for the range, and the W1000ZS remain true to that aim. They aren’t as stable on our heads as the Beyerdynamic Amiron, but you shouldn’t have any complaints.
Instead of a conventional headband, Audio Technica uses what it calls a ‘3D support system’, with cushioned paddles sitting on the side of your head. It feels a little odd at first, though the sensation fades. For those with a smaller head, we suggest a test run before buying.
Go with the flow
True to tradition, the Audio Technica W1000ZS sport beautifully made varnished teak wooden earcups and match the Fostex TH610S in terms of quality. Inside each earcup is a 53mm drive unit, mounted on a magnesium baffle and decoupled from the structure to control resonances.
Plug the Audio Technicas into a suitable headphone amplifier – we use Chord’s Hugo for most of this test – and they deliver fine results. Our first impression is of a spacious, clear presentation and that opinion doesn’t change with extended listening. These closed-back headphones stand toe-to-toe with some of their open-backed rivals. We start with Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry and the Audio Technicas sound clear and articulate, conveying the easy-going flow well. They lack a little rhythmic drive, but there’s enough energy to keep us interested. Marley’s voice is rendered with convincing tonality – it’s nicely separated from the instrumental backdrop, making it easy to follow the various musical strands.
Rhythmic prowess
The low end is a touch overstated, but not excessively – although you will notice it in comparison with the Amiron. It remains agile though, and never threatens to dominate other elements of the song. There’s plenty of power and punch when required too.
Most of the Audio Technica’s rivals tend to be open-backed and the best of these – like the Beyerdynamic Amiron offer more in the way of dynamic subtlety and rhythmic prowess.
But if you need the isolation properties of a closed-back design, this is certainly a pair of headphones we’d be only too happy to recommend.
“Our first impression is of a spacious, clear presentation. These closed-back headphones stand toe-to-toe with their open-backed rivals”