{"product_id":"audio-technica-ath-ad500x-open-air-headphones-lightweight-comfort","title":"Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open-Air Headphones - Lightweight Comfort","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X the bottom line is simple: these open-air headphones are best for listeners who prize a natural, spacious sound and long-term wearing comfort over passive isolation. The newly designed 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils deliver a clear, open presentation with surprising bass impact and excellent vocal projection, while the open-air design eliminates that sealed, pressure-like feeling on the ears. For desk listening, gaming where positional cues matter, or long sessions without fatigue, these headphones are an easy recommendation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils:\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a remarkably natural tonal balance with clear mids and impactful low end for immersive listening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOpen-air design:\u003c\/strong\u003e prevents pressure on the ears, creating a wide, airy soundstage that helps with instrument separation and positional detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight honeycomb aluminum casing:\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps the headphones feeling nearly weightless while maintaining structural strength for daily use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-adjusting 3D Wing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e automatically conforms to head shape to reduce clamping and improve comfort during extended sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible raised-fabric earpads:\u003c\/strong\u003e offer soft contact and durability so the pads remain comfortable over long listening periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOFC single-sided cable and gold-plated connector:\u003c\/strong\u003e ensures good conductivity and a low-tangle setup with an included 1\/4 in adapter for desktop gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ATH-AD500X suits audiophiles and critical listeners who want an open, spacious presentation for music and games and prefer a non-isolating experience. The lightweight construction and self-adjusting wing support make these headphones ideal for long sessions at a desk, streaming, or casual home listening where comfort and soundstage matter more than blocking outside noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need strong noise isolation for commuting, or who frequently use headphones in noisy public places, should look elsewhere; the open-air architecture intentionally leaks sound and does not provide passive noise cancellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent \u003cstrong\u003esound quality\u003c\/strong\u003e with clear mids and an open soundstage that helps with instrument separation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery comfortable for long wear thanks to the lightweight frame and self-adjusting 3D wing support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable-feeling materials like honeycomb aluminum casing and raised-fabric earpads for extended use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical wired connectivity with an OFC cable and included 1\/4 in adapter for versatile desktop use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen-air design provides little to no passive noise isolation, so these are not ideal for noisy environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report slight \u003cstrong\u003eslipperiness\u003c\/strong\u003e on certain head shapes when making fast movements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDriver size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e53 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVoice coil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCCAW\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesign\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOpen-air, over-ear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCasing and frame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHoneycomb aluminum casing with magnesium frame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOFC single-sided cable with elastic TPE sheath\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGold-plated 1\/8 in (3.5 mm) with 1\/4 in (6.3 mm) adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnectivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWired\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ATH-AD500X is a strong choice for home listeners and gamers who value a wide, natural soundstage and exceptional comfort over isolation. With large 53 mm drivers, lightweight construction, and durable materials, these headphones deliver great sound quality and long-wear comfort at a sensible price, making them good value for anyone wanting airy, detailed playback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these headphones block outside noise?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe open-air design intentionally provides minimal passive isolation, so they do not block much outside noise and will leak sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use them with a headphone amplifier?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the wired connection and included 1\/4 in adapter make them suitable for use with desktop headphone amps and audio interfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they comfortable for long sessions?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the lightweight honeycomb casing, self-adjusting wing support, and raised-fabric earpads make them comfortable for hours of use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Audio-Technica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48185773850843,"sku":"B009S333U4","price":89.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81LkbsHIe1L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769697053","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/audio-technica-ath-ad500x-open-air-headphones-lightweight-comfort","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}