ATH-AD700
I have taken the plunge after several visits to Tottenham Court Road to try out various headphones at some the hi-fi stores. I wanted a pair of Open headphones for home use so I did not consider all the closed headphones. I also wanted comfort.
I was not after heavy bass headphones. Those do not interest me as they seem to cloud the rest of the music.
In the end I bought the Audio Technica ATH-AD700.
What can I say, these to me are what I wanted. I have never had the opportunity to test the high end headphones costing £800 upwards so don't know how to compare to those kind. Th Ad700 produce a very clear sound across the audible music range. The bass is punchy but not too loud. If I want more bass or more treble I use the equalizers in the apps and that works a treat.
The headphones may be a bit daunting for some people as they are fairly big. Having said that they are extremely comfortable and long use was no problem. Nowadays you see all sorts of weird looking headphones on public transport but I think I will stick to my Sennheisers PMX-100 for public transport.
All in all the Audio Technica ATH-AD700 headphones are performing admirably and for the price they are worth every penny.
Update:
After several months of use the headphones are definitely top notch. As I use them regularly I cannot say that I have noticed any change in sound quality,
Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones - Product Description
With a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and magnesium frame structure, these open-air headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, offering a completely natural listening experience. The sound is smooth and relaxed, with deep resonating bass and vocal projection. The self-adjusting wing support automatically adjusts to your head size for easy-wearing listening comfort. A straight cord at the left earpiece terminates to a mini plug with included ¼" adapter.
Air Dynamic (open) headphones for natural and high quality sounds with deep resonating bass and vocal projection
Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation
Lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and magnesium frame structure
Large-aperture 53 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems and CCAW voice coils for superior sound reproduction
Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing provides comfortable support for a more enjoyable listening experience
High-quality hybrid PCOCC and titanium alloy cord
Extremely comfortable velvet ear-fitting pads
Gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector with 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter
Specifications
Type: Open-air Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 53 mm
Magnet: Neodymium
Voice Coil: Copper-clad aluminum wire
Frequency Response: 5 – 30,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power: 500 mW
Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW at 1 kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Weight: 280 g
Cable: 3.0 m (Single/Hybrid-PCOCC)
Connector: 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini stereo, gold-plated
Accessory Included: Detachable 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter