Japanese hi-fi great Audio-Technica just launched a pair of hardcore audiophile headphones with a new driver, and ultra-precise audio design

• Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 have newly developed HXDT 58mm drivers
• Honeycomb aluminum and magnesium alloy construction
• Available from 31 October, $3,499 (about £2,600 / AU$5,400)

Audio-Technica has unveiled its most advanced open-back headphones ever, the ATH-ADX7000. According to the firm they deliver "a remarkably natural, spacious and comfortable high-end listening experience."

The new headphones feature the firm's newly developed HXDT driver design, which enables Audio-Technica to make larger drivers – 58mm diameter – with precise concentricity for what the firm says is exceptionally clear and detailed musical reproduction.

That driver is positioned in its housing with "extreme accuracy" via Audio-Technica's Core Mount technology, which puts the voice coil of the driver in the middle of the housing to deliver very precise positioning, apparently.

Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000: key features and pricing

The headphones feature an open honeycomb aluminum design that delivers more efficient airflow, "articulate" bass and high-frequency purity. This construction, plus the magnesium alloy frame, mean that the headphones are very light: just 270 grams including the Alcantara microfiber earpads, rising only very slightly to 275 grams with the included velvet earpads. And the magnesium alloy frame is also there for practical reasons: it helps dampen unwanted vibrations.

The ATH-ADX7000 comes with two detachable 3.0m (9.8 foot) cables with Audio-Technica’s A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Cables): a balanced cable with a 4-pin XLRM connector, and an unbalanced cable with a 0.25-inch (6.3mm) plug. Each ATH-ADX7000 is individually serialized and comes with a hard carrying case.

The ATH-ADX7000 will be available from 31 October with a suggested retail price of $3,499. That's roughly £2,600 / AU$5,400, so will be fair beyond the price of most of the best wired headphones – but these are designed for people who have a serious amp setup to power them.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.