Audio-Technica ATH-W1000X Grandioso Headphone (Playback 46)

A Mid-Priced Flagship Beater?

Even so, check out the ultra high-energy sound of Jewel’s backing band tearing into the song’s terrific chorus with a vengeance. Their sheer energy and drive, which are beautifully rendered by the Grandioso’s, make the whole track worthwhile—sonic worts and all. And that’s the beauty of these headphones; when power and vividness are what the music calls for, the Grandioso delivers in a big way.

CONCLUSION

Consider this headphone if: you favor a reasonably accurately balance sound, but one that in particular makes the midrange of the music sound especially vivid, intimate, and intense. Note, too, that the Grandioso looks great, appears to be very well made, is extremely comfortable (and fits a variety of head sizes and shapes), and is relatively easy to drive, which many top-tier headphones are not. Oh, and did we mention that, while certainly not cheap, the ATH-W1000X offers very good value for money?

Look further if: you are a stickler for strict textbook accuracy and a true what-you-hear-is-what’s-on-the-record approach to music reproduction. The deal, here, is that the same qualities that make the Grandioso sound vivid and intense can—at times—make it sound just a little too colorful for its own good.

Ratings (relative to comparably priced headphones):

Tonal Balance: 9
Clarity: 9
Dynamics: 8.5
Comfort/Fit: 10 (Audio-Technica’s 3D wing support system feels great)
Sensitivity: 9.5
Noise Isolation: 7.5 (though it’s a closed-back design, the Grandioso still lets a certain amount of room noise through)
Value: 9

BOTTOM LINE:

Audio-Technica’s ATH-W1000X Grandioso headphone channels much of the sonic goodness of the firm’s flagship ATH-W5000 Raffinato model, but at lower price, and with a handful of worthwhile sonic advancements of its own (especially in terms of bass clarity). If you favor a headphone that makes tonal colors seem more vivid and pure than they otherwise might, the Grandioso could be a good choice for you.

SPECS & PRICING

Audio-Technica ATH-W1000X Headphone
Frequency Response: 5Hz – 42kHz
Drivers: 53mm aperture drivers
Sensitivity: 100dB/1mW
Impedance: 42 Ohms
Weight: 350 grams
Warranty: Not specified.
Price: $699.99

Audio-Technica U.S. Inc.
(330) 686-2200
www.audio-technica.com