Наушники — Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z

The ATH-A550Z is a closed-back dynamic headphone from Audio-Technica's Art Monitor series, the Japanese company's long-running line of full-size home listening headphones. Introduced in January 2016 as part of the latest Art Monitor generation, it is built around a large dynamic driver, a self-adjusting wing support headband and a long cloth-wrapped cable for use with home hi-fi systems.

Key specs that matter

The ATH-A550Z uses 53mm dynamic drivers with CCAW bobbin-wound voice coils. Frequency response is 5Hz to 35kHz, sensitivity is 100dB/mW and impedance is 40 ohms. Maximum input power is quoted at 1,000mW in some regions and 500mW in the US specification. Weight is 300g without the cable, and the 3.0m cloth-wrapped cable ends in a gold-plated 3.5mm plug with a 6.3mm adapter included.

Engineering and use context

The large-aperture driver gives a generous radiating surface for low-frequency output at modest diaphragm excursion. Its voice coil is wound from copper-clad aluminium wire on a bobbin, which lowers moving mass compared with pure copper, and the terminal PCB is mounted on top of the driver so that it does not obstruct the airflow behind the diaphragm, allowing more precise diaphragm movement. Audio-Technica's Double Air Damping System (D.A.D.S.) controls the airflow inside the housing behind the driver to extend low-frequency response without enlarging the earcups. Instead of a conventional padded headband, the 3D wing support system uses two self-adjusting wings that rest on the head and automatically adapt to its shape, spreading weight and reducing pressure on the top of the head during long sessions. Soft, thick earpads complete the comfort design. The closed-back enclosures isolate outside noise and limit sound leakage, so the headphone can be used in the same room as other people. The long, tangle-resistant cable is intended for sitting at a distance from a hi-fi system or television.

Pairing

Being efficient and not demanding in impedance, the ATH-A550Z reaches normal listening levels from portable players and computers, while the headphone output of an integrated amplifier, AV receiver or dedicated desktop headphone amplifier gives more headroom and control over its large drivers. The included adapter covers full-size headphone sockets on hi-fi components.

Alternatives

Audio-Technica's own ATH-AD900X is an open-back Air Dynamic model from the same brand.