Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #196 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.5/5, at $223.38. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 M ranks #205, rated 2.0/5, at $199.99, $23.39 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 216 over-ear headphones, and the Sennheiser HD 550, ranked #6 at $199.95, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X is the better-sounding choice. An open-back design with a 53 mm dynamic driver and a light 0.6 lbs (265 g) frame. The catch: A preference score of 49 in crinacle’s measurement shows a response well away from the tuning most listeners prefer.
The case for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 M: A closed back design that blocks outside noise better than an open back, with an 80 ohm load and 105 dB sensitivity that a phone or laptop can drive. The catch: A deep 15.6 dB dip near 3.6 kHz and a presence band about 7 dB low push vocals and guitars back and make the sound muffled.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $23.39 with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 M does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X | Beyerdynamic DT 770 M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $223.38 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #196 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #205 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 49 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 37 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 4.07 dB standard deviation | 4.83 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.92 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | - |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 105 dB |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Falls 6 dB below target at 75 Hz (-9.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X compares with other leading options:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X
- AKG K271 MKII vs Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X vs Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 M vs Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X: $223.38 Amazon eBay
Pros: An open-back design with a 53 mm dynamic driver and a light 265 g frame. At 38 ohms and 100 dB/mW it runs at full volume from a phone or laptop without a separate amplifier.
Cons: A preference score of 49 in crinacle’s measurement shows a response well away from the tuning most listeners prefer. The open back leaks sound and blocks no outside noise, so it suits quiet rooms only.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X review and specifications →
| Released | 2012 (14 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 4.07 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 49 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.92 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 163 Hz | -4.0 dB | 0.47 |
| Peak | 2,238 Hz | +9.3 dB | 1.11 |
| Peak | 8,192 Hz | +6.1 dB | 2.21 |
| Peak | 1,477 Hz | -7.5 dB | 0.91 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 3,587 Hz | +2.5 dB | 4.42 |
| Peak | 4,150 Hz | -3.0 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 55 Hz | +1.2 dB | 2.39 |
| Peak | 78 Hz | -1.1 dB | 2.45 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Beyerdynamic DT 770 M: $199.99 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A closed back design that blocks outside noise better than an open back, with an 80 ohm load and 105 dB sensitivity that a phone or laptop can drive. The bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the low mids sit slightly above target, which suits listeners who like a warm tone. It is rated higher than the Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z and Meze 99 Classics.
Cons: A deep 15.6 dB dip near 3.6 kHz and a presence band about 7 dB low push vocals and guitars back and make the sound muffled. Sub-bass falls 6 dB below target at 75 Hz, so the deepest synth bass and kick drum rumble fade out. The AKG K271 MKII is rated higher for similar money.
Full Beyerdynamic DT 770 M review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2003 (22 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 4.83 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 37 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 75 Hz (-9.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +7.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 91 Hz | -14.9 dB | 0.66 |
| Peak | 4,980 Hz | +5.4 dB | 0.84 |
| Peak | 75 Hz | +7.3 dB | 2.66 |
| Peak | 60 Hz | +6.8 dB | 0.94 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,666 Hz | -2.5 dB | 0.42 |
| Peak | 3,533 Hz | +4.7 dB | 2.91 |
| Peak | 8,793 Hz | +2.4 dB | 2.64 |
| Peak | 1,011 Hz | +1.5 dB | 1.03 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons