The Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z ranks #157 out of 165 total Over-Ear Headphones for sound quality. See all Headphones rankings for every top pick.
Brand: Audio-Technica
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
#157 Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z: $249.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The closed back keeps sound in and outside noise out, which suits shared rooms and late night listening. At 44 ohms and 100 dB/mW it gets loud from a phone or laptop without a dedicated amp, and the large 53 mm dynamic driver suits listeners who like a warm, colored sound.
Cons: A preference score of 32 in crinacle’s measurement puts it far from the response most listeners prefer, so it will sound noticeably colored without EQ. The AKG K271 MKII and the Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X both rate higher and cost less, and at 335 g it is on the heavy side.
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 4.08 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 42kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 32 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 44 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -2.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (335 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -7.2 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 | +10.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 81 Hz | -10.2 dB | 0.44 |
| Peak | 8,626 Hz | +4.9 dB | 1.18 |
| Peak | 2,626 Hz | +4.2 dB | 0.85 |
| Peak | 905 Hz | -2.2 dB | 0.97 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 4,151 Hz | -3.8 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 5,030 Hz | +2.5 dB | 5.35 |
| Peak | 3,282 Hz | +2.5 dB | 5.47 |
| Peak | 2,359 Hz | -1.4 dB | 5.88 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples