Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z is a rather different proposition from the compact wireless headphones that dominate much of the market today. This is a large, fully passive, wired closed-back headphone designed first and foremost for sitting down and listening properly.
At the heart of each earcup is a substantial 53mm dynamic driver, hand-assembled in Japan and designed specifically for the A990Z. Audio-Technica uses OFC bobbin-wound voice coils together with a top-mounted PCB and integrated yoke arrangement intended to improve transient response and allow smoother airflow around the diaphragm.
The housings are made from lightweight aluminium rather than plastic and finished in a distinctive deep metallic forest green. Behind the drivers sits Audio-Technica's Double Air Damping System, or D.A.D.S., which controls airflow within the closed enclosure to extend low-frequency reproduction without simply relying on electronic bass enhancement.
Comfort is equally distinctive. Instead of a conventional sliding padded headband, the ATH-A990Z uses Audio-Technica's self-adjusting 3D Wing Support system. The two padded wings settle against the top of your head while the outer frame provides the structure, automatically adapting the fit without the need for a traditional ratcheting adjustment.
The large circumaural earcups and soft premium earpads are designed for longer listening sessions, while the closed-back construction helps reduce sound escaping into the room and offers more acoustic separation from your surroundings than a fully open headphone.
At 44 ohms impedance and 100dB/mW sensitivity, the A990Z is not an especially difficult headphone to drive. A good integrated amplifier, headphone amplifier, DAC or suitable portable source should all be potential partners, although the quality of the headphone output still matters.
The supplied 3-metre cloth-wrapped cable makes the intended use fairly obvious: this is primarily a home-listening headphone rather than something designed to disappear into a jacket pocket. It terminates in a conventional 3.5mm stereo plug, with a 6.3mm adaptor supplied for full-size hi-fi equipment.
If you want a spacious-feeling closed-back headphone with substantial 53mm drivers, passive operation, no batteries or apps and a genuinely unusual Japanese design, the ATH-A990Z remains a very appealing pair of cans.
Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z High-Fidelity Closed-Back Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z belongs to the company's Art Monitor Series of closed-back high-fidelity headphones.
Hand-assembled in Japan, the design combines large 53mm dynamic drivers with aluminium housings, Double Air Damping System technology, premium circumaural earpads and Audio-Technica's self-adjusting 3D Wing Support system.
Closed-Back Dynamic Design
The ATH-A990Z uses a:
Closed-back dynamic headphone design.
The rear of each driver is enclosed within the aluminium earcup rather than being open to the room.
Compared with a fully open headphone, a closed design generally provides:
- Reduced sound leakage
- Greater passive separation from surrounding noise
- A more private listening experience
- The ability to control low-frequency loading through the enclosed cup
Closed Back Does Not Mean Noise Cancelling
The ATH-A990Z is a completely passive wired headphone.
It does not contain active noise cancellation, microphones or electronic ambient-noise processing.
53mm Dynamic Drivers
Each earcup contains a large:
53mm dynamic driver.
The drivers were designed specifically for this generation of Audio-Technica Art Monitor headphones and are hand-assembled in Japan.
OFC Bobbin-Wound Voice Coils
Audio-Technica uses oxygen-free copper voice coils wound around the driver bobbin.
The voice coil sits within the magnetic field of the driver and converts the electrical music signal into the mechanical movement that drives the diaphragm.
Top-Mounted PCB and Integrated Yoke
The driver assembly incorporates a top-mounted printed circuit board and integrated yoke.
Audio-Technica designed this arrangement to encourage smoother airflow and more precise diaphragm movement while supporting fast transient response.
Why Driver Airflow Matters
A headphone diaphragm has to accelerate and stop extremely quickly.
Air pressure behind and around the diaphragm can influence that movement, so controlling the acoustic environment around the driver forms an important part of closed-back headphone design.
Double Air Damping System
The ATH-A990Z uses Audio-Technica's:
Double Air Damping System, or D.A.D.S.
The internal acoustic structure controls airflow within the earcup to extend low-frequency reproduction and support deep bass performance.
D.A.D.S. Is an Acoustic System
Double Air Damping System does not rely on digital signal processing, batteries or electronic bass boost.
It is part of the physical acoustic design of the headphone enclosure.
5Hz to 42kHz Frequency Response
Audio-Technica specifies:
5Hz–42,000Hz.
The extended specification reflects the wide operating bandwidth of the 53mm driver system.
Hi-Res Audio Reproduction
Audio-Technica designed the ATH-A990Z for high-resolution audio reproduction, combining its wide-bandwidth drivers with low-resonance aluminium housings and carefully controlled internal airflow.
As with any headphone, the quality of the source material, DAC, amplifier and headphone output remains part of the complete playback chain.
100dB/mW Sensitivity
Audio-Technica specifies headphone sensitivity at:
100dB/mW.
Sensitivity describes how much acoustic output the headphone produces for a given amount of electrical power.
44-Ohm Impedance
The ATH-A990Z has a nominal impedance of:
44 ohms.
This relatively moderate impedance allows the headphone to work with a broad range of suitable headphone outputs rather than demanding an amplifier specifically designed for very high-impedance loads.
Do I Need a Headphone Amplifier?
Not necessarily.
The ATH-A990Z can be used from a suitable headphone socket on:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Pre-amplifiers
- DACs
- Network streamers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- Compatible portable players
- Computers and interfaces with an appropriate analogue output
A dedicated headphone amplifier can still be worthwhile if your existing output is noisy, underpowered or simply not of comparable quality to the rest of your system.
Maximum Input Power of 2,000mW
Audio-Technica specifies maximum input power at:
2,000mW.
Maximum Input Power Is Not a Listening Target
The 2,000mW figure describes the headphone's maximum specified electrical input capability.
It should not be interpreted as a recommended listening level. Excessive volume can damage both your hearing and the headphones.
Lightweight Aluminium Housings
The outer earcups are constructed from:
Aluminium.
Audio-Technica uses the rigid lightweight material to help reduce unwanted enclosure resonance while keeping overall headphone mass under control.
Deep Metallic Forest Green Finish
The aluminium earcups are finished in a distinctive:
Deep metallic forest green.
It gives the A990Z a considerably more individual appearance than the black and silver finishes commonly used for hi-fi headphones.
3D Wing Support System
One of the most recognisable features of Audio-Technica's Art Monitor headphones is the:
3D Wing Support system.
Rather than using a conventional sliding headband, the two padded wings rest against the top of the head and adjust their position automatically as the headphones are put on.
No Conventional Headband Adjustment
The A990Z does not require you to count clicks or manually extend a conventional headband on each side.
The self-adjusting wing system adapts the wearing position to the listener.
Try Them On If You Can
The 3D Wing system feels quite different from a conventional headphone headband.
Fit is personal, so a demonstration is particularly worthwhile if you have never used an Audio-Technica Wing Support headphone before.
Premium Soft Earpads
Large soft circumaural earpads surround the ears rather than resting directly on them.
Audio-Technica designed the pads for comfortable extended listening while maintaining the acoustic seal required by the closed-back enclosure.
Over-Ear Listening
The A990Z is a large home-listening headphone rather than a compact on-ear design.
The earcups are intended to surround the ear completely.
335g Without the Cable
Audio-Technica specifies headphone weight at:
335g without the cable.
The aluminium construction helps keep mass manageable despite the large 53mm drivers and full-size closed earcups.
3-Metre Cloth-Wrapped Cable
The supplied cable is:
3.0 metres long.
Its cloth outer covering is designed to improve durability and resist tangling during normal home use.
OFC-6N and OFC Cable Conductors
Audio-Technica's original specification lists the headphone cable as:
OFC-6N + OFC.
The long cable is therefore clearly aimed at connecting to hi-fi equipment positioned some distance from the listening chair rather than prioritising compact portable use.
3.5mm Connection
The standard headphone connection is a conventional:
3.5mm stereo jack.
This makes it compatible with a wide range of headphone outputs and adaptors.
6.3mm Stereo Adaptor Included
Audio-Technica also supplies a:
6.3mm stereo adaptor.
This allows the A990Z to connect directly to the full-size headphone sockets commonly found on:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Dedicated headphone amplifiers
- DACs
- Professional audio equipment
- Some CD players and network players
Gold-Plated Connection
The headphone connector and supplied adaptor use gold-plated contacts.
No Bluetooth
The ATH-A990Z is a conventional passive wired headphone.
There is no:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Battery
- USB audio
- App control
- Firmware
Connect the headphone to a suitable analogue output and it is ready to use.
No Active Noise Cancellation
The closed earcups provide passive acoustic isolation, but there is no electronic ANC system.
This also means the headphone does not require a battery simply to play through the cable.
No Battery to Charge
Because the A990Z is completely passive, it remains usable whenever it is connected to a suitable analogue headphone output.
There is no battery life to manage and no possibility of the electronics becoming unusable simply because the battery is flat.
No Microphone
The ATH-A990Z is designed for music listening rather than calls or gaming chat.
It does not include an integrated microphone or headset controls.
Closed Back or Open Back?
Closed Back
- Rear of driver is enclosed
- Less sound leakage
- Greater passive isolation
- Useful where other people are nearby
- Enclosure forms part of bass tuning
Open Back
- Driver vents into the room
- More sound escapes
- Very little isolation
- Often chosen for a spacious presentation
- Best suited to quiet private environments
The ATH-A990Z is firmly on the closed-back side of that divide.
Read: Listening Lab - Closed-Back vs Open-Back Headphones
Designed Primarily for Home Listening
Several aspects of the A990Z point towards home rather than portable use:
- Large over-ear housings
- 3D Wing Support system
- 3-metre cable
- 6.3mm hi-fi adaptor supplied
- No wireless electronics
- No integrated microphone
- No folding travel mechanism specified
Hand-Assembled in Japan
Audio-Technica states that the ATH-A990Z's 53mm driver assemblies are:
Hand-assembled in Japan.
The model forms part of the company's long-running Art Monitor headphone family.
Audio-Technica Art Monitor Series
The Art Monitor range has traditionally combined large closed-back dynamic drivers with Audio-Technica's Wing Support system and carefully controlled enclosed earcup acoustics.
The A990Z represents the higher-performance 53mm configuration within this generation of the range.
Original Audio T Listening Impressions
Audio T first wrote about the ATH-A990Z when the headphones arrived for demonstration at our former Enfield store in 2016.
The combination of comfort, closed-back presentation and aluminium construction made a strong impression at the time, and that original store review remains available in the Audio T archive.
Read: Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Headphones Now On Demonstration at Audio T Enfield
Using the A990Z With a Hi-Fi Amplifier
Most integrated amplifiers with a suitable 6.3mm headphone socket can accept the A990Z using the supplied adaptor.
Performance will still depend on the quality and design of the amplifier's headphone output.
Using the A990Z With a DAC
A DAC with a built-in headphone amplifier can provide a convenient digital listening system:
Digital source ? DAC / headphone amplifier ? ATH-A990Z.
This can be particularly useful for computer, network-streaming and high-resolution digital playback.
Using a Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
A separate headphone amplifier is worth considering where:
- Your source has no headphone socket
- The existing output is noisy
- Volume control is poor at normal listening levels
- You want a better DAC and headphone stage
- You regularly use high-quality headphones as your main listening system
Can I Use Them With a Phone?
Yes, provided the phone or adaptor supplies a conventional analogue 3.5mm headphone output with sufficient level.
Modern phones without an analogue socket will require a suitable USB-C or Lightning DAC adaptor.
Remember the 3-Metre Cable
Although the electrical specification makes portable use perfectly possible, the long cable and large over-ear construction are much more naturally suited to home listening.
Who Are the Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z For?
Well Suited To
- Dedicated music listening at home
- Listeners wanting a closed-back hi-fi headphone
- Users wanting less sound leakage than an open design
- Customers who prefer passive wired headphones
- Listeners who do not want batteries or apps
- Long listening sessions
- Integrated amplifier headphone outputs
- Dedicated DAC and headphone amplifier systems
- Listeners who appreciate Audio-Technica's 3D Wing fit
- Customers wanting a Japanese Art Monitor model
Check Before Buying
- Large full-size design
- 335g without cable
- 3-metre cable
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- No microphone
- No USB audio
- No app or EQ system
- 3D Wing Support feels different from a conventional headband
- Primarily intended for home rather than travel
Key Features
- Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
- Art Monitor Series
- High-fidelity closed-back headphones
- Closed-back dynamic design
- 53mm drivers
- Hand-assembled driver units
- Made in Japan driver assembly
- OFC bobbin-wound voice coils
- Top-mounted driver PCB
- Integrated driver yoke
- Double Air Damping System
- D.A.D.S. acoustic structure
- 5Hz–42kHz frequency response
- 100dB/mW sensitivity
- 44-ohm impedance
- 2,000mW maximum input power
- Lightweight aluminium housings
- Deep metallic forest green finish
- 3D Wing Support system
- Self-adjusting fit
- Premium soft circumaural earpads
- 335g weight without cable
- 3.0m cloth-wrapped cable
- OFC-6N and OFC cable conductors
- 3.5mm stereo connection
- 6.3mm stereo adaptor included
- Gold-plated connection
- Passive operation
- No Bluetooth
- No battery
- No active noise cancellation
- No microphone
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ATH-A990Z open or closed back?
They are closed-back dynamic headphones.
Do closed-back headphones block all outside noise?
No. The enclosed earcups provide passive isolation, but the ATH-A990Z does not use active noise cancellation.
Do they have active noise cancellation?
No.
Do they have Bluetooth?
No. The ATH-A990Z is a completely passive wired headphone.
Do they need charging?
No. There is no battery.
Do they have a microphone?
No. They are designed for music listening rather than calls or headset use.
What size drivers are fitted?
53mm dynamic drivers.
Where are the drivers assembled?
Audio-Technica states that the 53mm drivers are hand-assembled in Japan.
What is the frequency response?
5Hz to 42,000Hz.
What is the impedance?
44 ohms.
What is the sensitivity?
100dB/mW.
What is the maximum input power?
2,000mW.
Does 2,000mW mean I should use a 2-watt headphone amplifier?
No. That is the manufacturer's maximum input-power specification, not a recommended listening-power target.
Do I need a dedicated headphone amplifier?
Not necessarily. At 44 ohms and 100dB/mW the A990Z can work with many suitable headphone outputs, although a good dedicated headphone amplifier can still improve system quality.
Can I use them with an integrated amplifier?
Yes, provided the amplifier has a suitable headphone output. The supplied 6.3mm adaptor suits the full-size headphone socket used on many hi-fi amplifiers.
Can I use them with a DAC?
Yes, provided the DAC includes a suitable headphone amplifier or is connected to a separate headphone amplifier.
Can I connect them directly to a phone?
Yes if the device provides a suitable analogue headphone output. Phones without one require an appropriate external DAC adaptor.
What is Double Air Damping System?
D.A.D.S. is Audio-Technica's internal acoustic airflow structure designed to extend and control low-frequency reproduction within the closed earcup.
Is D.A.D.S. electronic bass boost?
No. It is a physical acoustic system inside the headphone housing.
What is the 3D Wing Support system?
It replaces a conventional sliding headband with self-adjusting padded wings that settle against the listener's head automatically.
Can I manually adjust the headband size?
The headphone uses Audio-Technica's self-adjusting Wing Support system rather than a conventional click-adjustable headband.
Are they over-ear?
Yes. The full-size circumaural earpads are designed to surround the ears.
What are the earcups made from?
Lightweight aluminium.
What colour are the headphones?
The aluminium housings have a deep metallic forest green finish.
How much do they weigh?
335g without the cable.
How long is the cable?
3.0 metres.
Is the cable cloth wrapped?
Yes. Audio-Technica describes it as a cloth-wrapped tangle-resistant cable.
What cable conductor does Audio-Technica specify?
The original technical datasheet specifies OFC-6N plus OFC construction.
What connector is fitted?
A conventional 3.5mm stereo plug is provided for analogue headphone outputs.
Is a 6.3mm adaptor included?
Yes. A full-size 6.3mm stereo adaptor is supplied.
Are the plugs gold plated?
Yes.
Are these good for travelling?
They can certainly be used away from home, but their large over-ear construction and 3-metre cable make them much more naturally suited to home listening than compact travel headphones.
Do they fold?
Audio-Technica does not specify a folding travel mechanism for the ATH-A990Z.
Are these gaming headphones?
They can reproduce game audio from a suitable headphone output, but they do not include a microphone or gaming-specific communication features.
Are the ATH-A990Z still current?
Audio-Technica still maintains a current UK product listing for the ATH-A990Z. Availability can vary, so check current stock with Audio T.
Can I hear them before buying?
Where demonstration stock is available, Audio T can arrange an in-store listen. Contact your local store to check availability.
Related Audio T Products and Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Headphone demonstrations where available
- Closed-back versus open-back advice
- Headphone and amplifier matching
- DAC and headphone amplifier guidance
- Home headphone system advice
- Source compatibility checks
- 3.5mm and 6.3mm connection advice
- Comfort and fit demonstrations
- Passive versus wireless headphone guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on the Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z, arranging a demonstration or matching the headphones with a suitable amplifier, DAC or source.