91%
Audio-Technica ATH-WP900
ATH-WP900
The ATH-WP900 portable over-ear headphones feature beautiful flame maple housings for high-fidelity on-the-go listening and high aesthetics.Maple is a stiff, dense wood often used to make string instruments such as guitars and violins. Here, we’ve fused a thin slice of flame-grain maple on top of solid, machined maple to produce housings that ensure clear, natural sound quality. The flame maple finish, provided by Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, brings out the unique grain of each housing for a one-of-a-kind beauty that will deepen with age.
The ATH-WP900 portable over-ear headphones feature beautiful flame maple housings for high-fidelity on-the-go listening and high aesthetics.
Maple is a stiff, dense wood often used to make string instruments such as guitars and violins. Here, we’ve fused a thin slice of flame-grain maple on top of solid, machined maple to produce housings that ensure clear, natural sound quality. The flame maple finish, provided by Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, brings out the unique grain of each housing for a one-of-a-kind beauty that will deepen with age.
The headphones are equipped with exclusive 53 mm drivers with powerful magnetic circuitry, DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, and top-mounted PCB construction for exceptional full-range audio reproduction. A specially designed angled baffle improves airflow between the front and rear of the diaphragm for better low- to mid-range audio reproduction, and also optimally positions the earcups over the ears for improved comfort and sound containment.
The headphones also feature A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for secure connection to the two included 1.2 m (3.9') detachable cables. One cable has a 3.5 mm (1/8") gold-plated stereo mini-plug for use with smartphones and standard audio devices. The other cable is equipped with a 4.4 mm (1/6"), 5-pole gold-plated balanced plug for use with high-resolution digital audio players and balanced-compatible headphone amplifiers.
The earpads and headband of the ATH-WP900 are made from smooth, synthetic leather for long-lasting comfort, and the earcups swivel-flat for easy transport in the included carrying pouch.
About High-Resolution Audio
In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio
While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics.
ATH-WP900
The ATH-WP900 portable over-ear headphones feature beautiful flame maple housings for high-fidelity on-the-go listening and high aesthetics.
Maple is a stiff, dense wood often used to make string instruments such as guitars and violins. Here, we’ve fused a thin slice of flame-grain maple on top of solid, machined maple to produce housings that ensure clear, natural sound quality. The flame maple finish, provided by Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, brings out the unique grain of each housing for a one-of-a-kind beauty that will deepen with age.
The headphones are equipped with exclusive 53 mm drivers with powerful magnetic circuitry, DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, and top-mounted PCB construction for exceptional full-range audio reproduction. A specially designed angled baffle improves airflow between the front and rear of the diaphragm for better low- to mid-range audio reproduction, and also optimally positions the earcups over the ears for improved comfort and sound containment.
The headphones also feature A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for secure connection to the two included 1.2 m (3.9') detachable cables. One cable has a 3.5 mm (1/8") gold-plated stereo mini-plug for use with smartphones and standard audio devices. The other cable is equipped with a 4.4 mm (1/6"), 5-pole gold-plated balanced plug for use with high-resolution digital audio players and balanced-compatible headphone amplifiers.
The earpads and headband of the ATH-WP900 are made from smooth, synthetic leather for long-lasting comfort, and the earcups swivel-flat for easy transport in the included carrying pouch.
About High-Resolution Audio
In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio
While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics.
A Sound Connection
Since 2015, Audio-Technica has used the specially designed A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connector on all of our in-ear headphones and select over-ear headphones with detachable cables. But why did we develop this connector and what makes it perform better than existing connectors in audio applications?
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Comfort Fit
89/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
93/100
The ATH-WP900 makes closed-back listening feel thrilling, pairing fast, controlled bass with exceptional detail retrieval, vivid dynamics and surprisingly expansive imaging. Sound Advice highlights its spacious, colourful presentation, while its light maple-clad design, easy drivability and balanced cable option make this a refined portable headphone with genuine musical excitement.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally revealing and spacious for a closed-back, with strong instrument separation, imaging and detail retrieval.
Deep, punchy bass stays controlled and agile, supporting lively rhythms without bloat.
Lightweight, comfortable construction with handsome maple earcups; easy to drive and supplied with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm cables.
&
Cons
Elevated upper treble can sound slightly thin, brittle or sharp on cymbals and sibilants.
Smaller ear openings may create pressure during long sessions for listeners with larger ears.
The premium price and wired-only design narrow its appeal.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers find the ATH-WP900 an unusually accomplished, lively closed-back headphone: detailed, spacious and rhythmically alert, with an entertaining rather than strictly analytical character. Its elevated sub-bass and upper treble bring excitement, though some listeners note slightly leaner depth and a touch of upper-frequency brittleness.
Bass
91/100
Low frequencies are widely described as deep, impactful, quick and controlled, with good texture and articulation rather than boom. One reviewer hears less warmth and ultimate depth than ideal, but the consensus is of a tight, punchy low end with satisfying sub-bass presence.
Midrange
86/100
Vocals receive strong attention, with Sound Advice praising the headphone's ability to reveal singers' character and emotion. The tuning is not completely neutral: one reviewer finds the midrange merely adequate and notes extra upper-mid presence, while another hears male vocals brought forward.
Treble
88/100
The treble is fast, substantial and detailed, offering bite without hardness according to Sound Advice. Other reviewers find it bright but generally non-fatiguing; the main caveat is a little thinness, brittleness and sharpness on cymbals or sibilants.
Resolution Detail
94/100
Detail retrieval is a major strength. Reviewers praise its ability to expose subtle, transient and deeply buried information, including fine bass-string textures, while maintaining excellent transparency and separation.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
For a closed-back design, the WP900 earns repeated praise for its spacious and well-defined presentation. Reviews highlight strong lateral space, useful depth, convincing three-dimensionality and precise placement of instruments.
Dynamics
93/100
The WP900 handles both large volume swings and small harmonic changes with confidence. Its low-end slam, snappy percussion and generally lively, visceral delivery make music feel energetic and engaging.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
89/100
At 243 g, the WP900 is repeatedly described as light, well balanced and comfortable over extended sessions, with well-judged clamp and little heat buildup. Listeners with larger ears should try before buying, as the pads may rest against the ear and create pressure over time.
Build Quality
91/100
Reviewers praise the handsome maple cups, careful Japanese manufacture and excellent overall fit and finish; one calls the construction impeccable. The reviews say comparatively little about long-term durability, but the immediate craftsmanship is clearly impressive.
Features Usability
88/100
Two detachable A2DC cables are supplied, covering both 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced connections. It is easy to drive from portable devices, while its closed-back design and low weight make it practical for travel; a DAC can still help extract its full potential.
Value for Money
93/100
At roughly $599–$699, reviewers consider the WP900 highly competitive among premium closed-back headphones. Sound Advice calls it among the best pound-for-pound options, and WaveTheory names it a favorite closed-back below $1,000, although the price and wired setup will not suit every buyer.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica ATH-WP900
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accesory Jack — online and in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Adorama — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
and 235 more verified dealers