Performance

The headphone was tested on both my Travagan's Green and Octavart The One Amplifier and DAC for music and through my X-Fi Xtreme Music in games. As far as comparison to other headphones go I pitted them against the Grado SR-60s and the Ultrasone HFI-680. The Grado SR-60s are a bit cheaper since they usually go for around $70 and the Ultrasone HFI-680s are a bit more expensive at around $150.

The sound of the AD700s is well composed with perhaps a slightly recessed midrange, nothing extreme though. The sound stage is overwhelming, definitely the best amongst the three cans in question, by far. The sound stage is broad, deep, and precisely laid out almost on par with that of my much more expensive AKG K701s. The gargantuan sound stage is really nice in games because the positional audio effects are delicately replicated giving you a better idea where the enemies are at.

Sound stage wise the AD700s are hard to beat, and it is pretty unique to hear something like it in a $100 set of headphones. There are a few chinks in the Audio-Technica's armor for one they are not overly detailed, the sound is smooth, round, and lukewarm rather than detailed. As far as midrange and bass definition goes both the more expensive Ultrasone HFI-680s and the Grado SR-60s perform better. The Grados have a more "in-your-face" type of sound, but lack the great sound stage of the AD700s.

Vocals on the ATH-AD700s are slightly recessed and warm which makes them very pleasant to listen to, but far from as engaging as the Ultrasones and the Grados. When it comes to music the balanced sound of the AD700s lends itself towards classical music whereas the two others are better at rock, pop, basically contemporary music.

Bass extension is not the AD700s strong suit. The bass is anonymous and bottoms out early. Amount wise it has enough to satisfy most people, if you are a certified bass head you should avoid these headphones because they will not give you a whole lot of thump for your money. What they do give you is great positional audio in games and unrivalled wearing comfort, I could wear these for days without being annoyed. The high end is not too shabby, it is not dominant as that of the Grados, which can be a little grainy and invasive. On the one hand the AD700's high end is better because it is not quite as forward, on the other hand some people might find it a bit dull.
The ATH-AD700s sound quite good just out of any old soundcard. Of course you do not get the same imagery as when used with a good headphone amplifier, but generally the sound quality achieved was very good.