Audio-Technica ATH-AD500

Product Survey: Headphones for Computers and TVs

Anybody who likes closed headphones that tightly grip the side of your head should look elsewhere! Audio Technica has gone for the open-air option on all of its AD headphones, so that's a warning that doesn't just apply to these AD500s. With the self-adjusting support, the headphones feel very light on your head too light, in fact, for some listeners. When we handed them round the office, they were just too big for some people. You need to make sure they'll fit you, so you should try them out in a store before you can buy them if you can. There's no denying they're comfortable to wear though. It's not just the support that keeps them comfortable though, but also the pads. Audio Technica has replaced the traditional large foam pads covered with leather or felt with a large, thick disc which tapers towards the inside. It is covered in felt, but that's the only thing it has in common with traditional headphones. Instead, it reminded us of what we liked about the s. The disc itself is very wide, and so part of it rests directly on your ears, unlike the HD 800s, which are so big that they cover your ears entirely.