The release of a new Audio-Technica product is usually greeted with a satisfied grin. And so it was in 2016 when the Japanese manufacturer launched its then-latest set of premium wired headphones, the ATH-A1000Z. These high-fidelity, closed-back headphones earned positive reviews from the press and the public alike, with most people agreeing they looked, felt and sounded great.
Seven years is quite a long time when it comes to technology, though, which prompts the question: Are the ATH-A1000Z still worth buying in 2023? After all, they’re not that much cheaper than they were when they first appeared. To find out, I've put them through their paces, measuring how they stack up when it comes to sound quality, design and comfort. I've also given a couple of alternative suggestions at the end of the review.
