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| The ATH-A700s were inconsistent on our audio tests. Most of their scores were either low or average. They did very well on our distortion test, however, which managed to pull them up from mediocrity. If you're looking for your sounds to make it to you with less interference than typical, the ATH-A700 headphones are an attractive option. Unfortunately, other than maximum usable volume, they just didn't perform well in any other area. |
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About our testing:
For more information on our tests, read this article.
Frequency Response (2.07) 
How the test works:
In this test, we play a range of frequencies through the headphones, into HATS's ears. HATS records the output, then sends it to SoundCheck, which compares the sound wave to the original. The graph below depicts how loudly each channel emphasized each frequency. The green line is the left ear cup; the red line is the right ear cup. The two dotted lines are the limits we score based on. If you'd like to read more information on this test, click the orange information icon to the right of this section's title, or underneath the graph at right.
What we found:
The ATH-A700s didn't have the most stellar frequency response. Halfway between the 1kHz and 10kHz both channels are significantly underemphasized for a handful of frequencies, then spike back up for a moment before dipping down again. The left channel is particularly underemphasized, straying almost 20dB away from the lower limit. After 10kHz and a brief stay within the limits, it drops down again. Typically where we see headphones go wrong on this test is by over-emphasizing certain frequencies, typically the bass or drums. The ATH-A700 actually has a fairly even bass response, but they drastically under-emphasize the drums (the second downward plunge is about 7kHz, which is the attack on most drums).
How the Audio-Technica ATH-A700 compares:
Many of the comparison headphones also had a bad frequency response graph. The QC3s, for example, followed a similar trend, but fell further off the bottom limit. It seems to be a trend among over-ears to have a bit of a sudden de-emphasis towards the 7kHz range: the Ultrasone HFI-2200, QC3, and SR60 all have some sort of valley in this area. The Pioneer SE-A1000 headphones, which are similar in form factor to the ATH-A700s, actually had a very good score on this test, staying within the limits the entire time. If you like the ATH-A700s' form factor, but want a more even kiel to your sound, consider the SE-A1000s.
Distortion (10.50)
How the test works:
For our distortion test, we again play a frequency sweep through HATS. This time, we compare the headphones' performance to the original sound wave, noting any differences between the two. These differences are distortion, which simply indicates the sounds you're hearing aren't exactly what you're supposed to be hearing. In the graph below, the level of distortion is measured as a percentage. Anything over 3% is noticeable. Again, the green and red lines represent the left and right channels respectively. Also, like all our graphs, the extreme left and right sides aren't totally accurate and therefore aren't scored. We show this data anyway, since they're good indicators of trend. For more information on this or any other test, click the orange information buttons.
What we found:
The ATH-A700 has remarkably little distortion. The graph is a bit bumpy along the zero line, but it never crosses 0.5% distortion at any point. If you're a finnicky audiophile who hates distortion, the ATH-A700s are definitely a pair of headphones to consider.
How the Audio-Technica ATH-A700 compares:
The ATH-A700 has some stiff competition in the comparison headphones, but it was only bested by the Sennheiser HD 555. It narrowly edged out the Bose QC3s, and thoroughly trumped the other three. The HD 555 and QC3 actually use our old graph format, which starts at 20 Hertz instead of 100, so ignore the rocky starts to those graphs (we don't score on that area because we can't get results that are precisely accurate). Really, while the ATH-A700's graph is slightly bumpier than the HD 555s' and slightly less bumpy than the QC3s', all three headphones are outstanding. The ATH-A700 has impressively little distortion.
Tracking (4.35)
How the test works:
The tracking test measures how balanced the ear cups are. This test again plays a frequency sweep. This time we're measuring the decibel output of each channel. On the graph below, the blue line represents each channel's volume, relative to the other channel. If the blue line stays at the zero mark, then the two channels are playing at even decibel levels. If it raises above the zero line, it means the left channel is louder; if it falls below the zero line, the right channel is louder.
What we found:
The ATH-A700s didn't have the best tracking. The graph started out fine, only straying about 2dB away from the zero line. At about 500 Hz, however, the volume shifts suddenly to the right. After this swing, the line levels off for a bit, but becomes rocky around the 2kHz line. At about 7kHz there's a significant swing from right to left. This, coupled with the weird frequency response, might make drums sound strange.
How the Audio-Technica ATH-A700 compares:
The ATH-A700 didn't do so well on this comparison. Many other headphones get a bit crazy towards the 7kHz range and up, but they have a more balanced response up until that point. Although the ATH-A700 headphones dont' have the best tracking we've ever see, they could've ben a bit more even-handed.
Maximum Usable Volume (9.31)
How the test works:
This test is comprised of a series of distortion tests at different volumes. What we're looking for is the maximum decibel output the headphones can achieve while remaining below 3% distortion. Again, once distortion hits 3%, it starts to take a major toll on sound quality.
What we found:
The ATH-A700s were capable of 116.37dB SPL, which is a good level. We give max points for 120dB, since anything over that is dangerous. For most people, 116 decibels should be plenty of sound.
Isolation (3.39)
How the test works:
To test isolation, we play back some pink noise (like regular noise, but every octave is played back at the same power), and see what frequencies -- if any -- the headphones block out. Unless the headphones feature active noise cancellation, this simply tests how well the headphones physically obstruct the sound waves from reaching your ears.
What we found:
Loose-fitting headphones generally have poor isolation, meaning the ATH-A700 headphones are just another statistic. They don't block out any bass at all, and while we were a bit impressed with the high-pitched noise they were able to shield HATS from, it in no way approached a good isolation level. Of course, you aren't going to be wearing these headphones on a bus, so chances are this poor performance won't affect you. Just remember that these aren't headphones designed to drown out a jet engine or screaming kids.
How the Audio-Technica ATH-A700 compares:
As you can see, over-ear headphones are notoriously bad at isolation. The ATH-A700s actually performed better than all the comparison headphones, with the exception of the Bose QuietComfort 3s and their active noise cancellation. Given how bad other over-ear headphones are, it makes the ATH-A700s low score seem good by comparison.
Leakage (3.75)
How the test works:
To test leakage, we set up a microphone near the headphone-wearing HATS. We then play pink noise through the headphones and record any sound that's still audible a few inches away from the headphones. , and play some pink noise through the headphones (again, pink noise is a bunch of frequencies playing at once, where every octave receives the same power). We then measure how much of this pink noise escapes the confines of the headphones and makes it to the microphone.
What we found:
The ATH-A700s leak a lot of sound, but weren't so bad as other over-ears like the Pioneer SE-A1000s. These aren't headphones that will let you listen to a late night action movie while your room mates or spouse slumbers in the same room. Typically when headphones do poorly on both leakage and isolation, it means they don't form a particularly good seal with the ear. We're guessing this is the ATH-A700s' case. These headphones are best used in a quiet environment that doesn't necessarily need to remain quiet.
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