Audio-Technica ATH-A700

The HD 555s will ring up a full $120 less than the ATH-A700s, and they have better audio quality to boot. The HD 555s have open backs, so they have a slightly more airy quality to their sound than the ATH-A700s do, but they also isolate far less noise. In this match-up we have to say the HD 555s are better. They’re cheaper, have better quality, and are meant for the same listening environment (a quiet place with just you and your playback). They even manage to best the ATH-A700s strongest attribute: it’s low distortion. Unless you love the ATH-A700s sound, the HD 555s are better.

The Pioneer SE-A1000s are incredibly similar to the ATH-A700s. Both are overly-expensive over-ears that require you to dress up like a religious figure. The main differences here are their strengths and price. The ATH-A700 has very minimal distortion and a bad frequency response, while the Pioneer SE-A1000 has an even frequency response but a lot of distortion. Overall, however, they have comparable audio quality and scored very similarly in other areas (other than cable connectivity: the SE-A1000s should really come with a spool for all that cable). The price may very well tip the scales, however. The Pioneer SE-A1000 headphones will offer you their comparable headphone experience for $100 less than the ATH-A700s. Again, you should really give both a listen, but the SE-A1000s give you a similar package at a significant price reduction.

The Ultrasone HFI-2200 headphones have a boomy bass. They did worse than the ATH-A700s on our audio tests, and have somewhat scratchy cloth padding. Plus, they aren’t the prettiest headphones out there. This match-up goes to the ATH-A700s, for offering more at the same price point.

The Bose QC3s are far better than the ATH-A700s at isolating sound, but at what price? The QC3s are a very mild version of a deal with the devil: sure you get active cancellation, but you have to be dependent on a battery and can’t turn the feature off. Really, it sounds like a lame Twilight Zone episode about being careful what you wish for. The active cancellation you gain comes at the expense of $50. If you need the versatility that the cancellation brings, then the QC3s are a viable choice. If you’re looking for a home theater solution where ambient noise isn’t going to be much of an issue, then we’d recommend the ATH-A700s over the QC3s. They’re cheaper, provide comparable audio quality, and don’t require batteries.