Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z

I bought this as a backup pair against my Beyerdynamics. ATs are louder at the same volume setting. I have to turn them down. ATs definitely have clarity but they are not as precise in mid tones. I think they have a bit too much bottom end too. The ear cups are comfortable but I do sweat when worn over 15 minutes. The headband does not rest on your head, however, there are two tension flaps which support the headphones. They tend to want to sag and I find myself adjusting them often. They are a great post production listening device and for all around music listening, I gave them a fair rating. Overall, I think at this price, one could find better. I kept them because I do like the post sound. Just not good for mixing. My production sounds flat.

I used them for recording vocals in my home studio and i am really glad for my choice, however sometimes i feel that they are more like 3d sounding headphones. More for fun!
I tested in the studio these and akg k 271 mk2.The difference was night and day. The bass was full and round mid and hoghs clear but i couldnt tell that they are studio monitors for recording.Thei soundstage is very 3d soundish so its hard to separate instruments comparing to the akg k612 pro that they are my favourite.

I first tried this series back in the 2000s with the ATH-A900. Now, nearly 20 years later, I'm loving the ATH-A990Z. The overall sound presentation is nicely speaker-like thanks to the angled drivers (great sound stage, IMO), and the frequency balance is very pleasing while still being appropriately revealing to fit in with other headphones in the price range.

These use rather large drivers, which gives powerful low frequencies and lower midrange without sacrificing detail in the upper mids and treble, but in some cases the closed-back nature (with inherent resonance, though these are well-damped) can make the bass slightly "slower" seeming than smaller diaphragm, open headphones. But, it has good impact, and I don't find that problematic even listening to metal (kicks are still distinct!). It's all part of their ATH-A900 series "house sound" that you may end up loving, like me, or which might not be your favorite. Personally, I find them to be one of the best sounding and comfortable sets of closed headphones I've ever used, easy to listen for long periods without fatigue but still able to sound exciting when the material has that in it, and I'm very pleased to have them.