Audio-Technica ATH-W10VTG Headphone Reviews

Manufacturer Audio-Technica Model ATH-W10VTG
Headphone Type Closed Circumaural Headband Type Double
Weight (g) 370 Driver Type Dynamic
Enclosure Material Wood Isolation (dB) 10
Impedance (ohms) 48 Cable Length (cm) 300
Frequency Response (Hz) 5 - 30000  
Connector 3.5mm Street Price US$450
Buy from Amazon.com  
Average reviewer scores
Bass Extension 8.0 Bass Impact 8.0
Bass Quality 8.0 Mids Quality 9.0
Highs Quality 7.0 Soundstage 5.0
Detail 8.0 Portability 0.0
Isolation 4.0 Comfort 9.0
Durability 6.0 Improvement With Amplification 6.0
Value for Money 7.0    
Overall Score 7.8 Total Reviews 1

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Reviews by our members

Review by Senior Member hYdrociTy on 01 Mar 09  16:44
Individual review
Bass Extension8
Bass Impact8
Bass Quality8
Mids Quality9
Highs Quality7
Detail8
Comfort9
Durability6
Value7

First of all, I will have to say that this headphone never struck my fancy. It is closed back, not known for its neutral sound, and details did not come in spades.

I took a bite though because those whose opinions I trust and value said they have owned or heard the VTG and love it, and I am surprised because this piece is like the odd duck in their pack.

Upon finally happening on this rare piece, I discovered what a hidden gem I ignored all these years.

What I love about the HD580, the natural tone, filling soundscape without incongruous gaps- and what I admire from the K501s beautiful mids and the feeling of utter ease, fuses into one harmonious sound.

Although the VTG does not have the ability to work with all types of music, it seems to me that when it DOES find the right music to reproduce, it paints a very painterly portrait filled with emotion for hours.

This is the only headphone I owned over the years that I honestly say I can leave on my head for a full day without any discomfort- whether physical or mental.

I expect this headphone to do with well vocals, which it does, but the VTG also surprises me in that like the K501, it does electronica justice. Modern albums with very textured synths and basslines that go deep are tamed by the VTG. The extension is exceptional, and impact is relatively enjoyable. Though not as good as the SA5000, I still feel I get the whole picture of the low end.

The VTGs do not give me detail like the SA5000 but I still get the lively airy top end that is illustrated with ease, and never do I feel like I am missing anything.

Soundstage is not as encompassing as the 950LTD or any of the open headphones I have. What is important is that there are no little disjointed areas that the K501 may present sometimes, and the width and depth is reasonable.

If the almost perfect balance of bass extension/impact, smooth effortless high end (that trades off just the right amount of detail) and luscious mids do not captivate the listener, I am sure the utterly natural tone will. The coup de grĂ¢ce this fine closed can is that it minimizes the exact things that I do not like about closed back headphones- and with this effort at transparency brings me to finally accept into my stable one of the finer closed headphones that money (and a bit of patience) can procure.

I now see the allure of the W10/W11 that draws so many fervent headphone fanatics to these rare veterans of the closed.

Audio-Technica ATH-W10VTG
Audio-Technica ATH-W10VTG