Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
Audio-Technica
43 Overall Score
vs
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony
95 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
85 out of 100 low confidence 8 reviews
The Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z is praised for its exceptional sound quality, with clear highs, detailed mids, and a well-balanced bass that doesn't overpower. Users highlight its impressive soundstage and instrument separation, making it ideal for critical listening and gaming. However, comfort is a recurring concern, with some finding the ear pads too small or the headband fatiguing over long sessions. The non-replaceable cable and mediocre noise isolation are also noted as drawbacks.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Clear highs and detailed mids
- Well-balanced bass
- Impressive soundstage
- Great instrument separation
Cons
- Comfort issues with ear pads
- Non-replaceable cable
- Mediocre noise isolation
- Long cable can be annoying
- Sound leakage
Sound quality 8
Comfort 5
Build quality 4
Cable 4
Noise isolation 3
Soundstage 3
Sony WH-1000XM6
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Commute
Budget
Gaming
Work
Studio
Calls
Music
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.34 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | soft premium-grade earpads | synthetic leather |
| Headband | — | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 53 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Freq Min | 5 Hz | 5 Hz |
| Freq Max | 45 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 44 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | — | LDAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | 3 m | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 12★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony | Sound Connect |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
- Strong sound (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (72nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
Sony WH-1000XM6
No current pricing available
Verdict
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 32 specs.
