Get beyond what might seem like their anachronistic configuration, and the ATH-WP900 are an extremely accomplished pair of headphones.

I won’t beat around the bush: Audio Technica has knocked it out of the park with the new ATH-WP900. It’s exciting and engaging enough to hook and reel-in casual listeners while providing a rewarding tone and technical abilities to tickle even the most rusted-on Audiophile’s fancy. The ATH-WP900’s smaller size and portable designation are far from a compromise – it’s a first-rate pair of closed-back hifi cans with far more use-cases than it’s bulkier and more expensive brethren. If I were to choose between the ATH-WP900 and the ATH-AWAS or ATH-AWKT, I’d take the WP900 in an absolute heartbeat. Form-factor and comfort-wise it’s far less fussy, and sonically it’s one of the most tastefully-implemented v-shape signatures I can recall hearing. The ATH-WP900 is an unreserved recommendation for desert island dwellers and urban castaways alike. In fact, I think so highly of them that I’ve actually gone and bought a pair for myself after sending back this review pair back to Audio Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-WP900 headphones turned out to be quite interesting. Effective appearance, portability, ergonomics, lack of increased requirements for sound amplification, universality of sound – strengths of ATH-WP900. If we prioritize the price-quality ratio, then the headphones are not without certain shortcomings, which, in my opinion, include: plastic construction elements, a soft cover, cable braiding material.

I’m not usually a huge fan of the Audio-Technica sound signature. But the WP900 sounds so tight and clean (not to mention the fun soundstage) that it’s hard not to enjoy. Add to that a really pretty face, and these headphones become quite enticing. Some audiophiles may be left hungry for a little more low-end. But what the WP900 does well, it does extremely well. And given that there are so few high-end dynamic headphones designed with optimum portability in mind, I think it’s a unique set of cans deserving of attention.

The price and configuration is going to make the appeal of Audio-Technica's WP900 very select, but those they suit will find these headphones very capable indeed. The sound is beyond reproach (as long as you’re not a volume fiend), and the look and finish is very pleasant too.