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Image © AmazonAudio-Technica A550z
At a glance
- Brand
- Audio-Technica
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- closed
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2024
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound7.4
Value8.3
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Audio-Technica A550z is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a neutral, balanced sound signature at a budget-friendly price. Its 53 mm drivers and 40-ohm impedance make it easy to drive from a variety of sources, including smartphones and portable players, while its lightweight build ensures comfortable listening sessions. This model focuses on straightforward, uncolored audio reproduction without active noise cancellation or wireless features.
What works
- Excellent value for the price
- Neutral and balanced sound signature
- Easy to drive with 40-ohm impedance
- Comfortable over-ear design
What doesn't
- No active noise cancellation
- Non-detachable cable
- Not foldable for portability
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 53 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 53 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 35 kHz |
| Impedance | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 53 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 53 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 35 kHz |
| Impedance | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
Design
| Weight | 300 g |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Detachable cable | No |
| USB-C | No |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
4 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Mixedacross 2 videosReviewers agree the Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z offers a comfortable, lightweight fit with a self-adjusting headband and low clamping force, alongside a sound that is generally neutral and detailed, though one praised its vocal clarity while another noted recessed mids and weak treble.
Reviewers liked
- Comfortable and lightweight with self-adjusting headband
- Neutral, detailed sound with good separation
- Good build quality and value under $200
Reviewers flagged
- Non-removable, overly long cable
- Weak headband support or slightly weak treble/recessed mids
- Distortion in lower mids (noted by one reviewer)
15:33Audio Technica ATH-A550Z Review
The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z to be a solid entry-level headphone with excellent neutral sound, impressive detail, and a comfortable fit, though it suffers from a weak headband design, a non-removable overly long cable, and some distortion in the lower mids. Overall, it's recommended for its sonic accuracy and value under $200, but with noted build and comfort caveats.
MixedWatch on YouTube
18:47Audio Technica ATH A550Z Headphones Unboxing
The reviewer unboxes and tests the Audio-Technica ATH-A550Z headphones, finding them lightweight and comfortable with a self-adjusting headband and low clamping force. They note a unique sound signature with pronounced vocals but slightly weak treble and recessed mids, and criticize the non-removable, overly long cable. Overall, they decide to keep the headphones, preferring their comfort and build quality over the more expensive Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, though they consider the DT 770s to have slightly better sound.
MixedWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
What owners say
A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.
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