ATH-D40fs - Bass enhance studio phones
Billed as 'precision studiophones', the £100 D40s certainly have a professional, quality feel. The luxurious roll-cushions and sumptuous padded headband held my head in a reassuring yet tender way, with all the comfort and 23423b114x feel of a top-of-the-range product.
A closed-back design with circumaural sound coupling, they provide good isolation from external noise, and remain fairly free from unpleasant humidity even after prolonged listening. Their professional design and build quality is evident throughout.
The 'single' headband adjustment clicked smoothly and reassuringly into position and the reversible earpieces for one-ear listening is further evidence of their refinement and professional aspirations.
The captive cord is about 3.4 metres long, fed to one side only, and terminated with a 6.3mm gold-plated jack.
Sound Quality
Wow! That was my initial reaction to hearing these 'phones, and I daresay others will agree. The 'D40s claim a bass enhanced frequency response, and give the bass grunt you'd expect, alongside good midband transparency and a detailed treble. While the quality is good, the bass can at times sound a little bloated, making string sections seem rather warm and coloured.
The Curtis Fuller Quintet piece was extremely involving and 3D, making me feel I had a front row seat. The occasional indication that the midband was being a little drowned out by a full and persistent bass didn't spoil my enjoyment of this or the classical test piece. Pop and dance tracks tended to highlight the conflict between bass and mid frequencies though, and vocals could sound distant.
The 'D40s are well-built, studio-oriented headphones with a truly transparent sound and deserve Recommendation. They sound great for all types of music, but especially rock and pumping dance, and may have professional DJ appeal.
100 pounds
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