This review dives deep into the Atom H200 headphones, evaluating their build quality, sound signature, and comfort against competitors like the AKG K371/361 and FIO FT1. We'll explore the H200's robust construction, examining its durable materials and comfortable headband, while also addressing potential drawbacks like the shallow earcups. The review will analyze the sound profile, comparing its bass response, treble clarity, and mid-range presence to the competing models, noting its unique characteristics and potential for inconsistencies based on ear seal. We'll determine whether its neutral sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the upper mid-range, is a boon or a drawback.Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Atom H200, helping potential buyers weigh its strengths and weaknesses against similar headphones in its price range. We’ll offer a detailed comparison to better understand where the H200 excels and where it falls short, ultimately assisting you in deciding if it's the right choice for your listening needs and preferences. From build quality and comfort to sound characteristics and overall value, this review provides the information you need to make an informed decision.
Pros And Cons
- Robust build quality
- Nice tilt and swivel
- Soft and fluffy headband padding
- Firm clicks on the side
- Cleaner sounding bass at lower levels than the K371
- Greater vocal clarity than the K371
- Less prone to sibilance than the FT1
- Good build quality compared to AKG K371 and FIO FT1
- Higher clamp force
- Ear pads are not super deep
- Cable tangles easily
- Clicks on the side are not super tactile
- Seal variance affects bass response
- 3kHz elevation may not be to everyone's taste
- Sounds less warm than the K371
- More upper midrange than the FIO FT1
- Can sound congested at times
- Foldable for portability
- More comfortable earcups than Atom H200
- Warmer sound than Atom H200
- More forgiving sound than Atom H200
- Sounds more spacious than Atom H200
- Less robust feeling than Atom H200
- Less padding on top of headband than Atom H200
- Mostly linear throughout the mid-range and treble
- More linear than Atom H200 and AKG K371
- Great bass extension
- Smaller earcups than Atom H200
- Has some spiky bits in the upper treble ranges
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Build Quality and Design
The Atom H200 boasts a surprisingly robust build quality for its budget-friendly price point. The headphone features a smooth, satisfying tilt and swivel mechanism, allowing for comfortable adjustments. The headband is well-padded and provides a secure fit. Although the side clicks aren't particularly tactile, the overall construction feels firm and reliable.
The ear pads, however, are a bit shallow at approximately 18mm in the front and 28mm in the back. This might be uncomfortable for users with larger ears. The interior features angled drivers with felt padding, potentially mitigating the issue of ear pressure against the drivers.
Cable and Accessories
The H200 comes with a detachable 2.5mm and 3.5mm cable with a 6.3mm adapter, offering versatility for different audio devices. The cable itself, however, is prone to tangling, a common issue with many headphone cables. The cable's grippy sections bearing the Atom Audio logo do help with plugging and unplugging.
Despite the inconvenience of tangling, the 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter is a welcome inclusion for studio applications.
Build Comparison: AKG K371/361 and FIO FT1
Compared to the AKG K371/361 and the FIO FT1, the Atom H200 feels significantly more robust and sturdy. While the AKGs offer better portability due to their foldable design, the Atom's build quality is noticeably superior. The Atom also has a higher clamp force than both competitors, ensuring a secure fit even during physical activity.
In terms of comfort, the AKGs provide deeper, more comfortable earcups, but lack the ample padding on the headband that the Atom offers. The FIO FT1 also has smaller earcups compared to the H200.
Sound Quality and Frequency Response
The Atom H200's sound signature is less warm than the AKG K371, and offers a more pronounced upper mid-range presence than the FIO FT1. The bass is cleaner and more controlled at lower volumes than the K371, while the treble is more akin to the Beyerdynamic MM500.
The K371 sounds warmer and more forgiving overall, particularly with vocals, while the Atom provides better clarity, especially with electronic music. The treble response of these headphones varies significantly, and the preference will depend largely on personal listening preferences.
Measurements and Seal Variance
The Atom H200 exhibits significant seal variance depending on the placement and pressure applied. This affects the low-frequency response dramatically. Forced seals can result in artificially boosted bass, while a more realistic seal yields a more balanced response.
Measurements show a noticeable elevation around 3kHz, more than expected for a Harman-targeted headphone, and a slight dip around 200Hz. Despite some inconsistencies, the compensated measurements indicate that the headphone can stay within average listener preference bounds.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Atom H200 is a decent headphone with some notable strengths and weaknesses. Its robust build and secure fit are advantages. However, the shallow earcups and inconsistent seal variance can be drawbacks for some users.
Ultimately, the best choice among the Atom H200, AKG K371/361, and FIO FT1 depends on individual preferences. The Atom is a solid option for those seeking a more neutral sound with less sibilance, despite its potential for 'shouty' frequencies due to 3kHz elevation. For those seeking more forgiving and warmer sound, the AKG K371 might be a better choice. The FT1 offers a more linear response.