Audio-Technica ATH-AVC400 Headphone Review: Are These $50 Headphones Worth It?

This review delves into the Audio-Technica ATH-AVC400 headphones, a budget-friendly option priced around $50. We put these headphones through their paces, analyzing their sound signature across various audio genres, including music and gaming. Our evaluation covers their frequency response, soundstage, comfort, build quality, and overall value proposition. We explore the trade-offs inherent in a low-priced headphone, examining whether the compromises made impact the listening experience significantly. Specific attention is given to the nuances of the sound profile, identifying strengths and weaknesses in bass, mids, and treble reproduction.This in-depth assessment aims to help potential buyers determine if the ATH-AVC400s meet their needs. We discuss the headphones' suitability for casual listening, gaming, and critical listening tasks, considering the importance of factors like accuracy, detail, and soundstage for different applications. Our findings will provide a comprehensive understanding of the ATH-AVC400's performance and value, enabling readers to make an informed decision about whether these headphones represent a worthwhile investment at their price point.

Pros And Cons

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Frequency Response Analysis

The Audio-Technica ATH-AVC400 headphones exhibit a frequency response with some notable characteristics. There's an overrepresentation of frequencies around 100-200 Hz, contributing to a punchy bass response. However, the sub-bass is somewhat rolled off. The presence frequencies (2-5kHz) are slightly underrepresented, which might affect clarity and detail in certain audio ranges.

Interestingly, there's noticeable variance between the left and right channels. This isn't uncommon, but multiple tests revealed a consistent difference. This asymmetry might impact the overall listening experience, although it's difficult to quantify without A/B comparison.

The high frequencies show a significant roll-off, as shown in the linear analysis. This contributes to the overall tonal balance but potentially at the cost of detail and airiness, which will be more noticeable with certain audio genres.

Sound Quality Across Genres

Listening tests revealed a perceived emphasis around the 1kHz range, likely due to the roll-off in the 2-5kHz area, which is common among budget headphones. This can impact the perception of clarity and detail, particularly with vocals.

Male vocals lack the extension in higher frequencies, resulting in a less airy and natural presentation. Female vocals sound decent but also suffer from a similar lack of airiness. Therefore, the headphones may not be ideal for critical listening work that requires precise frequency analysis.

Spoken word intelligibility, surprisingly, is better than expected. However, the absence of those crucial presence range frequencies slightly diminishes its impact. This lack of detail may affect the perception of subtle nuances in spoken audio

Gaming Performance

For gaming, speech is clear, but sounds related to environmental cues (footsteps, rustling leaves) lack crispness and detail. The rolled-off high frequencies make these subtle sounds muted and less distinct.

The soundstage appears closed and intimate, with most audio seemingly originating from inside the head rather than spread around the listener. This can affect immersion and the overall spatial awareness essential for competitive gaming.

While the lack of high-frequency extension might make them pleasant for extended play sessions for some users, it ultimately detracts from the nuanced auditory experience necessary for effective gaming.

Build Quality and Design

The ATH-AVC400s are entirely plastic, resulting in a lightweight and comfortable design suitable for extended use. The headband is padded with soft fabric, and the earcups are comfortable thanks to soft pads. The earcups lack full swivel but do offer adjustments in multiple directions, ensuring a good fit.

The clamping force is slightly above average. The cable is permanently attached, which eliminates the possibility of easily replacing a damaged cable. Despite this, the cable's material is soft and feels durable for its price point. The 3.5mm plug is gold-plated, and an adapter is included.

Overall, build quality is quite reasonable for the price. While the plastic construction is to be expected at this price range, the comfort and general feel are positive. The design shows attention to comfort, but not necessarily on longevity in harsh conditions.

Final Verdict

At around $50, the Audio-Technica ATH-AVC400 headphones offer a decent value proposition. While lacking the high-frequency extension of higher-end models, their overall sound profile is quite balanced with adequate punchy bass. The muted high frequencies may be preferred by users sensitive to harsh treble. However, those wanting accuracy, detail, or a wide soundstage will find them wanting for critical listening tasks.

For casual listening or gaming, these headphones are acceptable but not exceptional. The soundstage limitations and lack of detail in ambient audio can affect the gaming experience. The build quality is satisfactory for their price, offering a good balance of comfort and durability.

Ultimately, whether the ATH-AVC400s are worth purchasing depends heavily on individual priorities and preferences. Users primarily seeking cost-effective headphones for casual use might find them satisfactory. However, those who prioritize precision and detail in their audio experience would benefit from investing in a more premium model.