I had absolutely no idea that a ZMF Pilot pad would fit a w1000x Like a Glove ( it doesnt fit most models
Using a2000z Yaxi Pads its not only a looker, it might as well just be the comfiest Closed Back ever
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Above is the unboxing experience. All the listening impression below is on my Allnic HPA-5000XL setup. All ATH woody headphone, I always prefer tube. I specifically really like the Allnic HPA-5000XL combo with the ATH-Woody headphone because it’s a really good tube amp and there is no hiss or buzz noise on it when using the sensitive ATH wooden headphones.
I only had the ATH-W3000ANV for 2 days, but I really like the tuning of this headphone. Instantly, it reminded me of the ATH-L3000 tuning, where it is pretty balanced with a bass boost. Compared to other ATH-Woody headphones, the vocals aren’t pushed forward a lot in the soundstage. I have not owned the ATH-L3000 for pretty much 2 years at this point, but I feel like the ATH-W3000ANV honestly hits harder on the mid-bass punch and a little less closed-in in terms of soundstage. The L3000 might have more subbass, from what I remember. I don’t think I can confidently remember anything else when comparing them.
What does the ATH-W3000ANV sound like? Subbass sounds a little absent in the music, but it makes up for it with a really hard-hitting mid-bass punch. I am talking harder than ZMF Atrium Open on Universe Perf Lambskin pads if I had to use a headphone as a reference point. Vocal tuning got a little of that ATH wonkiness, but it’s a tuning I really enjoy and find addicting. For comparison, ZMF Atrium Open vocals sound fuller and lush while the ATH-W3000ANV sounds more intimate, airy, and more focus. Treble is surprisingly good and clear than what I was expecting. I wouldn’t call it smooth, but it is detail-sounding. Cymbals do not sound dull and actually sound like metal being hit.
I tried some pad rolling as pads are pretty important to ATH-Woody due to how they are built and the angle drivers. The current pads I have from the ATH-W3000ANV are stock pads according to the seller. Here is my notes below:
- ZMF Universe Solid lambskin pads compare to stock pads:
- A little more bass quantity so bass sounds a little bigger, but it gets a little more boomy sounding
- Vocals sound a little more fuller and more natural, but at the same time sound a little more veiled. Vocals are also more push back in the soundstage compare to the stock pads.
- Treble sounds a little more muted and less detail.
- To my ears, stock pads sound overall cleaner vs the ZMF Universe Solid lambskin pads. I think having the drivers pointing straight to my ears really brings out on why I like the ATH house tuning for vocals.
W5000 pads vs the stock pads
- W5000 pads makes it sound like it’s a little more vocal focus in the music and everything is a little bit more in the background. But I think the vocals sounds a little clearer and actually more natural sounding as well.
- Because everything else sounds more in the background, bass feels a bit turned down. Bass punch actually hit way less harder.
- I like the stock pads for a less vocal forward tuning and bass hits harder.
- ATH-W10VTG (with W5000 pads) vs ATH-W3000ANV (with stock pads)?
I haven’t spent too much time on this since it’s only day 2. But for vocal tuning, remember when I said ZMF Atrium vocals sound fuller and lush while the ATH-W3000ANV sounds more intimate, airy, and more focus. ATH-W10VTG sounds like the next level that is even more intimate, airy, and more focus on the vocals compared to the ATH-W3000ANV. I also find the ATH-W10VTG vocals sounds clearer than the ATH-W3000ANV and even the ZMF Atrium with the UP Suede pads which is kinda nuts thinking about the price difference. Because of this though, it sounds a little too much focus on vocals where everything else seem like its on the background. Everything else seems less impressive compare to the ATH-W3000ANV like W3000ANV midbass hits harder and treble is more there and detail.
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Drivers comparison on ATH-WVT10G vs ATH-W3000ANV
- ATH-W10VTG drivers is the 1st pic, W3000ANV is the 2nd pic, and 3rd pic is both side by side.
- ATH-W10VTG drivers poke out of the cup while while the ATH-W3000ANV drivers are still inside the cup, but both are still angle drivers. ATH-W10VTG drivers are closer to your ear compared to the ATH-W3000ANV.
***Thats it I guess:
I guess thats it, I don’t know if I have anything more to say about the ATH-W3000ANV besides I think its a pretty underrated ATH-woody. I barely see people talking about the W3000ANV when old ATH woody is brought up and I feel it’s overshadowed on the more expensive classics like the L3000 and L5000. I guess thats a good thing too in a sense since I didn’t have to overpaid for this old woody while meanwhile the L5000 is being sold for near $5000 now and the L3000 is near $4000 now. For ZMF vs ATH tuning on whats the better wooden headphone, I think its just come down to taste. If you want something more natural sounding, ZMF headphones. If you want something more special and uniquely tuned (which I think is more fun if you have a collection) ATH woody is the way to go. I also think ATH woody sounds more like what I want on a wooden headphone specifically on the ATH-W10VTG because vocals echo more on that headphone compared to all my other headphone in my collection which add another reason why I find the ATH-W10VTG addicting.
Regarding pad situation, since the W3000ANV pad is pretty worn out, I am probably going to buy Vesper audio pads to see if they can make a duplicate W3000ANV pad. I had them make the L3000 pad and it was perfect. I am probably going to do that sometime maybe next year though…
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Thank you very much
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New ADX7000 for 4000$ / 3500€ / 3000 GBP
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