What’s Kraken! In this video I’m diving into Audio-Technica’s flagship open-back dynamic, the ATH-ADX7000, and yeah… it’s got that “massive” sound right out of the gate. I cover what you get in the box (hard case, two pad sets, balanced + unbalanced cables), and then I immediately get into the drama with the included long XLR cable—because that thing has insane memory, annoying microphonics, and it literally tried to take my drink out next to my computer. Big thanks to Audio46 for sending the headphone over (and for also sending me a shorter Strauss & Wagner cable, because they know me too well). From there I talk build/comfort (super lightweight around 270–275g, premium-feeling magnesium and honeycomb aluminum), pad swapping, and the 490-ohm driver behavior. Sound-wise, with the Alcantara pads I get an expansive, HD800S-style stage but with more satisfying bass weight—still a sub-bass rolloff, but tasteful mid-bass body and great sustain. Mids are breathy and vocals sound incredible, while treble can be sparkly/peaky depending on chain—synergy matters a lot here. With velour pads, bass fullness and “room size” come down, decay tightens up, and the treble shifts a bit peakier early but with less brilliance air up top. Bottom line: expensive as hell, but one of the best dynamic driver headphones I’ve heard to date—if you power it right.