The ATH-WP900SE marks the first time Audio-Technica has brought the iconic 3-tone sunburst finish (a classic coloring long beloved by guitarists) to a pair of headphones. Applied by Fujigen using the same lacquer process favored in fine guitar-making, the finish delivers a deep, lustrous sheen that's as durable as it is striking.

The housing is carved from solid ash, the same wood used in electric guitars and basses for generations. Beyond its good looks, ash has genuine acoustic merit: its natural properties work in tandem with Audio-Technica's tuning to reproduce clear note definition, rich low-end, and the subtle decay of sustained strings.

To realistically reproduce the tone of stringed instruments, the ATH-WP900SE uses an acoustic design built exclusively for this model. A newly designed voice coil improves the linearity of the driving force, delivering high-resolution sound across the entire frequency range. Ventilation behind the drivers is equalized to prevent asymmetric movement and unwanted resonance. An optimized acoustic port shape also allows for tight, controlled low-frequency response. Together, the dedicated 53 mm drivers and meticulous tuning bring out the contours of every note with clarity.

The headband and earpads are wrapped in smooth synthetic leather with a three-dimensional stitching pattern that conforms naturally from the crown of your head to your ears. Both are made with low-rebound padding that absorbs pressure rather than pushing back, reducing fatigue during long listening sessions.

The cable connects via Audio-Technica's A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connector — a proprietary design built for both audio performance and longevity. The connector minimizes signal loss and noise, maintains a stable connection even when moved, and is built to hold up through years of repeated use.

Two cables are included: a 1.2 m balanced cable with a 4.4 mm 5-pole plug for use with Hi-Res Audio players and balanced headphone amplifiers, and a 1.2 m cable with a standard 3.5 mm stereo mini-plug.