-
Introduction
-
01.Tour & Design
-
02.Performance
-
03.In Use
-
04.Value & Comparisons
-
05.Conclusion
-
06.Ratings & Specs
-
07.Comments
Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9
Previous: Page 4
Value & ComparisonsNext: Page 6
Ratings & SpecsConclusion
Who's It For
Audiophiles
While vocals might seem a bit underemphasized, the playback will be distortion free. Give them a listen first, of course, but we’d generally recommend these to those who are fancier and more economically-gifted.
Portable User
We would recommend these to people who don’t like in-ear headphones or active noise cancellers. Typically, however, both of those are better options.
Airplane Traveler
Poor isolation and a tight fit mean the ATH-ESW9 are a poor choice for an airplane.
Home / Office Use
A short cord and tight fit make us reluctant to recommend these for a home theater. We also prefer open-backed, dynamic headphones. The former is for a more open soundstage, and the latter is for clearer dialog or meatier explosions (movies should only focus on one or the other). The ATH-ESW9s have a middling bass and weak vocals.
Conclusion
The ATH-ESW9s are a pair of headphones that are likely priced outside the reach of the average consumer. Like most luxury items, the majority of their cost seems to come from aesthetics, although they aren’t just a pretty face with no functionality. They are, however, outclassed by many headphones at the same price point in terms of audio quality.
Can you find classy, wooden headphones for less than the ATH-ESW9s? Probably, but we’re not aware of any with the same level of audio quality. Really, the ATH-ESW9s are for someone who wants good sound and better aesthetics. If you don’t like the way they look or feel, however, rest assured there are plenty of other options out there for you that won’t beat on your wallet quite so badly.
Shop for the Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9
Latest News
& Reviews
-
03-Feb-2012
SMS Audio SYNC by 50 Over-ear Headphone Review
The SYNC by 50s aren’t inherently bad, they’re just terrible for $500. Read More...
-
01-Feb-2012
Denon AH-D5000 Over-ear Headphone Review
The Denon AH-D5000s are a great, if pricy, pickup. Read More...
Top Rated Headphones
-
TypeOver-EarWirelessNoActive Noise CancellingNo
-

$1,400.002Sennheiser HD 800
We finally got in the Sennheiser HD 800s. So what's our verdict? They're amazing. Read full 13-part review
$1,400.00TypeOver-EarWirelessNoActive Noise CancellingNo -

$72.273Sennheiser CX 680i
The Sennheiser CX 680i in-ear headphones are a decent set of lower-mid-range headphones with a remote & mic. They don't have the best quality and they're not quite as rugged as we would've expected from a set of in-ears aimed at the gym crew, but they're a great value at $100. Read full 13-part review
$72.27TypeIn-EarWirelessNoActive Noise CancellingNo -

$395.004Sennheiser IE 8i
With eight different sets of sleeves and optional ear-loops, it's not hard to see that Sennheiser really tries to make the listening experience a comfortable one. . Read full 13-part review
$395.00TypeIn-EarWirelessNoActive Noise CancellingNo -

$79.005Etymotic Research mc5
The Etymotic Research mc5 headphones are an entry level set of in-ears. At $80, the mc5s offer a disproportionately high audio quality for their price. Read full 13-part review
$79.00TypeIn-EarWirelessNoActive Noise CancellingNo
Features
-
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and You
Our guide to enjoying headphones while preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. A must-read for Headphone consumers. Read More...

(add your own)