Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9

The Denon AH-NC732s are great all-around headphones. Going outside? Turn on active noise cancellation. Staying inside? Turn it off for distortion-free playback. Like the ATH-ESW9s, the AH-NC732s are priced a bit high. What you’re paying for is versatility, and you’re getting some solid audio quality when the active cancellation feature is turned off. They aren’t as classy as the ATH-ESW9s, though. For anyone but the fashionista, we’d recommend the AH-NC732s for their comparable audio quality, better isolation, and smaller price tag.

It’s rare that the QC3s aren’t the most expensive headphones in a pairing, and we thought they were overpriced. Really, the QC3s have okay audio quality, but are much better at isolating. They also come with the burden of batteries, however, requiring a charge to get any music out of them. The ATH-ESW9s have better overall audio quality, don’t require batteries, but can’t isolate. Also, there’s the aesthetics issue. Really, this comes down to form (like all the ATH-ESW9 comparisons will) and function. Are you planning to go outside, take a bus or train and walk around? If so, the QC3s might be the better pick. Are you looking to sit in your house in your finest tuxedo and listen to jazz? Pick up the ATH-ESW9s.

The Grado SR60s are lighter, far, far less expensive than the ATH-ESW9s, and are worse in just about every regard. This match-up is really a question of money. If you’re a budget buyer, get the SR60s. They’re not amazing, but they are a good value for what they are. If you’re looking for a step up, but not to spend a lot of money, neither headphone is for you. If the SR60s and their kitschy appeal disgust you and your finer sensibilities, the ATH-ESW9s are for you.

Unless you hate the looks of the DT 990 PROs or you specifically want to look like a baron/baroness, go for the Beyerdynamics. They’re expensive themselves, and not as attractive, but by golly do they sound good. They outperform the ATH-ESW9s in just about every category except (maybe) comfort and aesthetics, both of which are going to be decided by you and not us. In general, however, the DT 990 PROs beat the ATH-ESW9s.