Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9 Sovereign Wood Headphones

I own many high quality headphone (Stax Lambda circa 1985, Stax SR303, AKG K1000, Sennheiser HD580, plus many other middle level phones) but I wanted a quality  headphone for my office that was close to the stax.  I needed something that was sealed so it would not disturb my colleagues.  I also really enjoy the Audio Technica sound (similar to stax "voicing" in many ways).  These fit my goal perfectly.  

The sound quality is extremely good, but not up to the level of the Stax or K1000s.  But for the office and a 20,000円 pair of headphones I am extremely happy.  Plus they are very stylish.  When shopping for these I checked out many sennheiser, AKG, denon and Audio Technica phones.  I seriously compared to the audio technica ATH-A700, A900, AD700 and AD900, AKG K601 K701, and several denons in the $200 range.The AKG are very nice, like a mix of sennheiser stax and AudioTechnica but not closed back but quite expensive in Japan (almost stax pricing). The Denons were very nice but seemed too bass heavy and warm sounding to my taste, but I can see why many love them.  The ATH-AD series had a nice, enjoyable sound but they leaked sound too much (open design) and just did not fit my head since they lack a vertical rotation joint. The A700 and A900 were also very nice. I almost bought the ATH-A900, but I really like the ESW9 sound a lot more.  The ESW9 seems more balanced (more stax like) while the A700/A900 seemed a bit bass heavy and a little "thicker" sounding to me.  When I first listened to the ESW9 I knew immediately that this was what I was looking for.  It really stood out in the comparison.  I run them with a Gilmore Lite headphone amp.

I highly recommend auditioning the ATH-ESW9 for anyone looking for a high quality sound in the $200 price range, especially if they want a closed-back headphone that sounds like an open design.  But there are many fakes out there so I highly recommend listening at a dealer and not buying used or from ebay.

I might not have gotten these if I had'nt heard them. I was milling around the best buy and put on a few cans. I thought these were the best sounding cans Best Buy had on their wall- portable or otherwise. It was not even that close. Maybe not the ideal comparing circumstance but the ESW9's really impressed me. They had some other AT models, AKG, Pioneer, Bose and B&W for sampling- not sure the models. When they arrived I found The ESW9's work very well with a Sony Walkman. That is mainly the reason I got them. The sound is refined, maybe a touch warm but still nicely clear and detailed. If there's one thing these phones have it is tonal balance, to me the balance is very good for this type of headphone. There is no major exaggeration anywhere. Most importantly, natural instrument timbre is retained, everything is just scaled down a bit. I got a sense that while dynamics might be reigned in compared to a full size can, everything still felt right. That's quite a trick AT! This is now my headphone of choice for walkman. With an easy to drive nature and a 102 db sensitivity, they live up to their "portable" designation. Volume level and sound quality is superb on my portable device. They also do very well with a headphone amp, but usually I break out my full size cans for that, but I tell you I was'nt jumping up to get my other cans out- so the AT's are also up to scratch for dedicated home use. The ESW9's indicate there is something to be said for the acoustic properties of wood ear piece. Like my review says- I just about got these by coincidence- I was'nt really looking but fell for the sound of the ESW9's.

I could see people maybe having some comfort issues with these. Build is adequate but they may need some TLC, particularly the wood parts. Probably not for "field use". The build and sound are well in line with the street price but not the list price IMO. Great Isolation from outside noise was not really expected from an "on ear" can and I got about what I expected, the ESW9's are only fair in that area, you certainly won't get the isolation of a full size closed back. Wearing: They are average comfort for me, I notice a little discomfort after awhile, maybe 3 hours, but I rarely listen that long. The street price on these is worth it IMO. All in all a fine choice in the "portable" category. One final note: the box says "made in Japan". I know these days many cans including AT's own are China made, and in fact all the other models I pulled off the shelf were, but this one appears to be an exception. I mention that mainly for people who, perhaps like myself, might not ever get an image from back in the day out of their head- of Audio-Technica as a top Japanese company that was, and all these years later, sometimes still actually made there too. Recommended.

I got these as my first set and I couldn't be more satisfied.

I ordered them refurbished for $149.00 from an audiotechnica certified dealer on the internet (ironically, I ordered the ESW9As, but got a set of these instead--what serendipitous fortune!).

Seeing as I listen to Jazzy Beats (see songs such as 'The Strange Fruit Projects - Maintain' for reference) as well as soundtracks ('A Dark Knight,' etc.) or more chill electronica (see 'Ellie Goulding - Lights (Shook Remix)' for reference), these headphones were perfect for me.

The highs and mids shine on this pair of headphones. Even without a DAC/amp (I bought a FiiO E07K ANDES to complete this set-up), the headphones deliver amazing sound driven straight from my Macbook, iPhone 4S, Ipod, etc. The lows were also there, but definitely not as big as my friend's pair of ATH-M50s.

With a DAC/amp, however, everything changes. I have the ANDES set on +4 Treble and +6 Bass and these things even out perfectly. It just wakes everything up. Even the low rumbling in some of my soundtrack songs were unbelievably impressive.

My only qualm about this set of cans is that the connectors between the band and the cups are made of plastic--a high grade plastic, but plastic nonetheless--as opposed to being all metal and leather (like my other friend's B&W P5s). Also when I first got the headphones, the clamp hurt my ears after about 3-4 hours of solid listening. Since then, it has loosened up a bit to fit my head, so I'm hoping that with time it will fit my head just perfectly.

Overall, I highly recommend this pair of headphones for anyone looking for a portable set. They are aesthetically beautiful with their Hokkaido Sovereign Cherry wood cups and they sound beautiful as well, particularly with a decent DAC/amp (no clue what a straight AMP would do).

A definite 9 to 9.5/10

When I was on a look out for my first serious headphones, I came across this beautiful 'Geisha' by the name of ESW9. 'Gorgeous' was the first word that I uttered upon gazing the headphone for the first time. But seeing a lot of stylish cans coming out as of late, I was wary; will it be another of those style over substance type of 'trash' I was hearing about? I did some more in depth research and decided that I pull the trigger on them. And all my doubts before were casted away completely when I started to listen to this grandiose work of art!

What's Inside

Opening the windowed black box reveals the headphones with the cups covered in a sticky plastic along with the synthetic leather pouch and the some papers. It could have been better if Audio-Technica come up with a ATH-HPP5 case instead as the poach, is not enough to shield the cups from scratches. (I was already over-protected on my pair and it still scratch) Though I guess adding the case would only add to the already hefty price tag on the ESW9.

Build, Ergonomics, Wearing experience

The headphones' construction (as far as the materials used) screams of luxury. The headband is padded with protein leather, seen in  most car seating. It's soft and comfy, and very easy to clean. I wish Audio-Technica could have use them on the ear pads as well instead of the lambskin which is more susceptible to dirt and grime. The driver housing is made up of wood (the 'a' version on this review is made of african paduak while the standard Japanese release were cherry), with a hand-made finish. Simply put, it's beautiful and sophisticated, probably one of the best (if not, the best) looking headphones out there. The biggest downer though is the swivels that connects the ear cups. It's made up of very light, somewhat cheap-ish plastic with a fake gold grain texture. It can tear off real bad if you are the type that's rough on his/her things. Comfort is pretty good on this one, but may not suit people with bigger head as the headband is somewhat small. (bending it a bit might help) The bowl-shaped pads are soft and comfy though produce more heat on the ears and may not suit those people living in a tropic country. Still, it would make a good ear warmer in winter though. Isolation is another concern on these headphones considering they were designed as portables. They let in too much passive noise and sometimes can be really annoying when on commute. Because of this, they're may be more suitable as a transportable type, ideal to those who occasionally listen to music while at the office. In there, the isolation is just about right. The cables are soft and thin and doesn't inspire durability, though perhaps it's fine as long as you don't use it while jogging or playing ball. 

Sound Quality

Before the review, I've already spent at least 100 hrs. or more head time from the date of purchase on these, and during those times I never noticed any improvement on the sound quality at all, so I guess it's safe to say that these doesn't burn in and already sound good out of the box. Or perhaps the sound was new for me, being my first high-end portable coming from entry level ones and all so my experience may vary. Just give her some more head time if the sound doesn't meet your initial expectations.

*Bass - Pretty good. Not the type that would make bass freaks happy though. The type that suits slow-paced music more like Jazz, or some various rock genres like synth-rock or pop-rock. A bit unrefined but still manageable, assuming you do not intend on using them as a 'banger' headphone. 

*Mid-range - If there's one main reason you would purchase a ESW9 then this is it. The midrange on this one is sublime, with superb clarity and timbre. Perfect if you love your vocals. Instrument separation is excellent as well. From woodwinds to percussion, nothing is smeared over. All is there, with a good touch of warmth. It's the specialty of the house for the ESW9.

*Treble - A bit distant, but it's still there, sparkly, with a 'sweet' rendition, providing a smooth, non-fatiguing listening experience. A perfect side-step to those who want to take a break from a more 'aggressive' sound signature.

*Stereo Imaging (Soundstage) - Pretty good as well. It's a naturally rendered soundscape with no fake  depth. I'm not too keen about describing the position of the instruments nor the positioning of them as oppose to the audience's (listener) perspective others are claiming, but to my ears it's just about right.

Conclusion

With that being said, I can never be more satisfied enough with how the ESW9 renders my music playlist. Surely, there are some shortcomings particularly concerning durability and ergonomics but that becomes easily negligible considering how well they perform, for my needs at least. Not to mention the sublime looks! 

A little background:

This can be considered my first decent pair of "portable" headphones. I have a pair of HD650s at home and I usually use my customs or UE TF10 Pro's when I'm going out. I've stopped using in-ears for a while because I seem to get swollen canals after prolonged use and it hurts. God forbid I've actually picked up the iPod earbuds for portable listening. I've recently decided to buy a pair of portable headphones. I was actually considering the Sennheiser HD25-1 II but I've tried it at my local store and it doesn't seem to fit too well with my ears (I don't seem to get a seal but the SQ was decent, very forward sounding). I remember I've looked at the ESW9's a while ago and I saw them again in the shop so I decided to give those a try.

I usually have this sense of unwillingness straight after I buy a piece of audio equipment (like when I bought the Sennheiser HD650s, they are great phones, but still :/) because it is an expensive affair (I don't work yet..), so far I don't have this feeling with the AT ESW9's.

Initial Response:

I prefer not to dwell in the burn-in no burn-in debate. Personally I don't really know, and I definitely do not receive a Placebo, so below are just the comments I'd give after initial hearings with this headphones.

The ESW9's is a pair of very smooth sounding headphones. I really like the midrange clarity, the vocals are very smooth and clear, a much enjoyed experience. I really like the frequency response of the headphones, it's rather unique compared to most headphones out there. It's one of those headphones that one can keep in his/her inventory because there will always be a time when one craves for the type of sound that these headphones produce.

These headphones look really pretty, I'm really scared of scratching the wood because it is so varnished and lovely. Comfort-wise they are pretty comfortable, I'm not sure I've found the best placement on my ears yet but I'm getting there. However, these headphones do leak, I've not sure if it's because of the wood? but average listening levels for me (which should be pretty average) and everyone in a small room can listen clearly (given there isn't much talking).

Compared to my in-ears they are very mellow, with the in-ears being more technical-sounding and sharp/quick, however with the result of a grain-ier sound. These are very smooth (I tend to say that a lot). Bass is definitely there in the ESW9's but they aren't punchy and hard-hitting, even my open Sennheiser HD650's have punchier bass than my ESW9's.

I think these headphones are a keep for me, and I hope anyone who buys them will give them a lot of love. My only mission now is to make sure I don't scratch them, I'll probably hunt for a hard case for these headphones in the morning. Build quality looks decent, though I wouldn't go nuts on twisting the cups back and forth because though there are metal-bits and the general headphone seems to be of decent quality, it still gives me a slight flimsy feeling.

Hello Fellow Head-Fi'ers,

I've gotten my pair of Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9A's delivered today, and not only am I a changed man by the experience of donning my highest quality pair of cans auditioned; I'm now an A-T man for good.

I first thought they were pretty good looking. Pretty DARN GOOD LOOKING. But what is style over substance? 

Fortunately I had my experience with the Victor HP-FX500's to teach me the virtue of Woodie Headphones. Also how fabulous they could be.

Originally I'd intended to get the EARSUIT ATH-ES10 Titaniums. They're supposed to have more HOLY BASS. Much more than the EARSUIT Le Luxe ATH-ESW9A... about TWICE as much.

HOWEVER, being on a budget, and wanting to hear a full-sized pair of woodies, I relented to my instincts and went with these. BOY AM I GLAD I DID!!!

RICH Honeysuckle mids, Caramel mids, Butterscotch and Honey lacquered treble and a dense, stiffly resonant Bass Backbone that echoes through the wood. All with Resolution that soars through the very polite placement of soundstaging. 

I couldn't be happier. EVERY TONE SOUNDS PROPER. CORRECT. DELIGHTFUL.

Like I said, I'm now an A-T Man.