Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9 and ATH-ESW9A Appreciation Thread - Page 6

Just got my ATH-ESW9's today. All I can say is that they are even better than I expected. As many people have said the sound is really "warm", but I quite like. I don't other on-ears to compare it with but they are way better than my A700's even though they are half the size. I've also read some reviews saying the they aren't "quick" enough for electro etc although I've found this not to be the case. They do all genre's very well and I find their warm sound especially well suited to indie music such as Oh Mercy's new album. The only thing I find lacking is soundstage and a bit of detail in some classical music but I guess this should be expected since I listen to D5000's when at home.  These phones's really aren't meant to be thrown around (wood and fairly thin plastic) but the build quality seems OK. I will give a more detailed review once they have 50+ hours on them.

Yeah I baby my ESW9's. Still have the dorky plastic that they shipped with stuck on the wood and cut around it. Im actually going to be putting an invisible shield over the wood in the coming weeks, something that's less obtrusive and will still let you admire the wood. That, and I also have the hard style case that AT put out for this form factor- the HPP5.

I wish I was wrong but they look like on ear cans since the cups are kind if small .If they are I have to save up for the w10000z or the w 5000.

Yes on the ear cups.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dallan 

Yes on the ear cups.

Thanks, It's a turn-off.

There is some authorized dealer has the ESW9 for $224.00 and some has them for $340.00. Maybe due to the ESW9 vs. ESW9A. What's up with the A ?

Please pardon for my laziness but I do not feel like Google search today.

A has a slightly tapered plug for iPhone compatibility.

I've had my ESW9A's for a year & three months now (purchased from Beach Camera via Amazon storefront, I believe).  These little guys still deliver for me.  Very enjoyable to use & great for when I don't want IEMs sticking in my ears!!

I believe A is just for the America version.  Originally, when they were first released you could only get them in Japan.  I had to get mine from pricejapan.com   - they have no A of course.

Quote:

Originally Posted by feverfive 

I've had my ESW9A's for a year & three months now (purchased from Beach Camera via Amazon storefront, I believe).  These little guys still deliver for me.  Very enjoyable to use & great for when I don't want IEMs sticking in my ears!!

So Beach Camera sells legitimate ESW9A's? Amazon has them at $219 from Beach Camera right now and I'm either considering buying these or the HFI-580's ($100 cheaper).
 

Buydig has it for $209 shipped.  Buydig belongs to Beach Camera, it seems, or vice versa.  Look at the About Us page in both websites.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max 

Buydig has it for $209 shipped.  Buydig belongs to Beach Camera, it seems, or vice versa.  Look at the About Us page in both websites.

They have similar formatted websites and I just Googled them to find out they [appear to be] similar based on buyers' experiences.

Being the ESW9 appreciation thread, how fragile are these headphones? I have read numerous people's experiences with their dreaded swivel hinge...maybe these headphones aren't meant for being worn out and about?

I just discovered today that my Skullcandy Hesh phones, which quite frankly aren't well built in the first place, broke at the base of the adjustable headband where its weakest point is.

For returns, in both websites, they give you the exact same address, for example.

I had mine for less than a year and always stored it in an HPP5 case when I wasn't using it, unless I was outside, then I'd just wear them around my neck when not listening to music.  They don't seem as durable as HD25, but I think they will last very long if you care for them properly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max 

For returns, in both websites, they give you the exact same address, for example.

 

I had mine for less than a year and always stored it in an HPP5 case when I wasn't using it, unless I was outside, then I'd just wear them around my neck when not listening to music.  They don't seem as durable as HD25, but I think they will last very long if you care for them properly.

Mhmm I see.

Do you think they would tend to break just from normal use? The Skullcandy's I have probably weren't meant for fatter heads since they kind of bulge outward when I have them on my head (which is probably why the headband broke).
 

I really doubt it, but I do not feel confident in my opinion as I no longer have an ESW9 and did not own it for a year or more with frequent use.