Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9 and ATH-ESW9A Appreciation Thread - Page 7

So looking forward to picking these up!

Edited by jimbob747 - 7/31/11 at 9:03am

Then why are you bringing it up? lol

I think that response was in relation to something on the first page (which i now realise was ages ago) but people simply stating that they were going to try and upgrade an LOD i was simply stating that it is completely unnecessary. 

Got mine ESW9A from Beach Camera Amazon storefront, $220. Now I'm selling my M50).

 

Really like the sound signature, lush and smooth, good textured bass that has the power but is never overpowering. A very musical and engaging headphone. Also a very beautiful headphone.

 

Would wish for a ESW10JPN, but improvement not worth the investment to me)

 

There are cons - pressure on the ears causes discomfort after 2-3 hours though. Still I listen to them much more then I listened to ATH-M50, which I find lacking in the mids, or is it just me.

Yup, the ESW9's are known for their uncomfortable earpads, but sound-wise they are praised for their mids/vocals. How do these headphones fair for electronic music? I'm thinking of either buying the ESW9's or the Ultrasone DJ1 Pro's.

 

I feel ESW9 lacks treble clarity and sparkle for electronic along with speed.  ES10 might be the way to go, but seems rather overpriced.

I really can't help much with this, but I think ESW9 might lack the physical rumble of bass, which M50 has. If you want to feel the bass instead of hearing it, ESW9 may not be for you.
 

 

???????

 

That's your opinion. (but not worth bringing up here). Thank you.

HD25 2II, perhaps. I am going to get that little sucker. 

Your hearing impressions mirror that of my, below are some of my own user impressions of the ESW9, my set was purchased in Japan about 2 yrs back. I don't think they are really overpriced though, their cabling are sturdy with pretty comfortable lambskin leather headband cushioning material. The only downpoints abt the ESW9's comfort fit is as what has been discussed widely on this thread before, their earpads need improvement and need some 'seasoning' in order to make it much more comfortable for long-listening periods.

I have been using my pair of ESW9s for close to 2-yrs now, IMO if u are looking for a supra-aural portable cans that works well for classical, jazz and female vocal genres, I would say you won't go wrong with the ESW9 at all. Compared to some of the Audio-technica IEMs that I currently own such as CK9/CK100, the bass properties on ESW9 goes much deeper and more punchy showcasing quite abit of mid-bass hump as well so they do have warmer qualities compared to my above-mentioned IEMs, which are more known for their cold, analytical sound. As mentioned in Headfonia's closed cans review, while the ESW9 may not live up to other livelier sounding cans reviewed in that shootout, but due to their very sweet and lush midrange with tubey-like sound signature, these are very good portable cans that I have enjoyed pretty much when it comes to the jazz genres, especially when listening to female vocals tracks by Olivia Ong, Susan Wong or Corrinne May.

Of course, every IEM/headphone have their own weaknesses. In my own perspective and words, the transient speed factor or known as the attack/decay speed of the drivers is not a strong pt of the ESW9s, they seemed to be much slower than my Grado RS1i's or CK100 when it comes to speed, in this respect I felt that when it comes to rock/progressive trance/techno genres, the ESW9 do not come across as lively as I would have enjoyed with my other gears mentioned above. So in this regard just take note speed is not their forte, I would consider them to be much more laidback compared to some of the portable cans mentioned in Headfonia portable cans shootout review.

None of those genres are relevant, in miceblue's case. 

Also, when I said ES10 I meant ES10, not ESW9.  I do agree with your opinion on ESW9.  It is very comfortable, not to mention pretty.  I personally think the earpads are near-perfect, but if a different type of earpad that allowed the drivers to control more air could be made, then ESW9 will begin to show more of its treble potential, I think.  I tried them with my SR325is' bowl pads taped on, and I think the treble then had all the control it seemed to lack stock if I remember correctly, and had stratospheric extension.

 

HD25 is okay with electronic, I think, and also lacks treble clarity and sparkle, but does not lack the speed at least.  I have no interest in any more portable headphones, so HD25 is what I will be sticking with.

I used to have this issue, and then I figured something out.

The cups can can angle and turn. Instead of wearing them parrallel to your head, try angling them out, to a similair angle to how your ears stick out. This way, they're more SITTING ON your ears as opposed to crushing them into your head. I did this on a 4+ hour bus ride with no discomfort. 

 

Comparing M50's and ESW9's is apples and oranges. They're incredibly different headphones. Two different styles for two different uses. If you're looking for bass and you bought the ESW9's expecting it than you're a fool who didn't do your research. ESW9's are darker sounding general use headphones, with a concentration in string instruments and female vocalists (comparable to the W5000 in this manner, but much darker), the M50's are DJ styled headphones with an emphasis on bass. It's like comparing a spoon with a fork, they're both used for different things.

 

Hence why I have my bassy DJ headphones (PRO5MK2), my general use and ultra portable ESW9, and my super comfortable relaxing modded W5000. Fork, Spoon, and Knife.

 

I've found out that if you extend the bands slightly you can make them sit on the ears more evenly, reducing the discomfort a lot.

 

So true. But I wonder if warm and bright are mutually exclusive.

Hey guys, I have a friend looking to pull the trigger on these cans. Aside from Beach Camera and BuyDig, what other reputable sellers are there? Friend also needs international shipping--we live in Singapore.

Maybe B&H? Buydig and Beach Camera (really one in the same) is always going to be hands down the cheapest authorized reseller to grab'm from. Im not sure of other places... AT has a list of authorized resellers on their site but the prices are going to be closer to MSRP.