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Comfort of Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 portable headphones

Poll Results: Do you find ATH-ESW9 headphones comfortable?

 
  • 33% (1)
    For > 4 hours
  • 33% (1)
    For 2 to 4 hours
  • 33% (1)
    For 0 to 2 hours
  • 0% (0)
    Not at all
3 Total Votes  
post #1 of 4
2/2/12 at 1:06am
Thread Starter 

I am looking for a pair of headphones to use with my iPod at work and when walking.

 

My criteria for the headphones are:

 

- Comfort (want to be able to use them at work most of the day without them becoming uncomfortable)

- Closed (mainly because I don't want leakage to disturb my co-workers; isolation is a bonus but less important)

- No amp required when connected to iPod Classic

- Circumaural/Supraaural only (no in-ear or canalphones)

- Enhanced bass

- Price < $300 AUD

 

Previously I purchased Sennheiser HD-280 Pro, unfortunately without doing a lot of research.

 

I sold them within a few weeks, mainly because they were incredibly uncomfortable (like a vice grip on my head) and the sound didn't impress me a lot (especially the lack of bass).

 

My research has led me to the top contender of ATH-ESW9.

 

It seems to tick most of the boxes, but the jury seems to be out on the comfort factor.

 

I was wondering what the verdict is on the comfort.  Has anyone had experience with the ATH-ESW9 and the HD-280?

 

Are they in a completely different ballpark for comfort?  Can the ATH-ESW9 be warn for a few hours without any major headaches?

 

I'm also open to other recommendations that fit the criteria above.

 

Thanks for your time.

Reply
post #2 of 4
2/2/12 at 10:01am

I would go for a pair of V-Moda M80 or V80 Crossfades.  They are on-ear, but are extremely comfortable compared to the ES9W.  The M80 sounds amazing and is built really well.  They are my best pick for under $250 and they are only slightly less as articulate as the DT1350 which is more expensive.

 

The biggest complaint about the ES9W is the comfort so I would shy away from them.  They are also easily fakes so unless you purchase them from a reputable dealer you may end up with a piece of junk.

 

Here is the chart for the $300 ES9WA

http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=1593

 

Here are the charts for the $200 or less V-Mod M80 / V80 which measure the same.

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/VModaV80TrueBlood.pdf

 

To me the M80/V80 is the better headphone regardless of price.

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post #3 of 4
2/2/12 at 11:18am

I have the little brother of the ESW9s, the ES7 and where them for hours at a time at work and find them comfortable enough.   I have to say I have a LARGE head, I'm not sure if or how that effects anything.

 

I just bought a pair of ESW9s from another Head-Fi member and can't wait for them to arrive.  The V-Modas that NA Blur suggested were also on the top of my list but I have been obsessed about the ESW9s and finally caved in when I found a pair at a reasonable price.  Also consider the Creative Aurvana Live!, they are only $70 and are (almost) the same headphone as the Denon AH-D1000/1.  They meet all your criteria and are inexpensive to boot!

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post #4 of 4
2/9/12 at 8:09am

My ESW9 arrived yesterday and for me, the ESW9 are extremely comfortable, at least compared to the ES7.  It must be the leather, and they just seem to fit my big head better. 

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