Ultrasone HFI-2400 Vs. Audio Technica ATHESW9

 

Heya,

 

They're pretty different. The HFI2400 is open air and around-the-ear. The ESW9A is closed back and on-ear. The HFI2400 has a better sound stage, ultimately more comfortable, more durable, bigger, better materials in the build quality, velour pads, it's pretty bassy, but not over the top, good mids, treble is bright, but not overly bright like closed back Ultrasones tend to be. It's actually a great headphone. Cable is detachable. The ESW9A is great sounding, very smooth, rich, organic, warm, with natural sounding vocals and warm good deep bass, treble is not tizzy or hot or anything, but it's not dark either. But, it's less comfortable, sitting on your ears, and the build quality is pretty awful, it's very flimsy, small plastic pieces, and the cable is tiny tiny and very thin and very short. I love the ESW9A, but the build quality and materials used are a real let down considering it's cost. I would put you on the HFI2400 in a heart beat.

Very best,

Both are dark cans, the 2400 is slower and muddier by comparison, but has better staging and more bass. The ESW9 offer isolation, and are lighter - they're about equal in comfort imho. I like the ESW9 better for jazz, acoustic, vocalists, singer/songwriter/etc, the HFI-2400 for grunge, metal, thrash, etc. For gaming or movies, I'd preference the 2400 as well - better staging and bass slam. For musicality and natural-ness, or if you want to go beyond wub-wubs, I'd take the ESW9.

I don't consider either "flimsy" at all, but the ESW9 do have wood cups, which won't take mobile (ab)use very well.

HFI-2400 are not portable, they're open-backed. ESW9 are portable, one of the best portables ever made imho - but IEMs are still my go-to for real mobility.

Devils advocate: T-50P, very portable, well built and after 100 hours sound fantastic

HFI-2400 are not suitable for mobile use at all. Again, they're open-back.

Personally I dislike cheap earbuds, but good IEMs aren't problematic imho. Don't fear product returns - you'll experience less stress and probably get what you really wanted at the end of the day.

 

Heya,

 

If what you seek is something portable, then simply look for something closed back, durable, and efficient to drive (unless you're willing to pick up a portable amp too).

 

Some suggestions to explore:

 

Ultrasone HFI 580, 780 & PRO 750
Beyer DT770 PRO

Brainwavz HM5

Vmoda M80, LP2, or M100

Sony MDR1R

AKG K550, K167

Shure SRH840

 

Very best,

Sennheiser HD380Pro is also a good candidate.

I currently own the HFI 2200. they are said to have the same driver and specs as the 2400. i got a good deal on them but was not able to cancel an earlier order on the pair of HFI 2400's. I enjoy the open and wide soundstage, great bass for open cans but like others have said, not really for portable use. outside sound leaks in and music because crowded with outside sound.

 

I run them on an E7 from my computer for the DAC and they get a good bass boost response from being amped vs from the ipod. I am selling my pair of HFI 2400, special ordered from B&H photo video completely unused and still in the box they sent me. PM if you want to purchase them