ATH-CM7 versus ATH-CM700 versus Ti versions?

[-jinx-]

Hi! I'm a long-time lurker, first-time poster at this forum. Since your advice has already steered me towards a great set of full-size headphones, I wanted to ask for your advice about non-IEM earbuds to pair up with my iPods. (Strangely enough, I don't like the feel of IEMs, but find non-IEM earbuds to be comfortable...go figure.) My current set of earbuds are the V-Moda Remix M-Class, but I was hoping to find something better -- the difference between my home listening experience and my work listening experience is quite noticible.

I spent last night reading the various threads about this topic, and I think I've narrowed my interest down to one of the Audio Technica ATH-CM models. The question is -- which one? There are four variants which are currently for sale (ATH-CM7, ATH-CM7Ti, ATH-CM700, ATH-CM700Ti), and the information about the differences is sketchy at best. So, here are my questions:

1) I understand that the Ti variant is titanium, rather than aluminum -- which is lighter? Is there any difference in sound, or is it solely an aesthetic difference?

2) The frequency range for the 7 series is listed as 10Hz-45kHz, whereas the 700 series is supposed to be 10Hz-24kHz. Confusingly enough, there is an article (which sounds like a rephrased press release) that claims the 700 series sounds "20% better" than the older models. Is the difference in specs an actual difference, or does the change represent a reevaluation of the existing drivers?

3) The 7 series had a relatively short cord (which is good) with an included extension cord. Does anyone know if the 700 series has the same setup, or do they use a single, longer cord?

4) Of the four models, which would you recommend?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Happyprozak]

bump

 

[slwiser]

At least you can see they assigned a four to their merit out of 5. R-1, L3000 and HD650 get a 5, some get 4.5 and this one got a 4. That is very good.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...ath-cm7ti.html

 

[Edwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -jinx- /img/forum/go_quote.gif 1) I understand that the Ti variant is titanium, rather than aluminum -- which is lighter? Is there any difference in sound, or is it solely an aesthetic difference?

If it's really Titanium alloy it will be heavier than aluminum alloy.

Also, Titanium will scratch more easily (surface scuffs and scratches) more than anodized aluminum.

As for sound quality, only benefit of Titanium would be that it is denser than aluminum, so it may dampen more, but at that size, very doubtful it would make a difference.

The titanium is most definitely just for bling bling.

-Ed

 

[blazer78]

1) Aluminium is lighter. Difference in sound? Probably too little to notice.

2) Your ears cant hear 45K, and even if the specs are better, do realise that frequency response plays little to no part in determining sound quality.

3) The 700 series use a symmetric long cord with a sucky rubber/plastic plug. The CM7 series have a asymmetric short cord with a 1m extension cord and a cool aluminium/titanium coated plug, depending on which model you bought.

4) CM7Ti, In my experience these buds are extremely detailed, have smooth upfront mids, sharp highs that aren't sibilant, and have a good amount of bass quantity and depth when used with foamies. Of course, for direct comparisons between the 4, you need not look further than Elephas, who is the only member i know of who has both the CM7 and CM700

 

[yklee118]

I own both the Audio Technica ATH-CM7 and the CM700. The Ti model is just a bling factor and doesn't improve nor detract from the audio character. From what I have gathered, the CM700 uses a single 1.5-metre long Y-split cable rather than the asymmetrical type (I prefer the asymmetrical cord since I can hang the earphones around my neck than with the Y-type when taking off my glasses). The cable termination on the CM7 features a much more substantial feel using the same anodized aluminum structure as with the earphone body while the CM700 uses a small plastic cap terminating to a standard 3.5mm stereo jack. The feel, the CM700 feels rather flimsy while the older CM7 feels like you are getting your money's worth. This is just my opinion though.

As for the sound, I prefer the much richer overtones of the ATH-CM7 versus the crisp sounding CM700. Frequency extensions with the CM7 are there in subtle ways especially when playing Arnold Overtures "Commonwealth Christmas Overture" FLAC 24-bits/96 KHz from HDTracks.com. In fact the sound signature reminds me a little mix of Sennheiser HD650 low frequency punch coupled with the AKG K701 mid-to upper frequency extension. No emphasis of one particular frequency band. Just a smooth crossover of frequencies throughout the claimed 10-hz to 45KHz.

The CM700 however is very crisp throughout the frequency band while emphasizing on the upper and low-end tones. Very pleasant while both still providing excellent sonic character while providing an expansive soundstage (About row 6 center stage roughly). The CM7 is warm, full, and with excellent sonic character while the CM700 is clean, crisp, and punchy without sounding overly harsh.

These are based on my observations. Hope this helps

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Titanium resonates less than aluminum and more durable. Not sure from where Edwood gets his data on easy titan scratchability, I've had a couple of titanium watches that still look like new after many years of wear. On 7 versus 700 topic, from what I've collected the 700 are lighter and don't fall out of ears and have larger diaphragm drivers, there is also difference in cable as someone mentioned already. I haven't heard both to comment (only own 700Ti), but from reads here and on other sites, majority prefers more detailed 700.