kjoh
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2010
- Posts
- 168
- Likes
- 13
Exploring what's out there for closed portables
Anyone have experience comparing these two yet?
ATH-ESW9A vs V-Moda M80
- Thread starter kjoh
- Start date
kjoh
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2010
- Posts
- 168
- Likes
- 13
Bumpity bump
aman1420
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2011
- Posts
- 31
- Likes
- 10
Bump, I'm curious as well.
MalVeauX
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2011
- Posts
- 7,002
- Likes
- 737
Heya,
I have both. They're very similar. The main difference to me was that the M80 is better built, it's way more durable, will survive some knocking around, and has a detachable cord. But the ESW9 was nicer looking and more comfortable. It just felt easier on my ears, softer. The M80 is comfortable, but felt stiff and didn't sit on my ears as easy-going as the ESW9 does. Total build goes to the M80 hands down. The cords (thickness, sheathed, detachable), the frame (sturdy, very strong). ESW9 though wins on looks, being wood back, lambskin, and ultimately more comfortable to me.
As for sound, well, very similar. They both have excellent butter smooth mids & treble, no fatigue at all, both have very good bass response. The M80 may have an edge on the ESW9A for bass impact. Both have a very liquidy smooth sound though, very warm, organic sounding. Able to kick some EDM, also able to have a relaxed acoustic session.
Ultimately, I think I like the ESWA better for wearing/looking at. But the M80 really is built to last and will survive some mishaps. So, it's a toss up to me.
Very best,
I have both. They're very similar. The main difference to me was that the M80 is better built, it's way more durable, will survive some knocking around, and has a detachable cord. But the ESW9 was nicer looking and more comfortable. It just felt easier on my ears, softer. The M80 is comfortable, but felt stiff and didn't sit on my ears as easy-going as the ESW9 does. Total build goes to the M80 hands down. The cords (thickness, sheathed, detachable), the frame (sturdy, very strong). ESW9 though wins on looks, being wood back, lambskin, and ultimately more comfortable to me.
As for sound, well, very similar. They both have excellent butter smooth mids & treble, no fatigue at all, both have very good bass response. The M80 may have an edge on the ESW9A for bass impact. Both have a very liquidy smooth sound though, very warm, organic sounding. Able to kick some EDM, also able to have a relaxed acoustic session.
Ultimately, I think I like the ESWA better for wearing/looking at. But the M80 really is built to last and will survive some mishaps. So, it's a toss up to me.
Very best,
kjoh
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2010
- Posts
- 168
- Likes
- 13
Thanks MalVeaux, that helps a lot!
tmd24
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Posts
- 27
- Likes
- 0
I just stumbled upon this thread having the same questions as kjoh. I was looking for headphones with a similar sound signature as the audio technica ath-esw9a's but with a different styling, since they'll be purchased as a xmas gift for a friend. I prefer the classic look of the ath-esw9a's, but my friend would probably like the looks of the m-80's better. Thanks Malveaux!
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2011
- Posts
- 316
- Likes
- 382
The M-80's are also able to be customized, which helps in the looks department substantially. Gives you more of an emotional attachment to them.
MalVeauX
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2011
- Posts
- 7,002
- Likes
- 737
Heya,
Oh yes... customization...
Very best,
Oh yes... customization...
Very best,
tmd24
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Posts
- 27
- Likes
- 0
Quote:
Customization is definitely a strong point for the m-80's. In addition, they look like they can take more abuse than the ath-esw9's.
Users who are viewing this thread
