Audio Technica ATH- ES 10 Impressions Thread

[lcats]

I have just spent a couple of hours rereading this entire thread.  Many of those on it appear to feel, as I do, that the ES10 has not gotten the love it deserves.  I hope that others beside myself have gone through Bill-P's recent modification and are as pleased as I am with the results.  I am curious to hear whether the modded ES10's make new converts, or at least influence others.
 
Ed

 

[lbbef]

Just a heads up.
Audio Technica Singapore will be having a product launch and auditioning session for their new products.
More info here:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/743022/singapore-audio-technica-offline-event-29-nov-2014
 

 

[vincik]

What is your experience with es10 and different sources? Can investing in more powerful players improve sound of es10? I would be especially interested, if somebody could compare low power output players like walkmans and ipods with players with strong amp like Ibasso, Fiio, Hifiman, etc... Im especially interested in Ibasso dx50 and Studio 3rd. Did anyone use or still using es10 with one of those two? Any opinion is much welcome.

 

[KT66]

You need a DAP that's lean sounding (Studio)  or has good eq to tame the evil ES10 bass, or I do anyway

 

[PETEREK]

You need to just replace the ES10 pads with ESW9 or ESW11LTD pads, bass problem solved.

 

[KT66]

I have both, the ESW11 pads are the best, but still too bassy for me, compared to DT1350

 

[vincik]

thanks for reply KT66 (as well as for my private message). Can you write even something more about how e10 matches with different sources? When i discovered, that you have Studio 3rd and ES10, i checked all your posts in order to find useful info and discovered, that you have tried many players, so you are treasure of knowledge for me.
Im mostly interested in Studio 3rd and would probably already buy it, if i wasnt living in Czech republic. No Amazon or Ebay here. Only way for me is buy it from Hisoundaudio web, but that would mean troubles with transport and if i needed to send it to repair. Im also a bit concerned, if all its good reputation doesnt come from fact, that this player was released before all the Fiios and Ibassos. Would be nice to read some opinion from somebody, who had chance to use players, which came after Studio 3rd.
 
 

You need to just replace the ES10 pads with ESW9 or ESW11LTD pads, bass problem solved.

I have esw11 pads. I dont have single problem with bass on ES10. I always use flat settings on everything...players, pc,  av receiver with loudspeakers, so i dont think im basshead and i never had need to lower bass with ES10 with any source. Not even with Fiio X3. It has stronger bass than most headphones, i have tried, but i never felt like its too much. Its all about taste and habit i guess.

 

[ryanjsoo]

Hi, I`m new to headphones and am looking for a relatively portable pair with a bassy tonality. I`m a big fan of the JVC FX-700 iems and from what I can gather from this thread, these headphones will be an upgraded version of those, aggressive, v-shaped, dynamic, etc. If anyone could compare these with similarly priced headphones such as the over ear Sennheiser Momentums and any similar Grado headphones that would be greatly appreciated. Also how`s detailing and clarity on these headphones?, are they really top-end or just good bang for buck? (around $350 aud now), thanks in advance. 

 

[PETEREK]

  Hi, I`m new to headphones and am looking for a relatively portable pair with a bassy tonality. I`m a big fan of the JVC FX-700 iems and from what I can gather from this thread, these headphones will be an upgraded version of those, aggressive, v-shaped, dynamic, etc. If anyone could compare these with similarly priced headphones such as the over ear Sennheiser Momentums and any similar Grado headphones that would be greatly appreciated. Also how`s detailing and clarity on these headphones?, are they really top-end or just good bang for buck? (around $350 aud now), thanks in advance. 

 
These can't really be compared to Grados, these are closed and have a warm and neutral sound where as Grados are open and have a cold and harsher bright sound (in general). 
 
These are pretty neutral overall. They have a slight bump in the bass but if you put ESW11LTD or ESW9 pads on them it smoothens the bass out a bit, some people like the bass though. I personally put these ahead of any portable headphone I've ever heard.

 

[Prophet293]

guys, i dont understand the models
 
ES10 and ESW9 are both still in production and yet ESW10 and ESW11 are discontinued? Doesn't just stand for Wood?

 

[ExpatinJapan]

ES-10 is the metallic model, kind of v shaped sound.

ESW9 - is a sweet midd focused wood model.

ESW11 - is a limited edition model. Similar driver size to ES10 but wood. Sweet sound.

ESW10 - is a limited edition model. Different wood but similar sized drivers to ESW9.

 

[dallan]

ES10 very v shape and strong emphasis on bass.
 
esw9 warm
 
esw10jpn very detailed and more analytical than 9 but a lot clearer and more defined
 
esw11ltd fuller sound than all above and more airy and balanced than es10. Not as detailed sounding as esw10 but fullness gives more depth in ways. 
 
esw9 lags behind but still has a sweet warm sound. Es10 good for outside, more isolation than others but sounds a little claustrophobic and inclosed due to it. Esw10jpn is great but can be a bit edgy. Esw11ltd overall no minuses except that i'm not thrilled with the wood color, a bit bland.
 
All are great though, i love this series and own all of the above, waiting for esw9ltd. All are used regularly (except the es10 lately) and have their own beauty in their own ways. Every time I'm wearing one i think, this is the best.
 
That's my take…...

 

[Prophet293]

I wish AT would release a wood version of the ES10, exact same headphone with just wooden ear cups. 

 

[PETEREK]

You can have wood cups made for the regular ES10 model.
 

 

[ryanjsoo]

Can these compete with the Bowers & Wilkins P7 headphones?, there is a lack of reviews for the es10`s, I like the promise of a 53mm driver as opposed to the 40mm B&W headphones, and the slim portable design but I prefer the comfort and style of the P7`s, so how does sound compare?, help!.