[Andrew1526]

I am a bit torn. I recently got a bit of spending cash, and am torn whter or not to buy Audio Technica ATH EW9 clip on wooden backed headphones, or to continue to save up and buy a pair of Sennheiser HD600's. I currently own Audio Technica ATH A700's, but they are too big for using in public. I am a student, and work in a theater. I wouldn't be doing any super strenuous activity, and earbuds aren't an option for me. What are your opinions.

 

[RingingEars]

Depends on what kind of music you're into.
I had the EW9 and recently sold them. They look beautiful and the build quality is pure Japanese, but since they just sit on your ear there is no seal so they lack low extension.

 

[Andrew1526]

I'm into classic rock and indie rock mostly, but I also like newer age rock like Rooney, and State Radio. The low end can be fixed relatively easily with a headphone amp, like a Fiio E6. I'm looking for something easy to carry mostly.

 

[RingingEars]

If you're anything like me the EW9 will more of a hindrance than a blessing for portable use. Unless you are willing to put them in and out of their carrying case you'll be worried about them getting banged up. The wood is pretty delicate so if you're thinking of just stuffing them into your pocket they'll look pretty piss poor in no time.
Don't get me wrong. They sound good and look amazing, but they are more of a conversation piece than a portable headphone.
I sold mine and bought a pair of Westone UM2 RC. More user friendly...

 

[Andrew1526]

But do you think if I do take the time to put them in and out of the case they will remain in a good condition? How delicate is the wood, do you mean scratches, or like cracks.

 

[RingingEars]

Scratches.
I had mine for almost a year and they looked brand new when I sold them so yeah, If you keep them in their carrying case which is designed to separate them, they'll stay looking good. 

 

[Andrew1526]

Alright, thanks man. I would get earbuds, but I'm more into on ear or over ear. Earbuds just feel wierd.
 

 

[e19650826]

These two are very different... it's the first time I've seen them put in the same thread... the EW9 is probably one of the most praised AT headphone for its AT flavor... HD600 on the other hand... is much more neutral.. and has better technicality..

 

[Andrew1526]

Yeah. I'm torn between the descision, though I'm leaning towards the Audio Technicas because they are what I actually need. I have a decent pair of full sized headphones. I can hold over with them until I get some more money for the Sennheisers. I really just need some headphones I can wear outside without worrying about them.

 

[e19650826]

 
Quote:

Yeah. I'm torn between the descision, though I'm leaning towards the Audio Technicas because they are what I actually need. I have a decent pair of full sized headphones. I can hold over with them until I get some more money for the Sennheisers. I really just need some headphones I can wear outside without worrying about them.

 
EW9 doesn't have good isolation... so I wouldn't wear it in noisy places...  

 

[Andrew1526]

I'm talking bike rides, walks, when I'm wiring sound systems in the theater, hanging lights, taking a test (At low volume). No heavy machinery or crowds around.

 

[e19650826]

the ambient noise for the environment mentioned other than testing can vary... lets just say that if your TV is on the normal volume and you put these on... you will be able to hear the TV clearly.. the isolation is probably just 3~4dB better than open headphones which is less than sufficient to block out passing by cars..

 

[Sil3nce]

I prefer the JVC hp al1000 over the ew9.
Too bad they're discontinued. 

 

[e19650826]

 
Quote:

I prefer the JVC hp al1000 over the ew9.
Too bad they're discontinued. 

 
I never tried AL1000... but I'm pretty sure they are very different on SQ.. I can't think of anything that even come close to the coloration of EW9.... which earned its nickname in the Chinese hi-fi community.. the queen under the cherry wood..

 

[Sil3nce]

The jvc once modded rivals full-size cans.
And the 1ks don't have the thickness of note the ew9s do to their detriment.