Audio-Technica ATH-W100 Loaner/Critique Program
Aug 1, 2002 at 4:45 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 48

PianoBlack

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I have a set of AudioTechnica ATH-W100s that I am willing to send to other Head-Fiers for a listen. I can't do circus ringmaster here, so *um* let the games begin!

Specs:
1. At most 250 hours listening at low moderate to moderate levels. (I honestly don't keep track of hours that well).
2. Two spots on the wooden earcups (one on each side).

Only requirements:
1. Shipping costs to be reimbursed by the next in line. Insurance covering up to $250 would be prudent too.
2. A good review.
3. Preference to Head-Fi veterans, but open to all responsible adults. Limited right now to the Head-fiers who has more than 500 posts AND been here for more than six months. Crude? I agree. [size=xx-small]If you have special circumstances, email me and we'll work something out.[/size]
4. One week max per listener.
5. Program ends by second week of October.
6. Postcard! Postcard! Postcard! Or any other souvenir you wish to drop in. I'm very very taken with the gnome in the movie Amelie. (I won't spoil it for those who hasn't seen it).

People who posted below can email bix1023@hotmail.com with the subject title beginning: HEAD-FI W100 SIGNUP:....

What can you email me about? Your trustworthiness? Include your head-fi id, when you'd prefer to receive the headphones, and how you can pay for shipping costs.


==============================================
IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Aug. 5 - Aug. 9/10 (Fri/Sat): W100s goes on a 5 day journey to NY to see Tweertinelle.

Aug. 10- Aug 15/16(Thurs/Sat): Tweertinelle listens and ships as soon as possible. But really no rush. If the Hawaii gang feels that the headphones might not reach them in time, they can up the shipping to Express and we can split the difference (ie. millerdog, Vertigo pays Priority Shipping + some percentage of the Express Shipping extra cost and I'll pay the rest). This is also most likely the course of action to take, if Tweertinelle wishes to listen to the headphones for a longer period of time.

By Aug. 23/24 morning: W100s should reach millerdog, pigmode and Vertigo-1. Millerdog can then have another 5-6 days if he so desires.

After Hawaii:
1. eric343: W100s should reach you some time in the first week of September.
2. andrzejpw: Vague forecast: Early third week of September.
3. ian: Return before/by second week of October.
I fear that ian may be the last on the list. Let's see how I feel in October.

==============================================
**Finals and projects are coming up next week, so I will be laggardly pokey in my postings. Also I won't have great access to my email from Aug 20-27. I apologize in advance.
 
Aug 1, 2002 at 5:26 PM Post #2 of 48
PianoBlack is going out of his way and is very generous to do this. This loaner/critique program for the W100 that PianoBlack has begun should be treated as a privilege, as opportunities to audition these headphones are rare - considering they are sold primarily in Japan. With that in mind, for PianoBlack's program to endure, it is very important that he/she who rents these headphones return them in exactly the same condition as they were when you received them.

Overall, I think this program will benefit those who would like to hear this headphone, though would not like the risk of buying it to do so. Lately, this headphone has been somewhat controversial, with some who seem to be in absolute love with the W100, but with others who aren't fans of it -- which sort of leads me to believe that this is a love/hate headphone-- making it even mroe interesting to hear people's opinions about it. I especially look forward to opinions about this headphone from any of the veterans of Head-Fi, who have more critical and trained ears than many of us and hence may have different things to say . . .

The advent of this new type of headphone loaning/critiquing program offered by PianoBlack is something that we Head-Fiers should keep in mind as something that can be done with other headphones discussed on the board. It would be admirable of other Head-Fiers to step up to the plate and volunteer to loan out some of their headphones for listening. Obviously this sort of program could be replaced by a Head-Fi gathering, but for those living in places where such a thing is difficult or inconvenient, this "mail-order" loaner program for the W100 and other headphones(namely those that aren't commonly available at your local Hi-Fi shop) could prove an interesting concept. Well, we'll see if this works out with the W100 first, then after that we'll see . . .
 
Aug 1, 2002 at 5:33 PM Post #3 of 48
What a wonderful idea, and very generous of you PianoBlack!

I'm new here and have been researching my first "real" pair of headphones. I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and there is literally no place that carries decent phones so I have no way of trying anything without having to order it first. After careful consideration I've just ordered a pair of Sennheiser HD280's. I got these mainly because the local Senn rep sent a demo pair for me to listen to and I was very pleased with what I heard. I did read alot about the Audio Technica's and they sound like they are incredible. (a bit pricey for me at this point though) The A9X's or the W100's would seem like the next logical step up when it's time for another pair so I may take you up on this offer, but it will be sometime down the road. It would also just be nice to get a chance to listen to something of this calibre.

So again I think this is a great idea and I hope to hear them in the future.

Phil
 
Aug 1, 2002 at 6:57 PM Post #4 of 48
Quote:

PianoBlack is going out of his way


dude. note non-pornographic chick avatar.
rolleyes.gif


Quote:

The advent of this new type of headphone loaning/critiquing program


I'm definitely not the first to start this. See Nick Dangerous' tube kit and Headroom's huge loaner program. (and tons of other programs before my time...was it the W2002 back then?) In fact, I'm not really that generous--the W100s aren't listened to daily. And I sorta need to get them out of the house for a while.

But I'm psyched that the feel-good feeling is growing. Elnero, I hope you do get to listen to it. In fact, perhaps someone (other than me) should organize the list? Just let me know to whom I should sent the W100s.
 
Aug 1, 2002 at 8:21 PM Post #5 of 48
Nice work Piano. And to think I almost bought those off you a month ago.
smily_headphones1.gif


Biggie.
 
Aug 1, 2002 at 11:01 PM Post #6 of 48
Sign me up!
There is a pseudo meet at Pigmode's place on or about Aug. 24th. Vertigo-1 and I were hoping to attend. Perhaps we can all get a chance to listen to these cans?
I have the A9X and was seriously thinking about making a play for the W100s, but alas....my pockets are light.
Very generous offer Piano!
md
 
Aug 2, 2002 at 12:16 AM Post #8 of 48
I'd like to hear these myself. However, I think it should first go to someone who may actually be in the market to buy one, which I currently am not. And of course, there should be some way of verifying the person who is receiving these. Headroom goes by post count, and requires a credit card number just in case. Is there anyone who could run a similar setup here?
 
Aug 2, 2002 at 2:57 AM Post #10 of 48
thats a mighty generous offer pianoblack.. i dont know if i would do the same if i were in your shoes
biggrin.gif
those W100 looks so preetty..

id love to hear them myself but damn! why do i have to live all the way in Australia!
rolleyes.gif
 
Aug 2, 2002 at 11:32 AM Post #11 of 48
Thanks for the exceptionally kind queue-bump, PB. As you doubtless realize, I PM'ed you immediately after reading your post. I just wanted people to know I'd done that so they didn't feel I was taking advantage. I only post to the Head-Fi web board on weekdays.

While I've never written a review of headphones specifically, I have written manuals and reviews of other things (such as music keyboards, sound modules, books, films, computer equipment) for national (US) magazines. Also, I have an extensive background as a studio musician (though not, unfortunately, as a studio engineer). I'm not certain I qualify as a Head-fi veteran, but I'm definitely a music veteran and will at least bring an anomalous perspective to any headphone review.
 
Aug 2, 2002 at 2:53 PM Post #12 of 48
Quote:

Originally posted by Tweertinelle
(...) and will at least bring an anomalous perspective to any headphone review.


An anomalous perspective you say. You mean you'd actually know what you are talking about?
wink.gif


PianoBlack,
That's very generous indeed! Great idea.
smily_headphones1.gif
 
Aug 2, 2002 at 3:43 PM Post #13 of 48
Quote:

Originally posted by Tweertinelle
While I've never written a review of headphones specifically, I have written manuals and reviews of other things (such as music keyboards, sound modules, books, films, computer equipment) for national (US) magazines. Also, I have an extensive background as a studio musician (though not, unfortunately, as a studio engineer). I'm not certain I qualify as a Head-fi veteran, but I'm definitely a music veteran and will at least bring an anomalous perspective to any headphone review.


You really are quite qualified for this undertaking then, as both an experienced professional reviewer and studio musician. One can be sure that I will be salivating in anticipation for this review . . . . .
tongue.gif
 

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