Audio Technica ATH-WS70: Newest Addition To The Family

[Mochan]

Yeah I'm waiting for info on the WS70 too. Would like to hear comparisons with other HPs like the M50, AKG K518 DJ, Shure SR750 DJ, Beyer DT150 and other bass favorites.

 

[syke]

Thank you for your patience everyone.

Before I start off with my impressions of the WS70, a little background on how this "Black Stallion" came about.

I was at my usual best indulging myself silly on Head-Fi and one thing led to another I was taken astray by this rather evil link New AT Portables: ATH-ES10 and ATH-WS70. Lo and behold, the WS70 appeared before my pretty eyes with its uber slogan SOLID BASS... Yummy...

Now it's about time I had retired my UE IEMs and replaced them with a real pair of bonafide headphones as my office commuting companion. I was getting real tired at the prospect of stuffing foam tips into my external auditory meatus on a daily basis. And no way would I be caught dead with my Sony XB700s, doing a Princess Leia impression in public.

So when I caught wind that the WS70s were finally available here in Hong Kong. I just knew I got to have it.

Now that I have it, I will pen my personal views on them as promised.

However, as I am getting quite a fair bit on my plate at work lately (Target settings, blah, blah...), I will start off with the more mechanical aspects of the headphone followed by its sonic abilities within the week.

Getting down to the meat...

First off, the Specs & Product Features:

ATH-WS70 Portable Headphone

1. New development Double Air Damping System is installed, and strong bass expression ability is acquired.
2. The full aluminum housing is precisely cut to assist the sound field. The unnecessary vibration is decreased.
3. Non-stage adjustment headband can freely adjust any position.
4. Sealed up height ear pad adoption that does not leak bass out.
5. It is the best for portable equipment in a high elastomer sheath 1.2m code and L type plug.

ATH-WS70 Specifications
TypeClose-back Dynamic
Driver Diameter40 mm
Frequency Response10 ~ 25,000Hz
Maximum Input Power1,000mW
Sensitivity100 dB/mW
Impedance47 Ω
Weight230 g
Cable1.2 m Y-type
ConnectorØ3.5mm L-type, mini-stereo, gold-plated

1. Accessories & Packaging

I tend to prefer the “Zen” like, “Recycled” looking cardboard packaging Audio Technica is known for (makes me feel environmental). But with the WS70 touted as a “Bass Monster”, little wonder to why the packaging took a different direction with a rather trendy look.

Un-boxing it, There were no accessories whatsoever. Zilch… Now that’s a little disappointing.

Though I am not entirely sure if all previous models came with any form of accessories, but in the case of my ES7, it did come with a pouch.

And for those wondering if your AT-HPP5 (AT Headphone Carrying Case) could be re-used. Sorry folks, no dice. The WS70 wouldn’t fit.

The only accessory available for purchase are the HP-WS70 replacement ear pieces.

No pouch & no case… What a bummer… For this, I am giving it a 5/10.

2. Build Quality & Durability

Excellent considering its price range (USD130). Everything is a close fit, hinges are sturdy, self adjusting headband stays in place, and the earpiece doesn't swivel around like a belly dancer.

The plastics are rigid and don't feel cheap. Doesn't creak much at all under stress. Definitely feels like it's able to endure much abuse. The aluminum housing looks mighty nifty with circular etchings on it. Heaps better than the finger print magnet the ES7 is.

Nothing to crow about for the padding on the headband. The very least of my concerns to be honest.

Very well designed indeed, great for portability in terms of durability. The WS70 definitely eats pieces of $$$$ like the Monster Beats for breakfast. Therefore, I will be generous and give a 8.5/10 for Build Quality & Durability.

3. Comfort

I am pretty sure some of you might have already read that comfort wasn't on the list of selling points Audio Technica had in mind for the WS70.

You betcha’, it wasn't. The headband is rather stiff and after putting it on for an hour or so, my ears are starting to feel sore.

The pleather ear pieces aren't plushy enough to absorb the strain from the stiff headband. And they're barely large enough to cup my large ears. Very often I find them sitting on the upper tip of my pinna, causing much undue soreness in that region.

If you reckon the Senn HD580s, 600s or 650s are a tight fit, I wouldn't even want to imagine what the WS70s would be for you.

In summary, I really hope Audio Technica would move away from their typical headband design for portable headphones, it adds quite a fair bit of lateral stress on the head. If I were to give the plushy XB700s & 500s a 9/10 for comfort, the WS70 gets a 4/10.

As a reference, I normally wear a cap size of 7 1/8, so by any chance if you have a smaller crown than moi, you might not even consider this an issue.

4. Isolation

There is no better place than Hong Kong to put headphones through a grueling isolation test. With a population density of 18000 per square mile, the surrounding noise levels during the peak hours is immense.

IEMs plus Comply foam tips have always been up to the task in bring the noise levels down. Same for the XB series (700 & 500), the plush ear pieces do bring an additional benefit other than being comfy and all.

So how did the WS70 fare? Lackluster…

Mids aren’t the strongest point for the WS70s (which you will find out further down the review), and in crowded situations I do find much of mids and vocals getting drowned out. All that's left are the highs and lows (just like Bose tacky Acoustimass speakers ).

Another rather peculiar phenomenon observed, instead of muffled sounds you get with most headphones, I got an echo/airy sound from the surrounding environment with the WS70.

All in all, despite it being portable, I find my enjoyment rating dropping a couple of notches when used as a portable. How ironic…

However, for those worried about the mental well-being of their fellow train passengers, the WS70 is very well behaved. No one will hear your repeats of Britney Spears.

The WS70 only starts to spreads its feathers in a quiet environment, for this I am giving it a 6.5/10 for isolation.

So that’s it for part 1 of the review folks, please stay tuned, I will back shortly with more sonic impressions. The best is yet to come...

 

[Szadzik]

That is what I have been waiting for.

Looks like I made a good move overpaying for ESW9s

 

[Mochan]

Awesome part 1 syke. I really can't wait to read part 2. I can make adjustments to the headband for comfort etc. but the sound is what I really need to hear.

By the way, how well does it fold up? It looks like it can be folded flat quite easily. My number one criteria for a portable isn't isolation, but rather how well it folds up.

 

[Young Spade]

Wow thanks for the heads up; those look really nice. I was planning on getting something in the AT line (but wooden version) but after seeing these... I'm not sure. I don't want something too big though :/

 

[spaire]

hey all, i just got this ws70 on a wimp because i had liked the bass after testing it for 30 seconds. thus far i liked the sound i am hearing, well-boosted bass and all (i'm not a audiophile per se, i just like what i hear), but the thing that bothers me most (as with most i believe) is the comfort of the thing. besides bending the headband to fit my head, is there any sponges available to cushion my ear from the hard-cored earpiece (or anything of the likes)?

 

[2rooi123]

wers part 2

 

[Mochan]

If you want something woody try the ESW9, really nice sounding pair from ATH.

I've listened to the WS70s and all in all they were a nice can, though not what I was after.

Comfort-wise I felt it was not that good. Clamp was too strong (you can fix this though). All in all it was bearable but far from ideal. Was not happy that it could not be folded in small for portability. I wish more designers would copy the design of the Bose Triport OE or the AKG K81 DJ.

Soundwise - Bass was great, with the same boominess as the M50, but a little tighter and more defined. However it wasn't as warm as another can I tried out, the SRH750 DJ. But had lots of bass quanitity.

I don't remember much about the rest of the sound since I didn't spend too long testing it, but it sounds very similar to the M50, albeit with slightly larger soundstage. Same house sound and all.

 

[2rooi123]

Quote:

Originally Posted by syke /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thank you for your patience everyone. Before I start off with my impressions of the WS70, a little background on how this "Black Stallion" came about. I was at my usual best indulging myself silly on Head-Fi and one thing led to another I was taken astray by this rather evil link New AT Portables: ATH-ES10 and ATH-WS70. Lo and behold, the WS70 appeared before my pretty eyes with its uber slogan SOLID BASS... Yummy... Now it's about time I had retired my UE IEMs and replaced them with a real pair of bonafide headphones as my office commuting companion. I was getting real tired at the prospect of stuffing foam tips into my external auditory meatus on a daily basis. And no way would I be caught dead with my Sony XB700s, doing a Princess Leia impression in public. So when I caught wind that the WS70s were finally available here in Hong Kong. I just knew I got to have it. Now that I have it, I will pen my personal views on them as promised. However, as I am getting quite a fair bit on my plate at work lately (Target settings, blah, blah...), I will start off with the more mechanical aspects of the headphone followed by its sonic abilities within the week. Getting down to the meat... First off, the Specs & Product Features: ATH-WS70 Portable Headphone New development Double Air Damping System is installed, and strong bass expression ability is acquired. The full aluminum housing is precisely cut to assist the sound field. The unnecessary vibration is decreased. Non-stage adjustment headband can freely adjust any position. Sealed up height ear pad adoption that does not leak bass out. It is the best for portable equipment in a high elastomer sheath 1.2m code and L type plug. ATH-WS70 Specifications TypeClose-back Dynamic Driver Diameter40 mm Frequency Response10 ~ 25,000Hz Maximum Input Power1,000mW Sensitivity100 dB/mW Impedance47 Ω Weight230 g Cable1.2 m Y-type ConnectorØ3.5mm L-type, mini-stereo, gold-plated 1. Accessories & Packaging I tend to prefer the “Zen” like, “Recycled” looking cardboard packaging Audio Technica is known for (makes me feel environmental). But with the WS70 touted as a “Bass Monster”, little wonder to why the packaging took a different direction with a rather trendy look. Un-boxing it, There were no accessories whatsoever. Zilch… Now that’s a little disappointing. Though I am not entirely sure if all previous models came with any form of accessories, but in the case of my ES7, it did come with a pouch. And for those wondering if your AT-HPP5 (AT Headphone Carrying Case) could be re-used. Sorry folks, no dice. The WS70 wouldn’t fit. The only accessory available for purchase are the HP-WS70 replacement ear pieces. No pouch & no case… What a bummer… For this, I am giving it a 5/10. 2. Build Quality & Durability Excellent considering its price range (USD130). Everything is a close fit, hinges are sturdy, self adjusting headband stays in place, and the earpiece doesn't swivel around like a belly dancer. The plastics are rigid and don't feel cheap. Doesn't creak much at all under stress. Definitely feels like it's able to endure much abuse. The aluminum housing looks mighty nifty with circular etchings on it. Heaps better than the finger print magnet the ES7 is. Nothing to crow about for the padding on the headband. The very least of my concerns to be honest. Very well designed indeed, great for portability in terms of durability. The WS70 definitely eats pieces of $$$$ like the Monster Beats for breakfast. Therefore, I will be generous and give a 8.5/10 for Build Quality & Durability. 3. Comfort I am pretty sure some of you might have already read that comfort wasn't on the list of selling points Audio Technica had in mind for the WS70. You betcha’, it wasn't. The headband is rather stiff and after putting it on for an hour or so, my ears are starting to feel sore. The pleather ear pieces aren't plushy enough to absorb the strain from the stiff headband. And they're barely large enough to cup my large ears. Very often I find them sitting on the upper tip of my pinna, causing much undue soreness in that region. If you reckon the Senn HD580s, 600s or 650s are a tight fit, I wouldn't even want to imagine what the WS70s would be for you. In summary, I really hope Audio Technica would move away from their typical headband design for portable headphones, it adds quite a fair bit of lateral stress on the head. If I were to give the plushy XB700s & 500s a 9/10 for comfort, the WS70 gets a 4/10. As a reference, I normally wear a cap size of 7 1/8, so by any chance if you have a smaller crown than moi, you might not even consider this an issue. 4. Isolation There is no better place than Hong Kong to put headphones through a grueling isolation test. With a population density of 18000 per square mile, the surrounding noise levels during the peak hours is immense. IEMs plus Comply foam tips have always been up to the task in bring the noise levels down. Same for the XB series (700 & 500), the plush ear pieces do bring an additional benefit other than being comfy and all. So how did the WS70 fare? Lackluster… Mids aren’t the strongest point for the WS70s (which you will find out further down the review), and in crowded situations I do find much of mids and vocals getting drowned out. All that's left are the highs and lows (just like Bose tacky Acoustimass speakers ). Another rather peculiar phenomenon observed, instead of muffled sounds you get with most headphones, I got an echo/airy sound from the surrounding environment with the WS70. All in all, despite it being portable, I find my enjoyment rating dropping a couple of notches when used as a portable. How ironic… However, for those worried about the mental well-being of their fellow train passengers, the WS70 is very well behaved. No one will hear your repeats of Britney Spears. The WS70 only starts to spreads its feathers in a quiet environment, for this I am giving it a 6.5/10 for isolation. So that’s it for part 1 of the review folks, please stay tuned, I will back shortly with more sonic impressions. The best is yet to come...

After 1 week of using my ws70's, im getting to like them a bit day after day. At first, i was dissapointed in the comfort because it clamps too tight. Now after two days straight of loosening the headband via hardbound books while burning them in 48hrs straight, it has totally changed. Lows have tightened, mids became a bit more forward, highs smoothened and it gave a fun overall sound. Now for those who gave up on these due to the comfort, all you need to do is put hardbound books in between and hang them there for 2 nights straight then it will eventually loosen. All i can say is i am learning to like them everytime i use them. Hope this helps

 

[Mochan]

You planning to keep them now?

 

[2rooi123]

i dunno. btw, im selling a brand new shure srh440. pm me if interested. thanks

 

[Ypoknons]

Quote:

Originally Posted by syke /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is no better place than Hong Kong to put headphones through a grueling isolation test. With a population density of 18000 per square mile, the surrounding noise levels during the peak hours is immense.

Headphones for when they're renovating next door should be in a category of its own.

 

[leungie]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum but am looking for some portable headphones. I used to own Monster Beats Solo but they broke and won't be going back to that brand due to their poor durability.

I'm looking to Audio Technicas... either ES10, ESW10 or the WS70...
For the time that I tried the WS70 (I live in Hong Kong btw)... I thought the sound was good, at least equal that of the Beats Solo but at 2/3 the price (the WS70 did feel a bit tight on the head as mentioned above though).

I haven't been able to find a place where I can test out the ES10 / ESW10 but am happy to go with recommendation here... I listen to all kinds of music and budget isn't a real concern for me (up to the price of the ES10/ESW10 anyway)...

Could anyone help me out? Thanks heaps in advance.

James

 

[zerogun]

I have to say, after reading and seeing this post, I went out and jumped at buying the WS70 as well. I love them, but as someone who wears glasses and the vice like clamping of these things they really hurt my ears. I'll have to try and loosen them up with some books as per suggestion of 2rooi123!

 

[swbf2cheater]

seriously this set is just beautiful, I may pick them up soon