Audio-Technica's Take on the Microdriver: ATH-CKN50 and CKN70

[kahaluu]

+1. I feel that the 70's are an upgrade compared to the 500's. The 70's are also way more comfortable than the 500's. It was really difficult for me to get a decent fit with the 500's.

 

[pentosin]

Its the opposite for me, the CKM500 is more comfortable. Partly because they dont insert very deep, But that also result in less sound dampening, so its a tradeoff.

 

[kahaluu]

You're one of the few that find the 500's more comfortable than the 70's. Well, I guess we all have different shape ear canals.

 

[jant71]

Anyone find the loops really not necessary? I think they would be fine without them. Actually for me they would be better without them. The right side pushes the phones back end frontwards and  the bore away from my canal's angle leading to occlusion quite easy. I mentioned before that these don't respond to tips like my other phones and this is part of the reason. Hopefully higher models will have removable loop supports. Maybe different sizes as well that you install like the CK6 had...

Find one that works for you or not use any at all. I would expect higher versions to include stuff like this. A better cable, more elaborate fit kit for loops and tips(bring back the ovals as well), a a nice case(not just a pouch) etc. befitting of a CKN90/100 series.

 

[a_recording]

I think after consideration I'll keep the 70's. They are nice and comfortable and they have a nice sound, but its not the most forgiving signature. I don't think they are straight winners like the FXD80's are, because the material quality is poor given the price, and I would like a bit more definition - the FXD80 sounds cleaner.

 

[schneller]

Coming from the CKM50...they are still going strong. I love them. I love their sound and comfort. Perhaps I am just looking for better quality / more in all respects.
 
Debating the CKM500 / CKN50 / CKN70.
 
I mostly listen to female vocal trance.
 
Comments appreciated. Thanks.

 

[TwinQY]

Listening to a brand-new pair of these. Just got them out of the box. 
 
They are MUCH smoother than I'd thought they'd be.

 

[schneller]

Bump for a few more replies?

 

[mugen3]

Quote:

Coming from the CKM50...they are still going strong. I love them. I love their sound and comfort. Perhaps I am just looking for better quality / more in all respects.
 
Debating the CKM500 / CKN50 / CKN70.
 
I mostly listen to female vocal trance.
 
Comments appreciated. Thanks.

 
The CKM500s are still fine IEMs even today, but the CKN70s are AT's latest offering and simply a complete upgrade over them.

 

[kahaluu]

IMO, even the CKN50's are an upgrade to the CKM500. The 70's are even more of an upgrade. 

 

[TwinQY]

Coming back to say that these really remind me of another IEM in particular. Still can't remember the name in particular but the similarities are astounding.....
 
*snap* one of the Atomic Floyds. Got it. Going in the store tomorrow to try and compare the two later. 
 
But back to these. These are VERY impressive detail-wise. Micro-detail is not yet RE-400 level, but the HiFiMANs have a slight edge from the extra clarity and the overall un-obtrusiveness that the sig provides. They sit somewhere between lush, forward and gooey at times, but can become quite aggressive with the subbass and treble at the snap of a finger. Still not sure how I would categorize the signature. Treble, as mentioned, was much smoother than I'd expected from an AT IEM. Still energetic, make no mistake, and somewhere ~10k there's a slight bump. But not as offensive as previous offerings. I'm still stuck on the details though. These things just do detailing like crazy. Staging, imaging, positioning is average. 
 
Not much time to listen to them later on, as the RE-400s are temporary and therefore take priority. Also got a pair of Craters yesterday as well, so I need to spend some time with them later. I'll run a couple of tracks through them but not one for burn-in myself, just trying to please the masses. 
 
One complaint is that the cable is rather stiff, also I hate J-cords and didn't know what I had gotten myself into (much to my horror as I opened the box) But in the end I got used to them. The blue shells are still quite pretty. It's a shame I have to put them in my ears while I could've just stared at them all day. In other words they're quite pretty.

 

[schneller]

I guess my biggest concern about the CKN70 is the J-cord design. I really dislike this.
 
The CKM500 design is also very close to the CKM50 and the latter is the most comfortable IEM I've owned. I worry that the new tub shape of the CKN70 may be less comfortable.

 

[Gee Simpson]

Quote:

I guess my biggest concern about the CKN70 is the J-cord design. I really dislike this.
 
The CKM500 design is also very close to the CKM50 and the latter is the most comfortable IEM I've owned. I worry that the new tub shape of the CKN70 may be less comfortable.

Imo the cord is fine with the included clip. These are very comfortable, the most comfortable iem's I have owned.

 

[AzatHead-Fier]

ATH-CKN70 for $68.2 and free shipping to anywhere.

 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-audio-technica-PREMIUM-COMPACT-Inner-Ear-Headphone-ATH-CKN70-/181112541913?pt=US_Headphones&hash=item2a2b2612d9

 

[schneller]

Can anyone comment on the ATH-CKN70 vs. V-Sonic GR02 BE?