Ckr9 clearance as $120, worth it?
For the price, you are getting a steal.
Considering the CKR9 has better sound quality than the Shure se535 (but a 'bit' worse than 846) to me, for $120, the sound quality is well worth the price.
That said, I'm going to go by 'my' bias experience from it.
If I was to scale from Joker's site (http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone-list/#), I would give:
Accessories: 3 (you don't get anything more than the in-ear. What a disappointment!)
Build: 4.5
Isolation:3
Microphonics:4
Comfort: <Just pray it fits for any in-ears. This one sounds stupid tbh. As long as your ear takes in most in-ears, you are fine>
Sound Quality: 9.3 (I would be a 'bit' more biased and say it's a 9.34~9.35 if LTD -which is no longer sold- . It certainly is not 9.4 as AKG K3003 is 9.4 in the site but from my experience, it sounded better than Westone 4)
Honestly, the CKR9 competes well in sound with elite models like the Westone 4. The only cons I realized is:
1. Not a detachable in-ear. I don't know about you but I really wished I had gotten a detachable. Having bought the CKR9 ltd when it was first released, I was a bit disappointed through this part heavily. Even the lower models have detachables...
Of course the build is well made (the wires seem very sturdy) but at least if you have the CKR10 or CKR9 ltd, do not be surprised for the aluminium coated covering to fade to white over time. The coloring does slowly chip out (not issue for CKR9). That said, it's just the color coating that comes out in abused spots. Nothing to do with the actual sound itself.
2. It's pretty big and 'open'. What I mean is it doesn't really isolate. Fortunately, the sound does NOT leak. Yay! But.... don't expect the same from the outside. The isolation is like that of standard in ears. Definitely not an 'ear-plug' like the EPH-100 or Shure SE series.
3. There are now NEW models for the CKR series! And regardless of sound, I like the sound of 'new'! Sigh.
And lastly,
4. The sound sounds 'too realistic' over time. It can get fatiguing and boring. Sure this is a phenomenal thing but mehh, it sometimes feels 'tooo' realistic relative to the music file itself. I think this is actually a pro but eh, that's a life rant from me! Just make sure you have 1 other pair you can swap into once a while and you won't get bored.
Overall, for price, the sound quality is a STEAL (from my bias).
However, depending on how much you prioritize non-detachables, you can either enjoy this iem or be a tad disappointed. That said, I don't think there exists any iem (from my experience) that can compete CKR9 at the $120 range. Heck, I would put it as one of best under $550. And this price range is pretty much the 'best' you can get with universal iems. The Shure SE846 has a 'tad' better sounding but honestly in comparison to the CKR9, it does not feel a 'couple hundred dollar' better.
In fact, this amazon guy quoted with CKR10 that: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-CKR10-SonicPro-In-Ear-Headphones/dp/B00OJZR1IQ
Originally Posted from Amazon
"Without providing a detailed technical review, I can honestly say that the ATH-CKR10 will make you remember that the ie800 and se846 set you back $800 aka two car notes or a mortgage or your rent payment while the ATH-CKR10 are under $200.
Your inner cheap guy, conscience, business person and economist will seriously start to question whether you need to spend $800."
Just note for the CKR series (especially the LTD <I can't even trust Amazon for LTD>), there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many fakes around in the web.
General rule of thumb: If amazon, prime or no go (at least without at least 30 great reviews). If not amazon, go for reputable seller. Wouldn't be fun to note after spending $120 that your in-ear is fake :/