Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Sound is balanced, clear, and detailed in all registers, impressive for the price
  • Offers excellent isolation from outside noise when fitted correctly
  • Midrange presents lots of detail without causing the mids to dominate the mix
  • Good value for the price

Product Considerations

  • Fit is crucial, some users may need to consider aftermarket tips for optimal sound
  • High end is slightly rolled off
  • Requires a bit more power than the ATH-E40
  • The cable may flex out a little bit and get a bit loose, requiring occasional adjustments

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the ATH-E40, the ATH-E50 is a significant step up in both price and sound quality, with a balanced armature design
  • Compared to the ATH-E70, the ATH-E50's sound is clean, focused, and balanced

Takeaway: The ATH-E50 is a great in-ear monitor, especially for serious mixing and field recording work. Its balanced and clear sound makes it suitable for a wide range of applications and listening preferences.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

ATH-E50

reviews

[{"title":"Audio-Technica In-Ear Monitors (ATH-E40, ATH-E50 & ATH-E70) Unboxing and Overview","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9ceCJRfH8s","source":"Performer Magazine","datePublished":"2016"},{"title":"Audio-Technica ATH E50 Professional In ear monitors Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp1mfApg6Xc","source":"Performer Magazine","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Audio-Technica ATH-E40 ATH-E50 ATH-E70","link":"https://www.recordingmag.com/resources/featured-reviews/audio-technica-in-ear-monitor-headphones","source":"recordingmag.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Audio Technica IEM ATH-E50 and ATH-E70 – Review","link":"https://ppm6.tv/audio-technica-iem-ath-e50-and-ath-e70-review","source":"ppm6.tv","datePublished":""},{"title":"Audio Technica ATH-E50 Review","link":"https://majorhifi.com/audio-technica-ath-e50-review","source":"majorhifi.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Audio-Technica ATH-E50 In-Ear Monitor Headphones","link":"https://mixdownmag.com.au/reviews/in-ear-monitoring/audio-technica-ath-e50-in-ear-monitor-headphones","source":"mixdownmag.com.au","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Type: Balanced armature
  • Frequency Response: 20 - 18,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
  • Impedance: 44 ohms
  • Weight: 9 g (0.3 oz), without cable
  • Cable: Detachable 1.6 m (5.2') with A2DC connectors
  • Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8") gold-plated stereo mini-plug, L-shaped
The ATH-E50 features specially designed housings that provide excellent isolation, ensuring confident, comfortable stage performance. To address the evolution of modern music production, this model also excels at providing a consistent reference in every sonic environment, making it the ideal choice for the producer on the road.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Audio-Technica's products are known for their sturdy and comfortable build, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
  • Audio-Technica offers open-back headphone designs, like the ATH-GDL3, geared toward gamers and audiophiles seeking a wider soundstage, a feature uncommon among gaming headsets.

ATH-AD500X  

  • Positioning: Entry-level open-air audiophile headphones designed for comfortable, natural listening.  
  • Description: Features newly designed 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing that deliver natural sound with impactful bass and clear vocals. Compared to the higher‐priced models in the lineup, it offers a straightforward open-air design ideal for casual listening and home use without advanced studio-level acoustic refinements.

ATH-TWX9  

  • Positioning: Premium truly wireless earbuds engineered for dynamic everyday use and active lifestyles.  
  • Description: Incorporates digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology with customizable ambience control, deep-UV sterilization, and support for Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound to create an immersive 3D sound stage. In contrast to the over-ear studio and monitor designs, they prioritize portability, flexible noise management, and extended battery life to meet the needs of commuters and workout enthusiasts.

ATH-M70x  

  • Positioning: Professional closed-back monitor headphones tuned for precise mixing and tracking in the studio.  
  • Description: Uses proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers to achieve an extended frequency response from 5 to 40,000 Hz, ensuring balanced and accurate sound reproduction. Compared to the more portable TWX9 and the open-back reference model, they offer enhanced sound isolation and durability for long studio sessions with a focus on critical listening tasks.

ATH-R70xa  

  • Positioning: Flagship open-back reference headphones crafted for critical studio listening and production.  
  • Description: Delivers pure, natural sound with a fully open-back design that minimizes internal resonance and distortion, providing precise imaging and quick transient response through meticulously engineered drivers. Compared to the closed-back M70x, the R70xa offers a more spacious and uncolored soundstage ideal for mixing, mastering, and detailed production work in quiet environments.

ATH-AWKG  

  • Positioning: Ultra-premium audiophile headphones that merge traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge audio engineering.  
  • Description: Features an exclusive KUROGAKI wooden housing with a hand-applied lacquer finish and a double air damping system coupled with 53 mm drivers to offer clear, expansive sound quality. In contrast to all other models in the lineup, the AWKG emphasizes luxurious materials and artisanal construction along with advanced acoustics.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
1
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Brand Popularity
593
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
50
Founding Year
1962

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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Used

Audio-Technica

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Audio-Technica
ATH-CK2000Ti
750
750
/
2
Reviews
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
999
/
13
Reviews
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
  • Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
  • Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
  • The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
  • Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery

Product Considerations

  • The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
  • The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
  • Stock ear tips are just okay
  • Bass resolution could be better
  • Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
  • Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
  • Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
  • Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
  • Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
  • Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio

Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Sennheiser
IE 600
899
899
/
13
Reviews
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Agreeable, natural sonic signature
  • Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
  • Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
  • A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
  • Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent

Product Considerations

  • Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
  • The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
  • The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
  • Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
  • Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
  • Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
  • Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
  • Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins

Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Westone Audio
MACH 60
846
846
/
12
Reviews
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Very comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions and wearing in bed, due to its small size, lightweight design, and ergonomic shape
  • Delivers a neutral and natural sound presentation, making it appropriate for stage and studio monitoring
  • Excellent sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
  • Good detail retrieval and resolution, presenting information accurately

Product Considerations

  • May sound a bit boring or dull if one is looking for a more dynamic and engaging sound with more bass and treble emphasis
  • The plastic build quality may not feel as premium as some other IEMs
  • Requires a bit more power to drive it to sound best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Mach 60 has a more neutral presentation, while ADV M512D is more elevated in the mids and treble and has more bass impact
  • Mach 60 is more neutral and natural, while Unique Melody MEST delivers excellent detail and resolution

Takeaway: The Westone Mach 60 is a comfortable and well-built in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and natural sound, great for musicians and audiophiles looking for an accurate representation of their music. It is a great tool as a stage monitor and comfortable for long listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Audio-Technica
ATH-TWX7
269
/
Released
2024
The ATH-TWX7 truly wireless earbuds are designed to provide listeners with a high-fidelity experience and features to customize listening sessions. Leveraging the 5.8 mm high-resolution drivers from the flagship ATH-TWX9, the ATH-TWX7 offer detailed music playback, including support for 24-bit/96 kHz audio files all within a compact and easily portable design.
Check Amazon
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Customizable controls, using both touch and physical buttons, offer impressive personalization.
  • LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio streaming.
  • Secure and comfortable fit, suitable for workouts due to grippy coating and various eartip options.
  • Good active noise cancelling effectively reduces mid-range frequencies and ambient noise.
  • Minimalist companion app design is intuitive, including timer functionality, soundscapes, and a music player.

Product Considerations

  • Short battery life, around 4.5-5 hours in tests, compared to other earbuds.
  • Transparency mode is not as transparent as other earbuds, with a noticeable occlusion effect.
  • Voice pickup in noisy conditions is not great, even with noise reduction mode.
  • Outdated Bluetooth 5.1 limits support for newer features like Auracast.
  • Case thickness may be an issue for pocket storage.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • ATH-TWX9 supports APTX Adaptive, while X7 supports LDAC.
  • ATH-TWX9 has crisper vocals due to more gain in the 1.3kHz region.
  • Transparency mode is weaker and has more occlusion than AirPods Pro 2.
  • Active noise cancelling is quieter than some premium earbuds, but not as quiet as others.
  • Nothing Ear has nearly double the battery life.
  • Beats Studio Buds Plus has better call quality.

Takeaway: The ATH-TWX7 are very customizable and offer good noise cancelling with a secure fit, making them good for workouts. With some tweaking, their sound can be great.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-TWX9
226
/
Released
2022
The ATH-TWX9 truly wireless earbuds offer the freedom to customize your sound space for an advanced audio experience. These headphones create an immersive audio experience and feature digital hybrid noise canceling technology. With unique features including deep-UV sterilization, 360 Reality Audio for a realistic 3D sound stage, and Snapdragon Sound™ platform for higher quality music, video, and calls, the ATH-TWX9 set themselves above the rest as the best truly wireless headphones.
Check Amazon
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Unique, soft texture and stylish shape of the case make a great first impression
  • Comes with a large collection of ear tips of different widths and lengths for a customized fit
  • Features both a real-life pressable button and a touch surface on each earbud, with adjustable touch sensitivity
  • App is feature-rich and customizable, allowing users to tailor every touch and press on the earbuds
  • Supports multipoint feature with simultaneous connection to up to two devices

Product Considerations

  • The case is a bit chunky, and the materials may not age well
  • App is tied to one phone and is inaccessible if you forget that device at home
  • Switching between ANC and transparency modes takes a noticeable 3.5 seconds, pausing audio
  • ANC performance is middle of the road (Tier C), and transparency mode sounds muffled
  • Battery life is only around 5 hours and 14 minutes with ANC on, less than advertised

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sony's earbuds: ATH-TWX9 is comparable, with optimization for Sony's 360 Reality Audio
  • Vs Technics AZ80: ATH-TWX9 has lower voice volume in calls
  • Vs Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: ATH-TWX9's ANC is not as good
  • Vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: The ATH-TWX9 has poorer noise filtering during calls in noisy conditions

Takeaway: The ATH-TWX9 earbuds have a unique design, comfortable fit, and lots of customization. With great sound and a range of features, users can really make these earbuds their own.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-CKS50TW2
159
/
Released
2025
Audio-Technica brings you best-in-class battery life – again. The ATH-CKS50TW2 next-generation earbuds provide all the powerful, full-spectrum sound of the originals with even greater convenience. The earbuds give you up to 65 hours of playback – 25 hours from the fully charged headphones, plus an additional 40 hours available from the charging case. With noise cancelling on, enjoy 15 hours from the earbuds and 25 additional hours from the case.
Check Amazon
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Long battery life, up to 25 hours without ANC and 15 hours with ANC on a single charge, with an additional 40 hours from the charging case
  • The earbuds snap together with magnets to turn off, preserving battery life and preventing unnecessary charging
  • Equipped with 9mm dynamic drivers, designed to deliver deep, punchy bass without overpowering mids and highs
  • IP55 rating offers resistance against dust and water, making them suitable for workouts and commutes
  • The physical buttons are easy to locate and offer precise, tactile control

Product Considerations

  • Noise cancelling does not quite compete with Sony and Bose
  • The transparency mode feels muffled and not as natural as some competitors’
  • Bulky design means the earbuds are big, bulky, and protrude noticeably from the ear
  • Wear detection is lacking; there is no automatic pausing when removing the earbuds from your ears
  • Due to the design, you have to hold the earbuds in place while pressing the physical buttons

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the AirPods Pro, the Audio-Technica case is about twice the size
  • Noise cancelling quality is not as good as the best of Apple, Bose, and Sony
  • Compared to the Sennheiser CX Plus, the Audio-Technicas look a lot bigger

Takeaway: The ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds are a solid choice for people who really care about battery life and enjoy music with a lot of bass. With a warm sound profile, long battery, and the ability to physically snap them together, listeners can get great enjoyment from listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-CKS30TW+
109
/
Released
2024
The ATH-CKS30TW+ wireless earbuds are designed to enhance your everyday experience with invigorating sound. The initial boost comes from the proprietary 9 mm drivers, which deliver clear, full-range audio with deep, powerful bass.
Check Amazon
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Lightweight design at 4.5 grams per earphone
  • IP55 dust and water resistance rating
  • Good hear-through and talk-through functionality
  • Extensive app connectivity
  • Offers a low latency mode
  • Supports multipoint connections

Product Considerations

  • No manual on/off option
  • Bluetooth version 5.1 is an older version
  • Charging time is long at 2 hours and 40 minutes for the earphones
  • No custom EQ settings available in the app
  • Noise cancellation is mainly effective in the lower frequency range

Takeaway: The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ are lightweight and offer good ambient mode functionality, making them handy for everyday use. It has impressive bass reproduction, especially for action-packed media.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-CM2000Ti
400
/
Released
2019
Featuring specially designed 15.4 mm HD drivers with a permendur magnetic circuit, and diaphragms with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, the ATH-CM2000Ti in-ear headphones deliver exceptional full-range audio, and are capable of Hi-Res Audio reproduction. The headphones' rigid housings are constructed of pure titanium to greatly reduce unwanted resonance, and they feature A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks to accommodate the two 1.2 m (3.9') detachable cables included with the headphones.
Check Amazon
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Solid titanium build
  • Airy and spacious soundstage
  • Vocal reproduction is characteristic of Audio-Technica

Product Considerations

  • As an earbud design, it's relatively large, so it might rub against parts of the outer ear
  • Little isolation from the world
  • High frequencies are somewhat rolled off, so not a huge degree of high frequency detail
  • Sub-bass information is basically missing
  • Bass is rather flat, if not deficient

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Less bass than Airpods, PortaPros, or Grados

Takeaway: The CM2000Ti is a unique product that calls back to designs of decades past. It is a fun listen with a midrange-dominant sound that is clear and beautifully textured.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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