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Audio Technica ATH-ESW9

Audio Technica ATH-ESW9
Audio Technica ATH-ESW9Audio Technica ATH-ESW9Audio Technica ATH-ESW9Audio Technica ATH-ESW9Audio Technica ATH-ESW9Audio Technica ATH-ESW9Audio Technica ATH-ESW9
alaScore 77

21 reviews

May, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 21 reviews of Audio Technica ATH-ESW9. The average rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Headphones for all reviews. Comments about the price and comfort are generally positive. The portability and design are also appreciated, but many are critical about the noise isolation and durability. Comments about the reliability and treble quality are mixed.

sound, design, portability, comfort, price

durability, noise isolation

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Headphones the Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 77/100 = Good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 21 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (5% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (70% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (15% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (10% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (no reviews)
 

Features

sound
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
design
  Show positive (95%)Show negative (5%)(Show all)
portability
  Show positive (67%)Show negative (33%)(Show all)
comfort
  Show positive (67%)Show negative (33%)(Show all)
durability
  Show positive (20%)Show negative (80%)(Show all)
price
  Show positive (71%)Show negative (29%)(Show all)
bass quality
  Show positive (67%)Show negative (33%)(Show all)
size
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
noise isolation
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
mids quality
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
soundstage
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
treble quality
  Show positive (50%)Show negative (50%)(Show all)
reliability
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More features

Showing 21 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 10 of 21 Show Reviews: in English

Expert review by : Mark Brezinski (headphoneinfo.com)

Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9 Headphones Review - Intro

 

The ATH-ESW9s are a sophisticated pair of headphones with a price meant for the upper class. They retail anywhere from $300 to $500, which is toward the high end of the bell curve. Fear not, our blue-blooded reader, the headphones aren't simply an...

They look great and appear durable ; Not much ; Performance; More portable than the typical on-ear

Very, very low distortion, good tracking and max volume ; Subpar frequency response, poor isolation and leakage control ; We didn't think they were particularly comfortable

The ATH-ESW9s are a pair of headphones that are likely priced outside the reach of the average consumer. Like most luxury items, the majority of their cost seems to come from aesthetics, although they aren't just a pretty face with no functionality....

Jan, 2009
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Expert review by : Mark Brezinski (washingtonpost.com)

Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9

 

The ATH-ESW9s are a pair of on-ears from Audio-Technica. The ATH-ESW9s actually have wooden backs, which lends them a very sophisticated aesthetic. Their price is reflective of this, falling around $300-$400. The headphones themselves certainly look...

The ATH-ESW9s are a set of light-weight headphones that are probably best used in your home. Their poor isolation and leakage control makes them a poor choice for your commute

Feb, 2009
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Expert review by : Mark Brezinski (reviewed.com)

Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9

 

A scientific, in-depth analysis with side-by-side comparisons

The ATH-ESW9s are a pair of headphones that are likely priced outside the reach of the average consumer. Like most luxury items, the majority of their cost seems to come from aesthetics, although they aren’t just a pretty face with no functionality....

Jan, 2009
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

A Delicate Beauty (Pictures added 5/8/15)

 

I have typed up this review @audio-technica.com a few months back and I thought I should also put it here. First, I would like to apologize for my very vague description of the sound (and "flowery" language) and also please don't kill me with your...

IT'S BEAUTIFUL, Addictive Sound Signature (for specific genres)

Very little accessories, questionable durability, comfortability issues, very genre specific

May, 2015
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

Warm on-ears that you can take on the go or savor at home

 

I purchased the Audio Technica ESW9a. These have African Paduak shells rather than the cherry of the Japanese release. The ESW9a is made in Japan. Physical: First, these are most definitely not circumaural headphones. The pads have a slope, the outside...

Warm but still punchy tone, large soundstage, lightweight, subtle good looks, comfortable

No accessories, disappointing cable, delicate brackets, don't fold for travel

Mar, 2014
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

Gorgeous Sounding as is gorgeous looking

 

I got this on Amazon for $199 and can't believe it was initially released for over $500. Nevertheless, the headphones are decent and would satisfy most enthusiasts who prefer clarity and musicality at the same time. Build Quality The quality is good...

Warm sound, very musical, striking looks

Not ruggedly durable, doesn't isolate well,

Jul, 2013
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

Maybe not the best of the few cans I've tried so far, but the most involving.

 

So do you go with what you like or with what's best for you? I guess at the juncture at most points in my life I've gone with the former. In headphones too that has me going back to the ESW9s again and again. They are NOT my most accurate cans. Even...

Great warmth of sound. Fabulous looks.

Very cheap, flimsy, and short cable.

Mar, 2013
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

Audio-Technica wood on the go

 

I might not have gotten these if I had'nt heard them. I was milling around the best buy and put on a few cans. I thought these were the best sounding cans Best Buy had on their wall- portable or otherwise. It was not even that close. Maybe not the...

Nicely judged tonal balance

Needs some TLC, not a rugged portable

Feb, 2013
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

Delighted

 

I'm a newbie to high end who wishes to thank all the poster @ head-fi that steered me to creating a really amazing set up thatis freakin' life changing: DACport LX DAC $249 Amazon Headstage Arrow 12HE 4G Headphone amplifier $299 headstage.com...

outstanding sound

none

Jan, 2013
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Consumer review (head-fi.org)

My first real headphones... blown away.

 

I got these as my first set and I couldn't be more satisfied. I ordered them refurbished for $149.00 from an audiotechnica certified dealer on the internet (ironically, I ordered the ESW9As, but got a set of these instead--what serendipitous fortune!)....

Amazing high and mid ranges. Female Vocals, Jazz and Orchestral Music is amazing.

Bass is not very heavy, but it is there (compared to a pair of ATH-M50s)

Dec, 2012
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Price comparison for Audio Technica ATH-ESW9

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