An audio review & news blog. The volume should not exceed 80 dB is recommended. I usually adhere to the safe-listening style by WHO. Please note that my aural impressions and interpretations of measurements are also made from a safe-listening style.
This review is written based on a "private purchase" or "product rented for a price".
No remuneration or compensation, such as a manuscript fee, has been received for publishing this, and it is an honest evaluation based on measurement data from personal testing and personal opinion.
Please see here for detailed reviews on sound quality.
Lows / Bass
The audio-technica ATH-M20x's low frequencies are emphasized a bit deeper, but do not extend very far.
Bass drums are not bad in terms of thickness and weight, but lack depth and have a weak rumble.
The electric bass lacks a bit of blackness and is not badly tightened, but it sounds a bit bright and with a warm edge.
Overall, the bass is adjusted to a presence that does not interfere with the midrange, which is not bad if you like a balance closer to flat speakers, but not enough for bass lovers.
Mids
The audio-technica ATH-M20x's midrange is quite forward in the center, and the whole thing leans forward. It sounds very bright, but the texture is not very accurate.
The ATH-M20x's midrange has a weak edge and lacks crunch, so the reproduction of the sense of construction is poor and a bit short for use as monitor headphones. In particular, the sense of contour is quite suppressed and rounded, so the sense of separation is not good. This makes the midrange feel a little cloudy.
However, the resolution is very high and the transparency is high, so the sound image is very pure and clear, and you can hear the center of the music quite well even when it is cloudy.
Highs / Treble
High frequencies are tuned for definition. Extension is not bad.
The high frequency range lacks linearity, so the vertical axis of strings and woodwinds is not stable and sounds shaky and dynamic with an accentuated sense of motion. If you like dynamic highs, it is not bad, but the sense of localization is quite difficult to understand, so it is not quite accurate enough to use for monitoring.
The luminance in the highs is subdued and the subtlety is a bit lacking, so there is no lack of detail, but there is not much finesse.
The high frequencies are a bit less dense and tend to sound scuzzy in some areas.
Sound quality general comment
Original Sound Fidelity: A
Recommendation: A-
Personal preference: A-
The audio-technica ATH-M20x is a very high resolution monitor headphone. Despite its low price, the ATH-M20x has the same level of resolution as ultra high-end headphones, especially in the mid-range.
However, the localization is a bit unreliable, so at least this is not a model that can be used for monitoring and mixing all by itself. For about the same price, the Classic Pro CPH7000 would be easier to use overall. The CPH7000 is more consistent, at least in terms of localization, and the CPH7000 has a better sense of detail and construction, so you should find that the CPH7000 makes your music sound more three-dimensional.
The CPH7000 does not match the ATH-M20x in resolution, but it is still quite high resolution, so for most people its overall performance as a monitor will be superior to the ATH-M20x.
Sound quality features
Pros
Good sense of detail
Excellent resolution
Bright midrange
Good focus on midrange
Dynamic sound
Forward-localized
Cons
Lacks low-frequency depth
Lack of textural accuracy
Difficult to understand localization
Lack of sense of structure
General comment
The audio-technica ATH-M20x is the brand's entry-level monitor headphone, yet it has the resolution of an ultra high-end product. Its sound is designed with an emphasis on brightly focused midrange imaging, and if you like bright sound, you'll like it a lot. However, you may not need to choose the ATH-M20x for monitor headphones, as there are better options at about the same price.
This review is based on a sample provided by Sivga to convey a sincere quality review to our readers.
No remuneration or compensation, such as a manuscript fee, has been received for publishing this, and it is an honest evaluation based on measurement data from personal testing and personal opinion.
Please see here for detailed reviews on sound quality.
Lows / Bass
The low frequencies of the audio-technica ATH-AVA500 are fairly linear but do not extend very deep.
The bass drum is not bad in terms of thickness and weight, but lacks depth and has a weak rumble.
The electric bass lacks a bit of blackness and sounds a bit bright and with a harsh edge.
If you like your bass straight up and stomping down like a monitor speaker, it's not bad, but if you like low frequencies, it's a bit lacking.
Mids
The midrange of the audio-technica ATH-AVA500 is slightly tilted forward. It is quite bright and present near the front in position. Texture is not very accurate.
The upper midrange is a bit emphasized, making some vocals and instruments sound as if they are extending from the back. Contours are a bit soft, and the high-frequency direction sounds a bit wide, with depth and a sense of forward localization.
The transparency and resolution of the midrange is high, so instrumental sounds are detailed and lifelike, but the texture is unnatural and a bit cloudy, and the reproduction of three-dimensionality is not bad, but rather lacking.
The midrange is low in density and has a clean, easy-to-hear listening-like balance.
Highs / Treble
The high frequencies are tuned for forward localization. Detail reproduction is excellent, with excellent extension, excellent airiness, and excellent definition and delicacy.
The highs are a bit lacking in linearity, so the vertical axis of strings and woodwinds sounds a bit unsteady and dynamic. Not bad if you like dynamics in the highs, but not accurate enough for monitoring.
Cymbal crashes are a bit distorted, crushed, and rough, but they shimmer well enough and sound delicate, with good dispersion and extension.
In general, the highs are relatively excellent.
Sound quality general comment
Original Sound Fidelity: S-
Recommendation: A
Personal preference: A
The audio-technica ATH-AVA500 are open headphones with excellent original sound fidelity and excellent resolution. It is a rather excellent candidate if you are looking for headphones with a flat, forward localization that is close to the speaker's sound image.
Sound quality features
Pros
Extensible and spacious high frequency range
Excellent original sound fidelity
Good sense of detail
Excellent resolution
Bright midrange
Flat, speaker-like
Dynamic sound
Forward-localized
Cons
Lack of low-frequency depth
Lack of textural accuracy
Difficult to understand localization
General comment
The audio-technica ATH-AVA500 headphones are capable of providing high-resolution, flat overall sound. It has a well-balanced sound with excellent original fidelity, similar to the ambience of flat speakers, and is a relatively good choice as a listening headphone considering its price.
This review is written based on a "private purchase" or "product rented for a price".
No remuneration or compensation, such as a manuscript fee, has been received for publishing this, and it is an honest evaluation based on measurement data from personal testing and personal opinion.
Innovative sound that connects people to their hearts
Noise canceling to create a special silence
The passion of an artist is captured in a performance, the excitement of a creator's imagination in a moving image, or telecommunication with people you cannot see in person, friends, or business partners. People are connected by sound. The ability to create a space where people can connect with each other through sound has become the design concept for the next generation of premium earphones. The ATH-TWX9 fully wireless earphone, the ultimate in music and call performance, allows you to freely customize your sound space and even the way you use it.
Fitting performance that can be adapted to the differences of each individual ear to make your daily life more comfortable when you are closely connected to sound. Noise canceling functionality that instantly creates your own special quiet space, no matter what environment you are in, provides an overwhelming sense of immersion. Other new experiences include 360 Reality Audio for an immersive 3D sound field, Snapdragon Sound™, an advanced sound platform that upgrades the quality of music, video, and phone calls, and a deep UV sterilization system, a new habit for daily care of earphones. and a deep ultraviolet sterilization system, all of which are here to connect people with their hearts. All for the sake of a sound space that will be necessary in the future, where people and their hearts are connected.
Φ5.8㎜ high-resolution driver that enables you to experience a clear sound image in silence. We have designed a new driver from scratch to achieve the best possible balance between these two elements. In a quiet space, you can experience the extended high frequency range and the delicate sound with good grain.
Two noise-canceling systems for a personal space Hybrid digital noise-canceling technology for an infinitely pure and silent space Two small noise-canceling MEMS microphones*, one for each earphone, pick up ambient noise and transmit it to a high-precision noise-canceling processor, which then sends it to the earphones.
The noise is transmitted to a high-precision noise canceling processor. Through a proprietary noise filter design, noise cancellation performance is maximized and unwanted noise is cancelled out.
Beam-forming microphone technology enables clear voice transmission even in noisy environments. Beamforming Microphone Technology utilizes these two microphones to deliver a clear voice to the other person even in noisy environments.
Hear-Through function allows you to enjoy music while letting outside sounds in naturally.
When the earphones are placed in the charging case, a deep ultraviolet LED that sterilizes bacteria and viruses is irradiated* to sterilize the surface of the earpieces. *The irradiation occurs after the lid of the charging case is closed.
I tested it by connecting it to a Cayin N6II/E02 with aptX.
I don't know because I haven't been in crowds, but it is stable in the home. Distance tolerance is excellent, and the connection is seamless and intact even at a distance of about 5 meters. Communication tends to be choppy across obstructions, making it difficult to listen to music consistently, but the connection is maintained.
There may be a small amount of background noise, but most people probably won't notice it.
Interface/operation
The operation interface is a touch panel + physical buttons.
Power ON
Open the lid of the charging case and take out the earphones
Power OFF
Store the earphones in the charging case
Pairing
If there is no connection destination when the earphones are turned on, pairing mode is automatically activated
Song playback
Click the multi-function button on the right side once
Stop playback
Click the right multifunction button once
Forward song
Click the right multifunction button twice
Backward
3 clicks on the right multifunction button
Volume +
Click the left multifunction button once
Volume -
2 clicks on the left multifunction button
Answer call
Click the multifunction button once
End call
Click multifunction button once
Quick hear-through
Click left multifunction button 3 times
Switch between ANC and Hear-Through
Tap left touch panel twice
Active noise canceling performance
The ANC performance of the audio-technica ATH-TWX9 is substandard for its price range. In aircraft mode, which is considered the strongest, it reduces outside noise relatively effectively in the midrange.
Compatible Apps
Compatible with the audio-technica Connect app.
What the app allows you to do:
Volume Step: Allows you to change the number of volume adjustment steps.
Codec: Allows you to change the codec to be connected. (Android version only)
Ambience Control: Allows you to switch between noise canceling and hear-through functions. You can also select a preset noise canceling mode, personalize noise canceling system, and optimize noise canceling system.
Quick hear-through: You can adjust the type of quick hear-through and the music playback volume during quick hear-through.
Equalizer: The equalizer can be adjusted.
Low Latency Mode: Allows playback with less sound delay when playing games or watching videos.
Left/Right Balance: Adjustment Allows you to adjust the left/right volume balance. Sidetone: Allows you to turn on/off the sidetone function, which allows you to hear your own voice and surrounding sounds through the microphone during a call (this function is turned on at the time of purchase).
Key Assign: Allows you to set the function assigned to the multi-function button and touch sensor.
Touch Sensor: Touch sensor ON/OFF and sensitivity can be set. Voice Assistant: Allows you to set what is activated by voice assistant operation.
Wear Detection: Allows you to set ON/OFF of the wear detection function. Guide tone: Allows you to change the voice guidance played from the product to a confirmation tone.
Management of connected devices: You can select the Bluetooth device you want to connect from the list of Bluetooth devices that have been connected so far and switch the connection.
Sound quality
REW Frequency Response
audio status
Sound quality description
The following review was tested on a FiiO M15 with an LDAC connection.
Please see here for detailed reviews on sound quality.
Lows / Bass
The audio-technica ATH-TWX9's low frequencies extend relatively deep. The sense of perspective is not bad, but the resolution is not good for the price, so it does not sound three-dimensional.
Drums have excellent weight, and rumble is quite perceptible, but the deepest parts are not shown, so the sense of realism is not great.
The electric bass is also black enough and expansive enough to provide a starting point for contrast, but it lacks rawness.
There is a slight focus on the lower midrange, which is common in solid bass sounds.
Mids
The midrange of the audio-technica ATH-TWX9 has a consumer-like sound with an emphasis on depth. The balance sounds chic and elegant with a little less coloration, which is the vibe of the audio-technica sound I like.
The snare tends to lack sharpness and power, and the guitar edge sounds a bit subdued, and the vocals are calm and mature, but tend to sound dark and a bit lifeless.
The midrange is with low enough distortion and fairly high resolution to make it a flagship for audio-technica fans, but it does have a few quirks, so I do not recommend it for those who do not like the audio-technica sound.
It is hot in the mid-range, a bit sluggish, and the sound image tends to sound a bit blurred. Despite the low distortion, impressive transparency is not quite there.
Despite the lack of emphasis in the frequency response, there is a good sense of focus in the midrange due to the acoustic structure, which provides the highest resolution in the midrange.
Highs / Treble
The high frequencies seem to be tuned for definition. Extension is not bad, but a bit lacking.
The highs are tuned with low resolution, and despite their emphasis on frequency response, their presence is actually quite suppressed.
It also has excellent linearity and is mild and pleasant to the ear, but it is too transparent and indistinct.
Personally, I like it a lot, but if you ask me if it is worth more than $200, I am not so sure. In the past, I probably would have liked it more, but I guess my ears are more discerning these days, and I tend not to feel comfortable with it if I perceive even the slightest hint of a flaw.
As a flagship for audio-technica fans, it's probably perfect, but if you ask me if it's the sound for audiophiles, it's not quite the same. It is more like an earphone that makes you listen to the sound through an audio-technica filter, rather than listening to the music itself.
However, even so, I personally like them better than the Technics EAH-AZ60 flagship that I reviewed most recently. This one has stronger habits, so I rate the EAH-AZ60 with its more versatile frequency response higher in my recommendation, but the EAH-AZ60's sound is too low-resolution and sounds too cheap to me.
If you ask me which sounds more upscale, the EAH-AZ60 or the ATH-TWX9, it is clearly the ATH-TWX9, and if you ask me which sounds cooler, I would say the ATH-TWS9 has more sense. However, please judge this point minus the fact that I like the audio-technica sound.
Sound quality features
Pros
Elegant and chic
Sound with depth
Heavy
High midrange resolution
Cons
Strong quirks
Unnatural texture expression
Poor coloration and subdued
Subdued high frequency range
General comment
The audio-technica ATH-TWX9 has a subdued, elegant, and chic sound that is very typical of audio-technica. The included app is also highly functional and can be customized in almost any way. However, the active noise canceling performance may not be as good.