Listening to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through 360 was the best at demonstrating this during my listening. The many sections blended together beautifully over the TWX9. I’m pleasantly surprised that a true wireless earphone could articulate a busy album like this so effectively. Addmitadley, all of this praise is only coming from how spatial audio features perform over Tidal, but what about the soundstage in standard form? Of course, many non-linear characteristics disappear from the imaging, but the TWX9 still does a good job expressing the stereo field as accurately as it can. Even when performing in a flatter sonic environment, the TWX9 solidifies positioning and proper vocal and instrument placement. Low End The default eartips created a perfect seal right from the get-go, but if they hadn’t, Audio-Technica includes an astonishing collection of 12 additional sizes and shapes, in varying widths and lengths. The ATH-TWX9s use high-resolution, dynamic 5.8mm drivers with an extended high-frequency range, but this requires 96kHz sampling via Snapdragon Sound technology. Thanks to the multipoint connection, it is possible to make an A/B comparison of the sound reproduction of the iPhone (AAC format) and Asus Zenfone (Snapdragon Sound, aptX Adaptive), and this served as the starting point for our listening test. No major differences in sound were detected. However, conscious listening in a quiet environment revealed subtle deviations.

Noise canceling is pretty good, and you can even adjust to select environments such as “plane” “train” “city” “office” or “house” otherwise have the noise canceling be calibrated in real time to your current environment (you need to go through a funky sound calibration process which is amusing). So, the sound is superb. Now let’s talk about that ANC: Sennheiser uses an interesting hybrid ANC model that offers active noise cancellation, an anti-wind setting, and a transparency mode for hearing environmental sounds. That’s a solid offering, but the efficacy doesn’t get close to ANC from brands like Apple or Sony. Choose these buds for the Sennheiser sound experience, not the best noise cancellation in the world. The treble has a good resolve that only gets better the more you adjust it. With no added gain, the high frequencies still contain a fair amount of spark. Their presence is already pleasant, and like the mids, they feel very natural. There’s some nice bite to the tone that brings better resolution to the timbre. With EQ adjustments, even more, glisten can be obtained. I don’t think any of it is too sibilant either, as the highs never appear harsh no matter how much you bring up the top end. They’re well-textured, with a crisp shine that never hides in the mix. Summary

But let's get to the reason you're here — ANC. The TWX9s are outstanding here as well, with five modes you can choose based on your situation, such as airplanes, trains, and noisy offices. There's also an "Optimized" mode that measures the ambient noise around you and adjusts the ANC to suit the situation. The earbuds also have an automatic calibration process that analyzes how the buds fit in your ears, adjusting the sound and ANC accordingly.

Call quality is boosted by Sidetone circuitry that lets you hear your own voice in the headphones, which is compatible with most smartphones. With an IPX4 rating, the TWX9 aren’t exactly built for punishing workouts, but they’ll easily cope with sweat and some rain as long as you gently wipe them clean afterward. Lots of controls, limited choice Simon Cohen / Digital Trends Balance armature driver: In a balanced armature driver, the headphone’s diaphragm is connected to the armature, with micro-vibrations producing the sound. Most balanced armature drivers are best within a specific frequency range, which is why many headphones contain multiple balanced drivers, with certain frequencies divided between drivers for full-spectrum sound. If you see a model advertised as a "triple-driver" or "quad-driver," it's likely referring to multiple balance armatures. The TWX9 offers a comfortable listening experience with a generally safe but immersive tuning. Its strength is in the sound staging that presents the music in a tight room setting. The bass instruments are delivered with good intensity yet does not linger too long to sound muddy. This characteristic continues towards midrange, allowing instruments to sound full yet not too ringing. The upper frequencies sit on top of all these meat with sufficient clarity and presence but without exaggerated transparency. If you’re looking for a pair of true wireless earphones, and are looking to use them more as a utility, I think the XM4 has more to offer. However, in the sound department, the TWX9 shows a lot more strengths. It responds better to EQ and showcases a lot more natural timbral qualities in its sound signature. 360 Reality Audio is great on both earphones, but the XM4 has better ANC and battery life too. I think if you just want a great-sounding pair of earbuds, then the TWX9 is going to be your best choice out of the two.As mentioned in my immediate impressions upon a couple mins of listening - this is better than what the market dictates in the high end price range - it’s seriously good. I legitimately prefer the tuning of these to my IE900, which are one of the better wired iem’s out there. it doesn’t sound like your prototypical A-T headphones, it’s actually quite fun and punchy, somewhat reminiscent of Harman but just way less shouty in the upper midrange and more sweet in a way. That may be true, but this is the first time I’ve ever encountered this particular problem when using Multipoint. Sumptuous sound Simon Cohen / Digital Trends If you are more accustomed to the Sennheiser type of tuning, the TWX9 might sound relatively less clear. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is a more impressive-sounding earbuds due to the signature sizzling treble, but they occupy a more compact imaging. The TWX9 may not emphasize on the upper range, but they sound more spread out, hence still sounds clear. The bass on the TWX9 is more intense and occupies more space, while the Momentum TW3 bass is less prominent, thus overall sound staging is less compact and if you turn up the volume, you can really enjoy the treble air. To sum up, the TWX9 sounds more analog while the Momentum TW3 sounds more digital. Call Quality Another benefit of this arrangement is that if you’re connected to a computer and a smartphone simultaneously, you can continue to adjust the earbuds’ settings from the A-T app on your phone even while listening/working on your PC.

Sidetone circuitry improves conversations by letting you hear your voice in the headphones when making calls on most smartphones As for sound quality, the drivers in the Buds+ are actually one of the only parts that didn't get upgraded, but that's OK because the sound in the Studio Buds was pretty good as well, with excellent clarity and accuracy, and the Buds+ are no different — if anything, the Bud+ offer a wider, and more detailed soundstage. However, there's no option for EQ adjustment and there's only support for SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, which will be fine for most people. Don't worry, they still sound great. Voice guidance for notifications, including power and pairing statuses as well as remaining battery level Newly designed 5.8 mm high-resolution drivers are joined by compatibility with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio to deliver a spatial audio experience alongside flexible dual- or single-ear usability. The AZ60's ANC? Amazing. Ambient noise, hums, traffic, and nearby conversations are well and properly filtered, making for a clear, clean experience.Sony didn't see fit to touch the XM4's battery life for the XM5, which offer eight hours of playtime with ANC turned on and 12 hours with it off, Plus, the charging case doles out two full charges for a total of 24 hours. The eartip selection is honestly overkill, but that’s an impressive commitment to getting a good fitment for the end user. The highs on both sets of earphones are average and get much better with adjustments. You can add more clarity and crispness to the XM4 but its timbre never reaches the heights that the TWX9 can reach. You can get the XM4 to feel more tall, but the TWX9 brings out more natural detail. Neither set of earphones will give you any harshness though. Summary I have watched the rise of Audio-technica’s in-ear monitors for years. Its new product releases have been regular and predictable, with the company really hitting its stride in 2020 with the ANC-ATH300. With a distinctive form factor, a compact clamshell case, crisp sound and handy features, it was hard not to like. IPX4 equivalent means that there is no harmful effect even if water is splashed from all directions. It cannot be used in hot and humid places such as baths. It is not completely waterproof.

Designed to connect people through sound, these hybrid headphones are equipped with advanced features making the ATH-TWX9 optimal workout headphones or commuter headphones. The splashproof headphone design (IPX4®-equivalent) makes these perfect for rain, water, and sweat. Choose from five preset noise-cancelling modes or optimize noise cancellation for your current environment simply by pressing the touch sensor on the left earbud. These non-slip, compact and ergonomic headphones are designed to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. Customize your experience with twelve different fitting eartip designs (4 diameter sizes, 3 stem lengths) for the most comfortable noise cancelling headphones. All in all, I came in skeptical and not at all expecting a hi-fidelity sound with these to be honest… and was completely surprised to find it to be dynamic, well tuned, great timbre, great detail and a very good fit in the ear. it hard to find any criticisms really, though if being a bit strict, it’s perhaps not quite as intuitive as Airpods in an Apple ecosystem. The ATH-TWX9 is Audio-Technica’s flagship earbuds and were designed to do battle with the likes of Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro, Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2, and Sony’s WF-1000XM4. And based on first impressions, it seems to have largely succeeded. Compared to its rivals, the ATH-TWX9 has the sleekest-looking and most premium-feeling charging case. Hear-through function allows you to hear ambient sounds (plus your own, unmuffled voice) so you can talk to others around you without removing your earbuds

As with the Sony WF-1000XM5s, these Technics also support Sony's hi-res LDAC Bluetooth codec, which you can experience when connected to a compatible phone or device. Google knew that Android fans were looking for highly compatible earbuds with up-to-date ANC tech, and the Pixel Buds Pro were designed to deliver. Fortunately, they succeeded in almost all respect. These earbuds make the perfect companion for Android phone fans, especially if you’ve got a Pixel phone to pair with them. They’re also more affordable than competitors from brands like Apple or Bose, which wins them an extra nod. There isn’t a shortcoming in the midrange that can’t be improved with EQ. Without it, the mids are mostly flat and even in tone. Their timbre doesn’t quite pop, but clarity is still obtainable in instruments and vocals. While they don’t have the drive of the lows. the mids offer a natural presence, filling out performances with clean textures and fine detail. The best enhancements EQ makes in the midrange are with vocals. I found that certain performances benefited from the slightest gain. Specific lyrics felt like they were enunciated better, with more emphasis. Highs Designed to connect people through sound, these hybrid headphones are equipped with advanced features making the ATH-TWX9 optimal workout headphones or commuter headphones. The splashproof headphone design (IPX4®-equivalent) makes these perfect for rain, water, and sweat. Choose from five preset noise-cancelling modes or optimise noise cancellation for your current environment simply by pressing the touch sensor on the left earbud. These non-slip, compact and ergonomic headphones are designed to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. Customise your experience with twelve different fitting eartip designs (4 diameter sizes, 3 stem lengths) for the most comfortable noise cancelling headphones.