Macworld - USA (2020-04)

APRIL 2020 MACWORLD 121

The T9iE come
with seven pairs
of silicone-
based ear tips
and three pairs of
Comply memory-foam
ear tips. There is also a
3.5mm right-angle adapter.

for a dresser but impractical to carry on

the go unless you throw it in a backpack

or suitcase. The case has enough room for

the headphones plus an extra pair of ear

tips or an airplane adapter in the small

pocket located underneath the top cover.

LISTENING TESTS

I tested the T9iE with an Astell&Kern

Kann and Astell&Kern SR15. I played

primarily high-res recordings and also

some streaming from Tidal, with a focus

on Tidal Masters and Hi-Fi certified

music. I used the 2.5mm balanced

connector with the Kann and the 3.5mm

adapter with the SR15.

I was completely unprepared—blown

away—by the performance of these in-ear

monitors. The

headphones were

musically engaging and

never fatiguing. Time

well around my ears and even after hours of
listening—including falling asleep to the
music—I never felt fatigued nor did the
headphones ever become painful to wear.

LOTS OF EAR TIPS AND AN
HEIRLOOM CASE INCLUDED
The T9iE come with seven pairs of ear
tips. Yes, seven—and I needed every last
one of them. There are five silicone-based
tips and two pairs of Comply (go.macworld.
com/c0pl) memory-foam tips. Getting a
solid seal is critical to an IEM’s
performance. Unfortunately, I found that
the included silicone ear tips didn’t give
me the perfect seal, thinning out the
sound. I therefore turned to the included
Comply memory-foam-based ear tips,
which delivered the perfect fit. Note that
using a memory-foam-based ear tip will
increase a headphone’s bass response.
My listening impressions in this review
were with the foam-based tips.
The T9iE come in a round case
with a flip top. The case is perfect