APRIL 2020 MACWORLD 123mmmmh
Astell&Kern T9iE
PROS- Reference-grade audio
performance. - Eye-catching, Astell&Kern
industrial design;
handmade by
Beyerdynamic. - Comes with a silver and
copper litz cable with
2.5mm balanced connector
and 3.5mm unbalanced
adapter.
CONS - 2.5mm connector is huge
and will be prone to
bending or breaking if
banged. - Lower bass registers could
have a bit more oomph.
PRICE
$1,299
COMPANY
Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern’s higher-end
players feature an Amp Mode
that boosts the power output.
Using the 2.5mm balanced
connection with the A&K Kann’s
amp mode set to high, I noted
that the T9iE’s midbass exhibited
more punch, deep bass notes
had more life, and the midrange
warmed. Played on the SR15 or
the Kann in Normal Amp mode,
the headphones took on a more
neutral tone.
BOTTOM LINE
Over the past several years,
the headphone market has
exploded. There’s a growing
demand for high-performance,
audiophile-grade headphones.
The AK T9iE qualify on that
mark. I fell in love with
Astell&Kern’s T9iE. The T9iE fall
into that rare review product
that made me want to
experience artists and music all
over again.
At $1,299, these in-ear-
headphones are priced for a
discerning consumer who can
appreciate what these
headphones are capable of
delivering—a beautiful,
transparent, engaging, musical
experience. If you can afford the
price point, then don’t think
twice about giving the T9iE a
serious audition. ■Detail view of the T9iE sans ear tips.