Наушники — Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1

The ATH-IEX1 is an Audio-Technica wired in-ear model combining two dynamic drivers and two balanced armature drivers inside housings of anodized titanium. Audio-Technica presents its driver structure as a world first for a hybrid design of this kind, and its US price is USD 1,200. It is aimed at listeners who run a portable player or desktop source with either a balanced or a standard single-ended output.

Key specs that matter

The dynamic section pairs a 9.8 mm driver with an 8.8 mm driver, while two balanced armature units handle the top of the range, all placed along one coaxial line. Frequency response is quoted as 5 to 50,000 Hz. Sensitivity is 102 dB per mW and impedance is a very low 5 ohms. Each earpiece set weighs 19 g. Two detachable cables of 1.2 m each are supplied, one ending in a 4.4 mm 5-pole balanced plug and the other in a 3.5 mm 3-pole stereo mini-plug, and both attach to the housings through A2DC connectors.

Engineering and use context

Its pair of dynamic units operates in what Audio-Technica calls a Dual Phase Push Pull structure. The larger unit acts as the full-range driver, while the smaller unit works as a passive radiator that reinforces the low frequencies. The pair of balanced armatures behaves like super tweeters for the highest octaves, and the whole arrangement is rated for Hi-Res Audio reproduction. The titanium housing was chosen for durability and to reduce resonance, and the A2DC plug on the earpiece side also uses a titanium sleeve. Cable conductors are high-purity oxygen-free copper in a star quad stranded layout. The earpieces follow a hanger-style design that lets the weight of the cable help settle them naturally in the ear. The box includes silicone eartips in four sizes from XS to L, Comply foam eartips in S, M and L, a carrying case and a cleaning cloth.

Pairing

Being so efficient and so low in impedance, the ATH-IEX1 asks for little voltage, which makes a quiet source with low output impedance the relevant match rather than raw power. A player or DAC amplifier fitted with a balanced socket takes the 5-pole lead, whereas phones, laptops and dongles with a mini-jack take the unbalanced lead.

Alternatives

The Audio-Technica ATH-E70 is a wired in-ear alternative from the same brand, using three balanced armature drivers and its own detachable A2DC cable of 1.6 m, rated at 39 ohms and 109 dB per mW with a weight of 9 g.