For an audiophile, Audio Technica is not an unheard brand, bringing high-fidelity audio to our ears with a balanced sound signature. The Japanese manufacturer prides itself on durable and reliable performance at an excellent price range. Known for its quality studio gear like headphones, mics, and amps, the brand has a strong foothold in the IEM and earbuds market. No matter if you are a casual listener or someone who performs on the big stage, Audio Technica has got the right pair for you.
Riding on the success of the ATH-TWX9 released in 2022, the successor is here in the shape of ATH-TWX9MK2 noise-cancelling wireless earbuds. The TWX9 garnered a lot of attention because of its sound quality and unique self-sanitizing capabilities. Even though I’ve never gotten my hands on the pair, I have used LG Tone Free FN7 earbuds that have a similar feature aimed at audiophiles who care about hygiene.
Designer: Audio Technica
ATH-TWX9 wireless earbuds retain the stem design while adding a lot of upgrades that should pit them well against the likes of Sony, Bose, and Technics. The form factor is a tad sleeker, and the oval housing promises a secure grip for better stability. The buds come with IPX4 water-resistance protection for protection against the odd water splashes. However, the case gets no such protection rating, which makes it vulnerable to water splashes or a dunk in the shallowest of pools. The self-cleaning feature comes courtesy of the integrated UV LED sterilization system that sanitizes the buds when they are resting inside the case. They have made the buds and the case more resistant to smudges and scratches with a matte finish and satin accents.
The real deal maker is the improved sound driver that is more sensitive towards mid-range and dynamic range. Also, Audio Technica has certified them for High-Resolution Wireless. This means the vocals will be crisp and the low end should have more rumble, just like some of the open-back headphones. Supported audio codecs, including Qualcomm aptX Adaptive (up to 96 kHz 24-bit), the standard AAC, and the SBC formats should suffice the needs of every type of listener. Another major consideration is the inclusion of feed-forward and feed-backward MEMS microphones for hybrid active noise cancellation. These microphones have a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 10 kHz with a sensitivity of −38dB (1V/Pa at 1 kHz), making them ideal for clear calls in the noisiest of environments.
They come with a runtime of six hours when ANC is on and up to 18.5 hours in the case. This number is even more when the ANC is turned off. ATH-TWX9 comes pre-loaded with nature and meditation sounds for kickstarting your day on a positive note or winding down in the evening. The earbuds will come in black or white color options with a price tag of 38,500 Yen (approximately $270). They’ll be released initially in Japan on July 11, 2025, with a global release coming soon after, with an expected price of $300, just like their predecessors.
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