AUGUST 2017
Audio-Technica
ATH-DSR9BT REVIEW / AUDIO-TECHNICA / ATH-DSR9BT WIRELESS OVER-EAR HEADPHONES
AUDIO-TECHNICA
ATH-DSR9BT
Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Distributed by: Technical Audio Group $899 RRP
A few months ago, I received Audio-Technica’s ATH-DSR7BT ($599 RRP) for review. Despite being initially disappointed with the physical build of the headphone, the audio capabilities were enough to win me over in the end. Not to mention the aggressively low-price tag. The entry level ATH-DSR7BT left me curious about what the ATH-DSR9BT flagship model would bring to the table. Would it remedy the issues I had with the ATH-DSR7BT? Would the sound be compromised as a result? Coming in at $899, the price is nothing to sniff at and in this price bracket, we’re in the major league now playing against fierce competition – such as the noise cancelling version of the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 ($799 RRP), and the Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H9 ($799 RRP). So, with it’s ambitious price point and strong audio heritage, the Audio-Technica DSR9BT is pitching at a pretty high benchmark this time around. Will it meet the expectations?
“the audio capabilities were enough to win me over in the end”
Inside the headphone The ATH-DSR9BT contains a smorgasbord of
The 45mm True-Motion drivers were
Also included here is NFC pairing, a 15-hour
audio technologies, both digital and physical.
exclusively designed to work with this Dnote
battery life, a comprehensive LED indicator
technology, as traditional drivers would be
(demonstrating which codec is currently being
incompatible with this unique chipset. They
utilised), and the ability to pair with 8 entirely
feature 4-core twisted OFC-7N voice coils,
different devices. All in all, a very satisfactory
“Diamond-like Carbon” coated diaphragms,
tech package.
Starting with Audio-Technica’s proprietary Digital Drive System, which does away with the traditional DAC system found in all other Bluetooth headphones. In its place, Trigence Semiconductor have stepped in with their flagship Dnote chipset, which acts as the “allin-one” Swiss army knife of portable audio. With only one chip, the duties of both a DAC and amplifier are performed in one neat little package. This allows the signal path to remain digital, all the way from the source device, right up until it hits the drivers. Neat!
and an integrated high-performance magnet, built into the iron yoke at the rear of the driver. On the playback front, the DSR9BT is at the cutting edge of codec compatibility - one of the few Bluetooth headphones I’ve reviewed that allow for APTX-HD playback. In addition to this, the usual suspects are here: APTX, AAC, SBC (enabling a Bluetooth playback resolution of 48kHz/24-bit). If you need to
All this digital circuitry is kept completely
push this envelope any further, utilising the
isolated from the acoustic housings, brick-
included USB cable will allow you to boost all
walled by a dual-layer isolation structure -
the way up to 96kHz/24bit.
eliminating any chances of interference during audio playback.
“the DSR9BT is at the cutting edge of codec compatibility”
Using the headphone Thick memory foam lines the headband of the
gives a vocal battery life indication). The panel
DSR9BT, evenly distributing the 318 grams of
seems like a neat idea, but due to its curious
wireless audio across the head. This, paired
placement, it could be accidentally pressed
with the luscious faux leather and memory
when removing or adjusting the headphones.
foam on the circumaural earpads, leads to a very comfortable experience, even for lengthy periods of time.
Due to the digital-only Dnote chipset taking the audio reigns here, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack option available. The only
The cups swivel inward, and have a healthy
cabled option for listening is via the included
amount of tilt adjustment to be able to
USB cable.
compensate for a variety of head shapes. I consider myself to have a large head, and I didn’t have any issues adjusting the headphone to be comfortable.
Using my Android device, the in-built microphone wasn’t very clear. It sounded very faint and quiet to anyone that I called. This may have to do with the audio profile that my
Volume can be adjusted by using the slider,
device used, and it may improve depending
and the oddly placed touch panel serves as
on the source device.
a multifunction button (play/pause, answer and end calls, and when double tapped,
“Thumping and driving basslines will feel energetic and deep-reaching”
Sound If you’re worried about the completely digital
The noise floor hiss (which usually plagues
nature of these headphones, fear not. The
many Bluetooth headphones) is completely
Audio-Technica house sound has made its
silent here. Combined with the excellent
way back to this flagship release.
detail retrieval of the midrange, gives these
Sub-Bass is pronounced, but not overwhelming. Thumping and driving basslines will feel energetic and deepreaching, but not obnoxiously loud or
headphones an extraordinary dynamic range response. Even the lightest plucking of a guitar string, quietly sitting at the back of the mix, is clearly audible.
overbearing. There may not be enough
Despite having slightly lean and brighter
presence or body in the bass region for the
signature, the DSR9BTs certainly aren’t
thirstiest bass-heads, but there is definitely
delivering any painful bite in the highs, which
enough to satisfy the average listener.
remain smooth, laidback and controlled.
It’s a similar story with the midbass; prominent when called upon, but not an overwhelming bass cannon by any means. Kicks are tight
Paired with the highly detailed midrange, they provide a quick and energetic response, without too much ringing or screeching.
and punchy, and true to the Audio-Technica
Soundstage is excellent for a closed-back
heritage, the lows have gobs of detail. Even
can, and is almost class leading. Just like their
light rumblings buried deep in music tracks
smaller brother (the DSR7BT), the True-Motion
will be clearly audible with these.
drivers are gently angled inwards towards the
It’s the midrange that is the absolute star of the show with these headphones., showing
listeners ears, providing an expansive sense of size, and accurate imaging.
off the truly stellar technical nature of the
Isolation is good, but don’t expect these to
45mm drivers. They are lightning fast and
compete with noise cancelling releases. They
responsive, and the entire mid-range oozes
will block out light noises and people chatting
with detail as a result. Vocals are especially
more than a few metres away. However, when
realistic, and shine through the mix with
wearing these on flights or trains, you’ll be
epic clarity.
able to hear plenty of engine noise, and will lose a lot of bass response as a result.
Conclusion All the build quality issues I had with the DSR7BT are completely remedied with this release. This is a rock solid, well designed headphone, which is not only great to look at, but also comfortable. Packed with acoustic technology, the sound of the DSR9BT is incredibly fast, with excellent treble clarity and a deep-reaching low end. The signature is very well balanced, and leans gently towards being bright. I would recommend this headphone to anyone looking for a great looking and sounding wireless accompaniment for around the house.
WORDS/IMAGES: Matthew ‘Jensy’ Jens
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Accessories Included
/ / Dynamic
// 2.0 m (6.6’) USB
Driver Diameter / / 45 mm Voice Coil / / OFC-7N Frequency Response / / 5 – 45,000 Hz Sensitivity / / 97 dB/mW Impedance / / 38 ohms Internal Battery / / 3.7V rechargeable lithium polymer battery Battery Life / / Approx. 15 hours continuous use (1000 hours standby) Charging Time / / Approx. 5 hours (for 0-100% charge) Weight / / 310 g (10.9 oz), without cable
charging cable, hard carrying case Type (Microphone) // Condenser Input Jack // Micro USB Type B Communication System // Bluetooth Version 4.2 Output // Bluetooth Specification Power Class 2 Maximum Communication Range // Line of sight – approx. 10 m (33’) Compatible Bluetooth Profiles // A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP Support Codec // aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC