Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel In-Ear Headphones with In-Line Mic & Control

I bought these headphones on 15th February 2015.It was a love at first hearing as far as the sound quality goes.The first odd thing I noticed was that there was no sliding clip to hold the two wires together.I found that a little odd but chose to overlook thats the sound reproduction was excellent.Perfection: The Sound, the fit and wires (cables) that almost never tangles. I loved it.Now here is the reason for 3 star ratings. In my opinion this headphones’ Achilles heel is the unit which houses the microphone and volume control.1. I am using these headphones with iphone 6, and I very quickly found out that the volume control on the headphones did not control the volume output from the iphone. The volume slider just slides up and down as a second step controller & not as a remote control for your ipad or iphone. This is a strange design change/choice but I guess some people like it and something that I will get used to in time.2. The middle round button which stops/plays/takes calls, etc felt very strange but easy to use. However within 4 to 5 weeks, it started behaving erratically and now very often it will not respond to pressing buttons.3. I also found the whole microphone unit placement to be strange, it was too low for me and often found myself speaking loudly in order to be heard. But, I fixed that issue with tying gentle knots in the wires shorten the length and to bring microphone closer to me. And used an old clip to keep the wires hooked to my shirt and keep in place, so that they don’t flap about when I am on the phone and deafen the caller.About 2 weeks ago, I noticed a clear drop in sound quality: no matter how much I turn the volume up, it sounds like the volume slider in the microphone unit is stuck in low volume mark. No matter what I do, I cannot improve the sound quality It still sounds like the sound is coming through a tunnel. I have no idea how this happened, maybe I over used the volume slider?I live in New Zealand and Audio Technica website wants me to send the headphones to Singapore for repair and servicing.Please do not get me wrong, I am not complaining about sending the headphones to Singapore or USA for servicing as we are used to doing sending things away for servicing to Australia, USA, etc. but within 6 weeks of purchase?I am sure this is not right, surely the headphones should last longer than this.

Perfectly well made earphones!! I couldn't have loved this earphone anymore! I have tried the Sennheiser In-ear momentums, Rha ma750i, Sony Mdrxb60, and these seem too surpass all of them in sound quality(except the bass in the sony) and comfortability. They couldn't have made the earphones look any better than this. It fits well, very comfortable for over 3 hours of use, and as for sound isolation its much better than most average earphones but they also include some memory foam earbuds which totally block out any sound for people who want to use this in the gym or for running. These have a flat tangle free cord, black on one side and blue on the other. The sound is very well balanced compared to the sennheisers and Rha. The sennheisers had too much vocals with high trebles and minimal bass. Suitable for people who like fast paced music or vocals. The rha ma750 is a more balanced sound compared to the sennheisers but still lack bass and I think are slightly too heavy. The Audio technicas have smoother highs and a clear mid which you can define. They also have a nicer punchy bass without sacrificing the mid or high range sounds. I also notice the surround sound alot more in these earbuds.This earphone is perfect for people who love trance, techno, electro, dubstep, rock, and even orchestra. However it does lack a bit of vocals but it suits me well. I have never been happier with a product like this! I get alot of compliments on the looks of the earphone too. Definitely worth the buy!

I have had a set of ath-m50's for several years, and they remain my favorite full-size headphones, so when I was looking for a new set of ear buds, I deemed the sonic fuels worth trying. Overall, they are impressive headphones. They have a truly premium feel, fettuccine-style cord, single button control for Android phones, and volume slider that work very well. The fit in the ear is very secure, and I love wearing these ones at the gym, because they stay put during even the most rigorous workouts due to the rubber rib that stabilizes each earbud. I really have never owned a more secure fitting pair of earbuds. The only reason this pair gets docked a sta is due to the sound, which surprised me given audio technica's track record. The max volume level is a little lower than other buds, and the sound is a bit flat and lacks the punch of other premium buds like klipsch, sennheiser, among others. The bass is true, but uninspiring. The overall sound is good, definitely above average, but just not as good as I was expecting. Otherwise this unit is top notch.

UPDATE: after owning for 3-4 weeks, the volume control slider started getting jammed, and the sound balance between highs and bass was just too noticeable and annoying for me to ignore, so I returned it. I bit the bullet and paid the extra $30 to get 1More triple driver IEMs, and HOLY MOLY now that's good quality audio!Bulky ear-phones that would probably not stay in ears if not for the silicone hooks and foam tips. Sound quality is impressive and balanced - clear highs and enough bass punch. However the biggest downfall is the volume balance during high bass or when the sound spans across the range. Not sure what the term for this is but volume seems to reduce when there's a lot going on across the range, and increases when there's a pause in the beat and it's just vocals and some high notes. Overall decent headphones for the price though. Docked 1 star for the crummy volume control (didn't realise sliding controls still existed... why not just have buttons like everything else?) and aforementioned volume issue.

I'm mostly posting my review to include the pictures of the Audio-Technica CKX9iS IEMs.By the way, I've been using them for 5 months (at the time of this review) and I think they're pretty good.Although I listen to a lot of music and play and teach a musical instrument, I am mostly ignorant about the terms audiophiles use to describe IEMs and the like.Other IEMs I have used are probably a joke for audiophiles with money: Sound Magic PL21s and Tekfusion Twinwoofers. Because I did not have my earlier IEMs in working condition, I cannot really compare the sound that well. But if memory serves me right, the CKX9iS is more balanced and clear sounding than the others.So here's what I think anyway (but remember, I'm mostly posting for the pictures).1. Build: Sturdy. Every bit of it. Worth the price.2. Sound: More bass heavy than my Audio-Technica ATH-M40x (which are headphones). But to be fair, those headphones are tuned flat and advertised so. These IEMs are advertised as being bass heavy and they are to an extent.3. Comfort: I cannot use these for hours of end. They sit well in my ears (I took the time to find the right C-tips and earpieces to match). But having them on for a very long time makes my ears hurt a little. I think that's normal, but I could be wrong.4. Sundry:a. Product packaging: Humble, classy and stylish. Goes well with Audio-Technica's sombre image.b. Case: The case isn't like the cloth ones that bundled with the cheaper IEMs I used to use. This one is like a little, semi-hard box with a zipper, so while it does not collapse, you could probably damage it with excessive force. Sadly, the box can seem cramped. So if you don't pack in your IEMs a certain way, you may be damaging them, so exercise caution. (See my picture for the best way to pack in the CKX9iS).c. Comply: The Comply earpieces are supposed to fit into your ear canal better than the regular ones. I do not find a difference in sound however between the small-sized Comply and the small-sized regulars. Since I haven't used the comply for longer than a few minutes, I can't say if they're more comfortable than the regular ones.

I'm a hardcore music listener. I carry my music everywhere I go. Although I won't call myself an audiophile, I love to enjoy music within my budget.Here's my experience of using these IEMs for 6 months-Pros-1.Excellent sound balance. I won't compare these to high end IEMs, but in the sub '5k category these are a steal! Bass is never overwhelming, nor is the treble too sharp, even on full volume! You could hear each and every crisp detail no matter how low or high you set the volume.2.Amazing fit. Once these go in your ears, they're not coming out unless you want them to. My mom once tried pulling one earphone (I didn't hear her calling me) I thought my ear would come off!3.Awesome music experience. These IEMs have a layered sound signature. You can easily hear and distinguish each and every instrument & beat! I cannot explain this anymore in words, you'll have to hear it to believe it.4.Build quality is top notch. Flat cable is as tangle free as it can get. With 3 fin sizes and 4 silicon tip sizes, a perfect fit is guaranteed. Plus a very handy carry case is included for safely carrying your earphones.5.You get a free pair of comply foam tips. I had never used one before, but after using them, I'm never going back to silicone tips again.Cons-1.The earphones are HUGE! If you have small ears or sensitive ears (like me), don't use them for very long durations and I recommend extra care while inserting and removing. It could take your ears about a month to get used to their size.2.As a few others have pointed out, a clip is very much needed as the most common reason for damage to your earphones is snagging.3.Mic position is too low, although it makes up for this with a highly sensitive and accurate mic.Verdict- The best '3.5k spent. I use these earphones while commuting, working, workouts. Pretty much everywhere I go I keep these with me.

Given the price - this should be the best bet. Price is the deciding factor for many of us.A bass heavy stuff - what I bought it for. The Treble is a bit harsh for my taste.Mids might not be that pronounced. Other than that I find the Sound absolutely fantastic. Does not distort at any level.A bit heavy but you might not feel because the fit is excellent with their c-tips.Wire is long enough but is not very good for back of neck loop.

Ordered this pair and got it pretty promptly. 10/10 for delivery.I was quite hopeful considering the great reviews this got. Setting it up was a joy, Selected the right tips and C-tips. However, what I found was that none of the C-tips were a good fit. They felt extremely uncomfortable and even listening for 10 mins irritated my ears. The sound was extremely nice!Crisp mids and highs. Great bass, not overwhelming but not subdued either. Just right.Plus the sound stage was excellent and the separation between frequencies quite good.I tired using these without the C-tips but the clipping point for the C-tips is a metal loop which extrudes and is quite uncomfortable. The sound made me think twice about returning it but in the end I just had to.Bought a pair of SoundMagic E50S. They're not at all bad either! And they come without C-tips and with Comply Foam plugs! Consider them if C-tips aren't for you.

Shipping: I was zapped, I ordered at 7:30pm and I got this shipment at 3:30pm next day. Outstanding administration! Or I just got lucky!Production: A great product, if you are looking at spending for an awesome audio experience Audio-Technica ATH-CKX 9is has to be the one! I have done a lot-of-research and reviewed dozens of in-ear-monitor from around a month to narrow down to Audio-technica, accurate representation of sounds, good range, nothing muddy, not over-treated bass, handles all equalizer well, gives treble, mids and lows it own space.Spend well