The hottest thing to come out of South Korea since the KPOP group TWICE, the Astell Kern AK T9iE soon arrives in stores. A collaboration between Beyerdynamic and Astell & Kern, this new earphone sports a range of enhancements.
Beyerdynamic x Astell & Kern AK T9iE Announced, Coming Soon
As the third in-ear collaboration between the two storied audio companies, the T9iE improves on previous models with some interesting features.
Aimed at portable music players, the T9iE sports a new, special tuning. Sound signature borders on neutral with nuanced treble. A linear midrange and a slight emphasis on the bass compliment the low end.
Integral to this sound, the TK9iE incorporates Beyerdynamic’s lauded Tesla technology. Known for their efficiency and detail, these drivers are hand-made in Germany to the highest quality standards.
Aiding this feature, a number of design features also appear in the new earphone. Novel acoustic vent ports improve bass response. Additionally, a newly-engineered acoustic filter provides enhanced treble. It also provides an extra level of protection against wax and detritus.
A pure-silver-and-OCC-copper hybrid cable also comes included with the earphone. This cable terminates in a 2.5 mm balanced plug. An included adapter converts the 2.5 mm balanced plug to a 3.5 mm single-ended plug.
Designed by the AK team, each earphone is hand-made and tuned by Beyerdynamic in Germany.
AK T8iE MKII vs. AK T9iE
When stacked up against the older AK T8iE Mk II, the new T9iE offers a range of improvements. The vents have been redesigned to attenuate bass, while the two-layer filter in the T9iE attenuates treble and adds a second level of protection over its predecessor’s design.
Furthermore, more eartips come included with the T9iE. The cable has also been upgraded from a pure silver cable on the T8iE to the hybrid construction on the T9iE. This ensures no loss of midrange while keeping bass sharp and tactile.
Signature Acoustics
With Astell & Kern’s reputation for detailed sound, it should come as no surprise that the new AK T9iE will feature a similarly characteristic acoustic profile. Natural sounding with just a slight emphasis on bass and treble, the T9iE has been specifically designed to compliment portable hi-res audio.
The Beyerdynamic x Astell & Kern AK T9iE will be shipping to authorized dealers on October 14, 2019 and will retail for $1299. You can pre-order yours today for the best price here:
MAJORHIFI may get a commission from retail offers.
Compare the ranking of various headphones, earbuds and in-ear monitors using our tools.
Discuss this, and much more, over on our forum.
---MAJORHIFI may receive commissions from retail offers.
