Audiophilia

[Sforza]

ATH-ESW9 recable done by one of members from Headphiles.

Mine is on the right.


Changes done were a new Neutrik 3.5mm plug and braided silver with teflon insulation instead of just copper cables.

The notes I wrote on Headphiles;

Notes on the Blackwing recabled ESW9, more forward mids, better attack, much better imaging but brighter as a whole, better clarity, same soundstage, same bass, seems a little artificial because separation is a bit to the extreme left and right now. Some people might misinterpret it as wider soundstage, but not in my opinion because the balance is unnatural for my tastes. They still retain the signature ESW9 sound, but it isn't as pronounced as before. Rock music is actually playable on them now, but they still lose out to the HD25 because of the mids.

I'm still trying to get used to the sound atm; never thought a recable would be able to make such a difference.

Edit: Actually, everything seems to be more forward. I remember writing something about the ESW9 seemed veiled with stock cables. That's not true anymore. It actually sounds as if I'm standing on the stage with the singer in my face now. It sounds a little weird on R&B songs with a lot of bass because the headphones make it seem as if the bass is coming out of thin air in a live performance. As stereotypical as it is to say this, it's like mixing an ESW9 and a Grado together.

Verdict: They sound a LOT better now (as if they didn't sound good before)

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Audio gear pimp of the day:

KSC75 clip-ons (pictured is a recabled pair)


Their appeal: SR-60 Grado-ish sound quality for only 1200 pesos. Can be repainted to blue or red if you want to look like your favorite Persona 3 characters Easily available at 5th ave telecom shops.