Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Review

by Bruno Brozovic

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT offers a high-quality build and advanced features like Bluetooth 4.2 with NFC and aptX HD. They excel in delivering strong bass, impressive stage depth, and detailed treble, making them ideal for electronic music. However, they may not suit all genres, with vocals sometimes feeling distant and bass potentially overpowering for some listeners. Despite their high performance and excellent ergonomics, the lack of an analog connector and their specialization in electronic music may limit their versatility.

Intro

Audio-Technica is a really interesting manufacturer. On one hand, they can release products with minor issues, like incomplete adjustment of the ear cups, which seems a bit odd. On the other hand, they can produce incredibly crafted equipment with flawless ergonomics. They’ve also embraced new opportunities in wireless technology and digital advancements, like with the ATH-DSR9BT headphones. Today, I’m doing an extensive test with the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT headphones, which are a digital-wireless version of the ATH-SR9 model.

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Review

Build Quality and Design

These headphones make a fantastic impression from the start. Audio-Technica has increased the quality of materials used in this product. Compared to the DSR7BT, the DSR9BT features better workmanship, a new, slightly larger frame, a new shape of ear cups, and even a hard case.

The design of the DSR9, while more advanced, maintains the same ergonomic profile as the 7 series. All key features remain unchanged, making this a truly digital product using Bluetooth 4.2 with NFC and aptX HD, as well as a USB cable dedicated to this model.

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Bulid Quality and Design

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Bulid Quality and Design

The layout of the buttons hasn’t changed from the DSR7 model, so if you’ve used the DSR7, you can start using the DSR9 right away without changing any habits. There are no changes in the operation of the multi-function touch button, but you can only use the included USB cable, which contains the electronics needed for USB mode. I assume it’s a miniature transmitter that plugs into a computer.

Using a different cable, although not recommended by the manufacturer, is possible but will only charge the headphones. If you don’t have compatible replacement cables at home, you’re stuck using Audio-Technica’s accessories. From the manufacturer’s perspective, this ensures compatibility and safety, preventing issues like incorrect pinouts or damaged pins causing a short circuit.

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Controls Placement

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Controls Placement

Balance, noise, distortion, lags

The headphones practically do not hum during playback. The delicate background noise is barely audible and only noticeable in absolute silence after intense listening. Most people, especially those not trained in detecting sound flaws, won’t notice it.

I also didn’t find any breaks or desynchronization of the audio signal. I found the headphones work best in USB mode. In Bluetooth mode, I didn’t notice sound differences, but the DSR9BT prefers more powerful transmitters with no obstructions, especially when using the HD protocol. In this respect, they perform quite standardly, similar to the Master & Dynamic MW50, which has a reinforced antenna for solid signal reception.

Comfort and Insulation

Despite the headphones not leaving much space for my ears, I didn’t experience any discomfort. The pressure is moderate and strikes a clever balance between insulation and comfort. As a result, I can wear the DSR9BT for long periods without feeling uncomfortable, while still remaining less aware of my surroundings compared to most other closed headphones.

Preparations for Sound Test

As the headphones arrived as a test specimen with an undetermined mileage, I couldn’t verify the burn-in process or the time needed for it. To be sure, I always leave myself 24-48 hours for this. Due to the digital interface, I tested the equipment directly on a PC and wirelessly with my smartphone and the Shanling M1 player.

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
  • Product Type :Headphones
  • Package Dimensions :9.8 Cm L X22.6 Cm W X23.4 Cm H
  • Package Quantity :1
  • Package Weight :1.2 Kg

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT – Sound Test

The strong bass of the ATH-DSR9BT provides a solid presence on the stage. I noticed it has more bass than my HD800 or LCD-2. The drums are portrayed with depth, enhancing the character of each instrument, especially in intimate genres, though less so in electronic genres. The bass is energetic and addictive, showing its strength in electronic music.

The midrange can be tricky. Depending on your perspective, it can vary, pushing the bass upwards and deepening the loss at 350 Hz. This creates a “stage effect,” placing vocals further away and instruments closer, which might not appeal to everyone. Compared to the HD800, the vocals on the DSR9BT feel more distant.

The trebles, despite amplification in the 6-7 kHz region, avoid sibilance. Audio-Technica managed to keep the treble warm and smooth, less technical but still detailed and emphasized. The treble is detailed and worth the price, with a good resolution. The stage depth is impressive, benefiting electronic music, especially slower tracks, similar to the HD800 but with more depth than width.

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT

Audio-Technica seems to take the DSR9BT not towards realism, but more deeply into its own sound school. The first thing I notice is a solid bass foundation and the “stage effect” created by the dip at 350 Hz. Then, the soprano lights up, detailed but without sibilance, softer than the DSR7BT, making the headphones feel more subdued.

This model creates a readable, non-aggressive V shape with an intimate atmosphere, unusual for Audio-Technica. It can switch to a volcano of energy with high dynamics, making it very engaging. I consider the DSR9BT among the fun models.

Audio-Technica has moved away from the linearity of its previous models, creating a product true to its sound style. It maintains very high sound quality and great dynamics but focuses on the stage effect, favoring certain musical genres. These headphones remind me of the HD700 in terms of their specific genre preference.

I loved working with electronic music on the DSR9BT; it’s their strongest point, reaching a high level of engagement. However, I avoided vocal or realism-oriented productions because the DSR9BT’s colored sound didn’t suit them. They sound different from more musical headphones like the M220 or LCD-2C.

Despite this, the DSR9BT shows respect for bass, captures a mix of treble styles, avoids sibilance, and offers deep stage presence. They also have excellent build quality, digital-wireless capability, and good isolation without sacrificing comfort. I like them because my dominant genre is synthetic sounds. However, many might have a serious dilemma with ATH due to different requirements and expectations.

MSR7, DSR7BT or DSR9BT?

I’ve broken down all three models into their advantages and disadvantages, highlighting where each shows its strengths. Since these are all from the same manufacturer, it turns out each model has its own appeal. Whatever we choose, we’ll likely be very pleased. It’s just a matter of which one gives us more satisfaction and which one a bit less.

Differencs between DSR9BT, DSR7BT and MSR7

Differencs between DSR9BT, DSR7BT and MSR7

MSR7 should be selected by those who:

  • approach the purchase from the savings side
  • are not interested in any wireless functionality
  • already have an analog source that can drive them sufficiently and offer the appropriate sound quality

DSR7BT, on the other hand, can work well in a situation where:

  • we care about full wireless functionalities
  • after all, we want to have universal headphones for the species they digest
  • we want to save some money on the analog source (thanks to the possibility of working directly via USB)

DSR9BT is a great option for:

  • fans of all kinds of electronic music
  • users who want to have the greatest possible depth of the stage
  • looking to squeeze the maximum overall sound quality out of these designs
  • interested in better build quality than the two previous models

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Review – Summary

The headphones left a great impression and it seems to be even greater for me as they sounded perfectly with the music that I usually listen to. However, judging from a broader and more objective perspective, it is clear that this is a model that specializes in a very specific presentation.

Workmanship and equipment – perfect. I have nothing to complain about, even if I wanted to. Great workmanship with high precision, solid construction and materials, and sensational presence. In a word, everything that we would expect from the headphones in this class.

ATH-DSR9BT Sound Test

Sound Quality

These headphones have many advantages: energy, great stage depth, good resolution, and great detail without sibilance while maintaining a slightly intimate atmosphere. They can be a bit unpredictable with non-electronic music. Their main drawback is with vocals, making them less versatile. Additionally, the bass may be too strong for some people. If focused solely on electronic music, I’d rate them nearly perfect.

Convenience and Ergonomics

Apart from the lack of an analog connector and the inherent fact of wearing headphones, I have no major complaints. They are very handy, well-insulated, and suitable for larger heads. They can be a bit uncomfortable in hot weather, but this is typical for all closed models.

Profitability

For an electronic music fan seeking stage depth, efficiency, and quality in a digital/closed form, these headphones are a 10/10. However, those looking for a more versatile pair and willing to compromise on some sound quality and a slightly brighter treble might consider the cheaper and versatile DSR7s.

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Video Review

Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Specifications

  • Type: Dynamic
  • Driver Diameter: 45 mm
  • Frequency Response: 5 – 45,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW
  • Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Battery: Internal Battery 3.7V rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
  • Battery Life: Approx. 15 hours continuous use (1000 hours standby)
  • Weight: 310 g (10.9 oz), without cable
  • Charging Time Charging Time: Approx. 5 hours (for 0-100% charge)
  • Connector: Micro USB Type B
  • Voice Coil: OFC-7N
  • Microphone Type: condenser
  • Microphone Sensitivity: -44 dB (1V/Pa a 1 kHz)
  • Microphone Frequency Response: 50 – 4,000 Hz
  • Microphone Polar Pattern: omnidirectional
  • Accessories Included: 2.0 m (6.6′) USB charging cable, hard carrying case
  • Compatible Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
  • Support Codec: aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
  • Bluetooth® Version: 4.2
  • Output Bluetooth Specification: Power Class 2
  • Operating Range: Line of sight – approx. 10 m (33′)

You can view & download the manual here->Audio Technica ATH-DSR9BT Manual

Final Verdict

The most important question is whether I recommend these headphones. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and still have a dilemma. On one hand, for electronic music, these headphones have been sensational for me. Subjectively, they deserve a recommendation. They offer several features that can make a big impression, and it would be unfair not to acknowledge that.

However, if you’re looking for a model that is flexible across music genres and has a more natural sound, these headphones are not the one.

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