'4.5 out of 5 stars'

With the AK T9iE, Astell&Kern updates its collaboration with Beyerdynamic. They have created a monitor that sets new standards in comfort. With the ergonomically shaped ear tips, they have definitely thought outside the box. They offer excellent sealing and fit without causing any fatigue. The build quality is very nice, if you can overlook your own fingerprints. The T9iE gets a lot right, but it’s not without flaws. It produces an excellentbalanced and neutral sound with impressive extension. It has great dynamics, good resolution, and a beautifully natural appearance. In a market that focuses on cramming more and more different driver types into earbuds, it’s refreshing to see how brands push the boundaries of what’s possible with just one driver. Personally, I’m a fan of well-tuned dynamic drivers, and the T9iE is one of them. It manages to let me enjoy my melodies again, where Idon’t have to listen analytically for a change.