I ran into the folks from Audio-Technica recently at CES 2014. After a bit of time I finally have the opportunity to test and review  2 of their headphones. This review covers their in-ear model the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones.

Introduction:

I have been testing some over the ear headphones recently for a variety of manufacturers’s with several more coming down the pipeline. I am all about the music, am working on establishing a foundation for autism and the arts and music if I ever get funding. I am a hyper functioning autistic tech and autism blogger, my 3 kids and I as well as my wife are rather fond of music and the arts.

I like Audio-Technica for the quality of their products and their history in music.

According to Audio technica:

Audio-Technica—Audio pioneer in high-performance sound design 

Established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. Initially known for state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges, A-T now creates high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use. 

Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for live sound tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, house-of-worship venues, and more. A-T microphones are chosen for critical government installations such as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems are also selected for major broadcast music events, including the GRAMMY® Awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. 

Design:

In regards to in-ear headphones I am impressed by the design and build quality of the SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iS Headphones . The one I received are black, but they are available in a variety of colors as seen here–>

They ought to appeal to a variety of users from business folk, to teens to seniors as well.

The headphones are some of the better designed in ear headphones that I have so far had the opportunity to test.

They also have a built in microphone for those of us who have to do the occasional conference call or who want to use them to talk on your smartphone when a blue tooth headset is unavailable.

These fine sonic fuel in ear headphones due to their interesting and innovative connection to ones ears, are likely to be useful while at the gymn, riding a bike, watching a movie or listening to music.

Quality:

As mentioned previously, I like their design quality.

As far as audio quality I tried them and a few of our other people to test them too, as well as one of my teen-agers.

For jazz, blues, light rock, most folk music the sound quality was nice. For my son’s dubstep or rap type music, the bass performance was not as good as some of the over the ear speakers that are going to be reviewed from Audio-Technica soon.

In terms of their usefulness, Audio-Technica provides 4  different sized ear tips and 3 different C-tips (and a pouch to keep it all in) so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that fits for you.

Personally I have large ears, so the connectors that came with the box work well for me and kelp the headphones in my ears most of the time.

I would agree with Audio Technica in regards to their statement with regards to Sonicfuel headphones:

Music is your energy for life – the fuel for your heart and soul. SonicFuel™ headphones are specifically designed for active, daily use, to power you forward by delivering extraordinary comfort, style and an immersive listening experience that never sounds artificial, processed or filtered. Just pure sonic goodness for the high-octane tempo of your life. 

The ATH-CKX5iS SonicFuel in-ear headphones feature stay-in-place fit, providing unique comfort in addition to optimal sound. The C-tip configuration nestles within the ear where it locks in place for extra stability. A 360˚ rotating eartip adjusts to the unique angle of your ear canal for personalized fit and improved sound isolation. 

In-line volume and microphone controls (on compatible smartphones) allow you to control music & phone calls without missing a beat. 

Wrap Up:

If you are seeking very nice in-ear headphones that sound good, look nice, and stay in your ears, these ought to be near the top of the list. They retail for about $ 50. If these are this nice, I am curious how their higher priced in-ear headphones sound. I would definitely recommend these headphones and found them to be very nice.

I was provided with a set of the Audio-Technica SonicFuel ATH-CKX5iSBK headphones for the purpose of this review and these are the headphones featured in some of the images above, the photo of the different colored headphones is a stock image. As always, this represents my true and honest opinion.

To check out Audio-Technica’s website and products please click <here>!!