Audio-Technica ATH-IEX1 In-Ear Hybrid Multidriver Headphones

Description

ATH-IEX1

Featuring a hybrid multidriver system, the ATH-IEX1 in-ear
headphones deliver smooth, natural sound reproduction across the entire
frequency range, with the capacity for reproducing Hi-Res Audio. Contained
within the headphones’ solid titanium housings are dual phase drivers of
different diameters (9.8 mm and 8.8 mm) plus two balanced armature drivers,
positioned on a coaxial line. The 9.8 mm works as a full-range driver, while
the 8.8 mm functions as a passive radiator to strengthen the lower frequency.
Those two units face each other, their diaphragm movements syncing to minimize
distortion and provide audio that is true to the original sound. The balanced
armature drivers act like super tweeters to contribute accurate, high-frequency
reproduction.

The elegant, ergonomic housings are crafted through a
five-step process: They are cut from solid titanium, forged, machined using a
precise CNC machining process, carefully hand-polished, and given an anodized
finish. The result is lightweight, rigid housings that greatly reduce unwanted
resonance for the highest sonic purity, and that fit comfortably and securely
in the ear. The two-position eartip post on each housing allows for customized
positioning of the eartip for an even better fit.

The headphones are equipped with A2DC (Audio Designed
Detachable Coaxial) jacks to accommodate the two included 1.2 m (3.9′)
detachable cables. One is a star-quad cable with a standard 3.5 mm, 3-pole
stereo mini-plug. The signal and ground wires are stranded separately for the
left and right channels to suppress cross talk and isolate the signal from
external noise. The second cable is equipped with a 4.4 mm, 5-pole balanced
plug for use with high-resolution digital audio players and balanced-compatible
headphone amplifiers. Both cables include a titanium plug sleeve to reduce
unwanted vibration, and are designed to loop comfortably and securely over the
ears.

The ATH-IEX1 headphones come with four sizes of
interchangeable silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L), three sizes of Comply™ foam
eartips (S/M/L), a cleaning cloth, and a hard carrying case. Each pair is
individually identified by a laser-etched serial number.

About High-Resolution Audio

While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio
came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on
the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1
kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound.
The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more
pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information
to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio
file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to
come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio
equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally
considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that
a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones
must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of
these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is
well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res
Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic
characteristics.

A2DC – Audio-Technica’s Proprietary Miniature Audio
Connector

A Sound Connection

Since 2015, Audio-Technica has used the specially designed
A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connector on all of our in-ear
headphones and select over-ear headphones with detachable cables. But why did
we develop this connector and what makes it perform better than existing
connectors​ in audio applications?

To Create a Better Connection

To Reduce Connector Rotation

To Design a Connector Dedicated to Audio

The A2DC Connector Improves Connectivity

Not Too Loose, Not Too Tight

Traditional MMCX connectors are susceptible to loose fitting
connections that can result in cable separation. Conversely, there are
connections that fit too tightly and are difficult to disconnect. The A2DC
strikes the perfect balance, delivering a secure, easy-to-use connection.

Less Rotation Delivers a Superior Audio Experience

Reduces Unwanted Connector Rotation

Traditional MMCX connector rotation can cause audio dropouts
and unwanted noise. Rotation can also lead to headphone cables becoming
twisted, shortening their lifespan.

A2DC Connector was Engineered Specifically for Audio

Designed for Audio

​The MMCX connector was originally designed for wireless
devices – not for audio. Recognizing the need for improvement, Audio-Technica
engineers went back to the drawing board and created the audio-centric A2DC
connector.

Features

• Hybrid
  multidriver system incorporates dual phase drivers (9.8 mm + 8.8 mm) plus
  two balanced armature drivers, positioned on a coaxial line for smooth,
  natural sound reproduction

• Ergonomic
  over-ear loop design for a custom fit and long-wearing comfort

• Two
  detachable 1.2 m (3.9′) cables with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable
  Coaxial) connectors at the headphones: one with a 4.4. mm, 5-pole balanced
  plug, the other with a 3.5 mm, 3-pole stereo mini-plug

• Ergonomic
  titanium housings ensure superior fit and ideal sound reproduction

• Two-position
  eartip post allows you to adjust the position of the eartip for best fit

• Includes
  silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L), Comply™ foam eartips (S/M/L), cleaning cloth,
  and hard carrying case

• Each
  pair of headphones is individually identified by a laser-etched serial
  number

Specifications

Headphones
Type	Hybrid
Driver Diameter	9.8 mm, 8.8 mm, two balanced armatures
Frequency Response	5 – 50,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power	3 mW
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW
Impedance	5 ohms
Weight	19.0 g (0.7 oz) (without cable)
Cable	Detachable 1.2 m (3.9′) cable (4.4 mm, 5-pole balanced connector to A2DC); detachable 1.2 m (3.9′) cable (3.5 mm, 3-pole stereo mini-plug to A2DC)
Accessories Included	Silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L), Comply™ foam eartips (S/M/L), cleaning cloth, and hard carrying case