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With wireless earbuds on the rise, it’s exciting to see all these new brands’ releases as they attempt to leave their mark on the market. Today, we are going to be looking at the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW (there’s got to be a better way of naming these) and ultimately – what they’re made of. We’re going to find out if these are worth your money or if it’s time to listen to a different direction.
Audio-Technica is definitely not a newcomer to the audio industry, having been founded in 1962. They have numerous products under their belt such as just about any type of headphones you can think of and even some vinyl accessories. This means that they have a lot to live up to with this model and frankly, we’re excited to see what they were able to deliver this time around.
Starting off on a positive note, let’s look at the good things that we found out about the ATH-CKS50TW (its name isn’t on our list; they should really reconsider what to call these).
Pros
- Great Battery Life. This is a heavy duty pair in terms of battery life with 15 hours of “real-world” playtime and an additional 30 hours on the case. All in all, you get a massive 45 hours of playback time which is great battery life across the market. This means that you can potentially go two full days off the grid (go camping, fishing, hiking, etc.) and have these last you the whole trip.
- Amazing Sound Quality. Even though this model doesn’t really have Audio-Technica’s usual neutral sound, they still perform greatly with an enhanced bass and dynamic sound. It’s able to give you a punch without overdoing it which is great for those who are looking to use this as a pair to workout with or listen to louder genres with (like pop, rap, or EDM). Passive noise isolation is also great which means that listening to podcasts on your daily commute will surely be a pleasant experience.
- Decent Value for Money. For a pair less than $200, the amount of features and power that you get with these buds are great. With battery life and sound quality taking the center stage, the ATH-CKS50TW really delivers as a solid daily option for many different types of people. A lot of users can definitely enjoy this heavy duty pair and you’re surely getting your value for money should you decide to pick it up.
Cons
- Strange Fit. These earbuds are in-ear meaning that they’re meant to be pushed in the ears and are meant to be held in place with ear tips. They have ear wings as well that help stabilize them but taking those out is actually more comfortable than having them in. These buds are a bit fiddly to “lock in” which means that they can be a bit awkward to use during workouts or even in the day-to-day depending on the kind of person you are.
- Heavy Form Factor. Being the powerhouse that they are, it’s no surprise that Audio-Technica had to sacrifice some things in order to deliver the features that they were able to incorporate in this pair. One of these things is its heavy form factor, making it not the most portable pair. Its charging case is bulky and if you’re someone who likes to bring micro-bags or someone who wants to be able to slip these buds in your pocket and go – this might not be the perfect pair for you.
All in all, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW is a great daily option especially for those always on-the-go. With their great battery life and amazing sound quality, they’re the perfect companion no matter where you want to go. Being capable of a total of 45 hours of playback time and a bass-rich sound, these are definitely hard to beat.
Its strange fit and heavy form factor though stops it from being the perfect pair of true wireless earbuds especially for those particular with portability and comfort. It’s fiddly and bulky which can be frustrating for those who plan on wearing this while working out or for those who want to be able to bring these with them without worrying about a bag or a too-small pocket.
Overall, the ATH-CKS50TW is a great option for those who don’t mind a bit of bulk. With the features that you end up getting, this is a great bargain – you are sure to get your money’s worth. That being said, we hope to have helped you with this review and we hope you enjoy your pair should you decide to get it. Happy listening!
