Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7 Wired Earphone

About this item

• Large, proprietary 14 mm drivers deliver ultra-expressive, high-resolution audio
• Unique hybrid housings of stainless steel and aluminum greatly reduce unwanted resonance for crisp mid- and high-range reproduction.
• Stainless steel stabilizers absorb unwanted vibration to prevent audio distortion.
• Dual acoustic resisters improve frequency response
• Includes silicone ear tips (XS/S/M/L) and protective pouch

Here at Audio46, we sometimes get swept off our feet by the high end earphones we carry, forgetting about less expensive models in the process.  And then there are those middle-child headphones that aren’t exactly cheap or astronomical that occupy a decent price while offering great bang-for-buck audio performance.  Cue the Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7 Wired Earphone an in-ear monitor with a price of $119 – an a sound that wouldn’t be out of place in an earphone that costs twice as much.

The CKR7 is comes in a basic package – a box holding a plastic shell that contains the earphones, three pairs of replacement eartips, a small pouch, and some literature.

Build quality feels solid, giving me the impression these headphones could take a real beating and still deliver great sound all day long.  While the cabling is not particularly impressive, the earpieces are thick and robust while still being comfortable.  They feature an angled design that most Audio Technica in-ear headphones employ these days, funneling sound right down your ears.

This beast features a 14mm dynamic driver, a 16 ohm impedance, and 5-28,000 hertz frequency range.  Spec-wise, it appears to be the in-ear cousin of the larger and more ambiguous ATH-M50x, a headphone that needs no introduction.

That being said, the same dynamic sound found on the M50x can be heard in this smaller earphone. It’s not overly bassy, but there is a noticeable oomph or punch to the bass, thanks in no small part to that 14mm driver.  The frequency range of this headphone, too, translates into some fine detail in the lows, mids and highs.