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Audio-Technica ATH-ES88 Portable Headphones

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01 / 08

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Audio-Technica ATH-ES88 Portable Headphones

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Product Description

The ATH-ES88 is a closed-back dynamic headphone that checks all the boxes for those looking for a feature rich, great sounding pair of cans. With a CCAW bobbin-wound voice coil on a large aperture 40mm driver, the ATH-ES88 is everything that you’ve come to expect from an Audio-Technica headphone and more Read More

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Jun 2, 2015

What's the verdict? These worth getting?

Vote

FlameTex

Jun 3, 2015

JusionPaired with a dac they are great. With my Fiio attached to my HTC M8 they sound pretty darn amazing for what they are (but maybe not $160 amazing but for under 140 I would say go for it).

Vote

Compassionator

207

Jun 1, 2015

High price is probably due to the "middleman." AT has a US distributer or AT US, kinda like Fostex has Fostex US, some companies have gone direct eliminating the "US" and thus their products have lower prices. Just look at the Fostex US msrp and compare the price to what they are selling for street price in Japan.
However, supply and demand rules in the end. Just don't pay the inflated prices and they will drop. In this case this hp may be on the verge of being phased out, distributor has some extra stock and then seeks to dump them. I might add that when an AT hp product is close to being phased out the price drops, but when it is no longer available the price goes way up, just like Lego.
So, Binq got 'em for $96 which is a great deal. M-drop is different since they don't actually buy the product (they do of course but after they collect the money from the end buyers). Even so, and given the competition the price is too high.

Vote

zero

May 29, 2015

These used to be $100 at the few places that carried them I guess they got expensive (like a lot of other AT stuff lately). Blinq has them new for $96 new free shipping still (only 5 in stock).

Vote

FlameTex

May 30, 2015

zeroThanks for the tip. I actually picked them up there yesterday. Hopefully they don't come broken :P

Vote

MadMan007

169

May 31, 2015

zeroKind of odd that AT stuff has gotten more expensive with the way exchange rates have been going, depending on how long ago you are talking about. Is it really all AT stuff, or just certain models maybe due to supply variation.

Vote

Danny_Liu

1106

May 28, 2015

I just tried the leakage experiment, had another Massdrop employee stand right next to me while I play a song out of my iPhone at around 50% max volume. He said he didn't hear a thing.
House sound is pretty different between the Beyers and Audio-Technicas. I can't really comment that much on a direct which is better.
Nope, headphone cable is not detachable, but the cables are pretty intelligently designed. I personally don't mind non-detachable models so long as they're well made (Fostex TH-900 comes to mind), but of course YMMV.

Vote

Ails

154

May 28, 2015

Danny_LiuPerfect, thanks!

Vote

BillyTheAdult

May 28, 2015

The headphone cord doesn't detach? I ride the train every day, and eventually, cords go. I'd hate to fray a $140 pair of headphones useless.

Vote

GiantMuffinMan

May 28, 2015

I've been waiting for the Beyer T51Ps to drop again for the longest time, but I am definitely intrigued by these now. Does anyone have any thoughts on the two? Preference?
TIA!

Vote

dalethorn

193

May 29, 2015

GiantMuffinManThe T51p to me is quite analytical and dry (it's a Tesla driver), and the cables to the earcups are the thinnest I've seen with 150 different headphones. And they break easily. I've had 2 Earsuits, the ESW9a (cable now broken, but the ES88 cable looks much better) and the ESW11-Ltd. The AT's are as colored or less so than the T51p, but they're not dry or analytical - I love them.

Ails

154

May 28, 2015

What's the leakage like? Would this be a good choice to wear in a bed next to someone sleeping at low to moderate volumes?

Vote

Danny_Liu

1106

May 27, 2015

Every now and again, you come across a headphone that is exceptional in one way or another. The ES-88 is one of those headphones. They are by far the most comfortable on-ear headphone I've ever worn.
The reason is simple - the unique design. The ES-88 earcups pivot to fit your head, which is an absolutely brilliant design choice. Clamping force is very light, and there's little pressure in the back of the head, making them great for people who wear glasses (like me). They're secure enough to take on the streets, but are very breathable and just a pleasure to wear.
Sound signature's the typical ATH house sound. Very nice presentation of vocals and a great, visceral bass. I've been unsatisfied with almost every on-ear I've tried just because I can't stand spending extended periods of time with them, this is the first trend breaker in a long time.
If you're in the market for a eye-catching portable headphone that's aces in comfort, here it is.

Vote

Recent Activity

FlameTex

Paired with a dac they are great. With my Fiio attached to my HTC M8 they sound pretty darn amazing for what they are (but maybe not $160 amazing but for under 140 I would say go for it).

Jusion

What's the verdict? These worth getting?

Compassionator

High price is probably due to the "middleman." AT has a US distributer or AT US, kinda like Fostex has Fostex US, some companies have gone direct eliminating the "US" and thus their products have lower prices. Just look at the Fostex US msrp and compare the price to what they are selling for street price in Japan. However, supply and demand rules in the end. Just don't pay the inflated prices and they will drop. In this case this hp may be on the verge of being phased out, distributor has some extra stock and then seeks to dump them. I might add that when an AT hp product is close to being phased out the price drops, but when it is no longer available the price goes way up, just like Lego. So, Binq got 'em for $96 which is a great deal. M-drop is different since they don't actually buy the product (they do of course but after they collect the money from the end buyers). Even so, and given the competition the price is too high.