he 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.