Audio-Technica ATH-CKR10 High Resolution In Ear Monitors Review

I have yet to see a bad product from Audio-Technica.  So naturally when given the opportunity I am excited to review another one of their great products.  Today that product is the Audio-Technica ATH-CKR10 IEM. They are a unique design that used dual phase dynamic drivers in a push-pull configuration. It seems the design would be to provide better bass response. The housing is made of titanium. All of this is done for a product to give a high resolution sound, which is found in more and more of our music today.

Features and specs:

Type	Dynamic
Driver Diameter	13 mm x2
Frequency Response	5-40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power	200 mW
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW
Impedance	12 ohms
Weight	16 g
Cable	1.2 m, Y-type
Connector	3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug, L-shaped
Accessories Included	silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L) and protective carrying case

The Audio Technica ATH-CKR10 came in elegant looking packaging, with photos and specs of the product. Materials used in the construction were metal and plastic, and were of very high quality. The housing had a nice mirror finish.  Fit and finish were excellent and they seemed very well made in hand. Also included were multiple sized ear tips, owner’s manual, and a leather carry case with magnetic closure.

Listening showed off just how well they are tailored to high resolution audio. Fresh Aire II: Going To Another Place, strings were very crisp and clean with excellent dynamics and were just a tad bright. Piano was very natural with good resolution. Flute was smooth with lots of air and good tonguing with plenty of resolution to hear it. The kick drum was deep, had good impact and was really full, playing with authority.  Steve Miller Band: Swingtown, percussion was extremely crisp and clean with very good resolution. Bass guitar had nice depth, with good resolution of the strings coming out. Vocals were natural and very smooth with good texture.  No Doubt: Hella Good, percussion was extremely crisp and clean and extremely dynamic. Bass was very deep and played with tons of authority. Vocals were very smooth with great texture in her tone.  Eric Bibb: Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down, guitar was extremely crisp and clean with excellent resolution and detail. Piano was very natural sounding. Vocals were very smooth with nice dynamics and tone. The string bass was very deep and played with tons of authority.

The Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKR10 with their dual phase drivers tended to be bright, but provided a ton of resolution and low end output as well. High resolution Audio is definitely what they are designed for.  They are a great value with a great sound.  Based on their design, features, quality and performance, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKR10 have earned our Highly Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, checkout their websites at www.audio-technica.com.