When it comes to in-ear headphones available for under $100, the sound quality you’re purchasing tends to be a bit of a crapshoot. Usually, the audio performance is compromised by incredible design, but lackluster diaphragms and poor engineering. Occasionally, though, the headphone performance is absolutely spectacular, and when it can be had for under $80, we consider that a real bargain. With that introduction, may we introduce to you the Audio Technica ATH-CKM50A headphones, a pair of in-ear headphones with a lackluster monicker but incredible tonal range. The design is a bit cheap, but as the headphones themselves are too, we can hardly complain. For our full thoughts on this bargain pair of earbuds, check below for our headphone review!
Design and Comfort
Audio Technica ATH-CKM50A
When it comes to sheer design, the ATH-CKM50As are about as appealing as the lengthy, number-studded name: The plastic earcaps and thin cables are a bit of a drag, especially as we usually expect an incredible build quality from Audio Technica. Additionally, we found the in-ear fit to be a bit strenuous, depending on the ear shape of the user. The caps themselves are somewhat barrel shaped, producing a more direct in-ear tip that not everyone will find comfortable, or even bearable. The trade-off here is that the design allows for a more direct diaphragm-to-ear ration, creating an incredible breadth of tone—which we’ll talk about in just a second. Overall, we appreciated the luscious red hue, but for a pair of headphones that still cost over $50, we found the design mostly lacking.
Sound Quality and Performance
However, we experienced no sense of regret where the ATH-CKM50A’s audio performance is concerned. The headphones offer a simply incredible level of detail for the price, and all thanks to that somewhat uncomfortable in-ear design. At the expense of your comfort level, you’ll get a bass end that’s undeniably boomy without being overbearing, as well as mids that are nice and buttery to our ears. The highs are crisp and clear, and though the ATH-CKM50A can’t provide quite the same level of quality as a high-dollar on-ear set of cans, we’ll take what we can get with these in-ears. Overall, the sound is simply incredible, and considering the price, we couldn’t be happier.
Price: Real-Time Deals
We scan the best merchants daily to provide you with the lowest real-time prices. At the moment only Amazon offers highly competitive pricing that is nearly half off the street price. We will add in more vendors in due course.
Overall Value
If you can, we’d highly suggest you try out the fit with the ATH-CKM50A headphones before purchasing them. If you like the feel, then by all means, spend the $79.95 to purchase these bad boys. The design is lackluster, but the audio is simply perfect for the price, making the ATH-CKM50As an ideal bargain for the heavy commuter with a tight wallet and even tighter taste. Our hats are off to Audio Technica, and if future renditions of the model bring more chic additions to the design, we might just have to use the ATH-CKM50As as our go-to in-ear.
