::Disclaimer::
Astell&Kern provided the T9iE on loan for the purpose of my honest review, for good or ill.
The T9iE sells for $1,299
www.AstellnKern.com
AK T9iE on Amazon
I had always wanted to try the first Beyerdynamic/Astell&Kern IEM, the T8iE. It looked like the sort of thing I’d enjoy. For whatever reason, that never happened. So when I heard about the update, the T9iE, I badgered my AK contact until they sent one out.
At the time, there was no finished packaging, so I can’t show you a proper unboxing experience. They came swathed in bubble wrap, secreted inside their lovely leather case.
The T9iE is a single dynamic driver in-ear utilizing Beyerdynamic’s famous Tesla Technology. The shells are small, ergonomic, and seem to be of sturdy construction. I find them quite comfortable for long listening sessions.
Unfortunately, their unique tips didn’t work for my ears. I never could get a proper seal with any size. But I found the MandarinE Symbio W tips to do the trick.
The cable is a serious piece of hardware. It impressed me. However, the memory wire for ear loops is completely straight out of the box and needs to be bent into shape by the user. The cable doesn’t love this. I’m fairly sure it was this act which broke the first cable, requiring AK to send out a replacement. So be careful!
