Impressive sound quality, solid construction for the price

SINGAPORE — The latest set of headphones in Audio-Technica’s Solid Bass range, the WS770iS (picture), is far from exceptional. Its bass delivery is way too overpowered for my taste, while its size and inability to fold does not make it the most portable set of cans. Still, the WS77OiS is a much more sensible purchase than a certain rapper-endorsed brand of headphones with a similar audio profile.

For one, the mids and trebles on the WS77OiS are fairly smooth and sharp. The bass may obfuscate the other frequencies at times, but there are brief moments of crisp and detailed quality.

The sound stage is impressive for its price, particularly on rock instrumentals such as Led Zeppelin’s Moby Dick. I will credit this to the WS770iS’ “extra airflow-bass venting”, which gives it more “room and space” than other closed-back headphones.

The WS770iS is solidly built, with a rigid dual aluminium headband, wrapped with a soft material at the top. The earpads’ cushions are made from the same material and are extremely comfortable, but my worry is that they may wear out easily over time.

Design wise, it is fairly attractive, with a large polished enclosure and gold inner linings. Audio-Technica says the headphones have an aluminium stabiliser ring, with anti-vibration design, to produce precise mid-high frequency.

The WS770iS is worth its price at S$168. Its price tag sits at the low-mid range of the market — an accurate representation of its sound quality. The WS770iS is available in Black Red and Gun Metal at authorised retailers. RAYMOND THAM