Home Wireless Earbuds Audio Technica Ath Twx9 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

A Review By Comparison of the Audio Technica Ath Twx9 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Last updated on Mar 14, 2023   8 min read
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Audio Technica ATH TWX9

Audio Technica ATH TWX9

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Reasons why you might like the Audio Technica ATH TWX9

Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 4 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S

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Reasons why you might like the Sony LinkBuds S

Overall Score 6.2 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 IPX4
Sony LinkBuds S IPX4

Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value means protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).

Scoring IPX4, the Audio Technica ATH TWX9's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Compared to the Audio Technica ATH TWX9, Sony LinkBuds S have a rating of IPX4 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 10.8g
Sony LinkBuds S 9.6g

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have a weight of 10.8g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.

The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g are lighter than the Audio Technica ATH TWX9 with a difference -1.2g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

For a device to be true wireless it must have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Audio Technica ATH TWX9 are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the 2 earbuds .

Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it has no wires connecting the two earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 are resistant to sweat

Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have stereo speakers

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

ANC uses advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern of incoming noise and inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (noise) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) giving 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue as you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background sounds.

The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC making both earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that you prefer for travel or that suites your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 sit tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces your environment noise while preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out .

Both Sony LinkBuds S, and Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have passive noise reduction which means that they tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 5.8mm
Sony LinkBuds S 5mm

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 driver unit is 5.8mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the earbuds.

Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Audio Technica ATH TWX9 by 0.8mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 20Hz
Sony LinkBuds S 20Hz

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that both devices make sound with equal bass

Highest Frequency

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 40000Hz
Sony LinkBuds S 40000Hz

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device generates high human frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.

Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 102dB/mW
Sony LinkBuds S

SPL, is the pressure level of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Audio Technica ATH TWX9's measurement is 102dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S have neodymium magnets, when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help produce music at quite a high SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux.

Power

Battery Life

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 6hours
Sony LinkBuds S 6hours

Audio Technica ATH TWX9's battery life is 6 hours, a device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is equal to that of the Audio Technica ATH TWX9 . Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 18.5hours
Sony LinkBuds S 14hours

This is given by the vendor, and the Audio Technica ATH TWX9's case has a full charge of 18.5 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours, less than that of Audio Technica ATH TWX9 by 4.5 hours

Charge Time

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 2.5hours
Sony LinkBuds S 2hours

It requires 2.5 hours to fully charge the Audio Technica ATH TWX9's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of Audio Technica ATH TWX9 by 0.5 hours

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your device and case.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or the battery is running low.

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Sony LinkBuds S too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 v5.2
Sony LinkBuds S v5.2

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the Audio Technica ATH TWX9 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 10meters
Sony LinkBuds S 10meters

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Audio Technica ATH TWX9

Has Aac

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Audio Technica ATH TWX9 will work fine with your iPhone. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Sony LinkBuds S support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Ldac

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It can reach a high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 4only
Sony LinkBuds S 6only

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have 4 microphones.

The Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, more than that of Audio Technica ATH TWX9 by 2 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

Mic Sensitivity

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 -38dBV/Pa
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The size of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with its input stimulus is a calculation of its sensitivity. It's the 'loudness' of the voice that the microphone can pick up.

Highest Mic Frequency

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 16000Hz
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9's highest mic frequency is 16000Hz, high frequencies are better for picking up treble. The highest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its upper limiting frequency.

Lowest Mic Frequency

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 100Hz
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9's lowest mic frequency is 100Hz, low frequencies are best for recording bass. The lowest mic frequency of a microphone is defined as its lower limiting frequency.

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises so that they can still be heard even while wearing them

The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music while being aware of what’s happening around you, say you’re having a run but still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

The Sony LinkBuds S have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support the find earbuds feature.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your earbuds to find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

The Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 2only
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have the mute function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

With the Audio Technica ATH TWX9, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

The Audio Technica ATH TWX9 support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts meaning the device notifies you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Audio Technica ATH TWX9
Sony LinkBuds S

Audio Technica ATH TWX9 come with a special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your pockets without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.

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