The ATH-CKS50TW wireless earbuds from Audio-Technica, released in 2022, received praise from consumers for their powerful bass and long battery life of up to 50 hours. Two years later, its successor, the ATH-CKS50TW2, was launched, maintaining the strengths of its predecessor while addressing user inconveniences and upgrading overall performance.
Let’s take a closer look at the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2, which is equipped with support for the LC3 codec, a new standard in Bluetooth codecs, hybrid digital noise canceling, improved comfort, and enhanced app functionality.
Audio-Technica is a sound specialist brand established in Japan in 1962. Initially starting with stereo cartridges, the company expanded its product lineup to include microphones, headphones, and turntables, positioning itself at the center of the global audio market.
With a philosophy of “delivering emotion through sound,” Audio-Technica applies the same quality standards to both professional audio equipment and consumer products, aiming for precise and faithful sound as a premium audio brand.
Configuration and Specifications
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 comes with the following components and accessories:
ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds
Charging case
USB-C charging cable
Four sizes of ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
User guide and warranty
The product specifications are as follows:
Product Specifications
| Driver | 9mm Solid Bass Driver Frequency Response: 5~20,000Hz Impedance: 20 ohms |
| Microphone | MEMS type Omnidirectional Frequency Range: 100~8,000Hz |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Transmission Range | 20Hz~20,000Hz |
| Battery Performance | Continuous Communication (Music Playback, Noise Canceling ON) up to 15 hours (earbuds) / up to 40 hours (with charging case) Continuous Communication (Music Playback, Noise Canceling OFF) up to 25 hours (earbuds) / up to 65 hours (with charging case) |
| Water Resistance Rating | IP55 |
| Weight | Earbuds 7.2g each, Charging Case 51.5g |
Design and Features
The ATH-CKS50TW2 retains the design DNA of its predecessor while being refined into a more polished form. It is available in three colors: black, beige, and green, with the black version used in this review.
The case is compact with a matte finish, and the cover is made of an opaque material, allowing you to check the presence of the earbuds and the charging status LED from the outside.
The magnetic docking secures the earbuds safely, and the LED indicator intuitively displays the battery status.
The charging case is compatible with Qi-standard wireless chargers and supports fast charging, allowing 90 minutes of use with just a 5-minute charge.
Each earbud weighs a light 7.2g and is ergonomically designed to provide comfort even during extended wear.
Some might worry about the fit due to the relatively wide housing of the earbuds, but the ATH-CKS50TW2 adopts a Travis Hold design that enhances ear fit, ensuring excellent comfort.
The control buttons are designed as physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive ones. While touch controls can lead to unintended operations or be unusable with gloves, physical buttons are advantageous in these aspects.
As shown in the photo, magnets are attached to the sides of the earbuds. When the earbuds are connected, the power is OFF, and when separated, the power turns ON.
This magnetic connection method not only aids in power management but also reduces the risk of losing the earbuds, making them easier to manage.
One of the strengths of the ATH-CKS50TW2 is its battery performance, allowing 15 to 25 hours of use depending on ANC activation. With the charging case, it extends up to 40 to 65 hours, making it sufficient for enjoying music all day long.
It also offers IP55-rated water resistance, which protects against limited dust and low-pressure water jets, making it more convenient for workouts and earbud maintenance compared to typical earbuds that only block sweat or moisture.
Dedicated App
As mentioned earlier, separating the earbuds turns them on and enters pairing mode, allowing easy pairing with a smartphone.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 supports the next-generation standard codec, LC3. LC3 is a new standard codec following SBC, part of the Bluetooth LE standard, and consumes less power than SBC.
By activating LE AUDIO in the app’s user settings and re-scanning the Bluetooth device list, LEA-ATH-CKS60TW2 appears in the list, allowing you to use the LC3 codec by clicking on the device.
The application’s menu is intuitively designed, offering a display item editing feature that allows users to expose frequently used functions on the first screen.
The first feature allows you to activate noise canceling, with options to turn noise canceling ON/OFF and select Hear-Through to listen to ambient sounds while wearing the earbuds.
The equalizer offers a 5-band EQ with five presets, and users can customize it.
It provides a low latency mode to optimize audio sync for gaming or video watching and a soundscape feature to play white noise for meditation or sleep, with options to download and play natural and healing white noise.
Additionally, the app allows you to set various additional features such as firmware updates and loss prevention alerts.
Sound Test
The ATH-CKS50TW2 uses a 9mm large-diameter driver to deliver powerful yet clear sound. The video below records the sound of KPOP, POP, EDM, and classical music using measurement equipment.
Midrange
The expression of vocals and instruments is excellent, providing a sense of presence as if listening in a concert hall. Especially in acoustic music, you can feel the sweet tone.
Treble
The treble range offers delicate and clear sound without distortion. In classical music, the details of violins and pianos are well conveyed.
Bass
Like its predecessor, it delivers high-quality, punchy sound with strong bass that is not dull, performing well in genres like hip-hop and EDM.
Microphone Test
The ATH-CKS50TW2 uses a small MEMS beamforming microphone, and its call quality is also excellent. The video below features recorded voices during calls in indoor and noisy café environments.
Indoors, the voice is delivered clearly with almost no background noise, and in cafés, the suppression of ambient noise is excellent with minimal voice distortion.
Conclusion
The ATH-CKS50TW2 wireless Bluetooth earbuds are a high-quality product infused with Audio-Technica’s technology. The clear treble and balanced bass provided by the 9mm large driver will satisfy those who enjoy genres like pop, EDM, and hip-hop.
Moreover, with support for the LC3 codec, long battery life, and excellent comfort, they are designed for extended use, and the noise-canceling performance and noise-reduction call quality are also outstanding.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 is a Bluetooth wireless earbud recommended for all users who love music and want to experience premium sound.
