The Audio-Technica ATH-WS77 promises solid bass, and boy does it deliver

We’ve been seeing more and more bass-oriented headphones pop up in the market, and because of this it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find one that hits the sweet spot between price and sound quality. The Audio-Technica ATH-WS77 Solid Bass certainly delivers on its promise to deliver bass, but buyers may balk at the spartan accessories that the headphones ship with, especially considering its Php 8,949 price tag.

Solid build, with a few niggles 

Whenever we review anything from Audio-Technica, we already know that whatever it is, it’s build quality is going to be solid. That’s the case with the ATH-WS77 – while the headphones does look like it’s pretty flimsy in the photos,  it’s anything but. The metal and plastic headband is pretty sturdy, with minimal flex.

The back of the headphone cups is made out of aluminum, while the padding on the top of the headband and the ones on the earcups are made of soft, faux leather. We were a little disappointed to find out that the ATH-WS77 still used old school cables and not flat cables that are starting to pop up in other headphones.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a major issue, but for its price, it’s an annoying oversight. Audio-Techica also should have at least cut in a few notches for the headband adjustment, as we found we were readjusting the headphones whenever we took it off and put it back on again.

Accessories are MIA

You’d think for the price you’re paying for, Audio-Technica would at least throw in a carry pouch or a 1/4 inch adaptor. Unfortunately, there are literally no accessories in the package – no pouch, no carry case, nothing. The only thing that ships with the ATH-WS77 is a user manual.

Spectacular sound quality 

While there isn’t much to be had in accessories, the ATH-WS77 makes up for that little snafu with exceptional sound quality and amazingly good bass. We’ve listened to several headphones in the past that promised to deliver head knocking bass, only to be dissapointed to find out that they make good on that promise but compromise everything else. That’s not the case with the ATH-WS77. It has great bass response and is punchy without muddying the track. The mids are nice and warm, with excellent clarity and detail, which is surprising because the ATH-WS77’s focus on bass. Listening to Madeon’s “Finale” is an experience of itself with the ATH-WS77.

Verdict: Delivers on its promise, and then some

When Audio-Technia slapped the Solid Bass line on the ATH-WS77, it wasn’t kidding. Combining solid bass response and excellent audio quality, the ATH-WS77 is worth the Php 8,949 price tag.