[Review] ATH-SQ1TW High sound quality + good design! Simple, completely wireless earphones with no extra features

◯ Complete wireless earphones do not fail now "at the time of purchase"

As of 2020, fully wireless earphones have entered maturity. Beginning with the chip revolution of semiconductor company Qualcomm, ZERO AUDIO's TWZ-1000 dominated the market, and Sony's WF-1000XM3 in 2019 completed a completely wireless earphone. With these two models, something like the premise of "good completely wireless earphones" was formulated.

• Improve connection stability. Release from the radio barrier called "human brain".
• Ensure a battery life of 6 hours or more.

In both cases, it is a technical requirement that both L and R of the completely wireless earphones are connected to the terminal (smartphone, etc.) via Bluetooth and have no relationship between the master unit and the slave unit. Under this precondition, each audio maker is trying to enhance the user experience by installing a powerful noise canceling processor, linking with a smartphone and detecting gestures, and giving the earphones individuality. The individuality of the Audio-technica ATH-SQ1TW that appeared in such a mature period is its innovative design.

◯ Innovative square design and commitment to miniaturization

There are 6 color variations.

A futuristic design with a metal plate sandwiched between square housings. It is not just a design, but the inevitability of arranging charging terminals leads to functional beauty. I feel that I am particular about miniaturization. In addition to this square design, the intention of downsizing may be the reason why the buttons were completely eliminated and unified to the touch sensor.

◯ Sound quality of ATH-SQ1TW

audio technica / ATH-SQ1TW WH

In addition to the design, the ATH-SQ1TW features "high sound quality" that cannot be thought of as a price range of less than 10,000 yen, which is positioned as an entry-level machine. With its flat characteristics, it has both the beauty of treble and comfortable bass. The ability of the large 5.8mm driver that was designed exclusively for this time is genuine. Regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, small earphones in the popular price range with good design tend to compromise sound quality, but it is a model that changes the common sense.

◯ Video and game sound delays

Equipped with Low Latency Mode as a measure against sound deviation. Even if you watch Youtube on your smartphone or PC, you will hardly feel any delay in the video. Also, I don't feel much delay in mobile games. In severe games such as sound games, you may need to adjust the notes.

Voice delay confirmation tool

The sound of both smartphones and PCs sounds at 0 o'clock. There is almost no delay.

◯ ATH-SQ1TW fit

The strength of the small housing is demonstrated, and it is extremely light and does not get tired. Many people have experienced hooking completely wireless earphones when removing the mask, but the ATH-SQ1TW does not have to worry about that. It also has high sound insulation, so you can concentrate on your work.

◯ Battery life of ATH-SQ1TW

According to the specifications, it is 6.5 hours continuously and 19.5 hours when charging the case. Although it depends on the communication environment, you will not have any trouble when commuting to work or school. It is also useful in long-distance travel scenes.

◯ Can be used with one ear

You can enjoy music and calls on both the left and right sides, or on just one side. Freedom to use it as the situation requires.

◯ Sound leakage

I don't really care.

◯ Operation and control of ATH-SQ1TW

There are no physical buttons, only a touch sensor. However, complicated operations such as swipes and gestures are not required, and it is controlled only by tapping. It's simple, so it's very easy to use and you won't need to get used to it.

• The right side is play / stop / song forward / song back
  Play / stop with a single tap. Tap twice to advance songs. Tap 3 times to return to the song.
• Volume control on the left
  Volume up with one tap. Volume down with 2 taps.

◯ Supported codecs

Only SBC is supported. There is almost no problem with connection support, but apt-X and AAC are not supported.

◯ Summary

ATH-SQ1TW is a "minimal honor student" that achieves low price and high sound quality while achieving sufficient drive time and connection stability, which are the conditions for "good complete wireless earphones". There are no smart functions such as automatically stopping the music being played when the earphones are removed, or you can advance songs with gestures that move your neck, and there is no powerful noise canceling function. However, this price and sound quality are very attractive to simple-minded users who think that these are "features that are not particularly necessary".