Short answer: the HIFIMAN RE600S, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1208 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 1.5/5, at $75.46. The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW ranks #1290, rated 1.0/5, at $53.99, $21.47 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the Intuaura Reference 2019, ranked #7 at $34.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The HIFIMAN RE600S is the better-sounding pick. At 16 ohms and 102 dB/mW a phone drives it easily, and the single 8.5mm dynamic driver keeps the design simple. Watch for: In oratory1990’s measurement bass falls 6 dB below target by 95 Hz and is about 11 dB down at 30 Hz, so music sounds thin, while presence and air sit roughly 10 to 12 dB below target with a 13.4 dB dip near 11.9 kHz.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW: It uses 1 x 10mm dynamic with an easy 16 ohm load. Watch for: A tonal tilt of -3.01 makes it sound dark, with bass well ahead of the treble.
Buy the HIFIMAN RE600S. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $21.47 with the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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At 16 ohms and 102 dB/mW a phone drives it easily, and the single 8.5mm dynamic driver keeps the design simple.
Amazon $75.46 eBay
It uses 1 x 10mm dynamic with an easy 16 ohm load.
Amazon $53.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN RE600S | Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $75.46 | $53.99 |
| Ranked | #1208 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1290 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 43 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 9 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 4.42 dB standard deviation | 6.22 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -3.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 95 Hz (-11.1 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | True wireless |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 8.5mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 110 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 40kHz |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (8 g) per earbud |
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