Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Kawai SH-9
Test & review: Kawai
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Spec Sheet
- Semi-open design
- Circumaural
- Drivers: 40 mm
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Max. input power: 1000 mW
- Impedance: 47 Ohm
- Max. SPL (sound pressure level): 91.5 dB
- Cable with 3.5 mm jack plug and 6.3 mm adapter
- Weight without cable: 370 g
Studio Log
| Available since | April 2020 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 492056 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Semi Open |
| Impedance | 47 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Adapter | Yes |
| Marrone/Argento | Black |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Weight | 370 g |
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Customer Review Summary
[SUBTITLE]Technical appraisal of Kawai’s semi-open SH-9 headphones for musicians
Introduction to the Kawai SH-9
The Kawai SH-9 headphones have been available since April 2020, marketed primarily towards pianists and audio enthusiasts seeking a close, accurate listening experience with their digital instruments. Priced at £88, they fall into an accessible price bracket for semi-professional use. The design is circumaural and semi-open, with a focus on balancing sound clarity and comfort during extended use.
Design and Build Quality
The SH-9 employs a semi-open over-ear construction, which aims to reduce ear fatigue by allowing some sound leakage and ventilation. The headphones weigh 370 grams without the attached cable, striking a balance between robust build and acceptable portability. The headband frame is metal, lending a degree of rigidity and resilience, though it features some slightly sharp edges that may be noticeable during long sessions.
Most components are plastic, which keeps the weight down but impacts the perceived overall quality compared to higher-end models. Ear cups are reportedly on the smaller side, which might not fully accommodate all ear shapes, particularly those with elongated auricles. Despite this, the padding and form factor generally maintain a secure fit without excessive pressure, although some users note discomfort after prolonged wear.
Cable and Connectivity
The SH-9 comes with an integral cable fitted with a 3.5 mm mini jack plug and a 6.3 mm adapter, suitable for connection to a variety of audio sources, including digital pianos, laptops, and high-end HiFi amplifiers. This flexibility is particularly useful for musicians who often switch between devices.
Sound Performance
The defining feature of the Kawai SH-9 is its sound profile, which has been described as neutral and transparent. The 40 mm driver units and a frequency response spanning 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz ensure a wide bandwidth, capturing the nuances of digital piano tones and complex harmonic content.
The impedance of 47 Ohms strikes a middle ground that makes these headphones easy to drive from portable and desktop audio devices without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Sound Character
The SH-9 delivers a soundstage that places instruments close to the listener’s ear, producing an intimate and direct listening experience. The treble is bright and detailed, revealing fine harmonic details that are particularly important when evaluating piano samples and digital instrument sounds. Bass response is understated, producing a neutral rather than warm tone. This might not satisfy listeners who prefer more pronounced low-end frequencies, but it serves well for critical listening where accuracy is paramount.
Compared to more expensive competition such as the AKG K-702, the SH-9 sound is less spacious but more immediate. Users have reported that the SH-9 surpasses models like the AKG K-240 MKII and Beyerdynamic DT990Pro in accuracy at this price point.
Comfort and Usability
Wearing comfort ranks as adequate but not exceptional. The semi-open design helps to prevent ear overheating, a common problem with closed-back headphones. However, some users find that the pads apply noticeable pressure after a short time, limiting usage for extended sessions. The smaller cup size might also cause fit issues for certain ear shapes.
Suitability for Digital Piano
Kawai’s SH-9 headphones have been optimised to complement their range of digital pianos, particularly models like the CA98 and CA79. Users note the headphones faithfully reproduce the piano’s tonal qualities, capturing brightness and harmonic richness without coloration. This makes the SH-9 a practical choice for pianists seeking precise sound feedback for performance or recording purposes.
Comparison with Other Headphones
- AKG K-702: More detailed and airier sound, larger ear cups, better comfort and build, but at a significantly higher price.
- AKG K-245: Similar sound signature but perceived as more robust and with better accessories.
- Beyerdynamic DT990Pro: Warmer sound profile, thicker bass, but SH-9 offers a cleaner, more focused sound at the same or lower price.
Summary and Verdict
The Kawai SH-9 headphones provide a remarkable combination of neutral sound quality and affordability, tailored for digital piano use but versatile enough for general audio applications. The semi-open design and medium impedance allow for comfortable, accurate listening without the need for amplification, making them suitable for studio and practice settings.
There are trade-offs with comfort, smaller ear cups and some pressure on the ears after extended use, but for shorter sessions, the SH-9 excels in revealing the details and dynamics of digital instruments. Its sound reproduction is more immediate and revealing than traditional headphones in this price range.
, the SH-9 stands out as a hidden gem for pianists and audiophiles who require faithful tonal representation without spending considerably more. It remains a practical and reliable choice for the dedicated musician.
