Is the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT worth the upgrade from the FiiO JT9?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT actually scores 15.2 points below the FiiO JT9, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (8.0 to 6.8) and value (9.0 to 7.8). On paper: weight 365 g to 180 g and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: driver size goes 95 mm to 40 mm. It is at least $100 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.06.8
- Value9.07.8
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | JT9 | ATH-S220BT | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 365 g | 180 g | |
| Driver size | 95 mm | 40 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Driver | 95 mm planar magnetic | 2× 40 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 7 Hz - 40 kHz | 5 Hz - 32 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "JT9 to ATH-S220BT". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.