Current testing methodology is v1.2
February 5, 2018
Price not available
W40
11.3 oz
7.24 x 4.25 x 2.28 in
We started this review of the Westone W40 (now upgraded to the Westone Mach 40) on the SkyTrain here in Vancouver to put it through real-life testing. We’ve been using the Westone W60 for a few weeks to put it through its paces so we were excited to see what the W40 could deliver with 4 drivers as opposed to the W60’s 6 BA drivers. The W40 comes with 4 balanced armature drivers and a three-way crossover. The sound is natural, balanced and pleasing.
After putting them in and ensuring a good seal the sounds of the train melted away and were left with a quiet listening environment. We can’t say again how important it is that you get a good seal on any pair of IEM’s. Without it you’re wasting 90% of the money you spent on them. For our ears we used the Westone black ear foam inserts, we have relatively small ear canals. We continued to listen through the day – on the train, at the office, watching the apple launch event (iWatch) and then music in office again.
Early sum
Bass Notes
The bass in the W40 is good, and balanced. Nothing is inflated and it’s pretty true to what a balanced IEM will deliver. We are quite critical on bass in IEM’s but these delivered plenty for what we needed. It’s tight, quick and firm.
Mid Notes
The mid notes
High Notes
Very sweet. Nice sibilance and real clear ability to hear the reverb from the final missing and mastering process.
P.R.A.T
On-time, every time. These keep everything together nicely and you never feel out of time or sync.
EQ (Emotional Quotient)
We sometimes find it hard to get the Emotional Quotient from well balanced IEM’s but the W40 leave us with a different result. One of our other customers Alan once described his audio experience with the audio engine B2 that seems appropriate here. He put on music, intending to listen to one track and try other reference tracks.
W40 Accessories
Every Westone W series set of earphones comes with a full range of great accessories. You get your choice of 3 different faceplate colours. 2 cables, one has the 3 button
Westone W40 review conclusion
We love the W40. It’s not often we say that. It makes sense as we really like the W60 too – which is the top of the line for the W series with 6 drivers. If you can’t reach to over $1,000 in the Westone line then these at will be a great compliment to your musical audio arsenal. You get great accessories, a strong warranty proposition and a super sounding IEM.
View more of the Westone MACH 40 IEM on amazon – the replacement for the Westone W40.
Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.
Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.
This post was last updated on 2025-02-09 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.