Audio Technica Ath-m50x Headphones (Black)

These headphones are OK. They sound good. Highs are crisp. Lows can be also heard. But stereo imaging is not so great. It might be due to the fact that the headphone speakers are not matched. Mines, in the range of 50 Hz are louder in the left speaker. Highs are louder also in the left speaker. Around 8000 Hz there is a peak in the right speaker and a dip in the left speaker. This leads me not to be able to enjoy them as I expected. To cancel a bit of highs in the left speaker I added a thin layer of foam under the left earpad. This helped a lot so I recommend adding a foam pad to the delivery box so one can easily improve the listening experience when observing such phenomenon. Regarding the bass range I could not do any improvement so far. It is obvious that the ... MoreThese headphones are OK. They sound good. Highs are crisp. Lows can be also heard. But stereo imaging is not so great. It might be due to the fact that the headphone speakers are not matched. Mines, in the range of 50 Hz are louder in the left speaker. Highs are louder also in the left speaker. Around 8000 Hz there is a peak in the right speaker and a dip in the left speaker. This leads me not to be able to enjoy them as I expected. To cancel a bit of highs in the left speaker I added a thin layer of foam under the left earpad. This helped a lot so I recommend adding a foam pad to the delivery box so one can easily improve the listening experience when observing such phenomenon. Regarding the bass range I could not do any improvement so far. It is obvious that the two speakers do not provide the same frequency response. A simple test to prove this is to connect the left and right speakers as mono signal input, face the 2 earpads one another and apply a frequency sweep. In a perfect world one should hear nothing or just a little form outside as the 2 speakers would cancel out each other. This is the case from about 300Hz and above. But not at 50Hz. There is an amplitude boost as the left speaker is louder (or a response phase shift is detectable between the 2 speakers). So unfortunately, the bass range cannot be heard from the middle (not even using a mono signal) when listening.Other than that, I consider these headphones really good if stereo imaging is not a priority. Sensitivity is great. They sound really loud and clear even with a phone or any small signal player. They have no active noise cancellation but I think that would an overkill. Noise isolation as being a closed type of headphone is decent.I also consider them very comfortable. I didn’t face any ear fatigue even after 2 hours of wearing.So, I give 4 stars. This could have been easily 5 if stereo imaging was better.

Beautiful sound for body and soul

Wow... Wow... Just wow... I never felt music and sound like this before... It's a a beauty. It's really good but heavy and can't listen without break after 20-30 mintues max. Using it with DAC are more helpful with type c or lighting based device. But even if you use it with 15K mobile phone without DAC it won't disappoint you. I myself used it with two different price range mobile and its sound quality is superb but again these are heavy and I sweat alot. So it get difficult for me to use it longer then 30 minutes. But man o man what a headphones these are!!! Just awesome...

Great headphones, and durable

I have two pairs of these now, one I got years ago that stays at home, and a second I got to keep at work. The frequency response seems very flat, with good bass reproduction. I tend to prefer a bit less treble for listening to music, so I equalize the higher frequencies down. I used to use these to listen to music on the bus or subway or walking in Boston, and the ATH-M50x provide excellent isolation from external noise, but they no active noise cancellation. Not really needed for them, I think. Compared to a pair of open, on-ear Grado headphones I used to have, the Audio-Technicas were far better for noisy environments, and more comfortable to wear for long periods. The ATH-M50x also were more durable, as the Grados broke after a few years, with one channel ... MoreI have two pairs of these now, one I got years ago that stays at home, and a second I got to keep at work. The frequency response seems very flat, with good bass reproduction. I tend to prefer a bit less treble for listening to music, so I equalize the higher frequencies down. I used to use these to listen to music on the bus or subway or walking in Boston, and the ATH-M50x provide excellent isolation from external noise, but they no active noise cancellation. Not really needed for them, I think. Compared to a pair of open, on-ear Grado headphones I used to have, the Audio-Technicas were far better for noisy environments, and more comfortable to wear for long periods. The ATH-M50x also were more durable, as the Grados broke after a few years, with one channel cutting out. For me theATH-M50x are comfortable because the pads fit around my ears, without pinching. The band is pretty stiff with a metal support running through it, which can be massaged to be wider for those of us that have big heads. Great for audio editing and mastering too. I did have to get third party replacement pads for my older pair as I could not find official Audio-Technica replacements.

I love these

I just got these in today and I upgraded from the m30xs because I had them for 5-6 years and they finally wore out on me and snapped by the ear. I use them for gaming and music purposes most of the time these are the best audio quality I've ever had and I'm hearing small things in both games and music that I hadn't heard until today just test driving them around and the noise cancelation they have is super nice. These also feel way better built than the m30x headphones from the ears to the headband. I payed the extra money for the white set because it matches the setup and even with the slight upcharge I think they have been the best investment to my setup I have made in a minute. The only issue I had was getting the cords to plug in correctly because of them having ... MoreI just got these in today and I upgraded from the m30xs because I had them for 5-6 years and they finally wore out on me and snapped by the ear. I use them for gaming and music purposes most of the time these are the best audio quality I've ever had and I'm hearing small things in both games and music that I hadn't heard until today just test driving them around and the noise cancelation they have is super nice. These also feel way better built than the m30x headphones from the ears to the headband. I payed the extra money for the white set because it matches the setup and even with the slight upcharge I think they have been the best investment to my setup I have made in a minute. The only issue I had was getting the cords to plug in correctly because of them having a locking mechanism and it was user error that I have worked out through a little bit of fiddling. Will update review if any issues arise or if I become even happier as I haven't tested them with an instrument and an amp yet.

Less Premium than HD 280 PRO

Compared to cheap headphones these are great headphones but there are older designs of premium headphones that are better than these and significantly cheaper. I've been using the HD 280 PRO for 15 years and these are a step down from them.Pros:- sound quality is noticeably better than entry level earphones- less clamping force means you can wear them longer for people sensitive to that- detachable cable gives you options that best fit your setupCons:- more expensive than equivalent sound quality models- padding is less substantial, so the contact points on the top of the head and around the ears are uncomfortable- the rigid cable connection coming out of the left earphone will dig into your shoulder if you tilt your head to the side causing the earphone ... MoreCompared to cheap headphones these are great headphones but there are older designs of premium headphones that are better than these and significantly cheaper. I've been using the HD 280 PRO for 15 years and these are a step down from them.Pros:- sound quality is noticeably better than entry level earphones- less clamping force means you can wear them longer for people sensitive to that- detachable cable gives you options that best fit your setupCons:- more expensive than equivalent sound quality models- padding is less substantial, so the contact points on the top of the head and around the ears are uncomfortable- the rigid cable connection coming out of the left earphone will dig into your shoulder if you tilt your head to the side causing the earphone to unseat- earphone pads rotate over time and need to be rotated back into place- smallest size setting is still too big for many adults

Not sure

Day 1 great sound, a little stiff. Used average 10 hours for 3 days mixing in DAW then they started to squeak, kept thinking my son was being funny at my studio door. Then I realized where the speaker housing connects to the 2 plastic inserts holding them in place , when I move my head it's squeks. What a unpleasant surprise. That's not gonna work. It's just loud enough and happens when you need to hear everything clear. I'm thinking it's cause I got the white headphones. Going to return and get the black ones. I thought about adding some high quality grease , then I thought no. Day 4 the connection at the headphone is questionable the sound drops out with a certain anout of pull of the cord, definitely not good. I'm still going to try the black pair.

Pretty Excellent Studio Monitors Though I Now Have Better

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are a pretty good headphone. I used these to mix releases for years (before that the regular ATH-M50). The ATH-M50x sound pretty flat with good bass response and flat frequency response throughout. I have noticed that with all ATH-M50 models eventually they somewhat die. By this I mean there begins to be a rattling distortion in one and I assume eventually both ears. At low volumes this isnt much of an issue but some frequencies even at moderate levels seem to make these headphones not perform as they did new. These are very comfortable and I didnt find myself getting ear fatigue or discomfort from prolonged use. I would probably buy these again when I start booking DJ gigs again. But for now Im doing all my mixing on Shure se215 wired ... MoreThe Audio Technica ATH-M50x are a pretty good headphone. I used these to mix releases for years (before that the regular ATH-M50). The ATH-M50x sound pretty flat with good bass response and flat frequency response throughout. I have noticed that with all ATH-M50 models eventually they somewhat die. By this I mean there begins to be a rattling distortion in one and I assume eventually both ears. At low volumes this isnt much of an issue but some frequencies even at moderate levels seem to make these headphones not perform as they did new. These are very comfortable and I didnt find myself getting ear fatigue or discomfort from prolonged use. I would probably buy these again when I start booking DJ gigs again. But for now Im doing all my mixing on Shure se215 wired earbuds. I know that sounds crazy to do serious mixing on earbuds but the se215s are the best sounding headphone (earbud) Ive ever heard with detailed flat bass and crystal clean frequency response. The ATH-M50s have a good sound but arent as durable as they should be.

Surprisingly resolving

I first plugged the ATH M50X into my phone and noticed something immediately.These are really well balanced and sound exactly like a monitor headphone should. Almost as good as my KRK monitors. Highly detailed in sonic presentation, even in the lower frequencies. And that is hard to achieve as most headphones and speakers distort in that area, often to a point that bass lines become a muddy mess.Driven straight by my phone, the M50X functions and sounds wonderful. But after a certain point, things change.Some of the recordings I have purchased are very soft. In those cases, I need extra power to listen at good levels. Which is when I pair these headphones with my Røde audio interface for some extra juice.Quick tip:Leave it as is without eq when monitoring and ... MoreI first plugged the ATH M50X into my phone and noticed something immediately.These are really well balanced and sound exactly like a monitor headphone should. Almost as good as my KRK monitors. Highly detailed in sonic presentation, even in the lower frequencies. And that is hard to achieve as most headphones and speakers distort in that area, often to a point that bass lines become a muddy mess.Driven straight by my phone, the M50X functions and sounds wonderful. But after a certain point, things change.Some of the recordings I have purchased are very soft. In those cases, I need extra power to listen at good levels. Which is when I pair these headphones with my Røde audio interface for some extra juice.Quick tip:Leave it as is without eq when monitoring and mixing to hear every nuance. But if you're only listening to music, consider dialing down the treble range between 3khz to 15khz as most music is mixed and mastered for headphones which are less capable and detailed than these. Listening to music without eq may make recordings too revealing. And as many people complain, you might find it "tinny" and "sharp" sounding.

These are stellar headphones!

I have been using these headphones for over 7 years now. And let me tell you one thing about them, these are one superb kind of headphones. I know everybody nowadays have become a kind of 'audiophile' and all. They use fancy terms without having a clear understanding about them and say things which are not exactly right. I know today there are many choices in the market, some good and some not so good and some absurd things have been said about ath m50x's by certain so called 'audiophiles' that have absolutely no logic for their theories, whatsoever. But I can confidently say with experience if you want crystal clear, warm sounding headphones with just the right amount of bass that is not over-powering but meaty enough to enjoy your music and movies these headphones ... MoreI have been using these headphones for over 7 years now. And let me tell you one thing about them, these are one superb kind of headphones. I know everybody nowadays have become a kind of 'audiophile' and all. They use fancy terms without having a clear understanding about them and say things which are not exactly right. I know today there are many choices in the market, some good and some not so good and some absurd things have been said about ath m50x's by certain so called 'audiophiles' that have absolutely no logic for their theories, whatsoever. But I can confidently say with experience if you want crystal clear, warm sounding headphones with just the right amount of bass that is not over-powering but meaty enough to enjoy your music and movies these headphones easily fulfill that criteria. A good sound source will do wonders!Again I am saying, there are better headphones out there in the market than these(which is the case with every headphone out there), but when I am getting such a great, fulfilling sound at this price range why should I be concerned?These headphones are built like a tank too!I know they will be my audio companion for many years to come, because I am not the one that changes headphones every month, to become that special kind of 'audiophile'!