ATH-M50x Headphones Review in 2019? - A fresh perspective
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- Audio-Technica Ath-M50x Headphones Review in 2019. A somewhat nostalgic take on the ATH-M50x closed-back studio monitoring headphones. Don't hate the M50x, its not as bad as people make out. But do buy the K371 or DT770 instead ;)
Headphone reviews playlist: • Headphones
Product links:
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: amzn.to/2uc9eCo
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: amzn.to/3bVDy5w
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Ohm: amzn.to/32amtQu
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250 Ohm: amzn.to/3bOqAGp
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![Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro (80 OHM) - STUDIO MONITOR Buying Guide! [2018]](/img/n.gif)
Check out my playlist of all headphones: czcams.com/play/PLLw1SovXUKGfH427ZztZl6DtL7igRP-zd.html
Subscribe for more like this, I have an upcoming review of the M40x amongst other audio related stuff
Been using the M50X for about 6 years now. I've loved them. I recently purchased the HD6XX because I fell for all the reviewers telling me the M50X is terrible, and that the HD6XX was a massive upgrade. I've been using the HD6XX for 3 weeks now, and I'm still waiting for them to blow the M50X away. Of course, everyone will tell you that sound is subjective, so I'm not complaining. But I just got a real world dose of experience about this. If it sounds good to you, it doesn't matter what someone else says. Lesson learned. I'm not saying that the 6XX is bad. I'm just saying that so far the M50X sounds better to me, which not at all what I would've expected based on reviews.
This is the best review of those headphones i have seen! Objective and to the point! Great work
Awesome, thanks
At the time the M50(X)s were hyped at Head-fi and CZcams as the superior, more affordable alternative to the Beats by Dr Dre (which the headphones community hated with a passion). Consequently people were recommending the ATH-M50Xs all the time, in every thread at Head-fi. This resulted in people, mostly more experienced headphones connaisseurs at Head-fi, started to hate on the M50(X)s: "what's with all those annoying headphones newbies who praise the M50s without any reference...what about AKGs, Beyerdynamics?!" The hate initially wasn't directed towards the M50s,, but rather to those people who recommended them without having auditioned other pairs. By social pressure of the head-fi community many newbies began to hate on the M50s, just to give themselves some credibility.
Thats some good insight, they certainly were way hyped at one point
nout1972 is good to buy them on eBay
Been lookin at the DT-770s for a minute
Glad I found this channel
I've used the DT770 pro 250 ohm for professional use, while they're not bad, their DT150 is much better as is the DT250.
I'm going to buy those headphones soon and I was really confused, until I watched this adequate review. As I guess it still worth to buy. Thank you and subscribed :)
Subbed, really loving this channel, keep it going!
The ATH-M50x is the best all-rounder headphones. If you consider all aspects: price, performance, type (closed-back), low impedance, build quality, endurance, portability, sound (all genres), convenience - you really can't find anything better.
Surely you can find a better one in any single category but as a whole package (if you want to use only one set of headphones) you can't really beat it - it's a true classic!
Lol get the AKG k371. Better in every aspect
Aditya Sharma even better in bass?
@@ArtKoch MUCH better. And btw bass isn't everything. But if you like it, don't worry. Akg k371's frequency goes so low, that you can even feel the sub bass in music.
@@adityasharma2870 thanks for the reply! i tried yamaha mt5(it's good one) but i feel i need more bass than usual. i will take a look at 371. also i heard 371 has poor build quality, lots of issues out of the box. is it true?
@@ArtKoch I've heard the quality control issues too. It may have been an issue with the earlier batches, but Im not too sure. I've ordered 2 k371, and they will deliver soon. I'll let you know if I face any issues.
I was nearly convinced to buy M40x after hovering ton of youtube staffs. Your single review diverted me toward M50x.
Thanks buddy, your alalysis is always right on point.
the same with me
very good and balanced approach man, keep it up!
Thanks, I wanted to do something a bit more nuanced about this headphone. People seem to readily dismiss it these days, but a few years prior it wouldnt have been so overhyped if it didnt have something going for it. To me as flawed as it is, this is the headphone that brought so many people into the world of audiophile headphones, and showed them there was this whole world beyond the terrible gaming headsets that were so popular.
For long term durability review: I've had them for 7 years. They went on training, gym, dropped a couple of time, stored in less than ideal conditions. Had to change the cups (30$ CAD) and the headband is right now just beginning to flake. Overall, the most durable headphones I've ever had!
I am very glad to find this review, as you rate them as someone who's used them for a long time. Nee reviews don't matter as much to me as the longevity of the product. Ive had my pair since 2015, and while thery are more beat-up than yours (seriously, the leathers peeling) they are still performing.
i never comment, but your review is one of the most neutral-well explained review and that deserves a recognition, keep doing this bro!
Thanks
I bought the same a few days ago. Good review and very good headphones.
@Ahad still very good. But I would recommend listening to other headphones before buying for comparison, for example dt770pro
@Ahad in my opinion there are headphones that sit better and have a different sound, you definitely need to compare with them before buying, for example dt770 and sony 7506. I have not had the opportunity to compare, but still I do not regret buying)
You are the best in explaination of m50x,
I really enjoy your video.
Keep going.
Spot on review! I like how you accept the different review camps, while maintaining your own position. I own most of the headphones you have reviewed, and so far, I agree with your characterization of each one, including my M50X special edition grey gunmetals! Cheers!
Awesome, thanks
Those grey ones are shexxy 🎧
Someone finally put to words why I love these headphones. They’ve been my go to headphones for my commute and working at my desk at the office. And it’s true the portability and detachable wire that’s the cherry on top. Biggest area of failure in all my headphones of past have been the wire and the headband and these solve those issues. That’s why I also bought the BT versions because I wanted more portable options and ANC gives me headaches
I've been wearing these M50x's for about 2 months now as an editor. The high end definitely has some teeth... espcially the silibance frequencies. sharp... pointy teeth.
Ive owned a pair of these for close to 8 years now so I have definitely had my moneys worth. Yes they might not be the best for certain things they are great in others. I pretty much use these solely for work now in meetings, podcasts and some music and they're very versatile and built very well. I will keep using them pretty much everyday until they die. I can just fold them up and throw them into my bag and not worry about them. Being low impedance means I can drive them from any business laptop, phone etc.
I have upgraded to some nice open backed headphones and an amp for gaming finally :)
This is the best headphones, but I'm using a Beyerdynamic headphones xD
It's rare listening a video with an anechoic room
Thanks for the video.
Cheers!!!
Interesting review... thnx.
I bought a pair from a sound bar at a music shop because from the bunch on display, they were the best fit and seemed the most robust... and within my budget of AUD250.
With my larger than most ears, I too find them uncomfortable after about 30mins, so I angle them at the back away from my ear and then all is good.
Did you ask A-T about them making larger ear pads ?
Just bought a pair and love them. They are are firm on your ears but will loosen up as the headband stretches. It reminds you to give your ears a rest from continuous sound every so often. They come with three different cables which is a bonus. 😁😁😁
This is a great video - one thing that comes to mind is the impedance on the DT 770s. I noticed you've got the 250 Ohms but these probably won't drive as well without a headphone amplifier. Would I still be able to use the 770s with a laptop for casual listening (or even on a phone) if i pick the 80ohms model?
All of the DT 770s are quite inefficent at 96dB SPL but you can probably drive the 80 Ohm off of a laptop or phone, I don't have one myself to try tho.
I tried it and the volume is lacking straight from my samsung phone
I have the 80 ohm dt770. I definitely can't use the motherboard audio with it (realtek alc892). They're too quiet. A separate amps is a must imo even for the 80 ohms. I mean sure you can hear what's going on n stuff, but its' the same amount of volume you'd play in your living room when you parents are trying to sleep in the next room. Barely audible but I guess it'll do if you're that casual about it. I certainly won't recommend that for a regular option.
Hype Shmype. The ATH-M50X are absolutely fantastic headphones. That is a fact. And the first generation Bluetooth ATH-M50XBT version sounds even better! I know that is hard to believe being Bluetooth and all, but they really do sound even better, to me.
The second gen ATH-M50XBT2 have been ruined, though. Drastically changed sound signature, major disappointment. Lost the punch and incredible live sound of the older versions, and at the same volume settings, much quieter. It has taken me some quite drastic parametric EQ adjustments in the AT Connect app, to get them to sound good again, but still not as good as the first gen BT headphones right out of the box. The EQ support is actually fantastic, as the EQ processing is done on the headphones, so the settings work across all sound sources. I wish the first gen BT headphones had this EQ! Although the first gens sound SO good that you don't really need any EQ.
Of course it is all subjective based on what your preferences are. But after trying to find a truly great closed back sound isolating headphone WITHOUT active noise reduction, which I cannot stand, at a wide range of prices, these are by far the best I have found. I am a musician, and they sound like live music. If you like the sound of live music, these will serve you well. If you like the airy soundstage that many people like, even though that is NOT how live music sounds, you will probably not like these. If you like your music to have the dynamics and punch of live music, with well balanced, yet slightly boosted lows and highs, across the whole frequency range, you will love these.
They remind me of my Klipsch Chorus 2 speakers. They are THAT good! Talk about dynamics! People have forgotten that to truly get live sounding music, you need BIG and sensitive speakers. The ATH-M50X sound like true BIG speakers are supposed to sound, but as headphones.
i do want to buy the wireless bluetooth version of the ATH-M50.. are the quality about the same? because like the sound of the wired one.
i still have my ath-m50 6-7 years later,
i replaced the ear pads a year in
the one complaint is the rubber band that sits on your head is very thin and has worn out .
and the cups flare out/away very slightly at the bottom of the ear
I had the m50x about 4 years now and about a year ago the earpads were completely worn. I had to replace them because I had this leatherish stuff everywhere... then about half a year ago I noticed that the headband was wearing down quite far. The problem is that you can’t easily replace the headband... I wouldn’t buy them again and I’m looking for new ones now. I’m not really sure what headphones I’ll choose maybe wired maybe wireless with optional wire.
8:30 Correction. They ARE made for mixing, but they’re definitely NOT made for mastering. Audio Technica only claims they’re made for mixing, tracking, and personal listening, NOT mastering.
I was thinking about getting the Bluetooth version of these, but the lacking comfort is a nogo for me. Are there any comparable ones to these with BT? I don’t want any ANC of fancy stuff like that. Just closed backs with very good sound quality and good comfort.
I have been using these headphones for more than 5 years now..
And I really feel strange sometimes, that the audio or so called 'audiophile' industry has become so much competitive these days!
It's like you buy a pair of your favourite headphones today and they become outdated overnight or by the very next day, and you start searching for a new headphone by the following day already!
While I still believe in the old school way of purchasing my favourite headphone after a lot of patient, meticulous research and once I buy them, they stay with me for decades.
There's nothing like a perfect headphone in this world as far as I know, and it all depends on one's expectations and requirements to be precise.
M50X for me are still a superb quality headphones, and yes they are very sturdy and excellent sounding headphones, and they fulfill all of my requirements that I expect out of a headphone.
How do they compare to the new SR50BT?
Wonderful review! Buying them today! Thank you! 🔥🔥🔥
Hi. I only want them to listen to podcasts and audiobooks (only voice), for Netflix movies connected to my phone or laptop, and for Spotify music and CZcams videos. Overall, casual listening, and never really to edit audio or video. I am also looking for the Bluetooth version for the same use, but Wireless. What do you think? Can they serve these needs, despite of the “flat” concept as they are created for Monitor Studio? Thank you!
are they worth buying for non professionals, I just want a good sounding pair of headphones?
Just out of curiosity I own the 32 OHM DT 770's for mobile listening and wonder if there are another pair of headphones at 32ohm that are better then those. Do you know of any? Your reviews are very detailed.
I'd say the AKG K361 or K371
@@WheezyTech Thanks I will look into them.
@@WheezyTech I understand this is a huge price jump but what do you think of the Beyerdynamic T5P gen 2 which is also 32ohm? If you have tried them of course. Thanks again mate.
Please do a video on beyerdynamic dt 770 Prp
can you use Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones as wired headphones without using a battery?
I chose m50x since I wanted good isolation from surround sounds. That ruled out the DT770's also. I did like the sound of m50x over DT770 anyway.. m40x sounded muddier (not detailed?) than m50x to me. The details (sound seperation/able to hear everything that is going on) in M50 blew me away. Granted I have no good experience in really good headphones and l listened all three for just a little time before making my final choice. Also tested studio one's and some others but did not like em.... I mostly used various rock and modern heavy tracks with "good" mastering to really bring out what the headphones are capable of... that music need details and muddines kills it.... Thank god I chose headphones that I can actually use in any device and not something with 666 ohms :D
The DT 770 and ath m50x have very similar sound signature. The beyerdynamic however has better clarity and soundstage with deeper bass and sparkly treble. And they're more comfortable than m50x. One can simply eq them to sound exactly the same with already pre configured graphic eq.
The DT 770 has jumped in price significantly since this video, while the M50x has returned nearly to its release MSRP. Not sure if that's significant in any way, but I recently bought a pair of the Audio Technicas because it was nearly $100CAD cheaper than the beyerdynamics.
in Belgium dt770 = 130 euros and m50x = 130 euros ......
I'm considering these headphones or the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 ohm) to listen mainly to classical/opera steamed from Qobuz or from CDs, via a FiiO K3, through a Samsung laptop running Win 10. Which of these 'phones would you recommend (if either) for this purpose? (P.S. Like you, I wear spectacles, so comfort/clamping force is an issue.) Many thanks!
I've heard the Fiio K3 isn't enough to power the 250 ohm DT 770s. Too bad I saw this late, hope you didn't end up buying it.
@@zerotactix5739 Thank you for your reply. No, I didn't buy this DAC after all - still looking 'though now considering an iFi Zen with wired, rather than Bluetooth, connection to my laptop.
Hd25's are my go to for portable use... Not sure why they hardly ever get mentioned.
I fully overall agree with your review, I only think that maybe this is not accurately reflected in your blog by giving them a score 3 stars out of 5 regarding its sound. Maybe it is worth the 4th star... ;-). Kind regards.
I come up with an overall sound score after individual scoring for bass/mid/treble/staging and imaging. They lost some points for staging and treble which brought the score down.
@@WheezyTech Thanks for your reply!. Keep up with your outstanding work, it already helped me (I was thinking of purchasing the Fidelio X2HR until I met across your review). Btw, Have you ever tried the ATH-MSR7?. I also own them and to me they are a very valuble headphones, superior to the M50x, and one of the clearer, best sounding ones under 300-400€ range. Kind regards.
I feel like people who hate these are:
1. M40x fanboys who want to justify their buy
2. People who don't understand we all have different sound preferences/sensitivity
3. People who just love to hate anything popular and obsess over the underdogs
4. Gatekeepers/elitists. Cause these are too popular even for non-audiophiles
But are these a bad pair? Not in anyway shape or form
I just bought this. Sound is great, but the clamping force is a tiny bit too much for my large head.
I feel like these headphones get the most hate these days because there are a lot more headphones available now then there was back when I bought my original M50's about 6 years ago at the same price point. Back when I bought mine, there definitely wasn't very much competition in this price range and they were a much better alternative than anything you could buy in a big box store. It's just more competitive now and there are better headphones than these at this price so now everyone tries to steer you away from them. I can truly say now though, that after 6 years of moderate use and at least 3 of those years used by my daughter more than I, they have held up very well. My daughter was not easy on them either. They still sound as good as when I first got them.
I went through several of them. M50X, M30, M40. For me they do not handle well every day use, buying something else now entirely.
@@REgamesplayer what did you buy?
@@vuklovi2287 I was long time fan of Audio Technica ATH-30/50 series headphones. I tried nearly each series. ATH-30 headphones are very cheaply made and they will break down quickly. ATH-40 has most sturdy construction. ATH-50 have more advanced construction, but it is less sturdy. Its pivot point near the ears tend to break easily.
I finally had enough of these headphones breaking after several years (with 30 series it might be even few years) of use and I purchased DT 990 Pro. These headphones also have an added benefit of having higher quality material near your ears that you do not sweat like with Audio Technica. It remains to be seen how sturdy they are as they do not look solid. I purchased them however only because I was disappointed with Audio Technica headphone quality.
hey so um... your mic sounds a bit muddy with the audio? I'm just wondering if you know how to fix this cause your mic looks really good but the setup not quite be
M50x since day one/burn in and counting, one of the best period.
I'm thinking of buying them to replace my hyper x cloud 2 but after watching this I don't know if it's the best choice (I'm mainly gaming and watching youtube/movies). or should I go with the dt 770 pro but I don't know if my audio interface can handle 250 ohm
I wouldn't recommend them for that. But an excellent choice would be the DT770 Pro 80 ohm they are great for gaming, YT, movies etc
@@WheezyTech thank you! (also for the fast reply) I just watched your DT770 80ohm review and looking online im definitely gonna buy these!
I'm planning to buy a budget monitor headphone and also use them for gaming (competitively). I can drive up to 300ohm headphones with soundblasterX G1. any one have a recommendation?
I have these,only thing I don't like are earpads,too small(52x40mm).
Still love the m50x
They get hate? Never knew, never cared, I have M20x for like 5 years now and I still love them. I love bass-y sounds, I am an amateur who tested like 20 pairs of earphones in an ear-phone specialised shop while picking them. I just loved the sound, so who gives a crap. I just ordered ATH G1 for games:-D Yeah, I know Sennheiser has higher impedance, making the sound more real or whatever, I just love my immortal ATHs, that can handle a friggin beating and gimme a loud BOOM:-D Blame me:-D
With that room and your knowledge how can your audio recording be this muffled?
I've never claimed to be an expert. This was one of the first videos I ever made.
@@WheezyTech man I just made a question and I really appreciated some of your videos. I'm just kind of OCD and try to get the best gear I can for a "basic" budget. Btw thank you for your channel and work. Keep growing.
Of course they have many professional uses. Most people bitching about them haven't a clue about that, and it's pretty obvious. Professionals don't pay much attention to what those people say. I am in that community, and that is the general consensus. Are there better headphones? Sure. Are the M50x ok for what they are intended for? Sure. Are the K371 or DT770 'better'? No, just different, if we're talking about the same use cases.
the hinges are definitely a weak point, both sides gave out on my most recent pair and the phones would flap outwards without tape.
stuggle on choosing at-m50x and akg k371, can someone help? @_@
I too need help....i wanna know what should be the ear size to fit into m50
K371 or k361
Are m50x very loud. Because i just ordered these but they are not that loud. Very dynamic but not loud
Dépends on your source. From a Phone you won’t get a lot of volume
@@HeliBenj i tried on my pc
@@HeliBenj they are near 32 ohms anyways right? Bud at max level these are not loud at all. My earphones have more volume
@@sicktunes1466 impedance is not the only factor, there is also sensitivity, and these are not very sensitive. A 60 Ohm 110db will be much easier to drive than a 32 Ohm 99db for instance
@@sicktunes1466 also depends on your PC onboard audio. They can be decent I trash depending on the make / model
ATH-M50x VS AKG-K371 ?
K371 I would say. I mean the M50x do make good monitoring headphones but the K371 is more versatile imo.
thx 4 the answer but i already have bought the aiaiai studio headphone for even more versabillity.
Those look really cool, like a fully customisable version of the HD25
@@WheezyTech what about the bass comparing to m50x? i'm listening to trance music mostly and i need more bass than usual in monitoring headphones. do you think 371 is good choice for it?
I own the BT version which supposedly sound the same. Honestly, my experience with the sound is completely different. When you listen to a song, there is always a "peak" enjoyment part there, whether it is in base, treble or whatever. It's the mini orgasm in the song 😂 These never do that. You might be waiting for that base drop or guitar the whole song and then it's just meh... not neutral, meh. This is why people say it's for analysis, as they are very detailed. Also the voices are really muffled. These days I listen more to my cheap Chinese headphones than these.
Both. It's actually not much of a difference on this headphone.
Unfortunately dt770 pro is more expensive than ath-m50x in my country
If I am getting m50x new ones at 96$ and dt770 pro 80 ohms at 160$, which ones should I go for?
Surprisingly DT770 pro is selling at much more than m50x..about 1.5 times!!
Yeah because they're objectively better headphones. Better build, better comfort and better sound (only marginally though)
These vs the KRK 8400
buy akg k371
Funny there's so much reviews saying how confortable they are for long sessions
Funny indeed
ATH-M50X are the type of headphones that need third party earpads for longer listening. These are uncomfortable headphones out of the box so be prepared for that.
I kind of don't agree with everyone on the comfort level. I'm very comfortable wearing them 8 hours every day personally. maybe they're just a perfect fit for me, but what are the chances.
The head rubber is a bit thin but I don't really feel all that much weight pressing on my head so it's not an issue. the only problem I've experienced is that the ear pads have worn out after 2 years of use. but again, I use them for HOURS every day.
They are big and they also heated the ears and sound not so good ! Too bass
The pads on ATH-M50x are garbage. for the price of the headphone..... That's why i changes the pads on mine
Love these headphones they sound great don't like the ear pads though swapped them for brainwaze they sound even better they sound less congested the sound stage sounds a bit wider as they are further away from your ears and definitely a lot more comfortable
@@markrichmond9576 Super. Have a good day
@@markrichmond9576 brainwaze's which pad? They have 8 or 9 models?
Well if it ain't broke don't fix it. They're probably the most reviewed headphones (if not item) ever on the internet. The reason there's some hate is because ever since they've been rated no.1 on Amazon for a decade, some competing brands will pay content creators to slag them off. (Read Beats by Dr Dre) at the end of the day M50x remains the industry standard in the same way Pro Tools is for musicians.