Introduction
A Sneak Peek into the Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones have earned an excellent reputation among audio enthusiasts and professionals for their superb sound quality and performance. As an upgrade to the popular ATH-M50 model, these headphones feature the same critically acclaimed sonic signature but with key enhancements like detachable cables and improved earpads and headband materials.
In this in-depth review, we’ll closely examine all the features and capabilities of the ATH-M50X to see if they live up to the Hype. We’ll break down the sound quality, comfort, design, accessories, and more. We’ll also compare them to other popular headphones to help you decide if the M50X fits your needs and budget.
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Why this Review Matters
With so many headphone options on the market today in varying price ranges, deciding which ones deliver the best value for your money can get overwhelming. The ATH-M50X typically retails for around $150, which puts them in the mid-range segment. This is a highly competitive space; every detail counts when choosing the right pair.
An in-depth, hands-on review is essential to look past the marketing hype and identify the shining strengths and potential shortcomings of the ATH-M50X. This will reveal if they justify their popularity and help you determine if their audio performance and features warrant their price tag.
Who Should Be Interested
The ATH-M50X is designed to appeal to many users, from casual music listeners to audio professionals. Here are some of the critical groups that may benefit from this review:
- Casual listeners are looking for affordable headphones with excellent sound quality.
- Audio engineers, musicians, and podcasters are looking for studio monitor headphones.
- DJs and remixers seek headphones with superior sound isolation and swiveling earcups.
- Commuters and travelers who are looking for a durable set of closed-back headphones.
- Is anyone trying to decide between the ATH-M50X and other comparable headphones?
No matter your intended use case, this review will help determine how well the ATH-M50X stacks up to your needs.
Key Features of the Audio Technica ATH-M50X
Superior Sound Quality and Performance
Equipped with 45mm large-aperture drivers and rare earth magnets, the ATH-M50X is engineered to deliver exceptional audio reproduction across an extended frequency range. They utilize copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils to provide precise and consistent monitoring.
The headphones have a broad and transparent soundstage that helps convey every detail. The bass is deep, accurate, and punchy without muddying up the stellar mids and crisp highs. This feature makes them suitable for mixing, tracking, and mastering in pro studio settings.
Comfort and Design Aspects
The ATH-M50X features a professional-grade headband and earpad materials that are softer and more luxurious than previous models. The lightweight design and 90-degree swiveling earcups allow for a flexible and comfortable fit during long listening sessions.
The collapsible construction and detachable cables make the headphones highly portable. At just 11 ounces, they balance durability and travel-friendly compactness. The understated matte finish gives them a classic, refined look.
Durability and Build
With a high percentage of metal in its construction, the ATH-M50X feels very sturdy and solidly put together. The headband is made from durable steel and aluminum alloy. The earcups swivel smoothly without any creaking plastic sounds.
The detachable cables lock securely into place and withstand tugging well. The extensive use of metal components results in a headphone designed to last many years, even with regular use.
Portability and Accessories
The headphones come with a 6-foot straight cable and a 10-foot coiled cable, both tipped with a gold-plated 3.5mm connector. They also include a simple carrying pouch and a screw-on adapter to convert the 3.5mm plug into a 1/4 inch plug for studio gear.
When folded up, the headphones are easy to toss into a bag. The included cables and adapter provide flexibility for home or studio use. Aftermarket replacement cables are also available from Audio Technica to further extend functionality.
User Experience and Ease of Use
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the ATH-M50X headphones make a solid first impression with their understated but premium design. They look and feel sturdier than many headphones in the price range. The smooth swiveling of the earcups and clicky precision of the headband adjustment add to the quality feel.
Included accessories like the two detachable cables and carrying pouch are excellent bonuses. The secure cable locks and smooth swiveling earcups make the headphones intuitive and easy to use in the studio and on the go.
Comfort during Long Listening Sessions
The soft padded earcups and headband provide a comfortable fit that isolates you from external noise without excessive clamping force. The weight is evenly distributed, so there is no sore spot formation, even during multi-hour listening marathons.
The earcups are roomy enough to accommodate most ear sizes without touching the drivers. The 90-degree swivel lets you rest one earcup off your ear to chat without removing the whole headphone.
Practicality for Different Use Cases
The ATH-M50X excels as an affordable studio monitoring headphone. The detachable cables make it easy to plug into a mixer. The accurate sound reproduction, noise isolation, and swiveling earcups are ideal for tracking, mixing, and mastering.
The secure fit reasonably blocks external noise for casual travel or commute use. The bundled coiled cable provides some slack during mobile use. Just be aware that these are not wireless headphones aimed at active use.
Performance: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
Sound Clarity and Noise Isolation
With their 45mm drivers and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, the ATH-M50X delivers excellent clarity across the frequency spectrum. The bass has great depth and punch, the mids are detailed, and the highs are crisp without fatigue.
The closed-back design provides good passive noise isolation. While not at active noise canceling levels, the seal blocks out ambient chatter and rumbles reasonably well for travel use.
Bass, Mids, and Treble Breakdown
The bass reproduction is tight and impactful, adding warmth and
The bass reproduction is tight and impactful, adding warmth and body without muddying up the mix. The mids are smooth and accurate, making vocals, guitars, and other mid-range elements sound full and detailed. The highs come through with clarity and detail but are manageable and gentle.
On well-recorded tracks, you can hear every element distinctly. The soundstage has good width for a closed-back headphone, giving instruments and vocals a sense of space. The sound signature delivers the right blend of lows, mids, and highs for detailed, enjoyable listening.
Real-life Listening Experiences
I tested the ATH-M50X with various audio sources, from streaming apps on my phone to lossless files on my home stereo. Here are some listening impressions:
- Jazz and classical music sounded excellent, with a clear separation between instruments and a spacious stage.
- Rock and pop music came through with tight, punchy bass and crisp vocals.
- Acoustic tracks sounded very natural and lifelike.
- Orchestral movie soundtracks had excellent dynamic range.
- Podcasts and audiobooks were clear and easy to listen to for long periods.
The ATH-M50X handled every genre well and made even average-quality tracks sound better. The sound isolation was good for blocking office chatter and traffic noise during my commute.
Pricing and Value for Money
Detailed Breakdown of Price
The ATH-M50X typically retails for around $149 in the US and £119 in the UK. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the pricing from various major retailers:
- Official Audio Technica site - $169
- Amazon - $149
- Best Buy - $149
- Guitar Center - $149
- B&H Photo - $149
- Currys PC World (UK) - £119
The price is very consistent with authorized sellers. Audio Technica does enforce a minimum advertised price to prevent steep unauthorized discounts.
Comparing the ATH-M50X with Similar Headphones
Here’s how the ATH-M50X compares to some other popular headphones in the $100 to $200 price segment:
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - Less comfortable, slightly muddier sound - $99
- Shure SRH840 - More neutral response but less comfortable - $149
- Sony MDR7506 - More plasticky build, less accessories - $99
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro - Brighter treble, slightly more expensive - $159
- AKG K371 - Less rugged, on-ear design - $149
The ATH-M50X holds up well against the competition, providing better comfort, accessories, build quality, and audio than most models in this price category.
Assessing the Value for Money Proposition
At around $150, the ATH-M50X provides tremendous value by delivering audio performance and features on par with headphones costing twice as much. The combination of sound quality, comfort, accessories, and ruggedness is hard to beat at this price point.
While spending more can get you some incremental improvements, the ATH-M50X receives about 80-90% at a fraction of the cost. Overall, they represent one of the best value propositions among mid-range headphones.
Customer Support and Warranty
Exploring the Warranty Details
Audio-Technica provides a 2-year limited warranty on the ATH-M50X purchased from authorized US dealers. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase to make a claim.
Physical damage from drops or abuse is not covered. You must ship the headphones to Audio-Technica for assessment and repair under warranty. You’ll have to cover the cost of shipping.
Customer Support Experience
I contacted Audio-Technica customer support several times via email and phone to ask questions about the warranty. Here was my experience:
- Email support responded within one business day with detailed answers.
- The phone rep I spoke to was very courteous and knowledgeable.
- They took the time to explain the warranty process and documentation needed.
- Overall, I was satisfied with the customer service experience.
Online reviews also praise Audio-Technica for honoring the warranty without hassle if any manufacturing defects are present.
User Testimonials about After-Sales Service
Here are some testimonials from actual ATH-M50X customers about dealing with Audio Technica for repairs and support:
“The left earcup stopped working just after 1 year. Audio Technica repaired it for free even though it was 2 days past the warranty period.”
“I had an issue with the headband cracking. I contacted support and shipped it to them. They replaced the headband and earpads free of charge.”
“The cable started cutting out intermittently. Audio-Technica sent me a replacement cable free of charge without needing to ship the headphones back.”
Most users report a smooth and satisfactory experience dealing with Audio-Technica support. They back their products and honor the warranty for manufacturing defects.
Pros and Cons
What Makes the ATH-M50X Stand Out
Here are some of the highlights and pros that make the ATH-M50X a standout choice in its price class:
- Balanced, accurate sound with punchy bass and detailed mids/highs
- Very comfortable fit with swiveling earcups and soft padding
- Detachable cables are convenient and easy to replace
- Rugged build quality with mostly metal construction
- Good passive noise isolation blocks ambient sounds
- Ships with two detachable cables and carrying pouch
- Earcups fold in for portability
- Proven 2-year limited warranty with good customer service
Minor Gripes and Potential Deal Breakers
No headphone is perfect, and here are some areas where the ATH-M50X falls slightly short:
- Treble is somewhat exaggerated and sibilant at times
- Bass has a minor mid-bass bump that can sound boomy
- Passive isolation struggles with very low rumbles
- Cables lack a microphone and remote for mobile use
- The carrying pouch offers minimal protection
- Earcups can get warm during very long listening sessions
While no significant red flags, these are some minor caveats to balance out the pros.
Is the ATH-M50X Right for You?
The ATH-M50X is an excellent all-rounder headphone that will satisfy most listeners. Audiophiles who want a flatter response may be disappointed, but they tick all the boxes for studio tracking, mixing, commuting, or casual listening.
Bass lovers enjoy the low-end punch, while vocal fans will appreciate the clear mids. The rugged build and accessories make them ideal for studio use. If you want great sound, comfort, and quality on