Audio Technica ATH-M50 Headphones

These headphones are so amazing the bass ow the sweet bass its low and deep and punchy and detailed. Mids are like Liquid Gold and Highs are just beyond fantastic. This gives you more than what you pay for. The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is nothing compared to these these blow out the competition easily. They are very beautiful and stylish to cause I hate ugly headphones. Most professional headphones are ugly but not these. Have to hand it to Audio Technica they get the best bang for the buck headphone in the world. For its price of $129 I paid I certainly got more than what was expected. Only Con about these is they sound flat they do not have soundstage like audiophile headphones. But then again these are studio monitors they were meant for professional work. But regardless they are fantastic and reproduces everything. All I can really say is they shine with my Shakira collection I heard things in her music I never taught was there. Her Spanish collection sounds even more m... Read more

I must admit that I am am one of those audiophiles who has been passionately reviewing headphones, cables, amps etc. to get me as close as possible to the music event recorded on the CD. I have three other headphones with exotic headphone cables - the cables alone cost more than the MSRP of ATH-M50 (just wanted to give a point of reference regarding their good value). I definitely prefer Open vs closed headphone for the illusion that they are able to create. But there are times when I want to isloate the external sounds or do not want to disturb others - that is where this closed headphone shines. So what is so special about these phones and how do they compare with the more expensive audiophile phones. - ATH-M50s are extremely balanced: the top, mids and the bottom is produced in an extremely balanced way. - They are easy to listen to for a long period of time. - They are comfortable. - They are accurate and - they are easy on the pocket. Compared to other audiophi... Read more

My low-end studio equipment doesn't qualify me to give much of an opinion on such matters, but the ATH-M50s are easily the best closed cans I've ever used. My trusty Senn 280s have served me well for several years, and I prefer them to the Sony 7506s and ATH-M40s that I've also auditioned in my studio. After reading a series of rave reviews (in Tape Op, Recording, etc.), I ordered the M50s just for comparison's sake. I was fairly sure I'd send them back after a listen. I never did. Simply put, the M50s are the first closed cans that I feel I can trust for rough mixing, and surprisingly, the first closed cans that make me want to listen just for enjoyment. They clearly live up the street from my old Senns, which I now use solely for tracking. PROs * detailed yet coherent sound that mirrors higher-end monitor speakers * particularly impressive bass response (deep, tight) and soundstage (great imaging) * very comfy fit, with special fake leather that's breathable and durable... Read more

I don't have much to add to the rave review for these headphone--very comfortable, solid build, great sound--but I did want to add one thing. Because of the low impedance of these headphones, they can crank out some wicked volume. I hooked these up to my iPod and they are the loudest of anything that I've hooked up to it, including a number of higher-end buds. I can't imagine anyone being disapointed by these headphone, and I suspect that most will be thrilled.

I heard these at SamAsh, slightly better than the Sony MDR 7506 which I own. I went for the Sony's as they were almost as good and less expensive. If money was no object I'd have these too. Very nice and flat, light weight, and comfortable.