Audio Technica ATH-M50x review

A great effort from Audio Technica: these are a good pair of portable over-ears Tested at £130

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A great effort from Audio Technica: these are a good pair of portable over-ears

Pros

  • +

    Decent detail

  • +

    Good separation

  • +

    Good sense of life

Cons

  • -

    Sounds a little thick

  • -

    Could do with greater clarity and dynamic punch

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Occasionally, you just want something that gets the job done. That’s the case with the Audio Technica ATH-M50x: no-fuss, portable over-ear headphones with very good sound.

Design

Consider if you want a pair of no-fuss, portable, over-ear headphones

Consider if you want a pair of no-fuss, portable, over-ear headphones

When we say no fuss, we mean it: beyond the most basic flourish (silver ring and a logo), there’s very little song and dance about them. We think of them more as a tool than a fashion accessory (no wonder – the M stands for ‘monitor’), which is fine by us.

There’s a lot of plastic, but it’s the good kind: it feels strong enough to withstand a lot of punishment. The cable has a twist-and-lock mechanism to prevent accidental ejection.

Earcups swivel 180 degrees, and can fold inwards too. The padding walks the line between functional and decadent. We like practical things. If only the cable had an inline remote/mic unit.

Performance

These cans veer towards a slightly warm sound

These cans veer towards a slightly warm sound

These headphones also offer an enjoyable listen. Vocals and instruments are afforded a good deal of texture, and are nicely separated on a well-organised soundstage. There’s vivacity thanks to good timing and a full-bodied delivery. It’s an immersive listen.

Tonally, the ATH-M50Xs aren’t quite balanced; they do lean a little towards the low end. It’s a warm, controlled rumble that’s just enough without overpowering. As for the rest: the midrange is well defined and well integrated with the treble, which is smooth enough to avoid harshness, even when cranked up.

It’s not quite perfect, however. We could do with more dynamic punch. And a bit more clarity would help that treble sparkle – as it feels a little muted.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a portable pair of over-ears and you like your sound a little warm, for the money, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x are well worth checking out.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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