Manage updates with the Download AppAudio-Technica ATH-M50
Manufacturer: Audio-Technica Part number: ATHM50
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are among the best available for less than $200, offering excellent sound and build quality.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic Electronix Inc. |  | | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/13/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50 price range: $129.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/04/2012
The good: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones offer excellent build quality and very detailed, balanced sound with tight bass. They're also very comfortable and are a relative bargain.
The bad: There's no integrated microphone for making cell phone calls; the bulkier design makes them less suitable for mobile use; and the headphone cord isn't detachable.
The bottom line: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are among the best available for less than $200, offering excellent sound and build quality.
User reviews
-
-
Great Headphones for the Money!
by CSpeightIQ180 on March 31, 2013
Pros: See Summary
Cons: See Summary
Summary: I've had these headphones for only a week, but I have already done a decent amount of burn-in for these. These are not my first quality headphones as I'...
Summary: I've had these headphones for only a week, but I have already done a decent amount of burn-in for these. These are not my first quality headphones as I've previously owned a Sennheiser HD 280 as well as Klipsch Image S4 earbuds. Short story short, I had my Sennhesier HD 280s for about 6 years already, and thought that it wouldn't hurt to look for a new pair of quality headphones as I'm a big music person. I pretty much listen to all music genres except for dub"wub"step, electronic variants, and country music.
Sound Quality:
Now on to the review of the headphones, these headphones are nothing short of amazing. I thought that my hd 280s were already good enough, however upon letting the m50s warm up for a good hour or so, the clarity and lows were noticeably better. The mids and the highs were just as good. For the other reviews that comment about its impressive bass, I would like to add that the bass is quite deep, yet refined at the same time. So if you want a more "boomy" bass for your ears, these are not the headphones for you. However, for a guy like me that doesn't want too much bass and listens to a lot of classical music, these headphones are great. I can hear the instruments as the sound is very clear and especially for those that are a fan of violin concertos accompanied by a full orchestra, these pair of headphones really shine. For underground hip hop music, you can hear the background instrumentals well, while being able to hear the artist just as well.
I would like to note, that if you download music off of youtube via youtube to mp3 software, you will notice the huge difference in music quality with these headphones. Thus, I suggest to really buy music CDs (have a decently big classical music collection) as you will really hear the full potential of the m50s that way. For those that concerned with how well it does with mp3 players and smartphones, I would happily like to say that these headphones work great (this was not so much the case for the Senn HD280s, so props to audio technica).
Now for a minor issue, for some music genres, mainly rock and pop music, you will notice that some instruments might sound kind of faint and notice some "recessed" mids. Although it is quite minor, it can be noticed if you pay close attention. However, after listening to the m50s for 30 hours or so, this became less of an issue. For those that are bothered by recessed mids and want possibly a flatter sound, the Shure 840s might be a better choice for some (looks-wise is a bit outdated though).
Comfort:
Now this is unfortunately somewhat of a mixed bag to me. On one hand, it fits well and covers my ears. However, after two or so hours of constant use, my head and ears will start feeling tired from the small pressure points experienced while wearing these headphones. Another thing to take note of as other reviewers have already mentioned, your ears start to get hot after 30 minutes of use. Thus, I would recommend people that decide to buy these pair of headphones to take them off for a minute or two every thirty minutes. Other than these two small, but noticeable issues, this doesn't really affect the great listening experience.
Build Quality:
The build quality to the m50s are top notch. I won't go too much detail in this area as others have already noted its build quality properties, but the one word I would go to describe the m50s build quality is: solid. Every feels refined, with the nice audio technica logo, the strong metal head-band, and most notably the spring that covers the cord near the end of the headphone connector.
Price:
There was a time where you could get the m50s as low as around $100. Unfortunately due to the growing popularity and huge praise that the m50s get from the general audiophile community, Audio Technica has since then decided to raise the price to around $150. Even at $150, there are not too many other alternatives I would consider. If I were a consumer considering the m50s, I would wait till they are around $135, which is the price I paid these for. Other alternatives that others may consider that are cheaper are the Shure 840s, grado sr80i, Koss dj series (get the ones just under $100). Other note-worthy brands are Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Ultrasone, Roland, Firscher, Phiaton, Denon, but their good headphone models are moreso in the $200 and up range.
Overall (90/100):
These headphones deserve the praise that it gets constantly among the audiophile community as these are truly great sounding headphones. The lows, mids, and highs are all great and the sound is quite flat with the only minor issue being slight recessed mids. For those that want quality headphones around $150 and want to listen to how music was supposed to sound like. The jump from the Sennheiser HD 280s to the m50s are a noticeable albeit not a big jump going from terrible stock apple earbuds to the Senn HD 280s. If you already have decent quality headphones like the HD280s, you may want to consider keeping those until they are around 5 or so years old (ear pads start to get really worn out). Thus, I would recommend knowing what exactly your allowable price range is. For the other note-worthy brands that I listed under the "Price" section of this review, be wary that you will be paying quite a bit more. If you're an average joe like me that wants to listen to music clearly with good lows, mids, and highs, and do not care too much for soundstage or replicating "concert" quality sound with all the other expensive sound equipment needed to do so, then the m50s are the headphones for you. Overall, I highly recommend these headphones to anyone who have only had $50 and under headphones. For those that already have quality $100 and up headphones like the Senn HD 2808s, it may not be totally worth it.
Note: I suggest you have to check for cheap price of these headphone at: www.headphonereviewsbuy.com/buy-audio-technica-ath-m50/
I hope this review is helpful.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Gives life to your music
by Josephting1996 on May 26, 2011
Pros: Sound quality is mind blowing
It is very comfortable
Good for listening to anythingCons: The ear cups swivel which might annoy
The pads kind of get sweaty after a long while
the coiled cable might be too longSummary: I bought the sony mdr-v6, mdr-7506, shure 440h, shure 750 dj's, beats pro and studio
but i tell you these are the headphones you really need to really hear ...Summary: I bought the sony mdr-v6, mdr-7506, shure 440h, shure 750 dj's, beats pro and studio
but i tell you these are the headphones you really need to really hear
what the artists is trying to make your hear. Seriously, these were mind blowing
I still could not beleive from a headphone priced so well, the sound quality matches headphones
in the price range of 300-4004 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best Headphones For Under 200 Dollars
by airliners on December 10, 2011
Pros: Sound quality, bass response, comfort, durability, construction, style
Cons: No detachable cable, cable is a bit too long
Summary: These headphones are incredible. Fantastic sound quality. The bass response is really, really nice. It's well defined, accurate and strong, but it's not overpowering. The mids and highs ...
Summary: These headphones are incredible. Fantastic sound quality. The bass response is really, really nice. It's well defined, accurate and strong, but it's not overpowering. The mids and highs are awesome too. Very crisp and I heard things in my music that I haven't heard with my other headphones. As well, these headphones look really nice and are really comfortable. The only things I do not like about these headphones is the very long straight cable. I always have to hold a bit of the cable when i'm listening to music on my iPod or my computer. Overall, amazing pair of headphones, for an amazing price! I would pay more than 200 dollars for these headphones. They are that good. Buy them.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Good for the price of GREAT!
by DunbarCustomSound on June 29, 2011
Pros: Great construction, long cable, nice weight/size; Excellent driver (45mm); clear, balanced, accurate (no hyped low or high end); Did I mention the price!?
Cons: Would like a coiled cable, removable/interchangeable ear pads but that's a whole 'nother price range ...
Summary: Excellent product. No buyers remorse. Better than other phones that cost hundreds more. the summary says it all: "GREAT for the price of Good"
Buy 'Em!Summary: Excellent product. No buyers remorse. Better than other phones that cost hundreds more. the summary says it all: "GREAT for the price of Good"
Buy 'Em!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Simply Astounding At This Price
Pros: Sounds great on any device you throw at them, comfortable, everything is perfect. The bass is not overdone, but is perfect. The balance is unbeatable. The best cans out there in this price range.
Cons: Sound great alone, but as with all large cans, they need to be amped for their absolute best sound on non-pro devices.
Summary: They're great. Even unamped, they bring a whole new dimension to music on any device.
Summary: They're great. Even unamped, they bring a whole new dimension to music on any device.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Impressive Sound Quality!!!!
by LL75 on April 1, 2011
Pros: Superb sound quality the best on the market,Price very affordable!
Cons: None these cans are awesome!!
Summary: If you are looking for great cans these are one of the best on the market right now, trust all us the main reason we are doing these review is '...
Summary: If you are looking for great cans these are one of the best on the market right now, trust all us the main reason we are doing these review is 'cause these cans are great sound quality and very affordable so don't hesitate and buy the headphones you will not regret it Enjoy it !!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Very good monitor cans at a very good price
by dotchoo on September 15, 2010
Pros: -Amazing highs (a lot of detail), good mid-range, accurate bass
-well balanced, nothing stands out, they don't sound tinny nor boomy. you hear EVERYTHING well.
-very good isolation
-good build quality, cups are very easy to remove, 1/4" screw-onCons: -you do get sweaty when it's really hot
-at first, the cups were pressing on the sides of my head a bit too much, but now they're fine after a bit of stretching over a box
-i've read on a few forums that the cups get worn out every few years.Summary: I've had them for a few months now.
These are monitor headphones- they were meant to be as balanced as possible, they don't have prominent lows like Sennheisers ...Summary: I've had them for a few months now.
I meant pads are easy to remove sorry lol
These are monitor headphones- they were meant to be as balanced as possible, they don't have prominent lows like Sennheisers - if accuracy and detail is what you're looking for, you've found it. If you're a bass-head, move on.
For those that kept reading: This doesnt mean that the bass isn't there or there isnt enough of it, or that it's not well-defined - in fact, you can make them boomy with an equalizer (and the bass can take it, and it will rattle the hell out of your skull and you will feel every individual vibration as an individual vibration, no distortions, because they're that awesome). You could do that, or you could experience music the way it was meant to.
I tested the lower frequencies using Burninwave Generator, and there were very few dips in volume, but only on a few frequencies and nothing too obvious.
There are absolutely no distortions anywhere. After the burn-in period I did turn the volume higher than my ears could stand and listened (from a distance :D ), but nothing- crystal clear.
About the isolation, you cannot hear someone talking next to you unless the music volume is ridiculously low. This kind of isolation brings a feeling of closed-in as well, so if you don't want that, get open-back. These are as closed-in as you get. I happen to like that, it feels like I can concentrate on the music only and hear every detail.
Just a few things I noticed, but I may be biased here:
-i noticed that these sound particularly good with electronic music.
-i also downloaded some samples of instruments to hear each one, and after the initial shock of "omg they are AMAZING" i noticed i liked piano and saxophone best. they really shine. but each instrument sounded like there was a live band in my room, just waiting for me to click "play" :D
Oh and about the soundstage (which i dont have a lot of experience with and don't care much about): to me it seems like it's well-defined, i played a few games with them on, i listened to a few live recordings and different instruments do seem to come from different directions, but i don't really notice that much. You can definitely tell where the sound is coming from in video games, that's all i can say.
I read the other review which said they sound like junk at first, well, they don't sound as good as now (i thought they were a little tinny at first, i'm a bit sensitive about that) but i wouldnt exactly call it "junk". the bass seemed alright, the highs were maybe not as detailed as now.
Updated on Sep 15, 20101 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great Headphones
by shumpitostick on April 8, 2013
Pros: Great, soft but powerful sound
Comfortable, don't heat your ears up a lot
Nice designCons: Cable too long
Not very portable -
These headphones are amazing for the price.
by Jshann8371 on February 1, 2013
Pros: Sound
Comfortable
Price
Quality
Drowned Out background noise.Cons: Leather gets hot in summer. Makes ears feel sweaty. This doesn't happen that often.
If people are right next to you they can hear what you are listening to (approx. foot away).Summary: Don't have anything bad to say about them. I have had them for over a year now and still love them as much as when i got them.
When ...Summary: Don't have anything bad to say about them. I have had them for over a year now and still love them as much as when i got them.
When listening to music it feels like i'm hearing bands live well not live but as if i was there when they were recording.
Hear sounds i never heard before in songs.
Also great for gaming. Gives an advantage of hearing footsteps in another room no one will sneak up on you ever again.
I recommend this product. -
Best Headphones For The Right Price!
by tyman711 on January 17, 2013
Pros: Superior Sound Quality!
Cheaper And Way Better Sounding than Beats.Cons: No Volume controls or Mic
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Audio-Technica
- Part number: ATHM50
- Description: With the ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones, audio-technica has achieved an exceptionally accurate response and long-wearing listening comfort. Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing, these studiophones feature an efficient collapsible design for space-saving portability and storage. Circumaural ear pieces swivel 180° for easy one-ear monitoring and luxuriously padded ear cushions create an outstanding seal for maximum isolation. The adjustable headband is generously padded for ultimate comfort during long mixing sessions. A coiled cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated mini plug with included screw-on 1/4" adapter.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Headphones
- Weight 10 oz
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Full size
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Frequency Response 15 - 28000 Hz
- Sensitivity 99 dB
- Impedance 38 Ohm
- Diaphragm 1.8 in
- Magnet Material Neodymium
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Headphones cable - Integrated - 10 ft
- Included Accessories 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter
Power
- Power Device None
- Battery None
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Audio-Technica products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Audio-Technica
- Address:
1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224 - Phone: 1-330-686-2600
- Email: sales@atus.com
- Fax: 1-330-688-3752
