How do you improve upon something thats already regarded by many as the best in its class?
Thats the problem Audio Technica had with its legendary ATH-M50X studio headphones.
Like I said, how do you improve on that?
Design
Audio Technica is not one to prioritize style over substance.
Theres something deliberately understated and subdued about its headphones.
Overall, the design is profoundly utilitarian in nature.
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The buttons that on the side of the cans are distinctly sturdy and pressable.
When you hit the volume-control buttons, they register immediately as they should.
The headband is comfortable, and has enough flex to fit most head shapes.
Theyre also wide enough to encompass most ear shapes.
Hiding in the ATH-M50X is a battery that should last 40 hours.
I last charged these cans six days ago, and theyre still going strong.
And thats with me using them non-stop during an ultra-long haul flight from England to Hong Kong.
Performance
Here, my friends, is where things get interesting.
And forgive me if I gush a little bit, because Im rather in love with these cans.
The ATH-M50XBT are wonderful, well balanced headphones that live up to their reputation, and then some.
They reproduce music with a level of faithfulness that youd expect from a pair of high-quality studio monitors.
Although theyre solid all-rounders, the ATH-M50X really outperform themselves when playing classical symphonies or elaborate jazz compositions.
All things considered, these are utterly mind-blowing.
The downside to this, however, is that music thats poorly mixed or compressed sounds truly awful.
Who is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X for?
Do you like music?
Then these are for you.
Theyre just lovely, lovely headphones.
Honestly, these are the best headphones Ive reviewed this year.
I cant say enough nice things about them.
But today, Im breaking with tradition.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50X isavailable on Amazon UK for 180.
On Amazon US, theyretail for $199.
