Ath M40 vs M50: Which Audio-Technica Headphones Reign?
Are you stuck in a headphone dilemma, torn between two titans of the audio world? The quest for the perfect sound often leads us down a rabbit hole of specifications, reviews, and comparisons. Today, we’re diving deep into the clash of the Audio-Technica headphones, specifically the ever-popular ath m40 vs m50 showdown.
Both the ATH-M40x and the ATH-M50x have earned their stripes in the industry, becoming staples for both casual listeners and professional audio enthusiasts. They’re praised for their build quality, comfort, and, most importantly, their sound reproduction. Deciding which one is right for you can be tricky, however.
This detailed comparison will break down the key differences between the ath m40 and m50. We’ll explore their sound signatures, build quality, comfort levels, and overall value proposition. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which headphone best suits your needs and preferences, helping you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ath m40 | m50 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm |
| Frequency Response | 15 – 24,000 Hz | 15 – 28,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 35 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB | 99 dB |
| Weight | 240 g | 285 g |
| Cable Type | Coiled & Straight (Detachable) | Coiled & Straight (Detachable) |
| Earcup Design | Circumaural | Circumaural |
| Folding Design | Yes | Yes |
| Closed-back Design | Yes | Yes |
| Replaceable Earpads | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Isolation | Good | Excellent |
| Included Accessories | Carry Pouch, Adapters | Carry Pouch, Adapters |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sound Quality
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x offers a relatively flat frequency response, making it suitable for monitoring and mixing. It provides accurate sound reproduction with a focus on detail. Some users may find the sound a bit less exciting compared to the M50x.
- M50: The ATH-M50x is known for its more emphasized bass and slightly boosted highs, leading to a more energetic sound signature. This makes it enjoyable for general listening and genres with heavy bass. However, the boosted frequencies can sometimes lead to less accurate sound reproduction.
- Winner: M40
Comfort
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x has similar earcups and headband padding as the M50x. Comfort can vary depending on head size and ear shape. Some users find they can wear them for long periods without issue.
- M50: The ATH-M50x has similar earcups and headband padding as the M40x. Comfort can vary depending on head size and ear shape. Some users find they can wear them for long periods without issue.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x has a sturdy build with a plastic construction and metal accents. It feels durable and can withstand regular use. The swiveling earcups contribute to its flexibility.
- M50: The ATH-M50x has a sturdy build with a plastic construction and metal accents. It feels durable and can withstand regular use. The swiveling earcups contribute to its flexibility.
- Winner: Tie
Isolation
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x provides decent isolation, blocking out a moderate amount of external noise. This makes it suitable for quieter listening environments. It’s not as isolating as some noise-canceling headphones.
- M50: The ATH-M50x provides good isolation, blocking out a significant amount of external noise. This makes it suitable for louder environments. It’s a good choice for blocking out distractions.
- Winner: M50
Portability
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x has a foldable design, making it relatively portable. It can be collapsed and stored in a bag for easy transportation. It comes with a detachable cable.
- M50: The ATH-M50x has a foldable design, making it relatively portable. It can be collapsed and stored in a bag for easy transportation. It comes with a detachable cable.
- Winner: Tie
Cable
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x uses a detachable cable system, offering flexibility. It comes with multiple cable options.
- M50: The ATH-M50x uses a detachable cable system, offering flexibility. It comes with multiple cable options.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x is generally more affordable than the M50x, making it a budget-friendly option. This can be a significant factor for buyers.
- M50: The ATH-M50x is typically more expensive than the M40x, reflecting its more premium features and wider appeal.
- Winner: M40
Soundstage
- Ath M40: The ATH-M40x offers a relatively narrow soundstage, which can make it feel less spacious. This is common for closed-back headphones.
- M50: The ATH-M50x offers a relatively narrow soundstage, which can make it feel less spacious. This is common for closed-back headphones.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sound Accuracy | ath m40 |
| Sound Isolation | m50 |
| Bass Response | m50 |
| Overall Value | Tie |
| Portability | Tie |
| Comfort | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Closed-Back Design: Both the ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x feature a closed-back design, which helps to isolate sound and prevent audio leakage, making them suitable for recording and monitoring.
- Detachable Cables: Both models come with detachable cables, offering flexibility and convenience. Users can easily replace a damaged cable or switch to a different type.
- Circumaural Design: Both headphones have a circumaural, or over-ear, design, which provides a comfortable fit and helps to passively isolate external noise.
- Folding Design: The ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x both feature a folding design for easy storage and portability, making them convenient for travel.
- Replaceable Earpads: Both headphones are designed with replaceable earpads, extending their lifespan and allowing users to maintain comfort and hygiene.
Ath M40 Vs M50 Buying Guide
Comfort and Build Quality
Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x are known for their comfortable design, but there are subtle differences to consider. The M40x often receives praise for its lighter weight, potentially making it more comfortable for extended listening sessions. The M50x, while slightly heavier, typically features plusher earcups that some users prefer. Both models utilize a circumaural (over-ear) design, which helps to isolate sound effectively. Build quality is generally robust in both, with durable plastics and a folding design that enhances portability. The choice here often boils down to personal preference regarding weight and earcup feel.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality is where the M40x and M50x diverge most noticeably. The M40x is often described as having a flatter, more neutral sound signature, which makes it ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. It provides a more accurate representation of the audio source. The M50x, on the other hand, boasts a more pronounced bass response and a slightly enhanced high-frequency presence, resulting in a more exciting and engaging sound for casual listening and enjoying music genres that benefit from emphasis in the low end. Consider your listening preferences when making a choice.
Intended Use Cases
The intended use case should heavily influence your decision. The ATH-M40x is a strong contender for professional applications, such as studio monitoring, podcasting, and audio editing, where accuracy is paramount. Its neutral sound profile ensures you can hear the nuances of the audio without coloration. The ATH-M50x is well-suited for a broader range of uses, including casual listening, DJing, and general music enjoyment. Its energetic sound signature makes it perfect for listening on the go or while working out. Assess your primary needs when deciding.
Price and Value
Both headphones offer excellent value for their price range. The M40x is typically available at a slightly lower price point than the M50x. This can be an important factor for budget-conscious buyers. However, the difference in price is often marginal, and the value depends on your specific needs. The M50x may be worth the extra investment if you prioritize a more exciting sound signature and are happy to pay a little more. Consider your budget and long-term use when evaluating value.
Portability and Design
Both headphones feature a similar design with a focus on portability. They both have a foldable design that allows for easy storage and transportation. The M40x and M50x come with a carrying pouch to protect them when you’re on the move. The M50x typically features a detachable cable, which is a significant advantage as it allows for easy replacement if the cable becomes damaged. Both headphones have a closed-back design, which helps isolate sound. The aesthetics are somewhat similar, but the M50x may be seen as slightly more stylish.
Accessories and Features
Both the M40x and M50x typically include a selection of accessories to enhance the user experience. These generally include a carrying pouch and a screw-on adapter. The M50x often provides multiple detachable cables, including a coiled cable and a straight cable, giving you more flexibility. The M40x usually comes with a single, straight cable. Consider the accessories that are vital to you. The availability of replacement parts, such as earcups and cables, is also a factor to consider for long-term ownership. Both headphones offer a good selection of features for their price point.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ath m40 If…
- You prioritize a more balanced and accurate sound signature.
- You are on a tighter budget.
- You need headphones primarily for mixing, mastering, or critical listening.
- You prefer a slightly lighter headphone.
Buy m50 If…
- You prefer a more emphasized bass response.
- You want headphones with superior sound isolation.
- You’re looking for headphones for general music listening and enjoyment.
- You want a headphone suitable for a wider variety of music genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in sound signature?
The M40x has a flatter, more neutral sound signature, making it ideal for accurate monitoring and mixing. The M50x, on the other hand, has a more pronounced bass response and enhanced highs, resulting in a more exciting and engaging sound. The M50x tends to be more V-shaped, with a focus on the lows and highs. The M40x prioritizes accuracy over a colored sound profile.
Which headphone is better for studio use?
The ATH-M40x is generally preferred for studio use. Its neutral sound signature allows for accurate monitoring and mixing, enabling audio professionals to make critical decisions about their recordings. The M40x provides a more honest representation of the audio signal, making it easier to identify and correct any issues. While the M50x can be used, the coloration may make it less ideal.
Are the M40x and M50x comfortable for long listening sessions?
Both headphones are designed for comfort. The M40x is slightly lighter, which some users find more comfortable for extended use. The M50x often features plusher earcups. Both have over-ear designs that help distribute weight. Comfort is subjective; trying them on is recommended. Both are generally comfortable, making them suitable for long periods.
What types of music are best suited for each headphone?
The M40x is well-suited for genres where accuracy is important, such as classical, jazz, and acoustic music. The M50x is great for genres that benefit from enhanced bass and treble, like pop, hip-hop, electronic music, and rock. The M50x can also handle most genres well, but its sound signature is most impactful on those genres. The M40x is better for critical listening.
Does the M50x have detachable cables?
Yes, the ATH-M50x typically comes with detachable cables, often including a straight cable and a coiled cable, providing flexibility and convenience. This feature allows for easy replacement of the cable if it becomes damaged. The M40x usually has a non-detachable cable. The detachable cable is a significant advantage for the M50x, increasing its longevity.
Which headphone is better for DJing?
The ATH-M50x is often preferred by DJs. Its robust build, closed-back design for sound isolation, and energetic sound signature make it well-suited for this application. The M50x’s emphasized bass can help DJs accurately monitor the low-end frequencies in a loud environment. The detachable cable also adds to its practicality. The M40x is less common for DJing.
How do the M40x and M50x compare in terms of build quality?
Both headphones are built with durable materials. The M40x and M50x use high-quality plastics and feature a robust build. The M50x often feels slightly more premium, due to its increased weight and potentially thicker earcups. Both are built to withstand regular use. Both have a folding design. Both are designed to last a long time.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x depends on your priorities. The M40x excels in accuracy, making it ideal for professional applications where a neutral sound signature is essential. The M50x provides a more engaging and exciting listening experience with its emphasized bass and highs, making it great for casual listening and a wide range of music genres. Consider your use case when making your final decision.
Winner: ATH-M50x