What is the best alternative to AKG K550?

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score 44 · Answer 1

Sennheiser HD 598 SR

Top Pro

Can be worn for hours without discomfort

The large ear pads feature a velour surface and a soft foam material underneath. The comfort of the headband is also notable. It features a synthetic leather material with a thick foam inside. In combination, these cushioned parts feel like pillows on the head. See More

Top Con

Lackluster bass

Sennheiser headphones are known for relatively mild lower ends. If you prefer huge bass sounds, you might be better off looking at other options. See More

Top Pro

Offers great value for money

These headphones are in a price range that is quite affordable, yet offers sound and build quality that is beyond the standards in its price bracket. See More

Top Con

Leaks a lot of sound

The open design does not keep the audio within the ear cups. People in the room with you will be able to hear sound coming from these headphones. See More

Top Pro

Well-balanced sound

The bass takes a bit of a back seat compared to the other frequencies, yet is still enough to give fullness and punch to the sound. The mids are the star of these headphones' sound signature. They are clear and a little bit forward, which give a lot of extra detail and presence to guitars and vocals. The highs are pretty crisp and clean, and complement the other frequencies really well. See More

Top Pro

Great soundstage

Even for open back headphones, the soundstage that the HD 598 produces is amazing. It is quite wide yet natural at the same time, which makes it feel like you're listening to the artist perform in front of you live. This wide sound stage and great imaging also make these ideal for games and movies, as these can enhance audio immersion. See More

Top Pro

Cable is detachable

This makes the headphones quite easy to store, and the cable easy to replace. Also, the attachment mechanism is a twist to lock system which minimizes the chances of the cable getting disconnected while in use. See More

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44 1

score 42 · Answer 2

Sennheiser HD 650

Top Pro

Tight and punchy bass, clear with natural mids and highs

The sound signature is near neutral but with a little emphasis on the lower frequencies. The bass is slightly forward with good punch and tightness. Explosions will have good rumble, without overpowering the other frequencies. The mids are warm and clear, adding extra body to the sound. Game dialogue will be easy to hear. Highs have good clarity, but are not forward in any way, so harshness is minimized. See More

Top Con

Sound leak can be a distraction for others

The open design means that a lot of sound can leak out the ear cups. Other people in your immediate vicinity will be able to hear your music, movie or game, which can be annoying for them. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight and comfortable with a near neutral sound signature

The H650 is popular for its near neutral sound, which makes it quite versatile. The headphones can give a great casual listening, gaming, and movie watching experience yet are accurate enough for pro audio mixing. They are also lightweight and comfortable so you won't have any issues wearing them for hours. See More

Top Con

Requires a headphone amp for optimal sound

Plugging these directly to your computer or phone will most likely result in audio that is lacking in volume or may sound too thin. To get the best listening experience, you will need to run these with a capable headphone amp. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable even when used for hours straight

Clamping force is not too tight. The ear pads and headband feature memory foam which are covered by velour material. The pads feel really soft on the head and allow airflow for minimized heat build-up/sweat. The headband also features similar cushioning materials and minimizes pressure spots on the head. See More

Top Pro

Decent soundstage

The open ear cup design allows the sound to blend with your surroundings, giving it a natural width. It will also be easier to identify the direction of sounds, which can really help immersion. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight for full-sized headphones

The HD-650s do not feel heavy at all. They are usable for long music listening, movie or gaming sessions without feeling pain or strain on their head and neck. See More

Top Pro

Headphone cable can easily be replaced

While the cable connectors are proprietary, they can easily be removed from the ear cups with a firm pull. The popularity of these headphones means that there are a lot of aftermarket cables that can be bought. See More

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42 1

score 80 · Answer 3

Sony MDR 7506

Top Pro

Clean and balanced sound with smooth bass and detailed highs

The bass is just right. It may not have the deep sub-bass extension that bass heads crave for, but what is there is fast, tight and punchy. The mids are clear with a hint of warmth, which make vocals and guitars sound very clear and you can easily hear their sonic nuances . The reproduction of highs is the part that these headphones really shine. They are crystal clear and highly detailed without adding hiss or harshness to the overall sound. Cymbal crashes and pings, for example, are very close to what you would hear if they were played right in front of you. See More

Top Con

ear pad material will flake off after a short while.

You can use Brainwavz replacement earpads as an alternative. See More

Top Pro

Very affordable price for the sound and quality build that you get

Despite being sub $100, the MDR 7506 can compete against headphones up to twice the price. These make for great headphones if you are just starting to get serious about your audio and you want a relatively inexpensive yet quality purchase. See More

Top Con

Cable is quite long and non-removable

The headphone cable is coiled and is about 10 feet long. This is great for studios, however walking around in public with these headphones on can be awkward. The cable cannot be removed and has no remote or mic. See More

Top Pro

Reliable headphones due to solid build quality

The MDR 7506 is built outstandingly well, with high quality materials and with little to no creaks and unnecessary flex. These headphones have been around since 1991, which has given Sony a lot of time to refine the manufacturing process of these cans. See More

Top Con

Can be very picky with audio sources

Due to how accurate sounding these are, you will be able to hear minute details from the sound, including hiss, distortion, and the like. To get the most out of these headphones for music enjoyment, you will want to have a great audio source. See More

Top Pro

Easy to bring on the go due to the collapsible design

The yokes are collapsible and fold into the headband, reducing the headphones to a much more compact size. Included with each purchase is a synthetic leather pouch for added protection for the headphones when taking them on the go. See More

Top Pro

Minimal sound leakage due to the closed back design

These leak very little sound compared to other over-ear headphones. The rear side of the ear cups is fully closed, which effectively minimizes sound leakage. With these, you can fully enjoy your music without disturbing people beside you. See More

Top Pro

Has two separate ports for listening

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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80 3

score 22 · Answer 4

Audio Technica ATH M50X

Top Pro

Good passive isolation

The ear cups and pads are able to keep the sound in and block outside noise. These are suitable for a noisy office as even low volume music is enough to drown out those noisy office mates. See More

Top Con

Ear cups may be too small

The ear cups on the M50x are smaller than those on something like the 380HD or the DT 770 Pro. Your ears could end up touching the the inside of the headphones which can be uncomfortable for some. See More

Top Pro

Detachable cables

Audio-Technica finally updated the M50's built in cable to a detachable cable. The M50x even comes with three cables, a 1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, and a 1.2 m straight cable. None of the cables have in-line controls though. See More

Top Pro

Generally neutral sounding but with an added kick to the low end

The ATH-M50x are great sounding headphones with a sound that may fall in the neutral category, but with very slight boosts to the bass and highs; a slightly V-shaped sound. The bass is full and has a lot of power. The sub bass has a hint of elevation though, which can make the bass sound a bit loose on hip-hop or EDM tracks. The mids are fairly neutral with no elevation. The highs are also slightly elevated, which does not add harshness but instead gives the sound a shimmery and detailed feel. This sound signature of the M50x makes it versatile. It is neutral enough for monitoring use, yet also has just the right qualities to make it a great choice for enjoying music. See More

Top Pro

Contoured ear-cups and comfortable headband

22 0

score 11 · Answer 5

Shure SRH440

Top Con

Build quality is rather poor

The overall build is quite plasticky, with a lot of rattles. While it is not fragile by any means, the build quality certainly does not inspire confidence. See More

Top Pro

Reference quality sound which can be fun to listen to

Sound signature is fairly neutral, with slight elevations to the bass, mids and highs. Bass has a nice fullness to it, with some extra depth which gives the sound a lot of body. The mids are neutral but slightly forward, making the vocals sound really clear. Aggressive guitars can sound a bit harsh because of this though. Treble has good extension, and the added peak on the highest frequencies add more sparkle to the sound. Overall, these headphones can be used both for critical listening and for casual music enjoyment as well. See More

Top Con

Ear pads are not the most comfortable

Pleather is used on the surface of the ear pads which traps heat and can make the area around the ears warm up fast. Also, while the ear pads are large and soft, they are also quite thin. People with larger ears may experience their ears rubbing against the driver housing, which can get quite uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Superb sound isolation

The closed back, over the ear design blocks out a significant amount of noise, allowing users to easily focus on the audio. Sound leak is also kept to a minimum. These are great for tracking and monitoring, and are also great choices for use in quiet environments like a library. See More

Top Con

Thin headband padding

There is minimal cushioning on the headband, so the plastic may dig into your head when using the headphones for long periods. See More

Top Pro

Headphone cable is detachable

You can easily remove the cable when these are not in use, making them easy to store. This also makes the cable easy to replace when needed. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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11 0

score 36 · Answer 6

Bose QuietComfort 25

Top Con

Audio has not enough power on some phones

Takes a lot of power for volume. Not all phones have enough audio output to reach high volume. See More

Top Pro

Good portability

The traveling case is small and provides room for spare batteries and other components. This makes it pretty portable, for those that can't or don't want to leave their headphones at work. See More

Top Con

High frequency noise may still mix with audio

While low frequency sounds are effectively blocked, high frequency ones can still be heard. Female voices and high pitched noises may still get in the way of your music. See More

Top Pro

Battery is easily replaceable

These headphones use a triple-A battery to power noise canceling. Should it run out of charge, it can easily be replaced. See More

Top Con

No noise canceling auto shut-off

The feature continues to drain battery even if the headphones are not used. Turn this off before storing. See More

Top Pro

Active noise canceling is very good

With the feature switched on, you can really zone in on the music. Noise canceling is very effective at blocking out ambient noise, especially the lower frequencies. On a flight for example, engine noise is drastically reduced, as well as most of the sound from the conversations in your vicinity. See More

Top Con

Noise canceling is uncomfortable for some users

A number of users complain about the headphones' noise canceling having a feeling of pressure in the ears, which they find to be quite uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Plenty of comfort features

The QC25 feels comfortable even after wearing it for several hours. The pads go over the ear and feel soft, as the ample cushioning is covered with supple and high quality synthetic leather. Aside from the usual headband padding, it also has an inner Alcantara lining that feels really nice on the skin. See More

Top Pro

Noise canceling levels can be adjusted

You have a number of options as to how you want to use these headphones' active noise canceling feature. You can either have the feature on or off while you are listening to music, or have noise canceling on without audio. This is a nifty feature if you just want to enjoy some peace and quiet when in a noisy place. See More

Top Pro

Light and easy to wear

These headphones will not tire your head or neck out, even if you wear them for quite some time. These are pretty light at around 196 grams. See More

Top Pro

Fun sound with boosted highs

Sub-bass is a bit laid back, but the overall low-end production is punchy and with good extension. Mids are clear and forward so vocals, guitars and keys sound good with these. The upper treble is boosted, which results in good detail, but can also give harshness to the sound. Overall, this is a really fun set of cans to listen to, especially if you just want to have a fun music listening experience. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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36 1

score 21 · Answer 7

Sennheiser HD380 Pro

Top Pro

Very small amount of leakage

The tight clamp on the 380HD helps create a seal that prevents quite a bit of sound leakage. See More

Top Con

Very strong clamping force

The 380HDs have a very strong clamp. This helps the headphones achieve better sound isolation and minimal sound leak, although some will find the clamp very uncomfortable. Fortunately there are also many who will never notice this at all and find the 380HDs very comfortable. See More

Top Pro

Great sound quality with deep bass and lively highs

These headphones, as far as reference or pro-quality headphones go, are fun sounding. There is a slight boost to the lower frequencies which adds fullness and depth to the bass. The mids are also full-sounding, but there is a peak at the upper mid frequencies which can make guitars in heavy music sound harsh. The highs have good detail to them, but the peak in the top frequencies can also make the sound a bit grainy. See More

Top Pro

Big ear cups that sit well over your ears

The 380s sit well over your ears and do not typically touch them when positioned correctly. This helps make them comfortable as the clamping force is distributed over a wide area, not directly on your ears. See More

Top Pro

Removable cable

The HD380 Pro is quite portable thanks to the detachable cable. Also, the included cable has a specially designed locking mechanism which prevents it from being detached accidentally. See More

Top Pro

Does not require a powerful amp for optimal sound

The HD380 Pro can produce great sound even paired with low power amps. Some headphones require expensive amps to sound properly, but for these, even entry-level portable amps are sufficient. See More

Top Pro

Clamshell case included

These headphones can easily be brought along while traveling and spending time outdoors thanks to the included carrying case. The solid, clam shell design gives the headphones extra protection from impact and scratches. See More

Top Pro

Blocks a lot of outside sounds

The large ear cups and the strong clamp allow for impressive passive noise cancellation. See More

Top Pro

Good soundstage

These headphones have fairly wide soundstage, despite being closed back. See More

Top Pro

Can fold to a more compact size

The ear cups of the HD380 Pro can be folded up into the headband. This reduces these headphones' size and footprint, making these much easier to fit inside a bag. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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21 1

score 5 · Answer 8

Logitech UE6000

Top Pro

Detachable cable with iPhone controls

The UE6000's cable features an in-line remote which allows for volume and track control with i-Devices. Although the cable's controls are not fully compatible with Android, the cable still allows you to pause and skip songs. See More

Top Con

Active noise cancellation hiss

The active noise cancellation on the UE6000 is a nice addition but its effectiveness should be improved. There is also a prominent "hiss" from the active noise cancellation system that is louder than other headphones with active noise cancellation. See More

Top Pro

Produces powerful and thumping bass

The UE6000 produces bass that is really powerful, has a lot of body and has deep extension as well. This quality makes these headphones a great option for bass heads. See More

Top Con

Sound leakage

A common complaint of the UE6000 is sound leakage. But as long as you don't mind other people knowing what you're listening to then it shouldn't be a problem. See More

Top Pro

You can enjoy the details of the audio you are listening to because of these headphones' clarity

These headphones are pretty good in terms of clarity. The high frequencies are balanced really well in such a way that they bring out a lot of details from the music without sounding harsh or abrasive. See More

Top Pro

Sound quality

The sound tuning on the UE6000 is tuned for those who like powerful bass. As a result, genres closer to pop rather than classical music will sound better. See More

Top Pro

Looks and feels like a premium product thanks to its fantastic build quality

These headphones look sleek and elegant, and also have a hefty and premium feel. Despite the headphones being primarily made out of plastic, what is used is of high quality and does not feel flimsy at all. See More

Top Pro

You can share audio with other wired earphones or headphones using the included audio splitter

It is possible for UE6000 users to listen to music and share it with other earphones or headphones. The UE6000 comes with an audio splitter which you connect to the 3.5mm headphone jack of the source device. This then splits the signal to two 3.5mm ports which you can connect the UE6000 and another pair of earphones or headphones to. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable design

Specs

Weight:275 g

Type:Closed-back dynamic

Cable:Detachable

Frequency Response:20 - ? Hz

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5 0

score 13 · Answer 9

V-MODA Crossfade M-100

Top Pro

Warm, full, and smooth sound

The M-100's sound signature can work really well with a wide range of music. Bass reproduction has good power and punch. The mids are also full and slightly forward over the other frequencies. This results in extra emphasis on the vocals and on mid-range sounds like guitars and keyboards. The highs are not peaky, which reduces their harshness, sounding smooth instead. See More

Top Con

Will leak some sound due to semi-open design

The ear cups are not completely closed as there are small ports on the side. People near you may be able to hear you with enough volume. This also means that ambient noise can mix in with the music. See More

Top Pro

Comes with two cables out of the box

These headphones come with a SpeakEasy Mic cable and a Share Play cable. This gives you an option as to which cable you want to use at a given time. This also means that you will have a spare cable should you damage the other. See More

Top Con

Mids can be too forward for some

The mids may come off as a little bit artificial due to the extra emphasis on these frequencies. Vocals and guitars may be too in-your-face for others. See More

Top Pro

Good mix of metal and plastic make these feel solid

These have a solid, high quality feel to them, and you can tell that they will last you a long time. The ear cups are made of high quality plastic, while the headphones' yokes and headband are made of metal. The headband has a generous give yet does not feel flimsy at all. You can even twist it quite a bit yet it still won't feel like it will break. See More

Top Pro

Collapsible design allows for easy portability

The yokes can be collapsed and folded up into the headband. This reduces the overall size of the headphones, making them much easier to carry around. See More

Top Pro

Cable is easily removable

You can detach the cable by simply pulling out the 3.5mm connector from the port on the headphones. The connector attaches with a satisfying click so it is less likely to get disconnected when in use. See More

Top Pro

You can take calls with these on

The SpeakEasy cable has an in-line microphone with great noise cancelling. The cable also comes with an in-line 1 button remote which allows users to answer or end calls, as well as pause and play music tracks. See More

Top Pro

SharePlay Cable allows music sharing with other headphones

The SharePlay Cable features a 3.5mm pass-through port where a person can connect their own headphones. This means that you and another person can enjoy music from the same source. See More

Top Pro

Carrying case allows for easy and secure transport

Included is a clam-shell style case made of durable plastic so it should protect your headphones from scratches and minor impacts. Do note that you will have to detach the cable to make it fit inside the case. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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13 1

score 2 · Answer 10

AKG K553 Pro

Top Pro

Quite comfortable to wear

The K553 Pro's earpads feature pleather materials which feel supple on the skin. Inside, the quality foam should provide ample cushioning. The headband also features a pleather surface and has some padding, which should help ease the pressure off of your head. See More

Top Con

Earpads may be too small for some

While the ear pads are able to provide ample cushioning, they are quite thin. Large ears may come into contact with the driver housing. This can lead to some discomfort and annoyance, especially when wearing the headphones for long periods of time. See More

Top Pro

Produces clean and accurate yet versatile sound

The sound is clear and accurate, and it should be very easy for the listener to pick out the details in the music. The bass level is just right without sounding boomy or muddy. The mids sound natural and neutral so these frequencies do not jump out of the mix. The highs are slightly extended, but do not make the sound harsh in any way. See More

Top Con

Long, non-detachable headphone cable

You may encounter some hassle when using these headphones due to the cable. While the length is quite good at around 3 meters, the cable can get in the way and can be quite difficult to organize. The cable is also non-detachable, so replacing it can be difficult. See More

Top Pro

Solid build quality and premium feel

These headphones have very good build quality. Solid plastic and durable-feeling plastic is used for most of the headphones' parts. The matte finish adds a softer and more premium feel to the plastic surfaces. The headband is made of metal so it can handle some flex without breaking. See More

Top Pro

Great noise isolation qualities

The closed design helps to greatly minimize sound leakage from these headphones. People near you will not hear what you are listening to when using these headphones. Also, the pleather pads allow for a great seal which further helps to minimize sound isolation and block outside noise from interfering with your listening experience. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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2 0

score 87 · Answer 11

beyerdynamic DT770 PRO

Top Pro

Impressive isolation and minimal sound leakage

These Beyerdynamics offer impressive sound isolation, keeping exterior noise out and your music in. See More

Top Con

May require extra power/amplification for optimal sound

Depending on which model is purchased (16/80/250-ohm), your system may have trouble powering them to get a full sound and comfortable volume. 16/80-ohm should work fine in most systems. If not, you may need an external amplifier. See More

Top Pro

Sits well over your ears

The DT770s are very comfortable to wear with deep and spacious ear pads. The velour material used on these are smooth and breathable, and the thick foam provides ample cushioning. These headphones can be worn for long periods of time with ease. See More

Top Pro

Good soundstage for closed back headphones

The DT770 Pro, when amped properly, creates an open feeling sound stage that is very impressive for a headphone with a closed design. See More

Top Pro

Great sound quality with deep and powerful bass

The bass is not overpowering. Instead, it is clean and controlled. The overall sound signature is focused on the bass but the mids and highs are in no way lacking either. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

87 14

score 13 · Answer 12

Sony MDR-1R

Top Pro

Gets extra protection when taken on the go from the included carrying pouch

The included carrying pouch of these headphones adds extra protection against dust, scratches, and minor impact. Also, the pouch looks well made and stylish, making it a great inclusion to the headphone package. See More

Top Con

May not have the oomph that you want from a headphone

These headphones do not have the best bass output. While the bass is present, it may not have the punch or fullness that bass heads may want. This also means that the MDR-1R may not be the best option for hip-hop, EDM, or more bass-centric music. See More

Top Pro

Is quite portable as the headphone can be folded flat

The ear cups of the MDR-1R can be folded flat. This gives the headphones a slimmer profile which makes them easily fit in bags for utmost portability. See More

Top Pro

Detachable cable enhances headphone portability

The cable can be easily detached from the headphone. This makes the wire much easier to organize and makes the headphone much more convenient to take on the go. See More

Top Pro

Sound quality

The MDR-1R is designed to be a studio headphone and its sound signature follows that design. These headphones are very balanced with little emphasis on either bass, mids, or highs. As a result this headphone will work well for a wide range of music. But if you're looking for an emphasis on bass you may need to look elsewhere. See More

Top Pro

Impressive soundstage

For a headphone with a closed-back design, the MDR-1R has been noted to have impressive soundstage. See More

Top Pro

Can be worn all day long because of the comfortable design

The MDR-1 is really comfortable to wear and can be worn for many hours straight. The ear pads and headband feature synthetic leather surfaces, but this material actually feels very supple and soft on the skin. This is complimented by the ample padding which makes these materials seem like pillows on the user's head. See More

Top Pro

Neutral bass

The bass of the MDR-1R is not overly powerful with a neutral bass response. See More

Specs

Weight:240g

Type:Closed Back Dynamic

Cable:Non Detachable. 1.2m Straight Cable

Impedance:48 ohms

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13 3

score 1 · Answer 13

JVC HA-RX900

Top Pro

Produces good sound with a nice bass thump

These headphones produce great bass which, while not very powerful, still has some thump and goes deep. This bass quality of these headphones makes them great for listening to hip-hop, EDM, trance, and genres which put a lot of emphasis on the bass. The mids and highs may not be the best, but they do bring some life to the overall sound. See More

Top Con

Mids and highs may sound muddy

These headphones may not give you the best detail and clarity in the mids and highs. While they are definitely present, the quality is not great which can make the overall sound come off as a bit muddy for some. See More

Top Pro

Works well for gaming because these have great sound stage for a closed back pair of heapdhones

These headphones may have a closed back design, but the sound stage is very good. There is a sense of width to the sound, with nice instrument/sound source separation. This quality of sound makes these headphones a nice option for gaming use. See More

Top Con

Extended use can cause uncomfortable warmth on the ear-area

These headphones can trap heat on the area of the ears, especially when you wear these for long periods. The pleather material may be soft on the skin, but it also does not allow enough airflow to the ears. You may want to consider taking these headphones off periodically to prevent the heat buildup. See More

Top Pro

Has great sound isolation thanks to large and closed ear cups

The HA-RX900 is able to keep the sound it produces within the cups, while at the same time effectively blocking ambient noise. This is primarily achieved through the headphone's large and closed ear cup design which cover the ears entirely. Also, the use of pleather material on the ear pads creates a good seal which prevents sound leakage. See More

Top Con

Difficult to use at times because of the very long and non-detachable cable

You may experience some hassle dealing with the cable used for these headphones. They are quite long which can be a good thing, but this also means that the cable can get in the way if you tend to move while using these headphones. Also, the length of the cable can make it quite difficult to organize. It also does not help that the cable is non-detachable from the headphones. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to wear due to ample cushioning on the ear pads and head band

There is a lot of padding present on the ear pads and headband. This means that the contact points of these headphones to your head is well-cushioned and should minimize pain, even if these are worn for extended periods of time. See More

Top Con

May become tiring to wear as these headphones are quite bulky and heavy

If you decide to wear these headphones for long periods of time, then it is possible that these can tire your neck. The HA-RX900 are quite large and heavy even when compared to other full sized headphones. See More

Top Pro

Large ear cups comfortable for big ears

The ear cups easily accommodate big ears without pinching or cramping. See More

Specs

Weight:350g

Type:Closed-Back Dynamic

Cable:Non-Detachable. 3.5m Straight

Impedance:64 ohms

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1 0

score 100 · Answer 14

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Top Pro

Generally neutral sounding but with an added kick to the low end

The ATH-M50x are great sounding headphones with a sound that may fall in the neutral category, but with very slight boosts to the bass and highs; a slightly V-shaped sound. The bass is full and has a lot of power. The sub bass has a hint of elevation though, which can make the bass sound a bit loose on hip-hop or EDM tracks. The mids are fairly neutral with no elevation. The highs are also slightly elevated, which does not add harshness but instead gives the sound a shimmery and detailed feel. This sound signature of the M50x makes it versatile. It is neutral enough for monitoring use, yet also has just the right qualities to make it a great choice for enjoying music. See More

Top Con

Only passive noise cancellation

If you're looking for a headphone to keep you isolated on long plane rides, the M50x is probably not the right headphone for you. These headphones do not electronically limit exterior noises, it only blocks noise with its physical design. See More

Top Pro

Lively sounding bass

The bass of these headphones sound full with a slight boost. This makes the bass quite punchy without drowning the mids or highs. See More

Top Con

Ear cups may be too small

The ear cups on the M50x are smaller than those on something like the 380HD or the DT 770 Pro. Your ears could end up touching the the inside of the headphones which can be uncomfortable for some. See More

Top Pro

Good value for your money as these headphones are feature packed for the price

You get a lot from what you pay for with these headphones. Aside from the great sound, they are also well built and come with a lot of accessories. See More

Top Pro

Stellar build quality

The ATH M50x is made from high quality matte plastics which are quite resistant to damage without being too heavy. The hinges move smoothly and do not have unnecessary creaks. See More

Top Pro

Detachable cables

Audio-Technica finally updated the M50's built in cable to a detachable cable. The M50x even comes with three cables, a 1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, and a 1.2 m straight cable. None of the cables have in-line controls though. See More

Top Pro

Good passive isolation

The ear cups and pads are able to keep the sound in and block outside noise. These are suitable for a noisy office as even low volume music is enough to drown out those noisy office mates. See More

Top Pro

Can collapse to a more compact size

The ear cups can be folded into the headband, reducing its footprint. Combined with the carrying pouch and detachable cables, you can easily chuck these headphones into your bag when going out. See More

Top Pro

Great for tracking guitar

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

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100 22