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Add to SafariWhen comparing Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs SoundPEATS Q9A, the Slant community recommends Audio-Technica ATH-M40x for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is ranked 17th while SoundPEATS Q9A is ranked 124th. The most important reason people chose Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is:
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Fairly neutral sound signature
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Pro These have a high quality and durable feel
The M40xs feel solid and are known to be quite durable. The plastics used in the build do not easily flex or make creaks, giving the impression that these can last quite a long time.
Pro Can be used in noisy environments
The over-ear, closed back design along with the thick pleather ear pads can block out quite a lot of ambient noise, and will help users to focus in on the music. These make the headphones great for travel or for mixing/monitoring use.
Pro Comes with two detachable cables
The headphones come with a straight cable and a coiled cable, making them useful in the studio or while walking.
Pro Powerful and deep bass, rich mids and smooth highs
The bass of these in-ear headphones is pretty powerful. It has great depth and punch. Mids are full and rich so vocals, guitars and keys can easily be heard. The highs are rolled off, so sparkle on the high frequencies is not that prominent, but this also results in a smoother sound that is easier on the ears.
Due to the bass-centric sound signature, these in-ear headphones are best for hip-hop, EDM and dance genres.
Pro These have a nice fit in the ears as they are lightweight and incorporate ear hooks in the design
These headphones will stay in place even if you get active. The combination of the lightweight earpieces along with the integrated ear-hooks mean that these headphones will not dislodge easily.
Pro Can be used during physical activity or outdoor trips as these headphones are splash resistant
These headphones are not prone to damage due to getting wet thanks to its sweat resistance. You can run or do similar activities using these headphones with no issues. These are still not water resistant though so submerging these in water can still cause damage.
Pro Convenient to use with your smartphone as these have remote functions and a built-in mic
These in-ear headphones have remote function buttons built into the earpieces, along with a microphone. This means that you do not have to pull out your smartphone in order to control basic music functions or to answer/end calls.
Pro Comes with a lot of extra accesories
Along with the in-ear headphones, you get a shirt clip, flexible bands for managing the headphone cable, three pairs of ear tips in different sizes along with a soft case and a pouch for easy transport of these headphones when on the go.
Cons
Con Incompatible with cables from other brands
Only Audio Technica cables can be used with these headphones.
Con Bass and recessed highs can make the sound come off as muddy for some
The bass is quite powerful that it can creep up to the lower mids. Combined with the rolled off highs, this can result in a sound that may be muddy or quite less-detailed for some. If you like lot of treble or sparkle in your music then there are other in-ear headphones that have better reproduction of the highs.
