Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Monitor Headphones w/ Straight Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'll say this first off:I don't record, DJ, or do any mixes with this headphone (no prosumer work).These Audio Technica M50's (straight cable) are used purely for listening to my music.One phrase comes to mind about these cans:O MiE GaWd!

I currently own these and the Beyerdynamic DT-770 pro (80 ohm), and have owned everything under the sun from Bose's headphone offerings; except their noise-canceling variants, although I've heard those as well.The M50's overall are the best sounding period that I've heard yet.They sound so ridiculously good that I can't even imagine if I need, let alone want to hear more expensive offerings.

Highs 5/5 - Imagine a dedicated tweeter per cup.The highs are PERFECT.Sirens, cymbals, piano notes, you name it comes in crystal clear with a pristine pitch.No harshness or fatigue comes with it.No roll-off or sibilance either, even if you crank it up to stratospheric levels.

Mids 5/5 - Like 2 miniaturized, mid-range drivers for your dome piece.When I heard Bose, I thought I HEARD everything, which was very nice.With the M50's, YOU WILL HEAR EVERYTHING.There were hidden voices and notes that even the Bose's missed in songs that I knew by heart.Voices came out clear and articulate.No recessed mid-range here.It's all up in your grill with pleasing authority and with the natural fullness that is to be expected with your tunes.

Lows 5/5 - I wish I could rate this higher.No other headphone (that I've heard) can touch this.Take two, high quality, sealed sub woofers.Shrink them, and somehow stuff them into the M50's.Then listen.Your brain will become grits.Your eyeballs will shake furiously.Your jawbone will uncontrollably vibrate.The bass in this headphone can resurrect the dead (and then some).The bass notes come in with such passion, that you instantly fall in love.It is highly textured, laser-accurate, and tightly controlled with ZERO distortion.There is no need to crank up the EQ on this.You can, but you've been warned.The bass is the best part about the M50.It is FLAWLESS.

Soundstage 4/5 - For a studio monitor, the soundstage is very good.There is a wide sense of space and depth to the sound.Nevertheless, they aren't as open-sounding as others such as the DT-770 pros, which have a closed design as well.This can sometimes take you out of the "scenario" when watching movies or playing games, which is why I use these primarily for music.I use the DT-770 pro's for movies and games, which those excel in this area.

Detail Retrieval 5/5 - Plain and simple, if it's in the audio track, you will hear it with no problem at all.Every nuance, sound, intricate detail, and mouse-fart will have a direct line to your eardrum for your listening pleasure.No complaints.

Value 5/5 - You need a pair (no, not those) of Audio Technica M50's.These are more than worthy to add to your headphone stable.Comfort is also quite excellent.Other studio monitor headphones pinch too tight for me (I also wear glasses), these are just right.Not too loose or constricted.The Beyers beat these in this area though (those are like Serta pillows :).

The cord is terminated into a slick-looking, metal housing, with a flexible end connected to a 1/8" plug, that also can be mated to a screw on 1/4" adapter.In other words, you can plug the M50's into whatever device you want; Ipod, home receiver, amp, etc., right out of the box.Durability is also the best I've seen yet.Can't see these breaking in any way, even if it's in the hands of a toddler.

Audio Technica M50's = A slice of musical heaven with whipped cream.

UPDATE: 4/8/09 - Burn in definitely changes the sound.Other owners have suggested 40 hours of cooking.The headphones sound more distinct, clear, and the instruments have better separation.Even the bass is more lively and the soundstage is more expanded.All said, don't judge yet until you've pumped tunes through them for many hours.Which then, the end result will surely be a smile on your face.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Monitor Headphones w/ Straight Cable

Product 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.

Audio-Technicas sophisticated driver technology and superior components deliver exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while maintaining clarity of sound throughout their extended range, with deep, accurate bass and outstanding high-frequency extension. The headphones feature proprietary large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems for ultra-efficient signal transfer.

Get 46% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Monitor Headphones w/ Straight Cable now ?