Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
A WELL-BALANCED WORKHORSE.
AUDIO-TECHNICA’S M50X CANS have a lot going for them across all fronts. The style is simple and unobtrusive, but not starkly so, and they are incredibly portable and comfortable thanks to their lightweight construction, 180° swivel, collapsable design and detachable cable. The faux-leather cups are snug without being smothering. Shipping with a standard, extra-long, and coily cable, the only option absent is an in-line remote. They have a reputation for being built like the proverbial: expect several years of use and to have them perform the same on day 1,000 as they do on day one. The frequency response is quite flat, with a slight dip in the mids, giving you a generally neutral sound. This neutrality is its best and worst feature, as it is more likely to please if you listen to a wide range of music or dabble in music production, but they won’t blow you away if all you want is to get lost in the bass. The M50x’s are incredible for their price (shop around, as they’re easily found at nearly $100 under retail) and would get a perfect score had they included an in-line remote control.