Audio Technica ATH-M50XBT
Audio Technica adds wireless Bluetooth 5.0 capability to the already pleasing sonic package of the wired M50x
The Audio Technica ATH-M50XBTS are the Bluetooth version of the M50x wired headphones we gave four stars to around four years ago. This Bluetooth version behaves and performs in much the same way as their tethered stablemate – and that is pretty much a positive thing across the board.
You get a fair amount for your money here and, most importantly, a good listen when you’re out and about.
The Bluetooth 5.0 version of the ATH-M50X looks and feels similar to its wired sibling, which means good-quality plastics on the earcups and headband, and well-padded earpads.
While these headphones are not actively noise-cancelling, the over-ear design, with those fairly thick pads, nevertheless makes an effective seal against the outside world for decent passive noise-exclusion.
Clever tech
The left earcup houses all the clever tech, with a switch to turn Bluetooth on and off, three buttons – for volume up, volume down (those buttons are also used to skip tracks forward or back with a longer push), and play/pause and end phone-calls. In among the buttons, there are also inputs for the micro-usb B charging cable, and 3.5mm headphone cable – both of which are supplied, along with a storage pouch.
Finally, there is a touch panel in the middle of the left earcup, which complements the visible buttons on its edge. Pressing this allows access to the speech-recognition assistant on your device (Siri, Google Assistant etc).
The headphones are certainly designed with portability and out-andabout listening in mind. They fold up to around half-volume by pushing the earcups up into the headband, the joints swivelling and folding to accommodate as necessary. The storage pouch provided is barely big enough to house the cans in that state, but also acts as a protective measure inside a bag.
The cable provided – which has a mic and play/pause/answer call button – is just 1.2m long; enough for listening on a commute, but not really suitable for home listening. In a change from the non-bluetooth pair, the 3.5mm connection at the earpiece end isn’t a push and twist affair, but it's not quite standard, with a recessed section to allow a firm fit. Take care if you plan to invest in a longer cable.
Audio Technica claims a 40-hour battery life for the headphones’ Bluetooth functionality, on a full charge of around seven hours. The headphones beep to warn you that the battery is running low.
Setting up your headphones is a simple operation; just slide the button on the earpiece and the unit will be discoverable. For any additional devices, just make sure the headphones aren’t already connected to another unit – that is the only issue we have when attempting to connect via Bluetooth.
Once set up, the ATH-M50XBTS are an enticing, easy listen. The midrange is particularly impressive, with vocals and the jangly guitar coming across crisp and clear in a Tidal Masters stream of The Jackson 5’s I Want You Back. The track as a whole is conveyed with suitable verve and joy and has our foot tapping in no time. It’s extremely easy to get lost in the music – which is pretty much ideal in a pair of cans like these.
Bass to the fore
However, the track also highlights one notable trait to these Audio Technicas’ sound. Once that familiar bassline kicks in, it is revealed slightly to the fore in proceedings – it’s not a deal breaker, but it is true that these headphones are fans of the lower registers. That all helps the easy-listening and warm nature of these cans, and means there are no issues with overly sharp or bright treble notes, but some rivals will offer a more purist, precise rendition of the music.
For many people on their daily commute that simply won’t be an issue – and indeed, for much of our time with the ATH-M50XBTS it isn’t for us – but it's something to be at least considered.
The earpads make an effective barrier against the outside world, and when commuting with the Audio Technicas, we feel nicely cocooned against any distractions – while still being able to hear any important announcements.
But, after a while, our ears get rather warm. While that’s a positive bonus in the wintry February air, it may well become more of an issue in the warmer summer months. The fit and comfort of the earpads is decent, even for those wearing glasses, and while the fit is firm, it is not uncomfortable over extended listening periods.
Caught short
The Audio Technica ATH-M50XBT headphones carry on the good work started by their wired siblings – adding to the mix a strong wireless connection over Bluetooth, with good battery life and the option of going wired if you get caught short for power.
They’re not overly analytical in their presentation of music, but make for an enjoyable, comfortable listen, which is what most people want from a pair of headphones. Certainly a pair for your shopping list if you’re in the market.
“The ATH-M50XBTS are an enticing listen. It’s extremely easy to get lost in the music – which is pretty much ideal in a pair of cans like these”