Many may associate Audio-Technica with DJ equipment and Technics turntables (Technics, incidentally, is now an independent brand operating under Panasonic). Alternatively, their extensive range of microphones, a field they’ve been active in since 1962, might come to mind. Their AT2020 remains our reference microphone in the editorial office, and in the US, Audio-Technica is known for supplying microphones for presidential debates. Consequently, it was of particular interest when Bergsala, the Swedish distributor primarily recognized as Nintendo’s Nordic representative, inquired if we were interested in evaluating Audio-Technica’s latest flagship headphones, the wireless ATH M50xBT.
If the model name sounds familiar, it is likely because this is a wireless iteration of the successful wired M50X. However, the ATH M50xBT represents more than just a wireless adaptation; it’s an evolved headphone, released eleven years after its predecessor, featuring enhanced audio and most of the desired wireless functionalities. At our editorial office, we strongly associate Audio-Technica with professional studios and accurate sound reproduction. This principle is evident in their microphones and guides their headphone philosophy. Hiroyasu Suzuki, a Japanese engineer, is once again responsible for the design, this time incorporating wireless functionality via Bluetooth 5.0, with support for common audio codecs such as SBC, AAC, and aptX (though, regrettably, not aptX HD or LDAC. We will address the significance of this omission later).
ATH M50xBT – Design, Build Quality, and Technology
The M50xBT retains Audio-Technica’s professional aesthetic, reminiscent of equipment used by sound engineers and DJs. The headphones are movable yet robust, seemingly capable of withstanding demanding use while maintaining a clean, sleek, and adaptable design. This quality is apparent upon handling. Weighing in at 310 grams, they offer comfortable stability without feeling cumbersome. The fit is exceptional, and the synthetic leather is remarkably soft, providing a luxurious feel akin to genuine leather. The details are noteworthy, with real aluminum components on the earcups and metal joints that enhance both flexibility and structural integrity. The build quality is demonstrably superior to headphones priced only slightly lower, which often rely heavily on plastic construction.
The ATH M50xBT was widely perceived by our editorial team as having a clean and stylish design. One reviewer even considered them more aesthetically pleasing than the Beoplay H9i from Bang & Olufsen. Perceptions of style are subjective. The M50xBT is certainly not unattractive, but its design leans towards a sound studio or DJ aesthetic, featuring a prominent Audio-Technica logo that may not appeal to all users (though it is situated on the top of the headband and thus less conspicuous). Nevertheless, the incorporation of leather and aluminum accents contributes to a luxurious feel, making them suitable for public use.
As previously mentioned, the fit is excellent. The headphones provide a secure and comfortable seal around the ears. While the M50xBT lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), which is somewhat surprising given its price point, the circumaural earcups effectively attenuate ambient noise. While they may not replicate the noise-canceling capabilities of dedicated ANC headphones, such as neutralizing engine noise on airplanes, the passive noise isolation is appreciable and mitigates potential sound distortion issues associated with poorly implemented ANC.
The pairing process is somewhat unconventional; the headphones can only maintain a connection with a single device at a time. To pair with a different device, it’s necessary to ensure disconnection from the current paired device. Consequently, the headphones enter pairing mode automatically when a previously paired device is not detected, but manual initiation of pairing is not possible. While this has functioned reliably for us, the lack of manual control feels unusual. One earcup houses multifunction buttons (Stop/Start, forward/next, back/previous) and a microUSB charging port (USB-C would have been a more contemporary choice for a 2018 product, though not a critical flaw). The battery life is rated at an impressive 40 hours, which we found to be slightly optimistic, but confirmed to exceed 30 hours in practical use. However, a full charge cycle takes up to seven hours. USB-C could have enabled faster charging, but the extended battery life minimizes the frequency of charging.
Bluetooth 5.0 facilitates reliable pairing with all devices tested. The inclusion of SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs enhances audio fidelity, provided the audio source and material are of sufficient quality. Ideally, a lossless format like FLAC or 16bit / 48kHZ up to 352 kbps is recommended. A limitation with Spotify, a prevalent music service in Sweden, is its use of the Ogg Vorbis format. While this compression system is efficient and provides high quality, it remains a compressed format (even at a “high” quality of 320 kbps). Consequently, the benefits of aptX may not be fully realized unless using a service like Tidal, which supports lossless audio. Some audiophiles may lament the absence of aptX HD, which supports lossless audio up to 24bit / 48 kHz. However, finding a client capable of transmitting this signal, as well as suitable audio material, is challenging, as even Tidal does not fully utilize this resolution at the time of writing (and only supports aptX HD via its desktop application). Sony’s LDAC codec would have been a valuable addition, given its availability in numerous Android devices. However, considering the audio sources and materials most users typically employ, the practical advantages of these features are limited. Discrepancies in Spotify’s audio quality across different headphones are more attributable to the headphones’ ability to process the compressed audio stream than to aptX support.
The ATH M50xBT incorporates dynamic drivers with a diameter of 45 mm, providing a slightly deeper bass response than standard 40 mm drivers. The impedance is 38 ohms, marginally higher than the common 32 ohms, offering slightly increased resistance for enhanced audio quality. The sensitivity is rated at 99db, and the frequency response is specified as 15-28,000 Hz, which is somewhat exaggerated, but indicates an ambition to deliver enhanced bass and clear high frequencies.
ATH M50xBT – Sound Quality
The central question is: How does the Audio-Technica ATH MB50xBt sound? In short, the audio quality is exceptionally clean and remarkably accurate. Audio-Technica is known for its commitment to audio fidelity, aiming for sound reproduction that is true to the source material, without artificial enhancements. The M50xBT provides the power, volume, and build quality necessary for both warmth and clarity. Tracks like My name is Lincoln by Steve Jablonsky (from The Island soundtrack) and Sting’s Fields of Gold evoked strong emotional responses. The sound is dramatic, intimate, and exceptionally affecting. When listening to Kent’s Sverige, the sensation is akin to being in the studio with the band, offering a live yet subtly studio-dampened experience. The M50xBT consistently delivers satisfactory performance across all frequencies. However, compared to the Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear M2 Wireless, which are priced slightly higher, the Sennheisers exhibit a more pronounced treble and bass response, particularly noticeable in bass-heavy music like Dr. Dre’s Xxplosive, which sounds slightly sharper on the M50xBT. While the Audio-Technica likely provides a more accurate representation of the original recording, some listeners may prefer the enhanced bass coloration offered by headphones more tailored for genres like hip hop and hard rock. This is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Classical music sounds excellent, and singer-songwriters like Tom McRae should appreciate hearing their works through these headphones. Listening to Handsome Family’s True Detective theme, Far from any road, elicits goosebumps, and the shaker instrument in the intro is reproduced with exceptional clarity. The M50xBT performs admirably across various genres, excelling in detailed music that doesn’t rely on excessive bass. However, its bass capabilities shouldn’t be underestimated; while not exaggerated, the bass is both deep and responsive, as demonstrated in Post Malone’s and 21 Savage’s hip hop track rockstar.
When wired and connected to a more powerful source, such as a DAC or a high-quality computer, the volume can be increased slightly. The difference between wired and wireless (via aptX) is almost imperceptible; both configurations offer advantages depending on the context and available alternatives.
The M50xBT also performs exceptionally well for gaming. Connecting them and experiencing the Dolby Atmos mix in Gears of War 4 on Xbox One is highly recommended. Alternatively, UHD movies with DTS:X offer a similarly immersive experience. While the headphones lack virtual surround sound, the reproduction of high-quality soundtracks is outstanding.
ATH M50xBT – Conclusion and Rating
The Audio-Technica ATH M50xBT is a remarkable pair of headphones. They deliver clear, warm, and engaging audio across a broad spectrum of music genres. The bass response is both ample and articulate, and the build quality is exceptional. While minor shortcomings exist, as with all headphones, they are largely insignificant. The studio-oriented design might not be as visually striking as the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i, which also offers slightly superior audio but at a substantially higher price point (approximately 5,000 SEK, or two and a half times the cost, without a commensurate improvement in sound quality). The M50xBT doesn’t render bass-heavy music as emphatically as the Sennheiser Momentum, and features such as ANC, aptX HD, and fast charging via USB-C would have been welcome additions. However, considering the performance offered at its recommended retail price of 2190 SEK (with some retailers offering them for as little as 1800 SEK), the ATH M50xBT represents exceptional value and earns top marks in the mid-range category. While other headphones may excel in specific areas, none can currently match its overall balance of price and performance. We are pleased to designate the M50xBT a new reference headphone in its price range and anticipate its adoption by many discerning audiophiles.
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