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As it did twice with its ATH-M50x, Audio Technica has just transformed the ATH-M20x into a portable Bluetooth version. The ATH-M20xBT thus arrives with the promise of high sound fidelity in a simple, affordable and durable headset.
The formula applied by Audio Technica for the creation of this wireless version of the ATH-M20x is the same as that used for the ATH-M50x and M50xBT/M50xBT2. The ATH-M20x therefore follows exactly its wired counterpart in terms of design (metal headband, plastic shells, circumauricular ear cups, pads covered with imitation leather), always with this sober look inspired by the brand’s professional headphones. Japanese.
Unlike its big brother, the ATH-M20xBT is not foldable, although its ear cups remain adjustable © Audio Technica
The switch to Bluetooth nomadic version is obviously accompanied by some changes. The ATH-M20xBT can therefore be used both wired, via its supplied mini-jack cable, and wirelessly via Bluetooth. Audio Technica’s new headset features Bluetooth 5.0, compatibility with SBC and AAC codecs and, interestingly for an entry-level headset, multipoint support allowing it to be connected to two devices simultaneously. A “low latency” mode is also included (which can be activated directly on the headset, which unfortunately is not supported in the Audio Technica mobile application), as well as the inescapable hands-free kit function. No active noise reduction on the other hand: you will only have to rely on the passive insulation of the headphones to cut yourself off from the surrounding noise.
Several mechanical buttons are integrated on the headset to act on the usual commands (on/off/pairing, volume, pause/play, calls, navigation between tracks, etc.). Interaction with the headset is punctuated by voice prompts in English. © Audio Technica
On paper, the ATH-M20xBT is as generous as its big brother in terms of autonomy with no less than 60 hours of use after a full charge. Audio Technica’s headphones rely on two 40mm dynamic speakers for sound reproduction, certainly similar to those present on the monitoring version, although the technical characteristics of the headphones differ. Here are those communicated by the manufacturer for this new model:
- Headphone frequency response: 5 Hz to 32 kHz
- Impedance: 36 ohms
- Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
- Omnidirectional microphone frequency response (hands-free kit): 50 Hz to 20 kHz
The ATH-M20xBT has just been launched on the market at a price of 89 €.