Why change something that lasts? There is no doubt that this is a mantra that sticks with Audio-Technica’s M series headphones. And the latest in this series is the ATH-M50xBT2 wireless model.
If you’re not familiar with Audio-Technica, know that its audio products have been a top choice for professionals for decades. You’ll see Audio-Technica headphones on the ears of podcasters, professional musicians, and even music enthusiasts.
Audio-Technica’s new ATH-M50xBT2 headphones promise better battery life, Bluetooth connectivity and internal audio components that should deliver better sound than previous models. I tested them to see if this was all true.
You can access multiple codecs with this headset
I’m not going to beat around the bush: the ATH-M50xBT2 headphones produce superb sound. It’s clear and balanced, without excess bass, midrange or treble. And in the Audio-Technica Connect app, you can set custom EQ settings and adjust the headphone sound. Like other professional-grade headphones, you can control the ATH-M50xBT2 over-the-air, and the Audio-Technica Connect app has an impressive range of levels for you to play with.
Listening Neon by John Mayer, I could clearly hear the musician’s harmonies and one of his most famous guitar riffs translated beautifully through the ATH-M50xBT2’s 45mm dynamic drivers.
Plus, you can access multiple codecs with this headset, furthering its usefulness for discerning listeners. You can choose between AAC, SBC, LDAC codecs and low latency mode for video and gaming. And if you want to enjoy lossless sound, these headphones are equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s also very handy for continuing the jam session when the battery is low.
A traditional and retro design
The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones do not have active noise reduction (ANC). A feature that can significantly reduce battery life. As a result, Audio-Technica claims you’ll get around 50 hours of battery life. I got about 10 extra hours on my end, which I was excited about.
In fact, the lack of ANC doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll hear every noise and sound around you. The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones feature a 45mm driver placed in each vinyl shell, creating a tight fit around your ears, which compensates for the lack of ANC. But this tightness can become uncomfortable after a few hours of wear, and you will have to take many breaks before the battery gives up…
Jada Jones/ZDNET
I also like the ATH-M50xBT2 headphones for their traditional and retro design. This design departs from the modern and futuristic aesthetic typical of current headsets. Many of the new headsets take inspiration from Sony’s ultra-modern design choices in the WH series, opting for a uniform, understated look.
But the flashy logos on the headband and shells of the ATH-M50xBT2 will make you stand out from the crowd and make you feel like you know a thing or two about music. One final note: I was hoping for a hard-shell carrying case, given the headset’s $200 price tag. Instead, Audio-Technica provides a polyurethane leather pouch to store the headphones, which isn’t ideal but still better than nothing.
ZDNET’s purchasing advice for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones
For €200, therefore, you will leave with a headset whose sound quality is comparable to that of other high-end professional headsets, such as the Sennheiser Momentum 4. You will also not benefit from the powerful noise reduction system that the found in headphones such as the Bose Quiet Comfort 45 or AirPods Max. But if noise reduction is not your priority, you won’t get better with 200 euros.
Audio-Technica offers a simple and pleasant headset with the ATH-M50xBT2. It is free of complicated software and unnecessary functions, but it offers high quality sound.
Source: “ZDNet.com”