ATH-M50's or be content????
Sep 2, 2011 at 9:31 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 20

Lburton

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Well I purchased my first closed back headphones yesterday.......the Sony MDR V6.  Understanding that this thread is about M50's, thats why i'm here.  I ordered the sony's earlier today after hours on hours on hours of searching, reviews etc.  I really wanted the ATH M50's but i could not find them for that low price of $100 or even just slightly higher.....all were $159 give or take a couple dollars and trying to be frugal here, i decided on the MDR V6's. 
 
Here's about about me, I listen to all kinds of music from techno, R&B to jazz mainly from my laptop, computer, touchpad or ipod. I was using ATH ANC7B's but got tired of the muddy sound and sound leakage since im in the office mainly when listening.  My questions are:
 
1.  should I be questioning my purchase on the V6 compairing them to the M50's?  Is it actually worrth over $100 difference?
2.  If so, does anyone have a legit source on where i can find them for that low price? 
 
Thanks Everyone!
smily_headphones1.gif

 
 
 
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 9:45 AM Post #2 of 20
Heya,
 
I think you should just hang on to your V6. It's a good headphone. I don't think you're going to notice a huge difference between them and the M50 in the sense of being blown away. Alternatively, you could look into the Ultrasone HFI 580. I would put favor on that over the M50. Another headphone to look at the Shure SRH840, or you could even look at the SRH440.
 
The low cost of the M50's was a deal. Right now, most deals are off. Those low cost deals will return when the holidays approach again. Right now, it seems prices are up on a lot of headphones. Your alternative is to buy a used set for around $90 if you can if you really just want the M50.
 
I wouldn't fret about not having the M50. It's not a very exciting headphone. Again, see the other listed headphones above for alternatives (I would call them better in general). The only thing the M50 has over most headphones like it is that it's cups swivel 180 degrees (super nice to have that feature when used as a portable). But otherwise, it's sound isn't that special in my opinion. It's relatively flat, has recessed mids, can have some slightly bright highs and the bass is good without being too much (well some would prefer a tad less in a flat headphone).
 
Very best,
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 9:55 AM Post #3 of 20
Thanks for your reply!  I'll definitly check those you listed.  take it they dont require an amp?  I'm new to the headphone community so still lots to learn.  Im not going into mixing or DJing BUT i love music and need headphones with great sound!
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 10:09 AM Post #4 of 20


Quote:
Thanks for your reply!  I'll definitly check those you listed.  take it they dont require an amp?  I'm new to the headphone community so still lots to learn.  Im not going into mixing or DJing BUT i love music and need headphones with great sound!


Heya,
 
Nope, no amp required. Look at a headphone's impedance rating (in ohms) and sensitivity (in dB/mW) to know if they are likely to need amplification. If it's around 40ohms and 100 dB/mW, for example, it's not going to need an amp for the most part. Now, some headphones like that do benefit from an amp, but again, not needed.
 
Very best,
 
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 11:16 AM Post #5 of 20
If you really have that itch, look on Amazon, you can find open-box DJ1 Pros < $120.  they Don't have the thunderous bass of the 580s (its **** good but not overbearing) and over-all better sounding thanks to stronger mids and less fatiguing highs.
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 11:18 AM Post #6 of 20
Just got my V6's and yep, love them.  Great highs, bass is not to heavy but nice and doesnt sound muddy like my ATH-ANC7b's!  But why am I still looking for another set!?!  starting to look at the Ultrasone HFI 580.  The V6's which i could stay at the office.  Now i need a equally sounding or better for the home :).  second day on the forum and finding myself getting sucked in!!!!! 
 
Help recommend me forum on other suggestions also.  Like i said before, I listen to all kinds of music from techno, R&B to jazz mainly from my laptop, computer, touchpad or ipod.
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 12:13 PM Post #7 of 20
Ive heard nothing but good from owners of the V6 and M50. Sounds like you are enjoying your V6's though!
If your still interested in the M50s there is one thing you can do. If you have a local guitar center check and see if they have the M50 in stock, and if they do price matching (they should, I don't think its an option for them) and show them this link. http://www.candysave.com/audio-technica-ear-cup-headphones-ath-m50-close-back-dynamic-studio-monitor I wouldn't trust the site itself, but Guitar Center is certified by AT. And bam, brand new M50s at a little more than half there street value 
atsmile.gif

 
Sep 2, 2011 at 12:13 PM Post #8 of 20


Quote:
Heya,
 
I think you should just hang on to your V6. It's a good headphone. I don't think you're going to notice a huge difference between them and the M50 in the sense of being blown away. Alternatively, you could look into the Ultrasone HFI 580. I would put favor on that over the M50. Another headphone to look at the Shure SRH840, or you could even look at the SRH440.
 
The low cost of the M50's was a deal. Right now, most deals are off. Those low cost deals will return when the holidays approach again. Right now, it seems prices are up on a lot of headphones. Your alternative is to buy a used set for around $90 if you can if you really just want the M50.
 
I wouldn't fret about not having the M50. It's not a very exciting headphone. Again, see the other listed headphones above for alternatives (I would call them better in general). The only thing the M50 has over most headphones like it is that it's cups swivel 180 degrees (super nice to have that feature when used as a portable). But otherwise, it's sound isn't that special in my opinion. It's relatively flat, has recessed mids, can have some slightly bright highs and the bass is good without being too much (well some would prefer a tad less in a flat headphone).
 
Very best,



This is a very subjective opinion.  It really depends on what your priorities are.  I absolutely hate the HFI-580, and would pay 5x more for the M50.  It would be more useful to say why you like the phones you like, instead of just saying they are better.  One man's "better" is another man's rubbish. 
 
I think the M50 is a welcome upgrade from the V6.  So it depends on what you like/dislike about the V6.  Explain!
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 12:37 PM Post #9 of 20
Personally, I prefer the V6 to the M50's slightly. They both sound great (I also like headphones that can cover most genres). The M50s have some soul to them though - they sound very musical while the V6's may sound cold in comparison. I tend to like the V6's more because they sound more balanced and they sound more open - I can hear and pinpoint every little detail. They're also a lot more comfortable (and with velours forget about it you're set). The M50's are more fun-sounding but they sound a bit congested. The bass and the highs seem to be battling one another while the mids are slightly recessed. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. Bass is punchy although a little loose and it has a more of a mid hump whereas the V6 extends lower and deeper (I can feel it in my chest). And treble is much more in your face on the M50's. 
 
Anyway I like them both but prefer the V6 just a little bit more but that's just my own preference. Hope this helps.
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 12:42 PM Post #10 of 20
I did the same exact thing. Got my SRH440s, and in the same week bought a set of HFi-580s for the exact same reason you listed. Here's the issue, now I ended up carrying the HFi-580s back and forth to work all week. They're really a great headphone.


Quote:
Just got my V6's and yep, love them.  Great highs, bass is not to heavy but nice and doesnt sound muddy like my ATH-ANC7b's!  But why am I still looking for another set!?!  starting to look at the Ultrasone HFI 580.  The V6's which i could stay at the office.  Now i need a equally sounding or better for the home :).  second day on the forum and finding myself getting sucked in!!!!! 
 
Help recommend me forum on other suggestions also.  Like i said before, I listen to all kinds of music from techno, R&B to jazz mainly from my laptop, computer, touchpad or ipod.



 
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 1:07 PM Post #11 of 20

Perfect but I wonder if they would take that sites price???  If so, that will be a no brainer for me.......M50's! 
 
Quote:
Ive heard nothing but good from owners of the V6 and M50. Sounds like you are enjoying your V6's though!
If your still interested in the M50s there is one thing you can do. If you have a local guitar center check and see if they have the M50 in stock, and if they do price matching (they should, I don't think its an option for them) and show them this link. http://www.candysave.com/audio-technica-ear-cup-headphones-ath-m50-close-back-dynamic-studio-monitor I wouldn't trust the site itself, but Guitar Center is certified by AT. And bam, brand new M50s at a little more than half there street value 
atsmile.gif



 
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 1:12 PM Post #12 of 20
What were the differences between the two?  So far i've been reading that the HFI 580's are a good all around set for music listening.  The shures looked too big (guessing by the pic) but also heard stories of them snapping. 
 
I do take care of my headphones but understand accidents happen.  Thanks for you imput!

 
Quote:
I did the same exact thing. Got my SRH440s, and in the same week bought a set of HFi-580s for the exact same reason you listed. Here's the issue, now I ended up carrying the HFi-580s back and forth to work all week. They're really a great headphone.




 



 
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 1:22 PM Post #13 of 20
The 580's are not neutral cans, very colored sound.  They have a very presence, a very fun sound, but only if you like the bass and treble artificially boosted.  That series of Shure's are much more neutral sounding in comparison (note, I've only listend to the 840s) and IMO, closer to your V6 in terms of sound signature.
 
Quote:
What were the differences between the two?  So far i've been reading that the HFI 580's are a good all around set for music listening.  The shures looked too big (guessing by the pic) but also heard stories of them snapping. 
 
I do take care of my headphones but understand accidents happen.  Thanks for you imput!

 


 



 
 
Sep 2, 2011 at 1:42 PM Post #15 of 20
The SRH440s are a neutral, analytical set of cans. They're very balanced, they sound great and I do really like them.
 
The HFi-580s have a great bass thump, recessed mids and awesome highs. They aren't neutral but they're a hell of a lot of fun to listen to.
 
Quote:
What were the differences between the two?  So far i've been reading that the HFI 580's are a good all around set for music listening.  The shures looked too big (guessing by the pic) but also heard stories of them snapping. 
 
I do take care of my headphones but understand accidents happen.  Thanks for you imput!

 


 



 
 

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