A Concise View of Why The ATH-M50 is No Longer King | Page 52 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

cuiter23 · Mar 24, 2015 at 6:04 PM

lnuneek said:
I am a fairly new member on Head Fi. I have owned the ATH-M50s for about 4-5 years now along with a couple other studio monitor and consumer headphones that range from IEM's to on ear, to over ear, closed and open back. I joined the site to get some recommends on a new set, cause I wanted another change and maybe a step up in SQ. Still haven't really gotten any answers. I however have been reading these forums constantly for the last few months, as well as auditioning as many headphones as I can from all different brands and price ranges. It's been so many headphones I can't even recall the model #s of many of them.

Through my search I learned 2 things:

1.) I can't trust other people's reviews. I have to listen for myself. I have listened to many headphones and got quite a different impression on them then what I read in reviews and impressions on this site and others. I really questioned if we were actually listening to the same model cause many reviews were just plain wrong about the sound of certain headphones IMO.

2.) That in a similar price point (HP's that cost less and HP's that cost up to $100+ more), and for the kind of sound I like and enjoy, that I have still not found anything that beats the ATH-M50 in SQ. It's not a perfect HP by any means. I have some minor gripes with the sound, but I much preferred it to anything else I have heard. For me it's getting to the point where I feel like giving up on purchasing a new set for now, and just waiting till the 50s I have crap out completely and then just go buy the 50X as a replacement.

In all respect to this thread, there are people out there like me that do have experience with other HP's that really do find this HP absolutely difficult to beat. I have tested some of the recommended 50 killers and either I don't agree at all and/or I'm not willing to spend 3 or 4 times as much money to get very marginal improvements in sound. To top that off, the marginal improvements in sound are usually just focused in one area such as detail retrieval or better soundstage, and often come at the price of sacrificing something that I like more in the M50 (for example it's more natural tonality and warmth), so purchasing these relatively expensive alternatives just don't make too much sense to me.

In 51 pages so far of opinions, I have yet to see a single solid believable alternative to truly best the ATH-M50 on all counts. The only thing I agree with in the OP is that there are more alternatives on the market nowadays, but that's it, just more to choose from. Not necessarily alternatives that are clearly better.

I'd also like to add how much I really learned how sound is so incredibly subjective in the last while. I always knew it was, but it's come to my attention that it is even more subjective than I initially thought, and we should take everyone's opinion with a grain of salt. It's really just all around best to use your own ears and judgement and let others have their preferences too.

The M50s are great headphones no doubt. But look at Marques Brownlee's video. When someone has a couple million subscribers people are definitely take his opinion. He, on the other hand does not really have any experience with other headphones except the M50s which makes his review extremely one-sided and biased. I can conclude why the M50s are so popular precisely due to his video. They are great but presently with so much competition out there under the 200 bracket I could easily recommend something else.

LNuneek · Mar 24, 2015 at 6:42 PM

cuiter23 said:
The M50s are great headphones no doubt. But look at Marques Brownlee's video. When someone has a couple million subscribers people are definitely take his opinion. He, on the other hand does not really have any experience with other headphones except the M50s which makes his review extremely one-sided and biased. I can conclude why the M50s are so popular precisely due to his video. They are great but presently with so much competition out there under the 200 bracket I could easily recommend something else.

I get your point, and he is just one of example of the tech reviewers on youtube who basically did the same thing and have a large viewer base. I get where you are coming from but at the same time he is basically speaking to Beats generation of headphone buyers and letting them know there is a better alternative for SQ even if it's just the one alternative he provided at the time. At least it's something.

I saw his review on the Custom One Pros and he said those are his new go to cans and he likes them more than the M50 iirc. IMO I don't think they are better and he is probably mostly infatuated with the gimmick of the bass sliders and the "customization" of the look, but whatever. lol

On a side note, I'm actually surprised the M50 got so popular. When I bought it, it was relatively new to market and it was something that, at least to my knowledge, was mostly just a new alternative for affordable studio cans. Didn't think or even consider it would crossover to the mainstream like it has.

cuiter23 · Mar 24, 2015 at 6:47 PM

lnuneek said:
I get your point, and he is just one of example of the tech reviewers on youtube who basically did the same thing and have a large viewer base. I get where you are coming from but at the same time he is basically speaking to Beats generation of headphone buyers and letting them know there is a better alternative for SQ even if it's just the one alternative he provided at the time. At least it's something.

I saw his review on the Custom One Pros and he said those are his new go to cans and he likes them more than the M50 iirc. IMO I don't think they are better and he is probably mostly infatuated with the gimmick of the bass sliders and the "customization" of the look, but whatever. lol

On a side note, I'm actually surprised the M50 got so popular. When I bought it, it was relatively new to market and it was something that, at least to my knowledge, was mostly just a new alternative for affordable studio cans. Didn't think or even consider it would crossover to the mainstream like it has.

Yea for sure the M50s are a great alternative to beats but even the solo2 sounds quite good from what I heard at best buy. Very boomy bass and relatively clean sounding. Not as detailed as the M50s though but I think beats are slowly starting to realize what their consumers want nowadays.

LNuneek · Mar 24, 2015 at 6:57 PM

cuiter23 said:
Yea for sure the M50s are a great alternative to beats but even the solo2 sounds quite good from what I heard at best buy. Very boomy bass and relatively clean sounding. Not as detailed as the M50s though but I think beats are slowly starting to realize what their consumers want nowadays.

I heard the MIXR at an Apple Store and actually really liked it. Not going into detail about it, but I thought it had a really fun, energetic, and enjoyable sound. Even though I still think they are overpriced, It's still in the back of my mind that I may want to get a pair just to have a fun can for my iPhone. I think it would be great for me cause I have accumulated a plethora of headphones for studio use that I don't particularly enjoy, aren't very portable, but serve their purpose for analysis and comparison. Would be nice to have something to just enjoy the fun of music.

CaveManta · Mar 24, 2015 at 7:02 PM

   I believe that many people hear different sound from the same headphones for many reasons. Mental burn-in and preference, subjectivity in general, greatly affects our perception. Not to mention music choice. However, I like listening to electronic music with my AD700, so it's probably not a big factor.
   Amplification definitely changes M50. I don't mean in terms of getting a high-end, fancy amplifier. I just mean that different sources really affect its bass quantity. Out of my high-impedance home theater receiver, it has a ton of bass, almost as much as the M80 does. But out of my PC(without my Fiio E6,) it really lacks bass, sounding almost analytical. This could definitely have one person saying it has too much bass, while another says it is bass shy. It's almost like you could customize its sound, similar to the Custom One Pro... hypothetically.
   Anyway, there are my dos centavos.
I will always love my M50! It does sound great, it is cheap, and don't forget that its closed back gives it yet another advantage.

Originally Posted by cuiter23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Yea for sure the M50s are a great alternative to beats. . .

LNuneek · Mar 24, 2015 at 7:24 PM

cavemanta said:
   I believe that many people hear different sound from the same headphones for many reasons. Mental burn-in and preference, subjectivity in general, greatly affects our perception. Not to mention music choice. However, I like listening to electronic music with my AD700, so it's probably not a big factor.
   Amplification definitely changes M50. I don't mean in terms of getting a high-end, fancy amplifier. I just mean that different sources really affect its bass quantity. Out of my high-impedance home theater receiver, it has a ton of bass, almost as much as the M80 does. But out of my PC(without my Fiio E6,) it really lacks bass, sounding almost analytical. This could definitely have one person saying it has too much bass, while another says it is bass shy. It's almost like you could customize its sound, similar to the Custom One Pro... hypothetically.
   Anyway, there are my dos centavos.
I will always love my M50! It does sound great, it is cheap, and don't forget that its closed back gives it yet another advantage.

I agree with closed back being a huge plus. Open back phones get a lot of praise on here, but I can't stand them. Whatever advantages that are gained SQ wise is ruined when I can hear everything else that's going on around me and other people can hear my music while they are doing their thing. I like to focus on my music and block **** out. Can't do that with open cans.

LNuneek · Mar 24, 2015 at 11:53 PM

jodgey4 said:
Perhaps the best post in 51 pages .

Thanks for the kudos! Wasn't expecting any. lol Appreciated all the more!

dddamian said:
+1 and only this. I have "better" headphones than the m50x's but I return to them for fun. Not gonna do a blah-blah review why but I'll say that your feelings are bang-on. Move up about $1000/pr and you'll find folks debating pros-and-cons. Trust your ears.

Yeah, even when people spend thousands it still seems like there are concessions to be made. It's kind of an eye opener when you look at people reviewing something like a rare discontinued $20,000 Sennheiser and they are still talking **** like it has a lack of bass and they have heard phones with a better soundstage, or better this and better that. At some point you just gotta realize no matter how much money you spend or hard you look there isn't going to be an absolute unobjectionable perfect headphone. Perhaps, though, you may find something that is quite good or even great for YOU (anyone & everyone "you" not pointing out anyone in particular here) for the time you have them.

Skyfall · Mar 25, 2015 at 12:13 AM

Let me put my perspective a little bit
( apologize for my bluntness in advance)

In the audiophile world "Law if Diminishing Return" applies.
Translate: paying twice more than M50 doesn't give u twice improvement. More like 5 or 10 %.
Go up to $300 and up you should hear a bit better upgrade and it keeps going up from there with less and less improvement and more money.
Thus, if you don't wanna spend that kind of money..don't complain.

Listening for fun vs audiophile experience
Everyone starts as a casual listener than got bored than look for something else better. This is a normal cycle. But be prepared to spend more money. No other way. Can't be a tightwad and audiophile at the same time.

I have my M50 for more than 10 year and still one of my fav can.
Joined hifi last year then started my journey in the hifi realm that got me spending tons of money.
I have had: HE400,D2000,Nad HP50,Sound Magic HP150,beyerdynamic Tp50,HD 650,LCD 2 and XC.

Let me tell you all.of them things sound very good but in the end you would choose the one that gives the most eargasm when you get up in the morning till you go to bed.
Above all I kept, HD 650 and LCD 2.

When evaluating a headphones you need to have a very good source like DAC or DAP. ITS VERY important because that's how everything's started. If you source is on the warmer side then pairing with neutral or slightly bright cans will sound best and so is the otherway.

I have had iPod, samsung phones,fiio X5, Ibasso DX90 and AK120ii and I keep the latest as it sound absolutely best. Not only good but it has a very good synergy with cans I have include M50.

My opinion about M50 compare to way more expensive cans:
They have soul and very nice intimate sound stage and separations. They also have more depth and more air between instruments when driven properly with a good source.
With M50 you don't need amp but if you use them its amazing!

Keep your M50 and get a very good DAP then you'll do just find.

Cheers
Andrew

LNuneek · Mar 25, 2015 at 12:25 AM

skyfall said:
Let me put my perspective a little bit
( apologize for my bluntness in advance)

In the audiophile world "Law if Diminishing Return" applies.
Translate: paying twice more than M50 doesn't give u twice improvement. More like 5 or 10 %.
Go up to $300 and up you should hear a bit better upgrade and it keeps going up from there with less and less improvement and more money.
Thus, if you don't wanna spend that kind of money..don't complain.

Listening for fun vs audiophile experience
Everyone starts as a casual listener than got bored than look for something else better. This is a normal cycle. But be prepared to spend more money. No other way. Can't be a tightwad and audiophile at the same time.

I have my M50 for more than 10 year and still one of my fav can.
Joined hifi last year then started my journey in the hifi realm that got me spending tons of money.
I have had: HE400,D2000,Nad HP50,Sound Magic HP150,beyerdynamic Tp50,HD 650,LCD 2 and XC.

Let me tell you all.of them things sound very good but in the end you would choose the one that gives the most eargasm when you get up in the morning till you go to bed.
Above all I kept, HD 650 and LCD 2.

When evaluating a headphones you need to have a very good source like DAC or DAP. ITS VERY important because that's how everything's started. If you source is on the warmer side then pairing with neutral or slightly bright cans will sound best and so is the otherway.

I have had iPod, samsung phones,fiio X5, Ibasso DX90 and AK120ii and I keep the latest as it sound absolutely best. Not only good but it has a very good synergy with cans I have include M50.

My opinion about M50 compare to way more expensive cans:
They have soul and very nice intimate sound stage and separations. They also have more depth and more air between instruments when driven properly with a good source.
With M50 you don't need amp but if you use them its amazing!

Keep your M50 and get a very good DAP then you'll do just find.

Cheers
Andrew

No apology needed, man! I didn't find that blunt or any kind of word with a negative undertone. It's a real observation. Thanks for your sharing your thoughts!

BTW, not like any body cares or it's anyones business, but I actually do consider myself an audiophile in the bare sense of what the word means. I love audio, sound & music and am very sensitive to it and it's nuances. However I don't associate myself with the sub culture of being an audiophile cause I draw my limits with how far I go down the rabbit hole with all this, and that's mainly because I recognize the Law of Diminishing Returns as you outlined above. I guess "culturally" then I would be just an enthusiast and that's fine. I don't need to play with the audio big boys. lol

Skyfall · Mar 27, 2015 at 11:50 PM

Yes,a lot of members here spent quite a lot of dough to buy gears and that's fine by me. We paid, excuse me ..overpaid for a lot of things but when it is your passion well go for it.

I myself still very happy with my M50 and I find them to be complimentary with my other more pricey cans. Im a musician and have worked in the studio recording once and M50's house sound reminds me of those days. It sounds like your in the recording
booth with all the musicians. HD650 also has the same qualities regarding to this but in better qualities.

I have not heard M50X but they said its an but more refined than the original. My only wish is for M50 to be more cleaner and clearer than it would have been perfect!

DDDamian · Mar 28, 2015 at 9:57 AM

skyfall said:
Yes,a lot of members here spent quite a lot of dough to buy gears and that's fine by me. We paid, excuse me ..overpaid for a lot of things but when it is your passion well go for it.

I myself still very happy with my M50 and I find them to be complimentary with my other more pricey cans. Im a musician and have worked in the studio recording once and M50's house sound reminds me of those days. It sounds like your in the recording
booth with all the musicians. HD650 also has the same qualities regarding to this but in better qualities.

I have not heard M50X but they said its an but more refined than the original. My only wish is for M50 to be more cleaner and clearer than it would have been perfect!

The M50x is a bit cleaner with a touch less treble up in the shrilly areas. Would recommend you compare if you get the chance. According to AT there is no difference but measured graphs show they tamed the 9kHz spike. Still V-shaped but a touch better than the originals IMHO.

LNuneek · Mar 28, 2015 at 2:36 PM

The pleather on the headband on my 50s disintegrated just as fast as the ear pads did after a year or so of use, just wondering if the M50x has the same headband material? I see talk of improved headband materials for the pads and headband, but it gives me no indication if the flaking problem is still an issue and the change in materials is more about the padding underneath the pleather.

Mad Max · Mar 28, 2015 at 5:14 PM

It's the exact same material. Do you wipe down the headband after each use? nothing fancy required, even dry cloth is enough, and it should last more than a year.

LNuneek · Mar 28, 2015 at 5:24 PM

Unfortunately I wasn't in the habit of doing that. I tended just to clean them when they got noticeably dirty not after every use. I remedied the situation with velour pads and and a memory foam padding as you can see in my avatar pic, but in the future I will be more diligent with keeping pleather clean.

cuiter23 · Mar 28, 2015 at 8:13 PM

Let me conclude this by saying the AKG K553 and Focal Spirit One S can be had for under 200. THAT is why M50x is no longer king (although i never thought they once were)

Latest Thread Images

cuiter23

Headphoneus Supremus

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

cuiter23

Headphoneus Supremus

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

CaveManta

☢

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

Skyfall

Member of the Trade. (Cable maker)

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

Skyfall

Member of the Trade. (Cable maker)

DDDamian

1000+ Head-Fier

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

Mad Max

Headphoneus Supremus

LNuneek

500+ Head-Fier

cuiter23

Headphoneus Supremus

Users who are viewing this thread