GN3RAL KARL
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2009
- Posts
- 263
- Likes
- 19
I'll say this first off: I don't record, DJ, or do any mixes with this headphone (no prosumer work). These Audio Technica M50's (straight cable) are used purely for listening to my music. One phrase comes to mind about these cans: O MiE GaWd!
Highs - Imagine a dedicated tweeter per cup. The highs are INCREDIBLE. Sirens, cymbals, piano notes, you name it comes in crystal clear with a pristine pitch. No harshness or fatigue comes with it. No roll-off or sibilance either, even if you crank it up to stratospheric levels.
Mids - Like 2 miniaturized, mid-range drivers for your dome piece. When I heard Bose, I thought I HEARD everything, which was very nice. With the M50's, YOU WILL HEAR EVERYTHING. There were hidden voices and notes that even the Bose's missed in songs that I knew by heart. Voices came out clear and articulate. No recessed mid-range here. It's all up in your grill with pleasing authority and with the natural fullness that is to be expected with your tunes.
Lows - Lean, tight, and fast - like a cheetah. It goes deep and has good extension. The versions nowadays pump out a few decibels lower than the early '09 models that I use to own. I have modded these by adding a extra headphone cushion to each cup. Comfort went up significantly, while at the same time, the bass is 2x as strong now. Right in line from when I first had them. I love it. Audio Technica probably did that though to give it a more "flatter" response for critical monitoring. The bass though is less quantity than before, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Soundstage - For a studio monitor, the soundstage is very good. There is a wide sense of space and depth to the sound. Nevertheless, they aren't as open-sounding as others such as the DT-770 pros, which have a closed design as well. This can sometimes take you out of the "scenario" when watching movies or playing games, which is why I use these primarily for music. I use the DT-770 pro's for movies and games, which those excel in this area.
Detail Retrieval - Plain and simple, if it's in the audio track, you will hear it with no problem at all. Every nuance, sound, intricate detail, and mouse-fart will have a direct line to your eardrum for your listening pleasure. No complaints.
Value - You need a pair (no, not those) of Audio Technica M50's. These are more than worthy to add to your headphone stable. Comfort is also quite excellent. Other studio monitor headphones pinch too tight for me (I also wear glasses), these are just right. Not too loose or constricted. The Beyers beat these in this area though (those are like Serta pillows .
The cord is terminated into a slick-looking, metal housing, with a flexible end connected to a 1/8" plug, that also can be mated to a screw on 1/4" adapter. In other words, you can plug the M50's into whatever device you want; Ipod, home receiver, amp, etc., right out of the box. Durability is also the best I've seen yet. Can't see these breaking in any way, even if it's in the hands of a toddler.
Audio Technica M50's = A slice of musical heaven with whipped cream.
Max Sound Level before distorting - 122db
*I have owned 3 versions of these - Early '09 black/blue box (most bass-heavy) straight cable, '09 black/blue box coiled cable (sound the same as straight), and the more recent modern white/light blue top flap (this version has noticeably less bass and a little more pronounced bottom mids). I like the bass heavier version more.
*Burn in definitely changes the sound. Other owners have suggested 40 hours of cooking. The headphones sound more distinct, clear, and the instruments have better separation. Even the bass is more lively and the soundstage is more expanded. All said, don't judge yet until you've pumped tunes through them for many hours. Which then, the end result will surely be a smile on your face.
Highs - Imagine a dedicated tweeter per cup. The highs are INCREDIBLE. Sirens, cymbals, piano notes, you name it comes in crystal clear with a pristine pitch. No harshness or fatigue comes with it. No roll-off or sibilance either, even if you crank it up to stratospheric levels.
Mids - Like 2 miniaturized, mid-range drivers for your dome piece. When I heard Bose, I thought I HEARD everything, which was very nice. With the M50's, YOU WILL HEAR EVERYTHING. There were hidden voices and notes that even the Bose's missed in songs that I knew by heart. Voices came out clear and articulate. No recessed mid-range here. It's all up in your grill with pleasing authority and with the natural fullness that is to be expected with your tunes.
Lows - Lean, tight, and fast - like a cheetah. It goes deep and has good extension. The versions nowadays pump out a few decibels lower than the early '09 models that I use to own. I have modded these by adding a extra headphone cushion to each cup. Comfort went up significantly, while at the same time, the bass is 2x as strong now. Right in line from when I first had them. I love it. Audio Technica probably did that though to give it a more "flatter" response for critical monitoring. The bass though is less quantity than before, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Soundstage - For a studio monitor, the soundstage is very good. There is a wide sense of space and depth to the sound. Nevertheless, they aren't as open-sounding as others such as the DT-770 pros, which have a closed design as well. This can sometimes take you out of the "scenario" when watching movies or playing games, which is why I use these primarily for music. I use the DT-770 pro's for movies and games, which those excel in this area.
Detail Retrieval - Plain and simple, if it's in the audio track, you will hear it with no problem at all. Every nuance, sound, intricate detail, and mouse-fart will have a direct line to your eardrum for your listening pleasure. No complaints.
Value - You need a pair (no, not those) of Audio Technica M50's. These are more than worthy to add to your headphone stable. Comfort is also quite excellent. Other studio monitor headphones pinch too tight for me (I also wear glasses), these are just right. Not too loose or constricted. The Beyers beat these in this area though (those are like Serta pillows .
The cord is terminated into a slick-looking, metal housing, with a flexible end connected to a 1/8" plug, that also can be mated to a screw on 1/4" adapter. In other words, you can plug the M50's into whatever device you want; Ipod, home receiver, amp, etc., right out of the box. Durability is also the best I've seen yet. Can't see these breaking in any way, even if it's in the hands of a toddler.
Audio Technica M50's = A slice of musical heaven with whipped cream.
Max Sound Level before distorting - 122db
*I have owned 3 versions of these - Early '09 black/blue box (most bass-heavy) straight cable, '09 black/blue box coiled cable (sound the same as straight), and the more recent modern white/light blue top flap (this version has noticeably less bass and a little more pronounced bottom mids). I like the bass heavier version more.
*Burn in definitely changes the sound. Other owners have suggested 40 hours of cooking. The headphones sound more distinct, clear, and the instruments have better separation. Even the bass is more lively and the soundstage is more expanded. All said, don't judge yet until you've pumped tunes through them for many hours. Which then, the end result will surely be a smile on your face.