[Gabbuhh]

I've had the Audio Technica ATH-M50 for about 2 months now. It's my first pair of decent headphones. Although it's not as pronounced for FLAC files, there seems to be a type of static / muddiness in the upper frequencies (and at higher decibels). It's enough to bother me where I would be doing work and it would distract me from it and grab my attention. I didn't get to compare this yet to a brand new one, but I would like to get your thoughts onto the chance that my headphones might be defective.
 
I did sort of drop it a couple times on my carpet from about 2 feet before (since I didn't notice it before, but that may be because I haven't listened to any of the music where this may be audible). I've also driven it with a uDAC 2 for it with the same problems. Thanks.

 

[youngngray]

Like you, I am new to high-quality headphones. I just got a pair of the ATH-M50's.  As with these headphones new, there is considerable burn-in time, and just so you know, mine are only at around 25-30 hours.  Anyway, I think I know what you are saying a little bit. It seems like some of the upper frequencies, especially the loudest ones, sound a bit fuzzy. I doubt it's that your headphones are defective, because mine sound like that too on some songs. On most though, they just sound awesome!