Under £150 Over-ear Headphones - Audio Technica M50X(Matte Grey) vs Sony MDR 1A(Silver)

[TheKevinFang]

Hi everyone,
 
I'm looking for some help asap if possible.
 
I was wondering which pair would be better for commuting, use in the library and general use in and out of the house. I prefer the design of the MDR 1A, but the M50X are very reputable and I was wondering if anyone has tried both of these to give an informed opinion about which is better.
 
Also, any recomendations for others at this price point? Looking for not only sound quality, but also portability, design and function.
 
Kind regards,
 
Kevin.

 

[PurpleAngel]

The ATH-M50X are decent bassy headphones, but might be over priced for the quality you get.
So I vote Sony.
You might also check out the Soundmagic HP150 headphones.

 

[atarione]

I have been using for what must be going on 4yrs (at least) M50 and then M50X headphones as my go to portable headphones..
 
I quite like them... do a good job of keeping sound in, and out (for non noise cancelling phones) quite rugged fold up pretty nicely.
 
I do think the MDR1A's are certainly better looking but they don't fold.
 
I don't think anyone would argue the M50X's are the last word in hifi ..but if you like a bit bassy headphones they are quite good and at least for me quite durable headphones..   The stock ear pads are terrible however.. I use Shure 840 ear pads on mine which are much more comfortable but are a little loose... 99% of the time I don't knock and ear pad off but it has happened a couple times with the shure pads...

 

[TheKevinFang]

Has anyone tried the MDR-1A's? Are they worth picking up for £110?

Thanks

 

[TheKevinFang]

"I don't think anyone would argue the M50X's are the last word in hifi"
 
Why are the M50X's so unpopular in these forums? They're reviewed 4.5-5 stars literally everywhere I look and the design is pretty bomb also.
 
Thanks