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Cookster997
256
Aug 9, 2016
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To all of those who so dearly want the Audio Technica M50x's and have been voting for them in almost every headphone poll everywhere... Just keep in mind what you are getting, and make sure it is really what you are looking for. Youtuber Zeos Pantera has a few very critical and objective videos explaining why the M50x's aren't for anyone, and pointing out what else might be a better option. His original M50 review:

his second M50x review:
If you're looking for gaming headphones, he has a breakdown of good options.
Here is his review of a similar and comparatively priced headphone from Shure:
And here is his review of the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones, which I currently own and recommend for their much lower price if you don't mind open back.
And here is his review of Audio Technica's open back option in this price range, the AD 900x:

I hope this helps people further refine their decision, and keep in mind, there are hundreds of headphones out there. Don't get a pair because everyone tells you they are the best. Get a pair because they will do what you want them to do to your music, games, or movies. Never be afraid to do more research. EDIT: Oh! And I forgot to mention, in this price range, Fostex offers an excellent lineup of planar magnetic headphones. Just jeep in mind you will definitely need a proper amp for these.
Aug 9, 2016
RojasTKD
375
Oct 30, 2017
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Cookster997I don't always agree with Z and would not base my decision solely on his advice, I do agree that the M50X are overrated and there are better options. The DT 880, M40x and AKG 553 I find to be superior choices.
Oct 30, 2017
Cookster997
256
Oct 30, 2017
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RojasTKDTotally agree with you. I wrote this comment at least a year ago, and I have changed a lot since then. Learned a lot about what is out there. Nobody can tell you what is right for you. But I think Z and his guides on reddit.com/r/zeos are truly a good starting point for a lot of people to just get exposure to what is out there without getting overwhelmed by technical stuff.
Oct 30, 2017
RojasTKD
375
Oct 30, 2017
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Cookster997Yeah, he can useful starting point and is often entertaining.
He's also exposed many, including myself, to a lot of different gear and my desk is starting to look a bit like his, lol! Going to have to start to start reviewing gear to justify all this gear I have and as an excuse for the gear I want.
Oct 30, 2017
Cookster997
256
Oct 30, 2017
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RojasTKDNice! What do you have? I'm at University right now, so I'm limited a little bit. Running the SMSL AD18 as my DAC/Amp, with Jamo C93 speakers, and HD598's in black for headphones.
Oct 30, 2017
RojasTKD
375
Oct 30, 2017
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Cookster997For speakers I have nothing special as speakers would annoy other in the house, but I have some old M-Audio AV40s on my desk.
Headphone: 1. HiFiMan HE-500 2. Sennheiser HD598SE 3. Monolith M1060 4. Sony MDR-1000X (Bluetooth) 5. Fostex T50PR MKIII (modded) 6. Fostex T50PR MKIII (modded) 7. Mod House Audio Argon (T50RP MK II mod) 8. Massdrop T-X0 (T50RP MK II mod) *and a handful I had to sell earlier this year (HE-400, HE-400i, HD600, DT 770 80- ohms and more)
DAC/AMP: 1. SoundBlaster E5 2. NFB-11 3. Garage 1217 Project Polaris AMP 4. iFi iDSD Micro Black Lable 5. SMSL AD18 *Sold my JDS Labs C5D protable DAC/AMP it was a nice little unite though.
DAP: 1. Shanling M1 2. Shanling M2s 3. ZTE Axon 7 (OK it's Smartphone but make a nice DAP that can stream Spotify) 4. LG V20 (Also a Smartphone that make a nice streaming DAP)
I think there is something wrong with me! :-/
Oct 30, 2017
Cookster997
256
Oct 30, 2017
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RojasTKDOh my god. How is the NFB? People like to drool over it so much, but I've never had a dedicated headphone amp like that, I don't know what to expect.
I've got the v20, and I love it as a portable DAP. Shame you can't get too much into speakers, dude. I honestly prefer them more, even if it doesn't sound as good. I like having the sound out of my head, and into the room.
Oct 30, 2017
RojasTKD
375
Oct 31, 2017
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Cookster997The AD18 has an advantage in that it has built in prestes and the ability to boost the add or subtract bass or treble directly on the AD18. On the NFB-11 you have to be able to do that at the source (by installing Equalizer APO on your PC, for example) .
The NFB-11 will have a cleaner sound, but can be a bit analytical. If your headphone are bright the NFB-11 can bring that out and highs can be a bit harsh (if the headphones are already harsh and bright). It will also have good dynamics and punch at the right times.
Most importantly the NFB-11 has massively more power than the AD18. The AD18 put out 53mW at 32 ohms, while the NFB-11 is probably somewhere north of 2+W (2000+mW). The AD18 is ok with most IEMs and easy to drive headphones, but anything demanding goes downhill real fast, it just doesn't have the power for that.
My desktop AV40 do a decent jobs as Desktop speakers/monitors and I have some nice Pioneer home theater surround speakers, but unless no one home I don't listen to music on them. Besides honestly my headphone are probably better than my speakers
Oh I forgot my collection of IEMs. Sold my two real expensive IEMs (Shure SE846 and Jerry Harvey Roxanne), but have a bunch of $15 to $350 IEMs. My main IEMs currently being the Audeze iSine 10.
Oct 31, 2017
mayorblurps
499
Jan 7, 2018
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Cookster997Amen amen amen. Those who think the M50x sounds fantastic (which i bought as my 2nd pair of 'good headphones' and never thought they were anything great). Whatever one uses or wants the M50x for, I guarantee there's a much better headphone out there in the same price range.
Surely they really don't want to take a studio monitor headphone as a portable option?!?
Jan 7, 2018
RojasTKD
375
Jan 7, 2018
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mayorblurpsYeah, I'm in the camp that is not a fan of the M50x. I guess it was better than most of the options available at it's price point when it first came out and was consumer friendly in that it was portable. Also most peoplego from cheap garbage headphones to the M50x as their firts "real" headphone (as they are so heavily recommended still) and think they sound great, because their previous experience was with crap headphones. Today, I think there are better options.
When I got my Beyerdynamic DT 770 80ohms version I thought they sounded much better at a similar price range while still having a fun v-shape response. But it is a larger, uglier headphone with non-removable cables and I see why general consumers don't even consider it. The DT1350 is a fantastic portable that delivers BIG sound out of small on ears, but it becomes uncomfortable after 45 to an hours of wear. So the M50x does have some appeal over those option, just not in sound (comfort and aesthetics).
I'm going to keep an eye out on eBay for a DT1350, as from time to time they can be had for $99. Eventually I'll upgrade the ear pads to one of the slightly larger pads for greater comfort.
Jan 7, 2018
mayorblurps
499
Jan 8, 2018
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RojasTKDI think it also gets a lot of undeserved hype because it has a similar look to the beats that truly are terrible (with maybe an exception or 2 out of the entire beats lineup?). Not sure how or why they gained so much traction. There are cheaper and similar priced cans that don't need an amp to shine, nor are they dark with a narrow soundstage. The m50x is the least musical headphone I've ever heard (obviously, again, it's intended as a studio monitor)...and I would venture a guess that most people buying them are using for portable, on the go music listening. If they truly think the 50x sounds good, I look forward to the day when they upgrade to something worthy of the hype 😎
Jan 8, 2018
mayorblurps
499
Jan 8, 2018
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RojasTKDAlso, I still love and listen to my og Sennheiser momentums (over ear with the smaller cups). Some may say they are dark but something about the sound as a whole... Senn made a great headphone with the OE momentums. I don't use on ears so I can't speak to the on ear version, but they are just great all around. I also like the MDR-1A, especially for movies. A great all around can that's incredibly comfortable.
My most recent purchase for a steal on Black Friday (no thanks to the 'drop the 3.5mm jack' trend in cell phones) was the VModa Crossfade 2 Wireless in rose gold, which supports aptX since my Pixel 2 XL supports all the BT codecs. Was hesitant to jump onto the wireless train but the CF2W really is a fantastic wireless headphone. While I love bass and mids, sensitive to treble, I was expecting to be underwhelmed by BT headphones. VModa got the wireless headphone exactly right, and it happens to be just as great in wired mode. AptX is definitely worth it.
Jan 8, 2018
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