Home Headphone Comparisons Sennheiser HD 280 pro vs ATH M50 | THE DIFFERENCE?

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Hi friend and Welcome!

For an updated look: Sony MDR-7506 vs. Audio Technica ATH M50x vs. Sennheiser HD280 Pro i.e. pretty much just ignore what I said in the article below about the 280 being good for mixing. It’s really not. Read this instead^

Today I’m gonna be slapping you in the melon with a sweet new post about the Sennheiser HD 280 pro vs the ATH M50!

What’s the difference you ask?

Well, that’s a great question, and I own both models so I will be able to really get into the nuances of each of these well-regarded headphones. This will be quite a comprehensive review…

So before we get started, grab a snack, sit back, and relax…

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

of each headphone:

  1. Specifications
  2. Summary
  3. Pros
  4. Cons
  5. Amp/DAC requirements
  6. Who these headphones benefit?
  7. Consensus/Conclusion
  8. Similarities/Differences
  9. Final Word

Now without further ado,

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Specifications

Summary

Right off the bat, I’ll tell you this: The HD 280’s are not particularly exciting. They are just about as neutral as it gets. The sound isn’t as loud as I would like, but they certainly get the job done. Just don’t expect to be amazed or anything. They do remarkably well as a mixing/reference can because of the even sound across the spectrum. The best way I can describe these puppies is, honest. They have revealed flaws in my mixes that actually make me not want to listen. It’s like I’m in denial or something 😛

Pros

  • Sound. Flat, neutral, honest, even sound. Insert adjective here. They define “mixing headphone.” If you can make your mix sound amazing on these, it will translate magnificently on other speakers and headsets.
  • Very comfortable. You may have to make some slight adjustments, but overall this is a comfortable set over a long listening session.
  • Durable. This may be the most durable set of headphones out there. They are made of a really thick and solid plastic, but don’t feel cheap in the slightest. They can take quite a bit of abuse. Just don’t go chucking them into the wall 😛 Mine have been dropped, slept on, gotten stuck in weird places, and the cable has been constantly tugged on and they still come out on top. One thing to note: the 3.5 mm jack has a slight bend in it. No doubt due to my excessive abuse. No effect on sound.
  • Longevity. They will last you quite a long time. I’ve seen numerous reviewers on amazon who claim to have had these for upwards of 10 years. I can definitely see that. They are built to last, even in the face of extreme abuse 😛
  • Isolation. As a closed back model, these do very well blocking out incoming noise and won’t distract others around you at high volumes, if you do plan on wearing them out. Check out the differences between Closed back vs. open back headphones!
  • Flexibility. These contort and adjust in a number of different ways, similar to the M50’s. Very compact design, even being as bulky as they are.
  • Replaceable parts. The ear-cups, headband padding, and cable can all be replaced if need be.

Cons

  • Bulky. These won’t do well on the go. In fact, they haven’t left my house yet, and I don’t plan on taking them out unless I was to visit another studio or something. Meant for in-house mixing only. They do travel well, but people may look at you funny if you wear these out, lol.
  • Coiled cable? Some love the coiled cable, I am really not too fond of it in general. They are good if you’re sitting down to mix a track, but kind of an annoyance otherwise. The cable doesn’t get tangled easily, however, so that’s a plus.
  • Not exciting. Even knowing these are for mixing, I just can’t get too excited about the sound. As strictly a reference headphone, they are perfect. For anything else, you will be a little underwhelmed.
  • Treble. Due to a lack of bass, for easy listening from my audio interface, these may be a little shrill for you at high volumes. I’ve found that I can’t really keep the volume knob turned all the way up without experiencing some fatigue. Be wary my friend. Maybe I’m getting old 😛
  • No carrying case
  • Can become hot around your ears after awhile. Light sweating.

Check out the video review!!

Amp/DAC requirements

At 64 Ohms, none! How to choose a headphone amp!

Who these headphones benefit?

  • Producers who need a good mix-down/master
  • People who prefer a neutral sound over a colored one.
  • People who are looking for durability and longevity out of their purchase.
  • People who value comfort over long listening sessions

Consensus/Conclusion

As entry-level mixing/reference headphones, these fit the bill and then some. Your mixes will be rendered with startling accuracy. For some they may be bulky and unattractive. The sound is accurate but underwhelming in some circumstances.

Onto..

Audio Technica ATH M50 and 50x

Just a bit of clarification

Audio Technica has since come out with the 50x model, which is basically the same as the 50, with a few additions and improvements. In a nutshell:

  • A Removable cable.
  • A choice of different colors. Subject to change.
  • contoured ear cups that seal tighter for improved isolation.
  • tighter, louder bass emphasis.

Specifications

  1. price: check amazon! | check sweetwater! | check eBay!
  2. type: closed back
  3. fit: circumaural (over ear)
  4. impedance: 38 ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
  5. frequency response: 15 – 28,000 Hz
  6. material: Plastic & Metal
  7. color: Black & Silver

Summary

Expect to put these on and be floored, unlike the 280s. After listening to these for the first time, I really got a sense of what I had been missing. If this is your first foray into audiophile-type equipment, these will really make you look at music in an entirely different way.

They aren’t neutral per se, but do very well as mixing/reference headphones. They are colored in a sense, but to me, it never feels over the top. I would describe the sound as huge, full, and detailed. You will start to hear things in recordings that had previously been lost. One of the biggest differences between these and the 280s is bass response. These reach down really low, and give you a nice thump, without sounding bloated or artificial. They are tighter than a panty hose homie!

Think of it like this: They do extremely well in a variety of different listening situations and musical genres. My friend who just purchased the 50x’s bought them for this purpose. There’s a reason these are so popular. They are a remarkably versatile set of cans.

Pros

  • Versatile. Expect to be using these as your go-to cans almost (if not outright) daily for a variety of different things.
  • Bass. It’s tight and controlled, while at the same time being loud and hard-hitting. Contributes to the “wow” factor upon first listen.
  • Comfort. These are a bit more comfortable overall than the 280s, and you will find yourself wearing them over a longer period without adjustment.
  • Flexibility and build. It Contorts and folds in many of the same ways as the 280. A bit more flexible in this regard. This is one of their strongest suits contributing to longevity. There are simply fewer ways these can break given their ox-like build.
  • 3.5 mm jack. The little things are what impress me most, and the fact that these come with a protective coil at the end of the cord running into the 3.5 mm jack is priceless. I’m sure it’s saved these on many occasions since I’ve had them. Truly extraordinary.
  • Choice of coiled or straight cable. I normally opt for the straight cable, but the fact that you have a choice is nice. If you plan on using these out and about, I’d suggest the straight version.
  • Out of your head. Even as a closed-back model, these do exceptionally well with instrument separation and sound-stage. You may frequently remove them from your melon to see where the sound came from. They have very impressive imaging in this regard. What is Soundstage?

Cons

  • Ear cups. While comfortable, the ear cups are prone to cracking over time. I wouldn’t advise wearing these right out of the shower, as this has probably contributed to mine having this issue. The ear cups can be replaced and should be because they also flatten out a bit over a long period of daily use.
  • Even being able to wear them over a long period, the sound can get trapped inside your dome, leading to fatigue. Take a break man!

My Video Review!

Please don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my growing channel! I would really appreciate any support. ?

Amp/DAC requirements

At 38 Ohms, none!

Who these headphones benefit?

  • Bass-heads will love the tight, controlled, yet thumping quality these provide. Prepare to be amazed.
  • Producers who need a good mix-down. While not entirely neutral, these do excel in studio as a reference monitor.
  • People who are looking for longevity and versatility from their purchase
  • Those who want to be able to listen for long sessions with the occasional adjustment or break

Consensus/Conclusion

A slick set of studio monitoring/reference cans that double as easy listening devices. Highly versatile, comfortable, and built to last. The ear-cups have been known to crack over time, but are replaceable. Closed-back design will force you to take a break every so often. Overall an amazing set.

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • Both do well in a studio environment.
  • Both are comfortable and sport the same type of pleather/leatherette/faux leather type padding.
  • Both are flexible and durable, contorting and folding in many of the same ways.
  • Both have the wire coming out of the left ear cup.
  • Both have been known to last a very long time.

Differences

  • Size & Weight. The HD 280’s overall are more bulky, and less suited for on the go purposes. I could see the 50’s breaking down faster than the 280s, but both are durable sets.
  • Coiled vs. Straight. As far as I know, the 280’s only come with a coiled cable option. With the M50’s, you get a choice. The 50x’s also come in a plethora of different colors.
  • *Sound. The 280’s sound is straight neutral and more subdued, while the 50 utilizes that hard hitting bass that many producers crave. The M50’s are also a bit more colored overall, while the 280’s remain about as flat and honest as it gets.*
  • Versatility. The M50’s do well with a variety of different uses, while the 280s are mostly for mixing only. I use the 50’s daily for nearly everything. Expect these to be your go to cans.
  • Material. The 280’s use all plastic, but the M50’s have instances of metal in the headband adjustment, right-left indicators, and on the outside of the ear cups.
  • Carrying case. The M50’s come with one, the 280’s do not
  • Coil protector. The M50’s have that really amazing metal (or steel, don’t know which) coil protector on the end of the wire that runs into the 3.5 mm jack. This has aided greatly to their overall durability. The 280s do not have this feature.

Final Word

The Sennheiser HD 280 is more conducive to mixing in studio, and its sound is really as flat and even as it gets at this price range. There is nothing particularly exciting about this can, but in terms of raw honesty, it’s something you will come to appreciate over time. Don’t put the 280’s on and expect to be floored. Expect to get an accurate representation of whatever you are listening to.

SEE THE 280’s FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!

The Audio Technica ATH M50 by contrast is a bit of a brighter headphone, and sports a tight, punchy bass response that doesn’t become bloated or artificial. While significantly more colored, and louder than the 28o, it’s not overkill. It also does well in the studio as a mixing/reference can. When you put the M50 on, expect to be floored. Also expect an accurate representation of what you are listening to, but know that there is a bit more of an added emphasis & coloration on the sound overall. This is a bass-heads can!

SEE THE M50’s FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! Hope you’ve enjoyed my review comparing the Sennheiser HD 280 pro vs. Audio Technica ATH M50!

Read my official Audio Technica ATH M50 Review!

What do you think about these two headphones? Which one is more suited for your needs?? Let me know!!

I hope I’ve answered every question you may have had about each of these. If not, please leave a message below or Contact me and I will be more than happy to help out!!

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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26 comments

DroGodina July 24, 2015 - 2:47 am

I’m actually thinking about upgrading my headphones in the near future; originally, it would have been the Beats By Dre, but I’ve come to appreciate the stuff that’s in the middle of the price range as my budget’s new. I’m weak when it comes to audio as I appreciate my sound more than the next guy. I just might buy the 50’s sometime!

Reply
Stu July 24, 2015 - 2:51 am

I hope you do man! I’ve had them for almost 3 years now and I couldn’t imagine life without ’em.. they completely changed my perspective on music in general

-Stu

Reply
Todd August 3, 2015 - 7:08 am

A really well written review Stu. You explain clearly the most important comparisons, such as sound and comfort. For me they are the two key features I need to know. Nothing worse than an uncomfortable pair of headphones which gives you a headache. Looks like the ATH M50 will be the next set of headphones I purchase!

Reply
Stu August 3, 2015 - 11:28 pm

Hey Todd!

Great to see you again.. Yeah the M50’s right now are my go to. I’m not an audiophile by any means, but I can see myself becoming one. Yesterday I read a crazy review comparing 59 different types of headphones! They were all flagship models, and the guy who wrote the article owns EVERY. SINGLE. ONE OF THEM. It kind of made me feel really inadequate HAHAH.. But alas..

Thanks for stopping by! I know you will love the M50’s!!

-Stu

Reply
Curt December 4, 2015 - 6:51 am

Nice comparison here. I’m looking to purchase a set of headphones for my guitar playing. Durability, sound quality and comfort are a must. I’ve been a fan of Sennheiser since I first picked of the PC 350’s for my gaming console. Higher priced at the time but well worth the investment.

Reply
Stu December 6, 2015 - 6:39 pm

Hey Curt!

Yeah Sennheiser products are built to last. The HD 280 pros are no exception. They are a bit clunky, but are about as solid as a lead weight! Lol.

Reply
Logan5 March 28, 2016 - 8:24 am

Hi, I am looking at these to use with an electronic drum kit at home. Which of the two would you say is better at blocking out external noise?

Reply
Stu March 29, 2016 - 1:40 am

Hey Logan!

Glad you stopped by. They are very similar in blocking out sound. I would say overall the Sennheiser HD 280’s are better at that because their clamping force is a bit tighter, and they also encase the ears better. I’m assuming that you read over the article and know about the main differences, but which were you leaning towards as far as sound? The 280’s are extremely flat and neutral, while the M50’s are more colored. But yeah, the 280’s will isolate sound better, hands down.

If you have any other questions let me know brother!!

-Stu

Reply
Nik July 23, 2016 - 5:31 am

Hey man thanks for the great review! I bought the 280’s maybe 7 or 8 years ago and they got smashed to bits by a car….. finally got another pair recently and my roomy got a pair of the m50x’s and I’m glad to hear that other reviews see that, when buying a pair of headphones, it can be right down to personal preferences.
Keep doing great reviews man!

Reply
Stu July 23, 2016 - 2:06 pm

Ah man that’s unfortunate! I had something similar happen with my 280’s actually, albeit not nearly as bad. I slept with them on a lot you see, and for you and anyone else reading this I would highly advise against that, lol. They didn’t break or anything, but they bent/contorted in a very odd way, ever so slightly. I don’t blame the headphones, as they were never meant to be slept with (hehe). I still say they pretty rock solid.

As for the M50’s? No they aren’t a perfect headphone (what is?), but they have served me well for almost 4 years (Jan. 2013). At this point I feel like they are pretty much indestructible and will never break.. They give you a deep bass response that isn’t sloppy like Beats, and they are pretty darn comfy as well. When you put on a pair of M50’s for the first time, your perception of music immediately changes (given that it’s the first higher end headphone that you’ve tried).

But I digress, thanks a lot for stopping by brother! I appreciate the kind words..

Blessings,
-Stu

Reply
Sam September 4, 2016 - 5:10 pm

I’m pretty much sold on the 50s, however, if I decide to take them on a plane, do I need an amplifier? I use my phone exclusively for music while traveling, and I don’t want to arrive in a new city with a dead phone. Will the 50s demand more current from my phone than ear buds?

Reply
Stu September 5, 2016 - 3:18 am

Hey Sam!

Nah the M50’s sound really crisp with your phone, you won’t need an amp. I actually prefer them with my Galaxy S5. The sound really comes alive!!

Let me know how it goes..

Blessings,
-Stu

Reply
Jeremy W. April 12, 2017 - 3:40 am

Thanks for the Review.
I’m an audio engineer and use Senh. 650’s for flat reference. Oddly, I found the opposite of your review – that the 280’s were more comfortable due to the fact they have larger ear opening and go around the ear, while the 50’s would hit the outside of my ears causing pain after long sessions. The 280’s were still not as comfortable as others. I also find the 50’s to harsh on the upper mids and highs, where they sounded a bit too bright compared to the 280’s. Though I’d also say the 280’s are a bit scooped but in a nice way. The 280’s do lack at the upper highs past 12k. I find bass quite good on both sets. I also play drums and find the 280’s a tad bit better at rejecting outside sound than the 50’s. Due to the lack of comfort and being a bit harsh on the 50’s, I always grab the 280’s for travel. I know the 50’s seem very popular, but I don’t quite get it. That’s my 2c. Cheers!

Reply
Stu April 23, 2017 - 2:08 am

Hey Jeremy!

To be honest, I actually agree with most everything you’ve said. The 50’s can get harsh in the treble, but only with certain tracks. I wouldn’t say overall they’re harsh though.

Your sentiments on the 280’s are pretty much spot on, although I think the bass on the 280 is much leaner than that of the 50.

Comfort wise, I agree to an extent. With the 50’s it took a long time for me to feel discomfort, but back then I was doing marathon mixing sessions so it was pretty much mandatory for me to take a break. I was also a bit younger and could handle those 3 am beatmaking hours. Lol.

As far as the comfort of the 280’s, they are very comfortable, although I thought the clamp force was pretty brutal at first. They are also a tad bulky for my tastes, but for mixing they are a phenomenal entry level set, and in fact make a great pair overall regardless of price.

My new travel pair is the HD25’s. Any experience with those?

-Stu

Reply
Ulises April 22, 2017 - 2:57 am

I’m the owner of the hd280 pro ath-m50, and hd25. I must say, the 280’s are still my favorite one; they are solid as a rock and the sound is the most convenient for mixing (even against the hd25 in my opinion). The hd25 have great sound too, but for some reason I feel like something is stuck on my ears with that pair, i prefer the hd25 for on the go, but for the studio i love the 280’s. The M50’s are more for casual listening (colored) and they cracked on some plastic parts, so definitely not for hard abuse like the Sennheiser.

Reply
Stu April 23, 2017 - 1:09 am

Ulises,

I totally agree about the HD25’s. They are pretty comfortable, but after a while they start to hurt my ear and I’m pretty sure it’s the headphones because I don’t have the problem when I don’t wear them. I still highly recommend them to anyone reading this however. They are stunning upon first listen, and make the perfect travel headphone as Ulises has stated. They’re also super lightweight and durable; I have no qualms about tossing these around and generally being careless with them. They’re indestructible!

The 280’s were kind of boring to me but then again I have not listened in quite awhile. I do think they make great mixing cans which is what they’re meant for. So the fact that they’re boring is of no consequence when you think about it. They are really bulky (albeit durable), but I slept with them on and they cracked after a short time. Not what I was expecting since I’ve had the M50’s since Jan. of 2013 and they have been pretty much abused to the max and then some.

So I do disagree slightly about the M50’s durability. I think it’s one of the most durable cans out there to be honest.

Thanks for the comment man!

-Stu

Reply
ray April 22, 2017 - 7:34 pm

I mostly care about sound leakage when I listen to songs in public and unfortunately for those people, I can listen 1 song on replay for 5 hours on max volume!
Ive seen that M50’s do leak, and the 280’s don’t leak much, so I was thinking of getting the 280, but now again I’m trapped and don’t know what to buy.

Reply
Stu April 23, 2017 - 1:24 am

Hey Ray!

Well the M50’s don’t leak at all. Not sure who told you that or where you read it but they are closed back and do not leak. So it comes down to your preferred sound signature: Fun and exciting? or Flat and neutral?

Reply
ray April 23, 2017 - 9:02 am

https://youtu.be/E2BhjQRDCAk – 1:50 you can clearly hear lyrics 🙁 honestly I don’t really understand the meaning of fun & exciting / flat & neutral sounds , so I’m gonna say that I’m more a pop listener , famous pop singers.

Reply
Stu April 24, 2017 - 1:35 am

Hey Ray!

It basically just means exactly what it says. Fun/exciting = More bass, bright treble, detailed. Flat/neutral = Leaner bass, even sound across the whole sound spectrum, nice mid-range.

Reply
ray April 24, 2017 - 2:28 pm

At the moment I own Sennheiser hd 201, and I really like the way they sound, so I guess I need flat/neutral.

Stu April 25, 2017 - 1:56 am

Then the 280 would be a significant upgrade. And this is coming form someone who doesn’t like the 201’s very much.

Mat June 24, 2017 - 2:33 pm

Excellent opinion. I have the ATH-M50x with a Fiio A3 from an LG G4 phone using Jet Audio+. I am amazed at the quality and clarity of the sound. Love heavy rock, drum and bass and most other genres (except R&B…..just can’t stand it!). I would recommend this setup to anyone wanting high quality audio on a budget. Deep thumping bass with crystal clear mids and highs. Have found extra notes and instruments in music I’ve been listening to for years. Not saying it’s the best setup possible…. But i bet it is for the money? Cans and amp under £200!

Reply
Stu June 24, 2017 - 3:07 pm

Thanks Mat!

Yeah I do still like the 50x’s, especially for the price. They really do jump start you into the world of audiophiles. They’re also incredibly durable. Mine have taken some abuse over the last 4 years and still hold up very strong. In fact they look the same as the first day I got them. The only thing is the ear cups crack and peel, but you can always buy replacements.

By the way is it Mat Targar or Matt Argar? Lol I couldn’t make up my mind.

-Stu

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PJ November 24, 2017 - 10:28 am

Best review i’ve read in a while! Been reading a bunch when considering which pair to go for. Appreciate your input and candour! Looking forward to more of your insights in the future!

Reply
Stuart Charles Black November 24, 2017 - 5:25 pm

Thanks PJ! Let me know what you decide!

Blessings,
-Stu

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