Do you want to learn all about Audio Technica headphones? Good.
We’re going to answer some frequently asked questions and find out if any are truly worth a purchase.
Greetings mate and Welcome aboard. Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music (NOT gear) all over again, so…
Are Audio Technica Headphones Any Good?!
Basking.
In my opinion, Audio Technica headphones are hit-and-miss.
There are a few fantastic options, some decent, and some should largely be avoided.
For instance, the R70x is one of the most neutral and genuine-sounding headphones around. Perfect for gaming, mixing, etc.
The AD series is excellent as well.
Both the AD700x and 900x are highly sought after for their gaming prowess and make perfect FPS cans when you’re really trying to hone in on footsteps and the like.
Because of their dry, analytical nature, they do really well at stripping away the fat and getting right down to brass tacks.
The bass response on them is fairly lean, but you’re not really going to care about that in the heat of a battle. What you want is a good separation of sounds and a wide enough image/good Soundstage.
The AD series provides all of these things.
The ATH series is pretty decent for casual listening, but should never be used professionally as monitors or reference headphones, even despite being marketed as such.
The ATH M40x held a #3 spot on my Budget Kings series for quite a while until I realized that I was glossing over some very crucial issues with it – namely the mid-bass bloat and metallic treble; both of which can pretty much ruin the overall experience.
Beginners may really enjoy these headphones until they gain more experience in the hobby and realize that they just aren’t nearly as good as people claim.
For as much flack as the M50x gets, I do think it’s a better all-around headphone and not nearly as “V-Shaped” as some audiophiles like to claim.
DT770 vs. M50x
For instance, the DT770 has garnered a weird cult-like following in the audiophile community even despite looking significantly worse from a frequency response standpoint.
When comparing the 2 side by side, there’s no reason that audiophiles should try and scoff at the sound signature of the 50x; one that is much more balanced when viewed objectively.
You could theoretically use the 50x for casual gaming and probably be happy, but I wouldn’t rely on it competitively.
The Soundstage, while way better than people give it credit for, still isn’t up to par with what I consider “good enough.”
Also, remember that Soundstage does have a lot to do with how the artist mixed the track.
In other words, even the shittiest headphones on the planet can give off the illusion of a good Soundstage depending on the track in question and how it was constructed.
You will get some out-of-your-head moments with the M50x, but by and large, it sounds like a closed-back; boxed-in, semi-claustrophobic, and narrow.
This is perfectly fine for privacy in the office, etc. but it’s not something I’d buy for gaming specifically.
The Best Audio Technica Headphones
#1
R70x
This is what I would consider first from a purely neutral standpoint. There’s simply nothing more you could ask for.
#2
AD900x or 700x
These are a bit less predictable but still, sound almost completely flat and neutral. Both the 700x, 900x, and R70x would be perfect for competitive gaming.
#3
ATH-M50x
Yup, it’s still a relevant headphone despite the haters. Just take a look at the amazon reviews.
There comes a point when you have to ask yourself, “Are that many people wrong?”
I personally owned an M50 for 5 years; from 2013 – 2018. I loved my time with it and it’s a fine headphone for specific purposes (Rap/Hip-Hop/EDM, etc.)
What’s interesting is when you compare one to a Sennheiser.
Sennheiser vs. Audio Technica vs. Beyerdynamic
I wrote about Sennheiser headphones here, but the comparison between the HD25 and M50x is certainly an interesting one.
Throw in the DT770 and we’ve got quite a nice little shootout.
I do think the HD25 slightly outclasses the 50x, but it’s close.
What you’ll love about the HD25 is that it pulls off the bass head sound with relative class.
It never quite feels like it’s trying too hard, but still somehow provides more impact than a magnitude 9 earthquake on the Richter scale.
HD25
Okay maybe not that much, but you get the point.
The HD25 is hands down the best headphone for metal and to me, it’s not even close. I’d rank the 50x right behind it and then the 770.
It’s fast, lively, and bright without being too essy or metallic sounding. Can it get sibilant at times? Absolutely.
But it’s not a deal-breaker for me considering how good the sound is overall.
- Read: What does Sibilant mean?
Mid-Range
What makes the HD25 stand out from other similar headphones is its mid-range.
You’re never going to feel like it’s recessed, pushed back, or missing.
At times it can all be too much of a good thing, so take frequent rest periods. This headphone is certainly one of the most intense you’ll likely ever hear.
The problem with the HD25 being on-ear is that it’s not comfortable at all; at least after about 30-45 minutes.
The 50x isn’t that much better comfort-wise, but the 770 is perhaps the most comfortable headphone I’ve ever worn.
Definitely keep these things in mind before purchasing.
You’ll likely be adjusting and re-adjusting quite frequently, but I’ve talked with folks on my HD25 video/article that grin and bear it because of how much they love the sound.
I would have to agree and did the same thing when I owned them.
The M50x’s issue is a bit different. It’s one of the best-built headphones I’ve ever owned, but the cups will harden and peel over time.
In fact, I peeled off the entirety of the cups and headband right before I gave them away.
Underneath you’ll find memory foam, and the good news is that you can easily replace the cups when they begin to break down.
The DT770’s velour padding is simply perfect, with the only adjustment needed being that you’ll have to replace them every year or so when they flatten out.
Nonetheless, you’ll have to take pad replacements into account regardless of the headphones you buy.
Can Audio Technica Headphones Connect to Alexa?
Yes, as long as they’re Bluetooth-enabled. The Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT would be an example.
Turn on your headphones and connect them to your smartphone via Bluetooth function.
Start the Amazon Alexa app. Tap (Menu) in the upper left corner, and then tap Add Device.
If a screen requesting Bluetooth pairing is displayed, tap Pair.
You should now be good to go.
Can Audio Technica Headphones Connect To Sonos?
Because the Sonos app is just a controller, no. You cannot. It reads data from your Sonos devices and sends them commands, but it does not read music data.
There are a few workarounds though:
- Connect the line out of a Sonos Connect to the base station of a wireless headphone using this splitter.
- Get a Sonos connect and hook it up to a Bluetooth adapter. Then pair it with Bluetooth headphones. This is a common solution for TVs that aren’t Bluetooth enabled as well.
- Buy a Generation 1 Play 5, which has a headphone output.
- Connect the headphones directly to a Bluetooth-enabled Television.
- Wire a Bluetooth aptX low latency transmitter to the TV’s optical out and use it with a compatible receiver or headset.
The Sonos Connect is incredibly versatile as it has optical out, coaxial out, and 2 pairs of RCA (1x output and 1x input).
The amplifier version as seen in Z’s video below is a bit different as it has an amplifier built-in and can connect with speaker wire to your passive speakers.
Check out Z’s video
Final Word
In the end, I’d go with an R70x if you’re after the most neutral representation of sound, followed by the AD700 or 900x, and then an M50x for the gym or if you primarily listen to harder genres like Rap, Hip-Hop, EDM, etc.
R70x:
AD900x:
M50x:
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this discussion on Audio Technica headphones and gained some valuable insight into my experiences.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
What are your experiences with this company? Which of them are you interested in? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu