With the headphone market being saturated, the quest for the best headphones can be quite a daunting task. Headphones like the M50X and M40X from Audio Technica are among the most popular and high-quality pieces available on the market. In this comparison review, let us discuss some key differences between the Audio Technica ATH-M50X and the M40X.
Gaming headsets come in all prices, shapes, and sizes. Many headphones range within the $100 and $200, but they may not offer the best features than those with higher price tags. As a result, finding an affordable headset with plenty of impressive features and impeccable audio quality is difficult. However, Audio Technica has got it right with two of its most popular models, the M50X and M40X. Without further ado, let us delve into this comparison review and understand which of these two is most suitable for you.
What are the differences between Audio Technica ATH-M50X and M40X?
[wpdatatable id=19]Audio Technica ATH-M50X vs.M40X- How do they compare?
Design/look:
Being that the M50X and M40 X are models in the same series, they are also quite similar at first glance. They both feature an on-ear design, which provides a good fit and proper ventilation. They also have an elegant and luxurious headband with the company’s logo and name branded on the top side. Available in black, white, purple/black, and gunmetal, the M50X consists of bits of burnished steel on its sides, adding to its robustness. It also comes with earcups that swivel a full 180 degrees for flexibility and overall comfort.
On the other hand, the M40X is a fabulous headphone with a smaller silver ring of its ear cups, which swivel 90 degrees for a comfortable and flexible fit. However, this headphone is available in only one color.
The Audio Technica M50X comes with a better design than the M40X.
Build quality:
In terms of build quality, both headphones feature high-grade plastic construction material and a durable aluminum headband with aluminum extenders, providing a sturdy and solid feel, sure to last for years to come. Their earcups consist of plush padding, ideal for a comfortable listening experience. They also sit nicely on your head as they are a good fit and suits most head sizes.
The only difference between the M50X and the M40X concerning build quality is that the M50X is slightly heavier than the M40X as it weighs 10.1 ounces compared to 8.3 ounces. Likewise, the M40X has a snap around its ear cups, while the M50X features a different mechanism, making the M50X more durable than the M40X.
The Audio Technica M50X is more durable than the M40X.
Performance/sound quality:
With a frequency response range of 15Hz -28 kHz and an impedance of 38 Ohms, the M50X delivers a well-balanced and detailed overall sound quality. It comes with 45mm drivers and a closed-back design that provides heavy bass, which is ideal for monitoring purposes. As a result, the M50X offers a more natural and richer sound for those looking for everyday use headphone.
When playing Warframe, the headphones delivered an impressively balanced, crisp, and punchy audio quality with several peaks in some areas, providing an edgier listening experience compared to ordinary gaming headsets. Likewise, it is flexible for a wide variety of use, including listening to various music genres and other sound applications.
Alternatively, the M40X also does not disappoint when it comes to its sound profile. It reproduces relaxed and neutral sounds within its frequency response range of 15Hz – 24 kHz and an impedance of 35 Ohms. Its bass, mids, and highs seem to be on the same level, which is quite refreshing if you prefer soft music or listen to original soundtracks. Featuring a 40mm bass driver, its low-end output is less substantive than that of the M50X. However, it has a relatively good performance when used in playing Warframe as the audio was not overpowering, making it perfect for critical listening.
The Audio Technica M50X has better sound quality than the M40X.
Microphone sound quality:
Both the M50X and M40X do not come with a microphone.
Comfort:
In terms of comfort, both the M50X and M40X have several similar features. They come with large on-ear earcups that fit well on most ears. There is also adequate space between your ears and the ear cups’ inner side, providing a comfortable feeling, and your ears do not touch anything.
These headphones are also foldable and can be stored in the leather bag compactly. They also come with headbands and ear cups that contain a soft leather finish, adding to their comfort. Its ear pads are of high quality and replaceable, even by third-party manufacturers. The only significant difference between these two headsets is that the M40X is slightly lighter than the M50X, although the M50X does not feel heavy.
The Audio Technica M40X is more comfortable than the M50X due to its lighter weight.
Audio Technica M50X vs. M40X – A comparison review
Audio Technica M50X review:
Available in white, black, gunmetal, and purple/black, the Audio Technica ATH-M50X is a professional headset with sturdy construction and refined earpads with detachable cables. It has measurements of 11.4 by 10 by 4.1 inches and a mass weight of 10.1 ounces, making it compact and lightweight to carry around anywhere.
With a frequency response range of 15Hz-28 kHz, this headphone allows users to hear every musical detail. It comes with a 45mm driver with aluminum wire voice coils and earth magnets that delivers rich and powerful bass. It is also worthy to note that it has a sensitivity of 98dB and an impedance of 38 Ohms, meaning you can enjoy your sound without any distortion, even at high volume levels.
The M50X comes with two detachable and interchangeable cables that add to their flexibility, making them ideal for music producers or DJs. The headphones are also collapsible and foldable to save space and fit in the carrying bag that comes in its packaging.
- Powerful and high-quality sound quality with exceptional clarity and accuracy
- Durable build with an attractive design
- Comfortable
- Comes with detachable and interchangeable cables
- Portable
- Noise isolation
- Somewhat pricey
Audio Technica M40X review:
With dimensions of 11.4 by 10 by 4.1 inches and a mass weight of 8.3 ounces, the Audio Technica ATH-M40X is a compact and lightweight headphone for you to have on your head for a long time without straining. Like the M50X, it comes with two detachable cables that you can interchange, meaning you can comfortably use them while listening to jams around the jams or when in the studio. As a result, you can use these headphones for studio mixing and tracking.
Available in black, this headset features a distinct touch of style as it has a rubberized PVC exterior and a soft velvet lining on the inside for optimum durability and protection. It is also collapsible and foldable, making it portable and ideal for saving space.
The Audio Technica ATH-M40X features a high-quality headband and ear pads material, increasing their durability and comfort. Its ear cups swivel 90°, allowing you to have easy one-ear monitoring. Its circumaural design enables it to isolate any background noise, allowing you to listen to your music or play games in peace.
The M40X features a robust performance with punchy and detailed audio quality when it comes to sound quality. It comes with 40mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum voice coils and earth magnets that provide an impactful bass response for a unique listening experience. The headset has a frequency response range of 15Hz- 24 kHz and an impedance of 35 Ohms, meaning it delivers high-quality sound and can handle high amplification even at high volume levels.
- Detailed and powerful sound quality
- Solid construction
- Elegant and stylish design
- Comfortable
- Collapsible and foldable
- Comes with a carrying case
- Sound quality is not as substantive as its other competitors.
Final verdict: So, which is better, Audio Technica M50X or M40X?
After comparing these two headphones, the Audio Technica M50X is a better headset than the M40X due to its better build quality, better audio quality, wider frequency response range, and more comfortable. However, the M40X is the more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long are the Audio Technica ATH-M40X cables?
It comes with two cables, a coiled one that is 1.2 meters long and a straight one that is 3 meters long.
Can you use the M50X wired on a wireless version?
Yes. It comes with a straight cable that has inline and mic controls.