Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison of Top-Rated Studio Headphones

Comparing Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro headphones. Which studio monitor headphones are the best for your needs?

Are you on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones for your audio needs? Look no further than the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro. These two headphones are some of the best in the market, both offering exceptional sound quality and comfort. However, choosing between the two can be a tough decision.

Firstly, let's talk about the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, which is a favorite among music professionals worldwide. Its sleek design, coupled with its impressive sound quality, makes it stand out from the rest. The ATH-M50x has a frequency range of 15Hz to 28kHz, providing clear and accurate audio across the entire spectrum. Additionally, it has a closed-back design, which provides excellent noise isolation.

On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is a top-tier headphone that offers an open-back design. This means that the ear cups are not sealed, allowing for air to pass through and provide natural-sounding audio. Its frequency range is slightly wider than the ATH-M50x, ranging from 5Hz to 35kHz. This allows for more detail and clarity in the high-end frequencies.

When it comes to comfort, both headphones excel in this aspect. The ATH-M50x has plush ear cups that sit comfortably around the ears, while the DT 880 Pro has velour ear pads that provide excellent breathability. Both headphones have adjustable headbands, allowing for a customized fit for any head size.

In terms of build quality, both headphones are top-notch. The ATH-M50x has a durable plastic construction, while the DT 880 Pro has a sturdy metal frame. Both headphones can withstand daily wear and tear with ease.

When it comes down to sound quality, both headphones offer exceptional audio reproduction. The ATH-M50x has a slightly emphasized bass, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more bass-heavy sound. The DT 880 Pro, on the other hand, provides a more neutral sound, making it ideal for critical listening.

In terms of connectivity, both headphones come with detachable cables. The ATH-M50x comes with three different cables - a coiled cable, a straight cable, and a shorter straight cable with an in-line microphone. The DT 880 Pro, on the other hand, only comes with one straight cable.

When it comes to price, the ATH-M50x is more budget-friendly than the DT 880 Pro. However, the DT 880 Pro offers better value for money due to its exceptional sound quality and build.

In conclusion, both the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are excellent headphones that offer exceptional value for money. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Whether you prioritize comfort, sound quality, or price, both headphones are sure to provide a top-notch audio experience.

Introduction

Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are two of the most popular headphones in the audio industry. Both of these headphones are known for their exceptional sound quality and comfort. In this article, we will compare both headphones in terms of design, comfort, sound quality, and price.

Design

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x has a closed-back design with a sturdy plastic build. The headphones have a sleek and modern look with a smooth matte finish. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro has an open-back design with a metal build. The headphones have a classic and timeless look with a brushed metal finish.

Comfort

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x has plush ear cups that provide excellent comfort for long listening sessions. The headband is adjustable and padded with leather-like material. The headphones are also foldable, making them easy to store and transport. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro has velour ear pads that are soft and breathable. The headband is also padded with a comfortable material. The headphones are not foldable but come with a hard carrying case.

Sound Quality

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x has a warm and punchy sound signature, with a slight emphasis on the bass. The midrange is clear and detailed, while the treble is slightly rolled off. The headphones are suitable for a wide range of music genres, including electronic, hip hop, and rock. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro has a neutral and balanced sound signature, with excellent detail and clarity. The headphones have a wide soundstage, which makes them ideal for classical, jazz, and acoustic music.

Price

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is priced at around $150, making it an excellent value for money option. The headphones offer exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them ideal for both casual listening and professional use. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is priced at around $200, making it a more premium option. The headphones offer exceptional sound quality and build quality, making them ideal for studio monitoring and critical listening.

Conclusion

Both the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are exceptional headphones that offer excellent sound quality and comfort. The ATH-M50x is a more affordable option with a warm and punchy sound signature, while the DT 880 Pro is a more premium option with a neutral and balanced sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two headphones will depend on personal preference, budget, and intended use.

Design and Build Quality: A Comparison

When it comes to design and build quality, both the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro stand out in their own way.

The ATH-M50x features a sleek and modern design with a durable plastic construction. It comes with ear cups that swivel at 90 degrees, making it easy to adjust and fit comfortably around your ears. The headband is also adjustable and padded for extra comfort during long listening sessions.

On the other hand, the DT 880 Pro has a more classic and professional look with a sturdy metal frame and soft velour ear pads. The headband is also padded with leather material, which adds to the overall comfort of the headphone.

Overall, both headphones are built to last and offer a comfortable listening experience. However, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and style.

Sound Quality: Which Headphone Delivers Better Audio?

Both headphones offer exceptional sound quality, but their sound signatures differ significantly.

The ATH-M50x delivers a punchy and powerful bass response, making it a great choice for music genres like hip-hop and EDM. The mids and highs are also well-balanced, providing a clear and detailed soundstage.

On the other hand, the DT 880 Pro offers a more neutral and balanced sound signature, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and professionals who require accurate sound reproduction. The bass response is tight and controlled, while the mids and highs are crisp and clear.

In terms of sound quality, the choice between the two headphones will come down to personal preference and the type of music you listen to.

Frequency Response: Analyzing the Differences

The frequency response of a headphone refers to the range of frequencies it can reproduce accurately.

The ATH-M50x has a frequency response range of 15Hz to 28kHz, which is impressive for a closed-back headphone. It delivers a powerful bass response and clear highs, but the mids can sometimes feel recessed.

The DT 880 Pro has a frequency response range of 5Hz to 35kHz, which is wider than the ATH-M50x. It offers a balanced and accurate sound signature across the frequency range, making it an ideal choice for professionals who require precise sound reproduction.

Overall, both headphones offer impressive frequency response ranges, but the DT 880 Pro has a wider range and delivers a more accurate sound signature.

Comfort and Fit: Which Headphone is More Comfortable?

Comfort is an essential factor when choosing a headphone, especially if you plan on wearing it for extended periods.

The ATH-M50x is designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft ear pads and a padded headband that can be adjusted to fit your head size. The ear cups also swivel at 90 degrees, allowing you to find the perfect fit.

The DT 880 Pro is also comfortable to wear, thanks to its soft velour ear pads and padded leather headband. It distributes the weight evenly across your head, reducing pressure points and fatigue.

Both headphones offer exceptional comfort, but the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and head size.

Noise Isolation: Which Headphone Performs Better?

Noise isolation is an essential feature, especially if you plan on using your headphone in noisy environments.

The ATH-M50x has excellent noise isolation capabilities, thanks to its closed-back design and snug fit around your ears. It blocks out most external noise, allowing you to focus on your music or audio content.

The DT 880 Pro, on the other hand, has an open-back design that allows some sound leakage. While it doesn't offer the same level of noise isolation as the ATH-M50x, it delivers a more natural and spacious soundstage.

In terms of noise isolation, the ATH-M50x is the better choice, but the DT 880 Pro offers a more natural soundstage.

Cable and Connectivity: A Look at the Connection Options

Both headphones come with detachable cables, offering flexibility when it comes to connectivity.

The ATH-M50x comes with three detachable cables, including a coiled cable, straight cable, and a shorter cable with an in-line remote and microphone. The cables are durable and easy to swap, allowing you to choose the perfect length for your needs.

The DT 880 Pro comes with a single straight cable that is also detachable. It features a 3.5mm jack and a 6.35mm adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.

Overall, both headphones offer flexible connectivity options, with the ATH-M50x offering more cable choices.

Portability: Which Headphone is More Travel-Friendly?

Portability is an essential factor, especially if you plan on using your headphone on-the-go.

The ATH-M50x is relatively portable, thanks to its foldable design and compact size. The ear cups swivel flat, allowing you to store them easily in the included carrying pouch.

The DT 880 Pro, on the other hand, is less portable due to its bulky and sturdy construction. It doesn't fold flat, making it challenging to store in a bag or backpack.

In terms of portability, the ATH-M50x is the better choice, thanks to its compact size and foldable design.

Price: Comparing the Costs of Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

The price is an essential factor when choosing between two headphones.

The ATH-M50x is priced at around $149, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. It offers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability, making it an excellent value for money.

The DT 880 Pro, on the other hand, is priced at around $199, making it a more expensive option. However, it delivers a more accurate and natural sound signature, making it an ideal choice for professionals who require precise sound reproduction.

Overall, both headphones offer great value for money, with the ATH-M50x being the more affordable option.

Durability: Which Headphone is Built to Last Longer?

Durability is an essential factor, especially if you plan on using your headphone for an extended period.

The ATH-M50x is built to last, thanks to its durable plastic construction and metal reinforcement at critical points. The ear cups and headband are also replaceable, allowing you to extend the lifespan of the headphone.

The DT 880 Pro is also built to last, featuring a sturdy metal frame and durable components. It comes with a two-year warranty, providing extra peace of mind.

Overall, both headphones are built to last and offer exceptional durability.

User Reviews: What do Users Say About Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro?

User reviews are an excellent way to gauge the overall quality and performance of a product.

On Amazon, the ATH-M50x has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with users praising its exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability.

The DT 880 Pro also has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with users praising its accurate and natural sound signature, comfort, and build quality.

Overall, both headphones have received high praise from users, making them a great choice for anyone looking for exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability.

Final Thoughts

Both the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability. The choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and requirements.

If you're looking for a headphone that delivers a powerful bass response and clear highs, the ATH-M50x is an excellent choice. It's also more affordable and portable than the DT 880 Pro.

On the other hand, if you're an audiophile or professional who requires accurate and natural sound reproduction, the DT 880 Pro is an ideal choice. It offers a more balanced and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile headphone for various music genres.

Overall, both headphones offer great value for money and exceptional performance, making them a worthy investment for anyone looking for high-quality headphones.

Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro: A Comparison

Overview

When it comes to professional-grade headphones, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are two of the most popular models on the market. Both headphones offer high-quality sound and comfort, but there are some key differences between them.

Pros and Cons of Audio Technica ATH-M50x

Pros:

Powerful bass and clear midrange and treble
Comfortable ear pads and headband
Foldable design for easy storage and portability
Comes with three detachable cables of different lengths

Cons:

Can be too bass-heavy for some listeners
Ear cups do not rotate or swivel
May feel too tight for people with larger heads

Pros and Cons of Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

Pros:

Neutral and balanced sound signature
Soft and comfortable velour ear pads
Adjustable headband for a customized fit
Open-back design provides a more natural and spacious soundstage

Cons:

Not as bass-heavy as some listeners may prefer
May leak sound due to open-back design
Not as portable as closed-back headphones
Cables are not detachable

Comparison Table

	Audio Technica ATH-M50x	Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
Sound Quality	Powerful bass and clear midrange and treble	Neutral and balanced sound signature
Comfort	Comfortable ear pads and headband	Soft and comfortable velour ear pads, adjustable headband
Design	Foldable design, detachable cables	Open-back design, non-detachable cables
Portability	Portable due to foldable design and detachable cables	Less portable due to open-back design and non-detachable cables
Price	Mid-range	Higher-end

Overall, both the Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are excellent headphones that offer high-quality sound and comfort. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use.

Closing Message: Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

Thank you for taking the time to read through this comprehensive comparison of two of the best studio headphones in the market – Audio Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro. We hope that we have provided you with enough information to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right headphones for your needs.

To recap, both headphones are excellent choices for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is known for its powerful bass response, excellent sound isolation, and durable build quality. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro boasts a wide soundstage, exceptional clarity, and comfortable fit.

If you are looking for headphones that can deliver accurate sound reproduction for tracking and mixing, then the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is the better choice. Its open-back design allows for a more natural and spacious sound, making it ideal for critical listening. The ATH-M50x, on the other hand, is perfect for those who prefer a more bass-heavy sound signature, whether for music production, DJing, or casual listening.

When it comes to build quality, both headphones are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of frequent use. The ATH-M50x has a more rugged design that can handle rough handling, while the DT 880 Pro's construction is more ergonomic and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

The price difference between the two headphones is another factor to consider. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is more expensive than the ATH-M50x, but its superior audio performance justifies the higher price tag. However, if you are on a tight budget, the ATH-M50x still offers excellent value for money and is a worthy investment.

To sum it up, both headphones are exceptional products that cater to different needs and preferences. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal taste and intended use. We hope this comparison has helped you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Finally, we would like to stress that these two headphones are just a small fraction of the vast array of headphones available in the market. We encourage you to do further research and explore other options before making a final decision. After all, finding the right pair of headphones is crucial in achieving the best audio experience possible.

Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best in your audio journey!