ATH-M50X

[The_Strict_Nein]

I'm looking into getting a new set of headphones, as while I love my HD668Bs, they're not all that comfortable for my head. According to hat sizing charts, I have an XXL head, and in order to fit the HD668Bs on my head I have to pop the little wing things out of the plastic bands.

 

I only hear good things about the ATH-M50X, but I was wondering if they'll still be good for a larger head size as comfort is key to me. Also, while I don't want bass to overpower me (I've got my Creative A250s with sub woofer for that) I would appreciate a little bit of bass for the odd techno session. Can the M50X deliver?

 

How do the headphones perform in gaming? I don't need surround (I play most games silently, but new games I play with sound for a while).

 

Lastly, is an AMP/DAC required? My Z97 MPOWER supposedly has a decent audio solution, but I don't know.

 

EDIT: If I get them on massdrop, they'll be £87 after shipping. Anything that can match it in that price range?

[shinigamikai]

good questions been thinking about the same myself

[Matimo]

An AMP/DAC isn't required, although it will (as always) improve the sound. They are, in fact, slightly biased in the bass section, despite being called studio monitors. The M40Xs are the best for a non-biased experience. They should be fine for larger heads, 180 degree cup swivel and a strong aluminium chassis which is very adjustable should keep you satisfied. They'll be fine for gaming: sooooo comfortable you won't realise you're wearing them! 3d stereo audio will work (because they're stereo, I guess) so that's great for location-finding-from-sound. Hope this helps!

[oldaccount117]

the M50s are the hands down best balanced headphones in that price range I have the blue ones and they sound great plug into my computer. No dac/amp needed their not that high-end. Cant say anything about the size since i have a regular size head.

[NannerBeans]

The m50x is a big fat meh especially if you have a large head. I would go with the Sony mdr7506 instead.

[Tonylu1595]

Yep, you can get them now on massdrop for $120. 5 days left though.

[ShearMe]

The m50x is a big fat meh especially if you have a large head. I would go with the Sony mdr7506 instead.

Ordering on massdrop is a huge plus for foreigners, however. Dat currency conversion.

[NannerBeans]

Ordering on massdrop is a huge plus for foreigners, however. Dat currency conversion.

Is it? I thought they prefer to get things local because they have to pay VAT either way. 

[The_Strict_Nein]

Is it? I thought they prefer to get things local because they have to pay VAT either way. 

 

Most of the time you don't end up having to pay it, and if you do it still works out cheaper

[NannerBeans]

Most of the time you don't end up having to pay it, and if you do it still works out cheaper

Ah ok. That makes sense. 

[Poohy14]

Wondering kinda the same thing with these headphones. Plus my friend says the ATH-M45 are better at everything than the ATH-M50 or even the M50X. Don't know if its true or not. (Think its a load of crap but don't know)

[ShearMe]

Wondering kinda the same thing with these headphones. Plus my friend says the ATH-M45 are better at everything than the ATH-M50 or even the M50X. Don't know if its true or not. (Think its a load of crap but don't know)

 

We often recommend the M40X as a good alternative as it's quite cheaper and still pretty similar.

[creatip123]

This is stereotyping, but in some (most actually) cases I've experienced, seems like western products (USA, Europe, etc) are more suited for bigger heads, than Asian products. M50x in particular, I found it just right for my Asian head. Might be too small or too tight for bigger heads...

[Captain_Slow]

the M50x will fit big heads, I know that for sure lol

 

but I personally like the giant oval shapes sennheiser makes (558, 598) to be more comfortable. especally for big heads.

[A99]

They are certainly very good headphones if you are searching for something balanced but with a nice bass boost as well. I have only used the m50 so I'm not entirely sure if it is the same for the m50x but the m50 had a extremely small soundstage I wouldn't want to use for gaming.