Why the Audio-Technica M50 is the Only Pair of Headphones You Will Ever Need

For Gearheads | July 9, 2021

Buying a solid pair of headphones in 2021 can be a somewhat trying experience for the average consumer. It wasn’t too long ago that mainstream appeal for “high-quality” headphones was only there due to them being seen as a fashion statement and not the functional, high-fidelity tools they were truly meant to be. In a complete twist of logic, style took precedence over sound quality (and build quality) resulting in a dark age where brands like Skullcandy and Beats by Dre were considered high-quality and worthy of their outlandishly high price tags.

Thankfully, the lingering effects of that era have nearly diminished, but the remaining options available on the market today are vast and will undoubtedly confuse the working man who has little to no knowledge of high-end audio equipment. There is, however, one option that has proven to be so versatile and consistent in its delivery of amazing audio, that listeners and producers across the globe have praised it as one of the greatest headphones ever created. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50.

Audio-Technica? Never heard of them…

Before we dive into what makes the M50 such an amazing pair of headphones, we need to pay respect to the legendary company that produced them. Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, a man whose love for high-fidelity listening knew no bounds. Matsushita originally hosted LP listening concerts in Tokyo where listeners would gather, hopeful for a chance to experience vinyl records played on some of the highest-quality audio equipment available. The impassioned reactions from his guests had a lasting effect on Matsushita and he took issue with the fact that that high-fidelity listening was (at the time) locked behind a looming fiscal barrier to entry. In establishing Audio-Technica, he vowed to make high-fidelity listening attainable for everyone, this unwavering company ethos has led to Audio-Technica becoming one of the greatest audio equipment brands in the world, providing high-fidelity solutions for consumers and producers alike. It’s no wonder that some of the greatest names in music production use Audio-Technica equipment, some of those names include Paul McCartney, Dr.Dre, John Mayer, and many more.

Dr.Dre using the ATH-M50 in the studio

Well if they’re that good, what do the m50s sound like?

That is certainly a tough question to answer because the M50’s sound is wholly dependent on the music you will be listening to while using them. While this may sound like a strange thing to say, hear me out, there are numerous external factors when it comes to producing music and each of these factors affects the listening experience. Different artists record music in different studios which in turn use varying types of equipment to record their music and each of these factors affects the end result. Because of this, audiophiles tend to designate specific equipment for listening to specific genres and artists within those genres to have the best overall listening experience. This, however, is a costly and difficult task for the everyman just looking to get into hi-fi listening. Thankfully, the M50 is one of very few headphones out there that sounds good no matter what music you throw at them. Whether you are lounging in your study after work listening to The Beatles or head-banging in your living room to Judas Priest, the M50 provides an exceptional overall listening experience.

In technical terms, the M50 has a V-shaped sound signature, meaning that they possess elevated levels of bass and treble with a somewhat recessed midrange. In contrast to the more balanced U-shaped sound profile, V-shaped sound is more lively and exciting which is why most modern-day music sounds great with it. When compared against some of the other V-shaped options out there, the M50s are much more balanced and warm sounding, a trait that gives them their legendary versatility when it comes to handling different music types.

Now, will there be some music out there that simply doesn’t vibe with the m50, sure, but this is hardly a symptom of the M50 itself. Headphones in much higher price ranges will struggle with certain music types as well, it is a natural phenomenon in the hi-fi world. But don’t let this discourage you, in terms of overall versatility, the M50 is a top contender.

What about build quality?

While the M50 may not be constructed from the finest cordovan leather and damascus steel, the materials that Audio-Technica decided to use are more than adequate for daily use. The majority of the material composition of the M50 is abs plastic with hints of aluminum and faux leather. The aluminum components consist of the internal headband and the decorative circles present on the backside of each earcup. Faux leather adorns the outer headband and the earpads, a material that is surprisingly accommodating for those who wear glasses. Long sessions with these headphones are a breeze, the fit is snug but far from uncomfortable and the earpads stay surprisingly cool even in warmer temperatures (although velour pads never hurt anyone).

Visible cracking on the earpad of the M50

In terms of durability, I have noticed that the faux leather has the tendency to crack after a few years of regular use. This does not hinder the overall usefulness or comfort of the m50, the effects are purely aesthetic. The rest of the materials however have held up admirably over the years and I have a high degree of confidence that they will continue to offer many more years of faithful service.

Alright I’m in, where can I get them?

Finding a pair of M50s is not a terribly hard task, they’re available in every good audio shop. If however, you are unfortunate enough to be located nowhere near a physical shop, here’s a link to the Audio-Technica store page where you can purchase the m50 directly.

Final words

These headphones are your key to a land of high-fidelity perfection. Very few headphones in this price range offer this level of quality and versatility, buy with confidence, and welcome to the hi-fi community!