Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones

Goated gaming headphones
I’ve owned these for a week or so, so far they’re great. I used to daily drive Astro A40s everyday for about at least 6 years. The cables on those always gave out after a year or so. After the 3rd replacement I got fed up and invested in these.And honestly these have been great. I think they need some adjustment in the EQ but I came off of some decent IEMs that were a bit bass heavy so these are phenomenal. The open sound gives a nice feel of clarity when listening to music.I use them for gaming or YouTube but they’re still great. I’m a casual audiophile so imo they’re lacking a bit of bass but then again, I did come off of IEMs and it’s nothing a bit of adjustment can’t handle.I think they’re like 10% quieter compared to other headphones. I got these on sale and they do leave a dent in the wallet but they’re still goated.I think the one complaint I have isn’t about the headphones, it’s about the description of the ear pads. A lot of people or review sites claim they’re too shallow but honestly I have big ears and they barely touch the headphone, plus if you look up R70x replacement ear pads, they’ll fit these since they’re the same size.For comfort I think they’re more comfortable than I thought, even with the minimal swivel and ear pads. Honestly they’re pretty sturdy too, the cable is nice. I wish it came with a braided one but it’s still a good cable nonetheless.

Bass is the issue
I wanted another pair of open back headphones and having the Sennheiser 490 and 599, both open backs, along with the closed back 280, I thought I would try a non-German made product. This left me with two options AT or the major Japanese brand that I am adversely against purchasing…I won’t even purchase music or movies from the two American brands they own, so Audio Technica it was.These are very light in weight but not light in sound. They fit comfortably on my head and ears. I have never had an issue with headphone cup sizes as many comment; I guess I have “common” size ears. As a comparison I will write about these and The Sennheiser 599 as they are comparable in price and both opened back.I find they both have a very “spacial” sound stage with the 599 perhaps being a bit broader. They both are 50 ohm. They both are clear and accurate with the 599 being a bit “warmer” in sound at the R50x does sound a bit “colder” or more analytical, ideal for critical listening but not so much for enjoying the actual music. Not a note, no matter how soft, is missed with the 599 as opposed to the R50x in which I do not hear all the instruments, especially percussions, which is odd because all the reviews state they excel in that area. Not to say I don’t hear all percussions just on the 599 they sound a bit more detailed. These are minor differences which do not bother me. The major difference is bass. The 599 drives the bass, yet not so much it hurts the ears, but the bass is definitely present and noticeable without drowning out the highs and mids. The 50x virtually has no base and as I have learned after using headphones for 55+ years, adjusting the bass on my amplifier/tuner/receiver makes no difference. These are all “preset” levels by the manufacturer. I guess that is why I have never had to adjust any of my Sennheisers as all the models I have or had, from the lower end 280, to the higher end 490 and of course the 599 sound perfect. This is not to say the 50x doesn’t sound great, they do and if I had nothing to compare them to I would give them five stars. However, I do have something to compare them to, the 599 and at a $10 price difference (Amazon), I must give them four stars…solely because of the non descript flat base sound.The 50x is much more sterile sounding, great for professional use, while the 599 is much warmer and fuller, far better for home stereo use to enjoy the music. Both have a dynamic sound stage, both fit comfortably and both are exceptional for the price. I’m glad I purchased these and will alternate their use with my 599 unless I want far more detail and even a warmer sound than the 599, that will be the 490.Again, at the price being almost identical, my first choice would be the 599 for what I use them for as opposed to the 50x, BUT, I do like the 50x and will keep them and use them. Just a matter of preference. I do think the 50x has a “cooler” look to them.

I am impressed. At this price level, the headphones sound great, are very comfortable, wide soundstage, premium look and feel. I can compare with Hifiman Ananda Nano and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and these are easily the most pleasing and fun for listening and mixing music. Ananda Nano has bit wider soundstage and overall more fuller sound, but they are quite heavy with higher head pressure, so they don’t fit that well for longer periods. R50x is much more comfortable and out of the box just more neutral tuned.

Prodotto eccellente, arrivato prima dei tempi indicati ed imballato alla perfezione con ampia protezione all’interno della scatola.La costruzione in metallo è robusta e dona al prodotto un’ottima sensazione al tatto, indicativa di qualità. Risulta estremamente comoda grazie a dei cuscinetti in spugna traspiranti e leggeri, non irritanti sulla pelle.L’estetica accattivante è sicuramente un punto a favore di queste cuffie, nonostante sia secondaria alla funzionalità, considerando il tipo di prodotto in questione. Le finiture sono qualitativamente ottime e donano alle cuffie un’ottima sensazione tra le mani.Il retro aperto consente ai rumori di fondo di raggiungere l’orecchio e ciò aiuta a non affaticare l’utilizzatore specialmente durante lunghe sessioni di lavoro.La risposta in frequenza è sorprendentemente ottima, ricca in tutte le frequenze (bassi compresi), il che rende queste cuffie perfette anche per mixing/mastering.La qualità dei driver è veramente eccezionale e assolutamente degna di nota, grandissimo punto a favore.Complessivamente il prodotto è di altissima qualità e il prezzo lo denota, ho dovuto però chiedere il reso in quanto le cuffie arrivatemi presentavano una depressione sul padiglione sinistro, che però non ne impediva il perfetto funzionamento.Straconsigliato!