Summary
The Audio-Technica ATH M50x and M40x are some of the best headphones in the Audio-Technica series, but we prefer the M50x headphones over the M40x headphone. This is because the M50x comes with 45mm drivers and delivers much more well-rounded sound compared to the M40x headphones with their 40mm drivers. The bass from both headphones are roughly equal in impact and output. Both headphones have very good detail and midrange performances, with crisp highs and smooth vocals.
While the differences between both headphones are subtle, we’d recommend going for the M50x because it sounds just much more well-rounded and has better bass and volume output. It also has slightly larger aperture drivers which increase the overall music sound quality.
That being said, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Audio-Technica ATH M40x is also a good choice.
Comparing the Specs
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x offers high quality audio for professionals and audiophiles, while maintaining a comfortable design. They have a stylish-modern looking design which reflects the high build quality and robust construction. They are equipped with 40mm drivers which are built using rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils which produce clear sound that responds very quickly to transients.
The circumaural, closed back design ensures that the reproduced sound is focused and precise, while creating a good level of noise insulation, both from the outside and from the inside. The ATH-M40x can block out sounds from the inside, allowing the user to focus solely on the music while minimizing distractions.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are an incredible set of headphones that are capable of producing some serious sound output and yet maintain a good balance in sound quality. These headphones pursue better sound quality and ergonomics, resulting in exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep bass response at the low end.
The ATH-M50x are equipped with proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils. The circumaural design around the ears provides good sound isolation in noisy environments, and is very comfortable to wear with their plush ear pads. If you are looking for some of the best bass headphones that can deliver deep bass and yet maintain a level of balance between the other frequencies, the ATH-M50x will definitely surpass your expectations with its high audio fidelity sound performance.
The ATH-M50x produces very good exceptionally clear sound, and sounds best when connected to a portable DAC. That being said, we were generally impressed with the sound performance of these headphones when plugged into the iphone or Android output.
The Verdict?
If you are choosing between the ATH-M50x and M40x, our recommendation is to go with the M50x headphones. The M50x has wider 45mm aperture drivers and better frequency response and a more well-rounded sound signature. The M40x does sound a lot like the M50x headphones in terms of bass response but lacks the crisp highs and midranges that the M50x can produce. Compared with the M50x headphones, the sound quality on the M40x feels does not well-developed and full-range.
Both the M50x and M40x headphones have rather low impedance and can be powered directly from your laptop or smartphone device via auxiliary connections.