Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

PROS 1. Sound quality. Highs are crisp, but not too bright; mids are good; bass is punchy and tight. It is difficult to find *better* sounding headphones in this price segment. 2. Build. They are very solidly built and ergonomics are great. There is no complex suspending system, so there is nothing to break. 3. Very comfortable. These are over the ears (as opposed to on-ear) headphones, so there is no unpleasant pressure. The new ear pads are very soft, and the headband is enveloped in the same soft material. 4. Portability. Both cups rotate horizontally 180°, and they fold vertically, to make the headphone's dimensions quite small and portable-friendly. The supplied pouch comes in handy. 5. Unlike their predecessors, the ATH-M50X arrive with three detachable cables: a long straight one (you can use it to connect to a source that is further away), a short straight one (very handy when connecting to a smartphone, or if your computer is located very near to where you sit), and a medium-length coiled one (for mixed purposes). The insert-and-turn locking system secures the cable to the left cup. 6. No sound leakage. These are closed-back headphones, so you can use them in a room, filled with people, or while commuting, without the need to worry that you might disturb someone. 7. With an impedance of 38 ohms you do not need a headphone amp to drive them. CONS 1. Cable connectors are proprietary. But then again you get three cables in the box, so it is unlikely that you will be looking to buy new cables any time soon. 2. At 285 g (10 oz) plus the cable, the ATH-M50X are a little heavier than similar-sized headphones I have owned. But making them lighter would most probably affect build quality. 3. I have watched video reviews, making the argument that the ATH-M50X are not exactly audiophile quality (that is, their response is not as 'flat' and 'neutral', as it should be). This could indeed be the case, as Audio-Technica has other models (like the ATH-A900X), positioned in the higher and more expensive segment, but the latter are not meant to be carried around or enjoyed in the street. In my opinion ATH-M50X have been built to produce enjoyable (rather than analytical) sound. Consider this carefully. CONCLUSION When all of the above have been taken into consideration, Audio-Technica ATH-M50X might be the best value for money headphone on the market today. 1. They may not sound as neutral as AKG 702 (but the latter are not portable, there is serious sound leakage, and you cannot drive them adequately with your smartphone). 2. They are not cable-free or as light as the Bluetooth Sony MDR-1BT, but the ATH-M50X sound much better. 3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is the overall winner if you are looking for enjoyable full-bodied sound, sturdy build, detachable cables, and a no-nonsense look. You simply cannot go wrong with them! P.S. Recently, I have come across a new product that will help you turn Audio-Technica ATH-M50X into wireless headphones, so that you can take advantage of their sturdy construction and great sound quality – on the go! It is a Bluetooth dongle, called "BTunes VXB-25 2.5 mm Model" and can currently be bought from http://www.amazon.com/ (the US version of the site) for $99.95 USD. You can read my full review here: https://www.amazon.com/review/RIBVICOEOMXG2/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B014HX2T04