Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 review: this wireless headset is among the best at this price level

Why change something that lasts? There is no doubt that this is a mantra that fits with Audio-Technica’s M Series headphones. And the latest addition to this series is the ATH-M50xBT2 wireless model.

If you don’t know Audio-Technica, you should know that its audio products have been a top choice for professionals for decades. You will see Audio-Technica headphones on the ears of podcasters, professional musicians and even music enthusiasts.

The new ATH-M50xBT2 headphones from Audio-Technica promise better autonomy, Bluetooth connectivity and internal audio components that should offer better sound than on previous models. I tested them to see if all this was true.

You can access several codecs with this headset

I’m not going to beat around the bush: the ATH-M50xBT2 headphones produce superb sound. It is clear and balanced, without excesses in the bass, midrange or treble. And in the Audio-Technica Connect app, you can set custom EQ settings and adjust the sound of the headphones. Like other professional-grade headphones, you can control the ATH-M50xBT2 by hertz, and the Audio-Technica Connect app offers an impressive range of levels for you to play with.

By listening Neon from John Mayer, I could clearly hear the musician’s harmonies and one of his most famous guitar riffs translates beautifully via the ATH-M50xBT2’s dynamic 45mm speakers.

In addition, you can access several codecs with this headset, which reinforces its usefulness for advanced listeners. You can choose between AAC, SBC, LDAC codecs and low latency mode for video and games. And if you want to enjoy lossless sound, these headphones are equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s also very convenient to continue the jam session when the battery is low.

A traditional and retro design

The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones do not have the active noise reduction (ANC) function. A function that can significantly reduce the battery life. As a result, Audio-Technica claims that you will get about 50 hours of battery life. I got about 10 extra hours on my side, which I was excited about.

In fact, the absence of ANC does not necessarily mean that you will hear all the noises and sounds around you. The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones are equipped with a 45 mm speaker placed in each vinyl shell, thus creating a tight fit around your ears, which compensates for the absence of ANC. But this tightness can become uncomfortable after a few hours of wearing, and you will have to take many breaks before the battery lets go…

Jada Jones/ZDNET

I also appreciate the ATH-M50xBT2 helmet for its traditional and retro design. This design deviates from the modern and futuristic aesthetics typical of current helmets. Many new headphones are inspired by Sony’s ultra-modern design choices from the WH series, opting for a uniform and discreet look.

But the showy logos on the headband and the covers of the ATH-M50xBT2 will make you stand out from the crowd and give you the impression that you know your way around music. One last note: I was hoping for a hard shell carrying case, given the € 200 price of the headset. Instead, Audio-Technica provides a PU leather pouch to store the headphones, which is not ideal but still better than nothing.

ZDNET s buying tips for headphones;
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

For € 200, therefore, you will leave with a headset whose sound quality is comparable to that of other high-end professional headphones, such as the Sennheiser Momentum 4. You will also not benefit from the powerful noise reduction system found in headphones such as the Bose Quiet Comfort 45 or the AirPods Max. But if noise reduction is not your priority, you will not have better with 200 euros.

Audio-Technica offers a simple and pleasant headset with the ATH-M50xBT2. It is devoid of complicated software and superfluous functions, but it offers high-quality sound.

Source: “ZDNet.com “