Name: Audio-Technica ATH-R50X
Brand: Audio-Technica
SKU: B0DSMG4K6K
Price: 169.00 USD

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- Being slightly more v-shaped than HD600 means it is just a touch less relaxing to listen to
- Added treble however is not going to be for everyone, for HD600 owners used to that delicate balance the treble changes may not please them
- Small earcups both in diameter and depth, ears can end up touching the driver
- No/limited cup swivel

- Ear cups are ever so slightly too small, not a deal breaker but wish they were a few mm larger

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- Engaging, lively sound with substantially more bass in an open-back compared to both the R70x and HD600
- Sound signature is predominantly accurate, true to life, with a mild focus on adding a touch of bass and a sprinkling of treble to add detail
- New build is minimal yet sturdy and lighter, making it more comfortable for long use
- Single termination cable makes cable managing easier
- Easy to drive, less cash needed for dac/amps, even a simple dongle will do
- Price is very accessible at $140 USD but effortlessly belongs in the HD600/R70x/HD560s camp

- Sleek, simple, industrial design with mostly metal parts
- Nicest ear pad material with soft velour pads and nice headband padding avoiding central hot-spots, very comfortable over long sessions
- Extremely light at 207 grams, great for long listening sessions
- Natural sound signature, well balanced across the entire range straight out of the box
- Intimate and yet spacious soundstage at the same time
- Clean, tight bass with a slight V-shape that does not detract from mids and highs
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- Short and long cable options with 3.5mm and threaded 6.35mm adapter, plus nice soft carry pouch
- Simple, single entry, removable and lockable cable

The Audio-Technica R50x delivers a natural, well-balanced sound signature with excellent separation and an intimate yet spacious soundstage that reveals intricate details in music. Built with premium materials including soft velour pads and an all-metal frame, these extremely lightweight headphones remain comfortable for extended listening sessions. Despite slightly undersized ear cups, the R50x offers exceptional value as a versatile studio monitor that excels at both professional use and everyday listening.

The R50x is a criminally underrated headphone that trades blows with the HD600 depending on presentation preference. For the price at $140 USD it performs on the same technical level as headphones double the cost, making it an exceptional value that can effectively be used for professional work.

The Audio-Technica R50x is an excellent all-rounder headphone that sits at the top of the listening experience hierarchy. With amazing clarity and separation, robust build quality, and outstanding price to performance ratio, these headphones deliver professional-grade sound in a lightweight, comfortable package that works for general music listening of all styles as well as studio monitoring.

ATH-R50X

Wait — at $169, this is within $30 of the all-time low.

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Open-Back Headphones

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Over-Ear Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X

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