Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO vs. Sennheiser HD 650: Which is the Best?
Studio headphones are an essential monitoring tool for music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. Compare to standard headphones, they are more accurate because they have a flat frequency response and a transparent sound. In addition, they have large, cozy earpads and adjustable headbands which are built for comfort during long sessions. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and Sennheiser HD 650 are three most popular studio headphones on the market which are used by thousands of recording artists, musicians, studio professionals, and even budding audiophiles around the world. So which one is best for you? What's the difference between them? In this guide, I will make a detailed comparison between to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and Sennheiser HD 650 to help you choose the right pair of cans for the job.
Overview of Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and Sennheiser HD 650
| #1 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Monitor Headphones
Google Users Rating: 4.8/5
Bestbuy: $169.99 (up to 0.5% cashback)
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Audio-Technica is well known for their microphones and the quality they provide. Their headphones are certainly no different. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x widely acclaimed for their sonic performance, one-ear monitoring capability, and foldable, travel-friendly design.They’re slightly more expensive than the MDR-7506 and HD280 mentioned previously, but for the bump in price will bring superior, more detailed sound reproduction. Outfitted with 45mm large-aperture dynamic drivers and an over-ear, closed-back design, the ATH-M50x headphones deliver clarity, deep bass, and extended bandwidth (15 Hz to 28 kHz) while isolating you from outside sounds.The headphone impedance is 38 ohms which means your mobile device won’t have any issues driving the ATH-M50x efficiently at any volume.
Thanks to the 90° swiveling earcups, pro-quality materials, and generous cushioning on the headband and earpads, the headphones are both durable and comfortable to wear. The ATH-M50x comes with three detachable cable choices; a 3.9ft straight cable for mobile devices, a 9.8ft straight cable, and a 3.9ft – 9.8ft coiled cable. Having these three options makes the headphones versatile for any application. The connector at the headphone is twist-lock to ensure the cable doesn’t pull out accidentally.They also offer a 1/4" screw-on adapter is included for easy hookup to audio interfaces, mixers, and stereo receivers. If you’re looking for a versatile headphone for studio use or general listening, then the ATH-M50x will be a great choice.
PROS | CONS |
Sturdy and comfortable build | No integrated microphone for making cell phone calls |
Rotating, swiveling ear cups | Bulkier design makes them less suitable for mobile use |
Excellent, balanced audio reproduction | |
Has an extended frequency range | |
Perfect for recording and monitoring | |
Excellent sound isolation | |
The cables are detachable |
| #2 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm Studio Reference Closed-Back Headphones
Google Users Rating: 4.8/5
Newegg: $159 (up to 2% cashback)
Walmart: $159 (up to 4% cashback)
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is always the first choice of music producers and studio technicians worldwide. It uses aluminum and hard plastic in terms of exterior design, bearing Beyerdynamic own bold. The headband of the headset with high-grade leather and lightweight is not uncomfortable to use. Plus, the cozy soft skin ear pads make these studio headphones extra-comfortable for long sessions.Not only that, but DT770 also has a durable design to withstand the tremendous pressure of sound in the studio and the stress of performing on stage. The important part here is that the DT 770 Pro comes in three different variants. Based on the requirement - it comes with a 32 Ohm, an 80 Ohm and a 250 Ohm impedance rating.The 250 Ohm variant sounds the best which provides a detailed, transparent sound for critical listening. But it needs a dedicated headphone amplifier for it to work really well.
The DT 770 PRO headphones also reproduce the entire frequency range with incredible precision. You’ll hear punchy low frequencies and vibrant high-frequency detail.If you prefer a more spacious sound, consider the DT 880 PRO headphones. The semi-open design gives you the strengths of both open and closed headphones. You’ll have enough “air” while still having the isolation for recording. The only downside is that the cable is not detachable, but that is not a dealbreaker, in my opinion. In a word, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-250 ohms Comfortable Headphones are great headphones for beginners and professional recorders who are in search of good-quality studio headphones without spending too much.
PROS | CONS |
Solid build quality and replaceable components | No removable cable |
Large comfortable ear pads you can replace | Quite bulky/non portable |
Natural sound that’s transparent and detailed | |
Innovative bass reflex system | |
5Hz – 35kHz frequency response | |
Available in multiple impedances | |
A closed-ear design with excellent isolation |
| #3 Sennheiser HD 650 Stereo Reference Headphones
Google Users Rating: 4.8/5
B & H Photo: $369.95 (up to 1.5% cashback)
Adorama: $399.95(up to 2% cashback)
Developed from the award-winning HD 600, the HD 650s feature improved materials and engineering. In terms of design, it stands out with its glossy black color and sturdy frame. The meticulous design of the headphones also contributes to effective sound control, helping to create the perfect sound quality typical of the HD650. Great care was taken to ensure the headphones are comfortable with their elliptical design, which naturally adapts to the shape of the ear. As the reference-class stereo headphones, the HD 650 from Sennheiser shines with its flat and neutral sound, making the headphones great for mixing and critical listening. Specially developed acoustic silk was used to provide uniform attenuation over the entire area of each ear-cup. The lightweight aluminum voice coils ensure a remarkable transient response, while the full-range drivers offer a frequency response of 10 Hz to 39.5 kHz.
With the Sennheiser HD 650s, music producers and recording artists will experience a spacious, natural sound. They have high impedance, so ensure you have a headphone amplifier.In addition, the HD 650 utilizes a 9.8' detachable cable made from a highly conductive OFC copper with low handling noise and low structure-borne sound sensitivity. The headphones can be used with high-output mobile devices and excel with high-quality stationary hi-fi components such as SACD, DVD-A, and CD players. Overall, Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Studio Headphones are great for mixing as they feature an ultra-flat, clear and transparent sound. The price is relatively high, but these headphones are worth it, in my opinion.
PROS | CONS |
Classic, sturdy design | Bulky and heavy |
A natural, spatial, and accurate sound | Some coloration in the treble |
Extraordinary bass response | Very expensive |
10Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response | |
Extremely lightweight aluminum voice coils for high efficiency | |
Magnet system reduces distortion | |
Comfortable elliptical design adapts to the shape of your ears |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO vs. Sennheiser HD 650: Specs
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X | Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO | Sennheiser HD 650 | |
Type | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear |
Enclosure | Closed-Back | Closed-Back | Open-Back |
Wireless | No | No | No |
Noise Cancelling | No | No | No |
Mic | No | No | No |
Transducer | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
Weight | 0.65 lbs | 0.6 lbs | 0.6 lbs |
Clamping Force | 1 lbs | 1.3 lbs | 1.2 lbs |
Sound Profile | |||
Bass Amount | -0.2 dB | -0.28 dB | -4.53 dB |
Treble Amount | -1.45 dB | 0.82 dB | -2.73 dB |
Test Settings | |||
Firmware | No Firmware | No Firmware | No Firmware |
Power | Passive | Passive | Passive |
Connection | Wired | Wired | Wired |
Codec | PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz | PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz | PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz |
EQ | No EQ | No EQ | No EQ |
ANC | No ANC | No ANC | No ANC |
Tip/Pad | Default | Default | Default |
Microphone | No Microphone | No Microphone | No Microphone |
Noise Isolation | |||
Overall Attenuation | -11.45 dB | -13.81 dB | -4 dB |
Bass | 1.05 dB | 0.08 dB | 0.07 dB |
Mid | -8.71 dB | -13.16 dB | 0.75 dB |
Treble | -27.52 dB | -29.6 dB | -12.51 dB |
Wired | |||
Analog Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
USB Audio | No | No | No |
Detachable | Yes | No | Yes |
Length | 10.00 ft (3.05 m) | 3.90 ft (1.19 m) | 9.84 ft (3.00 m) |
Connection | 1/8" TRS | 1/8" TRS | 1/4" TRS |
Analog /USB Audio Latency | 0 ms | 0 ms | 0 ms |
PC Compatibility | |||
Analog | Audio Only | Audio Only | Audio Only |
Wired USB | No | No | No |
Non-BT Wireless | No | No | No |
PlayStation Compatibility | |||
PS4 Analog | Audio Only | Audio Only | Audio Only |
PS4 Wired USB | No | No | No |
PS4 Non-BT Wireless | No | No | No |
PS5 Analog | Audio Only | Audio Only | Audio Only |
PS5 Wired USB | No | No | No |
PS5 Non-BT Wireless | No | No | No |
Xbox One Compatibility | |||
Xbox One Analog | Audio Only | Audio Only | Audio Only |
Xbox One Wired USB | No | No | No |
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless | No | No | No |
Xbox Series X|S Analog | Audio Only | Audio Only | Audio Only |
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB | No | No | No |
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless | No | No | No |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO vs. Sennheiser HD 650: Full Comparison
Design
The ATH-M50x is very well designed and is one of the more attractive studio headphones around. It is mostly plastic, but feel very sturdy and well-made. The brushed aluminum feels nice to touch and provides some visual contrast to the matte black. The earpads are leather (or leather-like) and feel soft and cushioned. The earcups fold up for easy portability, and it also swivels in both directions. The headband is also leather and looks nicely sewn together.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 has a very functional look and feel. The round earcups make it look relatively bulky, but it is very well made. Its thick metal frame also ensures no damage.
The HD 650 is bulky because the earcups are oval. Other than that, the design is very good and the fit and finish is excellent. There is a mix of metal and plastic, and the colour scheme is an attractive metallic bronze grey.There's also a cool grille on the outside of the earcups, and the earcup padding is super soft and plush.
Comfort
The ATH-M50x 's ear pads are soft, but due to the proplem of the distribution of pressure and the headband, you have to take breaks every hour or so.
The velour ear pads of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 are amazingly comfortable. In addition, the pressure it places on the head is relatively light, you can comfortable to wear for hours on end with no breaks.
The Sennheiser HD 650 themselves are light, and the soft ear cup padding distributes weight very evenly. The headband is also nicely padded with foam. The fact that it is open-back also makes it more breathable. Even after hours of using the HD 650, it barely feels like you're wearing headphones.
Sound
The frequency response of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is amazing. The bass isn't thumping but it's punchy and solid. The mid is one of the first things that wowed you.The treble also sounds great in practice and it was hard to find flaw in it.No matter you're producing hip-hop or electronic music, tracking vocals, recording guitar, etc. , the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers outstanding results.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is outstanding for music production. From sub-bass all the way to the upper mids, everything you listened to sounded warm and punchy, and it is remarkably even. In addition, super bass response makes Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO especially suitable for electronic music productions. But when it comes to the highs, it can be a little bright.
The Sennheiser HD 650 is very warm and neutral through the entire spectrum. In typical open-back fashion it is a little short on sub-bass, but the bass is very detailed and punchy, the mids are fantastic, and the highs are crisp and detailed. In a word, the Sennheiser HD 650 worth the high cost of admission when it comes to sound quality for studio use.
Verdict
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO vs. Sennheiser HD 650: Which is the Best?
You can't go wrong choosing any of the three studio headphones. Which one is best for you may depends on personal preferences. The Sennheiser HD 650 are superb open-back studio headphones that deliver a very warm, flat, and honest sound with superior imaging. But they cost twice as much as the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, it's hard to say that they are twice as good. So If you're looking for the best value for the money, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro and the Audio Technica ATH-M50x are more suitable for you.If you’re planning to use headphones for long periods of time in the studio for mixing/mastering/producing and the money is no issue, the Sennheiser HD 650 open-back headphones is abosulately the best choice.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro and the Audio Technica ATH-M50x both have a very similar performance. Both of the two are the very best studio headphones for the money.If you're somebody who values the foldable ear pads, a slightly more compact look a detachable cable with the option then the M50x should be a no-brainer. If you're not bothered with portability and detachable cables and love a very flat sound output and a slightly wider soundstage then the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is your chosen one.
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