Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 599 SE
Quick take: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x costs $1 less.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sennheiser HD 599 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$159 | ~$160 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Wired & Studio | Wired & Studio |
| Noise Cancelling | None | None |
| Battery (single charge) | — | — |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | — | — |
| Codecs | — | — |
| Bluetooth | — | — |
| Multipoint | No | No |
| Driver Size | 45 mm | 38 mm |
| Weight | 285 g | 250 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | No | No |
| Spatial Audio | No | No |
| App EQ | No | No |
Pros & cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- ✓Runs happily from a phone dongle at 38 ohms
- ✓Legendary durability — years of backpack abuse, still working
- ✓Folds flat with three detachable cables included
- ✓Punchy tuning flatters hip-hop and electronic
- ✓Cheap replacement pads make it effectively immortal
- ✓Decade-plus default first studio headphone for a reason
- ✗Coiled cable is heavy enough to tug your head
- ✗Pleather pads run hot and flake by year two
- ✗Clamp is firm on larger heads
- ✗Mid-bass bump and forward treble aren't mixing-flat
- ✗Trails the DT 770 for long-session comfort
Sennheiser HD 599 SE
- ✓Classic gateway into open-back listening
- ✓Runs fine from a laptop — no amp myths apply
- ✓Warm, relaxed treble stays easy for hours
- ✓Superb 250g velour comfort, even with glasses
- ✓Ships with both 6.3mm and 3.5mm cables
- ✓Regularly drops to $100 — patience pays
- ✗Bass rolls off at the bottom like most open-backs
- ✗Everyone in the room hears your music
- ✗Zero isolation makes it useless for commutes
- ✗Paying the $160 list price is a mistake
- ✗Relaxed treble trades away detail versus the MDR-7506