Thursday, March 28, 2024

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions remain my own. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.

Today we will be comparing two of our favorite wired, closed-back headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. Both fall in our sweet spot of a quality closed-back headphone in the below $200 price range. Although both are great cans, they are geared towards two different types of users, read on to see which best fits your needs.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphone Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 1:38 pm

Audio Technica ATH-M50x Specs

Driver type: Dynamic driver
Driver size: 45mm
Headphone type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 98 dB
Frequency Response: 15 – 28000 Hz
Headphone Connector: 3.5mm also a 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter
Color options: Black, White, Gunmetal, Blue
Cable: Detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m straight cable and detachable 1.2 m straight cable
Headphone weight: 285 g/10 oz

Positive:

  • Removable cable
  • Fun Sound
  • Build quality
  • Excellent Deep Bass
  • Semi-decent comfort
  • Good portability
  • Decent isolation

Negative:

  • Proprietary cable
  • Somewhat narrow soundstage
  • Ear cup holes
  • Not neutral studio monitors
  • Headband
  • Top end clarity

Audio Technica ATH-M50x Review Summary

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is one of our top recommendations for the headphones under $200 category. They are a closed back headphone that looks to deliver accurate sound with stellar noise isolation. It features a rotating earcup design, collapsible padded headband, and lightweight construction. They are fun to listen to, provide great portability and well built for the price.

Bottom line: The ATH-M50x headphones from Audio-Technica are a great choice for those who want to hear high quality sound while blocking out outside noise. The closed back design provides great isolation that results in deep bass and good audio clarity, which is perfect if you’re looking for a more immersive listening experience.

These are not reference monitors. They lean towards a a warm sound with lots of bass. They make for some for fun listening. If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable all day wearables without many drawbacks, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x may just be what you need!

Need more details, view our in-depth, full review of the Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X folded
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X bag

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 280 PRO

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 280 PRO Headphone

Amazon.com
as of March 28, 2024 1:38 pm

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Specs

Driver type: Dynamic driver
THD: 0.1%
Headphone type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
Impedance: 64 ohms
Sensitivity: 113 dB
Frequency Response: 8 – 25000 Hz
Headphone Connector: 3.5 / 6.3 mm stereo
Color options: Black
Cable: Detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m straight cable and detachable 1.2 m straight cable
Headphone weight: 285 g/10 oz

Positive:

  • Removable cable
  • Accurate sound for the price
  • Quality Build quality
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Good top end clarity

Negative:

  • Clamp a little strong
  • Large size

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Review Summary

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are a closed-back headphone similar to the ATH-M50x but that is where the similarities stop. This is a professional grade headphone with excellent sound quality and built to be durable, ideal for those who work in demanding studio environments. The comfortable padded headband and ear cups ensure that these headphones fit well and last long so you can wear them all day without getting too tired of the weight on your ears.

Where we we would describe the ATH-M50x as fun to listen with, the HD 280 Pro offers a more analytical, closer to neutral sound. This makes them great for a lower priced studio headphone. The main drawback for consumers is that although they are lightweight, but they are a large headphone and not as portable as the ATH-M50x.

Looking for more great headphone reviews, checkout our Best Headphones for Movies.

Bottom line: The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are a great entry level studio can. They offering pretty accurate sound reproduction and soundstage for the price range. The top end offered a lot of sparkle without getting over fatiguing during long listening sessions. The clamping from the headband I found somewhat uncomfortable during long listening sessions.

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 280 PRO Headphones
Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 280 PRO front
Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 280 PRO box

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Review Summary

After taking a look at the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones we found them both great performers in the headphones under $200 category. Although both are good, they are geared towards two different users.

You would want to consider the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if you are looking for a good pair of closed-back headphones while on the go. They are lightweight, have folding cups and a great price for everything they offer. In addition, if you prefer a warmer sound signature with a boost to the bass, you will love the sound of the ATH-M50x.

Read next, Best Headphones for ASMR

On the other hand, if you are interested in working in your home studio and looking for an an accurate representation of sound for recording your music, the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is one of your best choices. In this price range it is harder to find a more comfortable and accurate monitor headphone. They are comfortable which allows for long recording sessions. If you’re looking for something durable and comfortable for professional use, this might be exactly what you need.

Quinn
Quinnhttps://www.thesoundawards.com
Hi, I am Quinn. I am an experienced audio engineer who has worked in the audio field for the past 20 years. I enjoy most genres of music and enjoy home recording and learning about new recording techniques. In my free time I enjoy reviewing the latest audio gear and gaming.

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