Choosing the best headphones for DJs has become more difficult in recent years, as we have quality products from a number of brands. With more entrants into the market, the question many ask is whether to stick with the names we know or look at some of the new products instead? We compare two known brands here, one with a product that has defined DJ headphones, and another bringing new ideas, but which is right for you?
The Sennheiser HD 25 is a market leader, but how does it compare to the Audio Technica ATH-M50x?
Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 25: See the Difference
Audio Technica ATH-M50x
Comfort
Larger Sized headphones with substantial padding offers good comfort
Sound Quality
Powerful bass with pleasant upper ranges, although lower frequencies do dominate
Features
Clever folding mechanism makes travel a pleasure
Sennheiser HD 25
Comfort
Lightweight minimalist design uses less padding but are easy to wear for hours
Sound Quality
More rounded sound, not quite as punchy low down but with great detail at high frequencies
Features
Double Headband for security when worn, pivot design makes easy monitoring
Exploring the features of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 25
The Sennheiser headphones are a product of a development and refinement program that has been going since their introduction in the 1980s, and it shows. They have everything in a simple, elegant package, with lightweight comfort and truly great sound. A minimalist look is not for all though, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xs offer something different. Again, great sound is at the heart of what they do, but with a robust, almost overbuilt approach that means that are ready for life on the road.
But which measures up best, lets look more closely.
Comfort Kings: A Battle Between ATH-M50x and HD 25 Headphones
The two manufacturers have gone down very different routes here, with the Sennheiser HD 25s lighter weight and soft, but relatively minimal padding on the ear cups and dual headband. Audio Technica on the other hand, have made the ATH-M50x a much more substantial design, with larger earcups and a broad headband. In fact, the ATH-M50x weighs more than double the Sennheiser.
The result is that, despite having much thicker foam padding, the ATH-50x falls short in comfort for the user. Compared to most headphones on the market, they offer great comfort, but the HD 25s are better.
Sound Quality Face-Off: Audio Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 25
With its large earcups and big drivers, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x offers powerful, punchy bass sounds, as you may expect. Bass is strong in the HD 25s, although not quite as punchy as the Audio Technicas. However, as we move higher up the range, the HD 25s tend to reveal more detail and have a better balance to the sound.
Feature Showcase: ATH-M50x vs HD 25 Headphones
Despite being much larger headphones, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x are the easiest to transport thanks to a clever folding mechanism that allows them to become a very compact size when required. Part of what makes the HD25s so comfortable is the sense of security from the dual headband. It ensures the headphones don’t move when on, and when combined with the lightweight, they are just so easy to live with. The pivot on the earcup of the Sennheiser HD 25s makes monitoring easy too.
Both offer a nice range of features, but it is probably the Sennheiser HD25s that you will notice more in daily use.
Verdict
Sennheiser has been refining the HD25 for decades, and it really shows. From the way they fit, to the overall sound quality, they are the best option in this price range. Even if your budget is bigger, they are worth a listen, as the quality on offer can match that of more expensive options from other brands.
However this doesn’t mean the ATH-M50xs are a poor choice. They sound great and have a lot of nice features, and if you prefer the more robust styling than the minimalist HD 25s, you will still have a great pair of headphones to enjoy.
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