ATH-M40x... or ATH-M50x ?

[Kurtenstein]

Hi there. I need a new pair of headphones and tried my friend’s ATH-M50x... I like them a lot and they seem to have a cult status. However, I read some reviews and the ATH-M40x seem to have a flatter response, while the 50s have more bass.

If I want to clearly hear bass lines in songs, wich pair should I get?
Money is no concern.

 

[DirtDog]

What’s the purpose? Monitoring while playing? Mixing? General listening?​

 

[Kurtenstein]

General listening (and to get the bass part) and headphones rehearsal with guitar and eletronic drum kit.

 

[crlujan]

I’ve got a pair of the ATH-M40x that I use for mixing. But, I’ve also got a pair of ATH-M20x that I use for general day to day listening. They’re both great headphones and you couldn’t go wrong with either. If I were you and it were just for listening/learning parts, save yourself some money and grab the 20s.

 

[J Posega]

If they will not be your only headphones for mixing, then the M50x are awesome for bass. I just got a set a couple months back.

 

[DirtDog]

I was looking at the response curves for both (as well as the M35s that I own). Seems like the 40s have slightly more low end response. The 50s have a little less, but also have a distinct bump around 3.5k. The 50s have a slightly higher SPL. Not sure if you’d really hear a lot of difference between the two.

 

[dustklose]

I also own a set of the 50's, I absolutely love them. I use them for quiet practice, as well as general listening, starting to use them for recording work as well. I find them to be great all purpose.

 

[mikewalker]

I have some 40's and they are mainly getting used plugged into the headphone output of my bass amp. Sound great! I don't find them all that comfortable to wear, though...

 

[Kurtenstein]

Let's put it this way: if I wanna clearly hear a bassline in a song, do I need clarity (40's) or more bass (50's)?

(...or perhaps it's not that simple...)

 

[sambass0124]

Let's put it this way: if I wanna clearly hear a bassline in a song, do I need clarity (40's) or more bass (50's)?

(...or perhaps it's not that simple...)

I know it is an old post but recently I am considering 50s or 40s … may I know which one did you buy and your comment? I will use headphone for bass practice and get the bass line from songs.

 

[Ender_rpm]

I have both, have had a version of the 50 for a few years (both 50 and 50x), and got the 40x to try for guitar recording out of curiosity. Unless youre doing really bass heavy stuff, the 40s go more than low enough for a general listener. That said, the 50s PUMP that low end, and they are both fun to use and key to using smaller monitors for mixing. Was using the 50s to check low end while using Equator D5s. Now have Kali IN5, they go a lot lower. For learning parts, it'd be a wash. For listening to "Soul Rebel" on the original 12" cut? 50s all the way.