Audio-Technica ATH-M50S

$159.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones

$130.30 - $159.00

5.0 (448)

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Page last updated May 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 2, 2026.

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5.0 (6)

$159.99 1 available New

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Average Price: $160

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Headphones & In-Ear Monitors category, Audio-Technica ATH-M50S is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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Discover the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S, the go-to headphones for musicians and audio professionals seeking precision and clarity. Renowned for their exceptional sound isolation and deep, accurate bass response, these headphones are engineered to meet the demands of studio monitoring and critical listening. Whether you're mixing tracks or enjoying your favorite playlists, the ATH-M50S delivers a balanced sound profile that captures every detail.

Constructed with professional-grade materials, these headphones ensure long-lasting durability and comfort during extended sessions. The circumaural design contours around the ears, providing excellent isolation in loud environments. With a collapsible design, they are convenient to store and transport, making them a reliable companion for on-the-go musicians.

Crafted for accuracy and robustness, the ATH-M50S feature 45mm large-aperture drivers that produce a wide frequency range and exceptional audio clarity. The headphones come with a single-sided cable, reducing tangles and allowing for easy studio use. Whether you're at home or in the studio, the ATH-M50S offers an ideal blend of sound quality, comfort, and durability.

Key Features:

Professional-grade earpad and headband material for durability and comfort
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation
45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
Collapsible design for space-saving portability
Single-sided cable for easy studio use and reduced tangling
Ideal for studio tracking, mixing, and field recording

Product specs

Brand	Audio-Technica
Model	ATH M50
Year	2010s
Categories	Closed-Back Headphones, Over-ear Headphones

FAQs

What is the sound signature of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones?: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones are known for their balanced sound signature, offering clear mids and highs with a slightly enhanced bass response, making them suitable for both professional monitoring and casual listening.
Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?: Yes, the ATH-M50S headphones feature cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband, designed to provide comfort during extended use, although individual comfort may vary based on personal preferences and head size.
Do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones have noise-canceling features?: The ATH-M50S headphones are closed-back, which helps reduce ambient noise passively, but they do not have active noise-canceling technology.
Can the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones be used for mixing and mastering?: Yes, the ATH-M50S headphones are often used for mixing and mastering due to their accurate sound reproduction and wide frequency response, providing a reliable reference for audio professionals.
What type of connector do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones use?: The ATH-M50S headphones come with a standard 3.5mm stereo mini-plug and include a 6.3mm (1/4") adapter, making them compatible with a variety of audio equipment.

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Michael N. Nguyen

Audio-Technica ATH-M50S

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Reviews

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PROS

Durable, lasting over 11 years of constant use
Noticeable improvement in sound quality from other models
Attractive design

CONS

Uncomfortable for extended use due to pressure on ears
Heavy cord adds unwanted weight, making them cumbersome
Lack of sound stage and instrument separation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATH-M50S.

Comparisons

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The M50s are noted for portability and versatility, unlike the K7xx which excels in sound quality but is less practical for public use.
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The M50s are often considered "bass cannons" with a focus on bass, contrasting the balanced sound of the K7xx, which suits genres like acoustic music better.
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The M50S is favored over Meze 99 and 109 models by some users, who find Meze's budget offerings underwhelming.
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The M50s are described as having a "bright" sound, emphasizing detail and clarity, compared to the "neutral" sound of the Sennheiser 6XX.
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Mods and upgrades

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Brainwavz pads are recommended to improve comfort significantly on M40x models, which are related to the M50 series.
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Brainwavz Prostock replacement pads enhance comfort without significantly altering sound, unlike the HM5 pads which reduce bass and increase treble.
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User experience

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Owners report that M50s do not require additional equipment like amps to achieve good sound, making them convenient for casual use.
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Some users report the original M50S having a better sound quality compared to newer models, despite its non-detachable cable.
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Use cases and applications

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The M50s are favored for their sturdy build and ability to handle various activities like gaming and drumming without needing an amp.
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The M50S's narrow soundstage is a point of contention, with some users finding it uncomfortable for extended listening.
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The M50s are recommended for users transitioning from bass-heavy headphones like Beats, offering a new perspective on music with their detailed highs.
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Build quality

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The original M50S model's cable is not detachable, which may affect long-term usability and maintenance preferences for some users.
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The M50s are noted for their durability and portability, making them practical for on-the-go use, unlike the more fragile and stationary 6XX.
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Value and pricing

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A user successfully repaired a broken hinge using JB Weld, indicating potential for cost-effective DIY repairs on the M50S.
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The M50s are available for approximately $90 used and $150 new, offering a cost-effective entry into higher-quality audio compared to the $190 used, $220 new 6XX.
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