AKG K553 or the ATH-M50X

[Evan7899]

I am in the market for some new over ear headphones and was looking at the AKG K553's or the ATH M50x's. I am by no means an audiophile but want an decent quality pair. The AKG's are $150 and the Audio-Technica's are 220. Between the two which is the better pair and should I get. Thanks

 

[Evan7899]

Sale on the headphones end soon I need help please!

 

[shotgunz]

If that's 220 USD it's way too much for M50x which are around $150 on amazon. $150 is a pretty good price for K553. They have a neutral sound with a fairly large soundstage for a closed headphone.

They have bass but don't have the usual boosted bass most headphones have, if you are fine with that.

 

[Evan7899]

If that's 220 USD it's way too much for M50x which are around $150 on amazon. $150 is a pretty good price for K553. They have a neutral sound with a fairly large soundstage for a closed headphone.

They have bass but don't have the usual boosted bass most headphones have, if you are fine with that.

220 CAD which is ~150 USD. Sale ended on the K553's but I didn't like the design nor thin head band so I don't know if I would've opted for them anyways. With the price being 220 CAD are the M50x's worth it? Sorry I have little knowledge in headphones.

Update: There is a promotion for 170 USD that has the M50x's and the Creative Sound Blaster E1. Is that worth it?

 

[shotgunz]

How will you use those headphones though? At home, outside, both? Do you prefer loud bass or everything to sound natural?

If you happen to be in Toronto, I've got the usual Sennheiser HD558 that's recommended here and some other headphones you could try out to see what you prefer. We could meet up in a mall. I'm at Warden/mcnicoll.

 

[Evan7899]

How will you use those headphones though? At home, outside, both? Do you prefer loud bass or everything to sound natural?

If you happen to be in Toronto, I've got the usual Sennheiser HD558 that's recommended here and some other headphones you could try out to see what you prefer. We could meet up in a mall. I'm at Warden/mcnicoll.

They will be strictly at home yet I still want a closed back, not a found of the sound escaping and I can sacrifice the wider sound stage for it. I do prefer bass as they be in use for gaming and listening to rap and other bass heavy musics. I am not near Toronto so that can't work. Audio quality is obviously a priority but comfort is paramount and they need to look decent. The M50x's are definitely as expensive as I can afford. Also if you have any expertise in microphones would you recommend the mod-mic 4.0? Thanks.

 

[shotgunz]

Since you like dat bass... The 80ohm version of Beyerdynamic's DT880 has lots of bass. Make sure it's the 80 ohm version since that's the bassier version. It's much more comfortable than the M50x, has better sound characteristics

http://www.amazon.ca/beyerdynamic-80-Ohms-Closed-Monitoring-Applications/dp/B0016MNAAI

The main problem with he M50x is the pads are rather thin and hurt your ears, the bass isn't particularly tight and soundstage is very small which is bad for gaming.

 

[Evan7899]

Since you like dat bass... The 80ohm version of Beyerdynamic's DT880 has lots of bass. Make sure it's the 80 ohm version since that's the bassier version. It's much more comfortable than the M50x, has better sound characteristics

http://www.amazon.ca/beyerdynamic-80-Ohms-Closed-Monitoring-Applications/dp/B0016MNAAI

The main problem with he M50x is the pads are rather thin and hurt your ears, the bass isn't particularly tight and soundstage is very small which is bad for gaming.

Thanks Ill make sure to check those out. Is there any other products you would say would work nicely. Preferably under 200 if possible. Thanks again.

 

[shotgunz]

My mistake, it's the DT770, not the 880. Beyerdynamic's mid and high end products like the DT770 pro are made in Germany so expect good build quality if you choose them.

The antlion mic I've seen recommended often along with the blue yeti mic. Both are quality products but I personally don't have any experience with mics. I'm more so knowledgeable in mid and high end headphones.

 

[Evan7899]

My mistake, it's the DT770, not the 880. Beyerdynamic's mid and high end products like the DT770 pro are made in Germany so expect good build quality if you choose them.

The antlion mic I've seen recommended often along with the blue yeti mic. Both are quality products but I personally don't have any experience with mics. I'm more so knowledgeable in mid and high end headphones.

Thanks for all of your help. When I choose which I'm getting I'll update this thread.