Buzz
Design and Build Quality Review of Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
The exterior of the ATH-M50xBT2 doesn't stray too far from the original design, its classic yet modern look is truly eye-catching. The headband is made of high-quality PU leather, which doesn't wrinkle when stretched. The headband itself has a very good curvature, making it difficult to break and providing a sense of safety during use. The sliders on both sides operate very smoothly with pre-designed adjustment notches.
And although most of the headphone's structure is made of plastic, its finish cannot be faulted. The joints are very sturdy, rigid, and no matter how much you shake or rattle them, there is no feeling of flimsiness or looseness.
Speaking of versatility, although it looks quite large, the ATH-M50xBT2 is very convenient to carry around as the ear-cups can fold inwards for compactness. You can fold it up and put it in your bag or backpack without taking up too much space.
Just like its previous wireless version, the ATH-M50xBT2 also comes with a cable for wired use in case the battery runs out.
Connectivity - Controls
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones use physical buttons, most of which are located on the left ear-cup. Here we have 3 standard buttons including 2 volume buttons and one media button for play/pause or activating voice assistant. Note that these buttons will only work in wireless mode.
Battery Life
The Bluetooth Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones can last for about 50 hours on a single charge, more than enough for a week of work. The charging process is done via the USB-C port also located on the left ear-cup and takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge. Additionally, in case of urgency, you can also fast charge the headphones for 10 minutes to get 3 hours of use.
Fit
Wearing the ATH-M50xBT2 feels incredibly comfortable, weighing only 307 grams, it's very light and doesn't exert any pressure on the user's head. Although the headband padding is quite thick, you almost don't notice it during use, if anything, it's just pure comfort.
The clamping force of the headband is just right, not too tight to cause discomfort but also not too loose to let the sound leak out. The ear cushions of the M50xBT2 also use PU leather material, very soft and stretchy, not causing any ear pain or fatigue during use. However, it's worth noting that due to the use of leather material, wearing the headphones for a long time will cause sweat and a feeling of stuffiness, which is inevitable.
Pairing, Connectivity, and Latency
As the power button has been removed, the ATH-M50xBT2 will immediately enter pairing mode as soon as it's turned on. If you're using an Android phone, you can quickly pair it using Google Fast Pair.
The headphones themselves use Bluetooth 5.0 technology, with standard connectivity range and transmission signal. It also has a low latency mode for watching Youtube videos, but truth be told, even if this feature isn't turned on, its audio-video synchronization capability is quite good.
Finally, the ATH-M50xBT2 supports multi-device connectivity, up to 2 devices. This is a great connectivity feature especially for those who tend to use headphones on two devices like a phone and a laptop. When listening to music on a laptop and receiving a call on the phone, the headphones will automatically switch for you to take the call, very quickly and conveniently.
How's the sound quality of Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?
The sound quality of the ATH-M50xBT2 is finely tuned for balance and control. Its bass still packs a punch with good depth but is less 'boomy'. If you're a basshead, this headphone might not be enough to impress you.
The midrange is the standout feature. Vocals and instruments are clearly separated, not overshadowed by the bass. The treble has good detail, controlled so that even the highest notes don't feel piercing.
The soundstage of the ATH-M50xBT2 is another strong point. Even with complex music involving multiple instruments, you can accurately discern their positions and directions. Although the stage isn't very expansive, its detail is more than enough to impress.
Microphone Quality
The ATH-M50xBT2 wireless headphones feature dual microphones and utilize beamforming technology, focusing signal waves in a specific direction. This allows them to capture voices very accurately and retain enough detail to transmit to the other end of the line. They perform excellently in quiet environments. In noisy environments, the microphone can eliminate about 60-70% of background noise without distorting the user's voice.
Conclusion
Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones have undergone some new improvements to make them more suitable for the current context. Enhancements in quality of life such as USB-C, low latency mode, and multi-device pairing provide a better experience. Its sound quality may not appeal to everyone's taste, but for those who appreciate the detail in music, these headphones are very suitable.
Although lacking active noise-canceling features, in many aspects, the ATH-M50xBT2 is a very versatile wireless headphone, suitable for both work and entertainment. The price of these headphones is 199 USD (approximately 4.5 million VND).
