Choosing between two highly respected studio headphones can be tough, especially when both have earned a loyal following among producers and home studio owners. This article breaks down a detailed comparison between the Audio Technica ATH M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, looking at sound quality, comfort, features, accessories, and build quality to help determine which pair might be the better fit for a home studio setup.
Overview: Audio Technica ATH M50x
The ATH M50x is considered one of the best-priced studio headphones available, costing around 150 dollars. It comes in a black and silver design that sits comfortably on the head, with rotating ear cups that add extra flexibility.
In terms of build quality, the M50x is fully plastic, but still feels well-built and put together, suggesting it should hold up well over time. Accessory-wise, it comes with three different detachable cables along with a bag for on-the-go travel. Frequency response is well balanced, with only a slight enhancement on the low end.
Overview: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
The DT770 Pro is another favourite among producers and home studio users, priced around 160 dollars. It comes in a black and gray design that sits nicely over the ears, with a headband that feels just right.
Build quality stands out here, featuring a metal headband along with ear cups that feel very comfortable. In terms of accessories, the DT770 Pro comes with a carry bag for travel. Frequency response is well balanced overall, with slightly less mid-range and a touch more high-end compared to the M50x.
Sound Quality Comparison
Both headphones sound genuinely great, though each offers a distinct sound profile. The ATH M50x delivers a bit more low-end presence, and everything feels well put together when mixing and mastering a track.
The DT770 Pro, on the other hand, offers more of a spread-out sound, making it easier to pinpoint exactly where instruments sit within a mix. It is not as low-end heavy as the M50x, but it excels at helping identify sound placement, which is especially useful when panning sounds across a mix.
Rating: Audio Technica ATH M50x, 4 out of 5. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, 4 out of 5.
Comfort Comparison
Both headphones perform very well in terms of comfort and can be worn for long periods without much irritation. The ATH M50x has a slightly smaller ear cup compared to the DT770 Pro. Fortunately, the ear cushions are quite soft, so they do not press too hard against the ears, though they do touch the edges of the ear since they are over ear style.
The DT770 Pro ear cups fully surround the ear, meaning there is essentially no pressure felt at all. In terms of headband squeeze, the DT770 Pro is slightly tighter, which can become less comfortable over very long sessions, though both headphones remain super comfortable overall.
Rating: Audio Technica ATH M50x, 4.5 out of 5. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, 4 out of 5.
Features Comparison
The ATH M50x clearly offers more features compared to the DT770 Pro. It includes rotating ear cups along with a detachable cable, while the DT770 Pro lacks both of these, remaining static once placed on the head.
Rating: Audio Technica ATH M50x, 5 out of 5. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, 3.5 out of 5.
Accessories Comparison
The ATH M50x again comes out ahead when it comes to accessories. It includes a bag along with three different detachable cables: one coiled, one short cable ideal for everyday listening while walking around, and one long cable suited for studio use and better mobility.
The DT770 Pro does not offer a detachable cable, though it does come with a coiled cable, which earns some credit for flexibility. However, it is limited in length even when extended, and the included bag does not compare favourably to the one included with the M50x.
Rating: Audio Technica ATH M50x, 5 out of 5. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, 3 out of 5.
Build Quality Comparison
When it comes to build quality, the DT770 Pro takes a slight edge. The ATH M50x is fully plastic, and while it still feels solid and well constructed, the DT770 Pro features a steel headband along with metal mounts, suggesting it may hold up better over time and resist damage more effectively.
Overall, the build quality difference favours the DT770 Pro, though not by a huge margin.
Rating: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, 4.5 out of 5. Audio Technica ATH M50x, 4 out of 5.
Final Verdict
When all factors are considered together, the Audio Technica ATH M50x comes out ahead by a solid margin, largely due to how many additional boxes it ticks in terms of features and accessories.
That said, the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro remains an excellent pair of headphones in its own right. For anyone who does not travel often, does not need a bag, and prefers headphones that simply stay in the studio without needing to swap cables, the DT770 Pro is still a fantastic choice.
If the DT770 Pro included a detachable cable, a few additional cable options, and the ability to twist or rotate, it might have easily become the preferred pick instead. Ultimately, the choice between these two headphones comes down to personal needs and how they will be used within a home studio environment. Both are excellent options, and it is genuinely difficult to go wrong with either one.
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