ATH-M50 vs AKG-240

[woofer]

Sorry for a layman's comparison, but I won't get the chance to try either out - and I'm a bit stuck. I have, however tried my friend's ATH-M40s, and I liked them very much.

I like the idea of being able to wear the AKG-240s for a long time without fatigue or discomfort, but I'm not sure they'll be good monitors for sub frequencies. From what I hear, though, the AKG-240s are great for mid range - are the M50s as good? And how are the M50s for hours+ usage - and how flat are they?

P.S. I have rules out the common HD280 and Sony 7506 due to discomfort and lack of warmer lower tones.

[stevesmithfan]

I'm listening to music as I write this through a pair of AKG K-240 headphones. I think they sound great, I recommend them.

[blaugruen7]

i have the m50 and the k240 studio.

i like the sound of the m50 much much better.
better highs and better lows. more details and better
dynamics!
AND they are closed ones and make your ears very nicely warm
over longer wearing times. :-)

[Steffmo]

I have used AKGs for years.

Then I got a single pair of M40's......and they piqued my interest in AT cans.

I needed a bunch of extra phones for a choir session...dealer had a special on M30's, was like 6 for 200.00, so I figured as extra cans for that kind of session they would be adequate.

Accept that vocalists and other non drum or bass dudes LOVE them. They feel like te Sonys.....but not as skank bright as the Sonys.

And the real upside is that I haven't blown any phones in months (I use the Hear System).

So I'm keeping son Senn 280's and M40s and Fostex T20s for the guys that like it loud, and mostly using the M30s for the lighter weight stuff. Some folks prefer the AKG...but its nice to have all.

M50s......gotta be smoking.

[Mats]

ATH-50 sounds amaing for the money.

[woofer]

Anyone else?

How flat is the frequency responce on the technicas in comparison to the AKGs? Anyone who has both headphones want to compare how long they can wear each without ear fatigue and head smashing?

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by Mats

ATH-50 sounds amaing for the money.

[reddirt]

I've said this before on another thread but I'll say it again.......... these are initially impressive sounding cans with very resolved bass and smooth sounding mids, however for my money they are just too smooth and as such don't tell me as much as I'd like in the mids.

They do have very good isolation but the down side on that is they are not overly comfortable where for comparison the little brother M40s are significantly better.
I bought them unheard, on the strength of my good run with my M40s hoping for a more refined version of what i already had however they are a quite different animal which may or may not be what you are after.

That didn't help you much did it?
Cheers, Ross

[woofer]

Actually, that did help since I am going off of the M40's too (that's what I've heard before). So, you are saying the 50s have more bass, but are less comfortable?

Bluemonk said the AKG240s sounded like tins cans on a few others threads. I'll definitely be doing some electronica production, and he said he does techno stuff. I heard the M50s have overemphasized bass. I really want to hear all of the sub frequencies, but not be tricked that there are more than I think there are.

EDIT: Another think I may have to take into account is the fact that I won't be using a preamp (at least at first).

[Sounds Great]

I have had the M40's for years. At one point I had four or five pairs. I now have two pairs. I also have the M50's. For critical listening, or just listening to records, the M50s are the best! When checking my mixes, I still like to use the M40's in addition to the M50's. As well as my speakers, of course. It's all good. thumbsup

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by woofer

I heard the M50s have overemphasized bass. I really want to hear all of the sub frequencies, but not be tricked that there are more than I think there are.

I don't think that's true. They have lower bass than other phones, and a bit more punch, but only when the music has punch. They seem pretty true to me.