Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone, Black, with Cutting Edge Engineering, 90 Degree Swiveling Earcups, Pro-Grade Earpads/Headband, Detachable Cables Included

I was looking for a portable headphone. But didn't want to spend a lot of money either. And they needed to be tough as I was going to put them on my backpack to use them working on the road every day. I found this model hit the $$ range I was looking for and had pretty good reviews around so I gave them a chance. I got them for around $86 in "Like New" condition from Amazon Warehouse Deals. MSRP is actually $139, but they go normally here on Amazon for $99.. so all in all.. a good deal.. they seemed new to me... just the box had some scratches, but nothing I would care about... Now on to my thoughts so far NOTE: These headphones and the Sennheiser HD600 are the only headphones I've had worthy of mentioning. I also don't have any other headphones with me to compare them to in the same price range or any other range. Not even the apple earbuds that came with my iphone5 (don't miss them at all). I also have not had experience listening to a lot of good quality headphones except for my HD600. So as unfair as it is...all my thoughts are in comparison to the HD600s which is still the superior headphone and an awesome value and my point of reference in evaluating the m40x which after all, have surprised me quite a bit! First, they sounded very promising! But they weren't very comfortable. The stock ear pads are a little small for my big ears. They sort of cover all of my ear, but its not as comfortable as my HD600s and their huge pads. So looking around I found the Brainwavz Replacement Memory Foam Earpads here on Amazon as well. These fit perfectly and were free (thank you Amazon gift card!). They didn't affect the sound signature a whole lot really...if anything since I now have a perfect seal, the bass is actually what I think should sound like for those who can achieve a good seal with the original pads... These headphones are tuned flat as per manufacturer's description and there is also this video on YouTube [ http://youtu.be/sj69-mWHV3E ] that compares the different versions of the m##x series of headphones, and indeed, the m40x sound almost identical to the source. So having a neutral headphone was appealing to me, and with the new earpads, I don't notice any frequency range dominating the rest...I think these are still pretty neutral but the pads make them WAY more comfortable....I Recommend them Highly! These headphones are definitely more forward than my HD600, but nothing gross.. I actually kind of like a bit. After a while, I kinda stop thinking about it. They have very good sound staging. They work better in portraying sort of an arc in front of me and I also notice a little better instrument separation too. The HD600 I find is more detailed still, and more natural sounding. Instruments like acoustic guitars and such sound more real/believable, but the m40x work a little better for me in presenting them a little more in front of me than in between me. The angled drivers are definitely making a difference here, because I never noticed this from a set of closed headphones before. They mate very well with the Geek Out 450 USB DAC/Amp (What doesn't?!) I do notice a big volume change when I hook them up after the HD600 but that's expected. Still, they benefit a lot from the power provided by the GO450 vs my iphone 5 or laptop headphone port... also expected... They have awesome sound isolation (especially with the new pads). The effect is very similar to wearing my 3M over the ear earmuffs from work. This is a big plus for me as they are going in my backpack with my GO450 every day for work and I'm always in noisy environments...I also travel a couple of times a year and I can see this kit working for me very well during flight time. All in all, I am very pleased with these headphones and it's an easy recommendation for someone looking for a good headphone without braking the bank! Happy camper here!! Worth every penny! Now back to my music!

Efrain M. · 2015-01-11 · via amazon

If you are looking for accurate, correct audio reproduction, look no further. The ATH-M40x delivers that better than drastically more expensive ($500+) "reference" headphones. The most noticeable part of accuracy, particularly with any competent headphones, simply comes down to neutral frequency response, and that is where the M40x is so strong with superior tonal balance. Keep in mind that the M40x has better tonal balance than the more expensive M50x and especially M70x, so if you want accuracy without needing a 1/3 octave EQ, stick with the M40x. If you do have a 1/3 octave EQ, the ability to take measurements and experience to tune it correctly, and a good headphone amp...sure, maybe hunt for a more expensive set of cans and tune them to sound even more correct than the M40x. Otherwise, the M40x is your direct route to reference audio reproduction without having to deal with all that other equipment. The passive sound isolation is very good. I prefer solid passive isolation to electronic noise cancelling in most instances. If sound isolation has no value to you, an open back design may be preferable, but finding something as accurate as the M40x without EQ will be tough. Comfort is good, but I have some other over-ear sets that cost 5x as much that are more comfortable. Since the M40x is a closed back design with strong isolation, your ears do get a little warm after a while. The clamping force is just enough to get a consistent seal around the ear so that bass response will be correct. Build quality is solid, nice, and functional, but not luxurious. The interchangeable cords are really good with a twist-lock jack on the left ear. I expected to prefer the straight cord, but I actually ended up liking the coiled cord even better for most use. If you use electronics to take frequency response out of the equation, more expensive sets can produce better measurements, but it's a moot point for 99.9% of users. Value at this price point is through the roof due to the tonal accuracy. Good luck finding better tonal accuracy at any price, honestly. Unfortunately, everyone has to have their own "sound signature", especially really expensive stuff where they need to try to give something unique to justify the price tag. The M40x just gives it away at a no-frills, no-fuss price. Buy these and enjoy re-listening to your favorite recordings to hear what they are really supposed to sound like!

John G · 2019-06-10 · via amazon

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