Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598: Comparison

In the world of headphones, there are a few brands that stand out. Sennheiser and Audio Technica are two brands that have created a reputation for themselves. Both of these brands are known for producing high-quality headphones with some of the best audio output.

The analysis that we are going to make is between two of the best and suggested headphones in the 150-200 US Dollar range, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, which is too famous for its good, and the Sennheiser HD 598, which is one of the enthusiast community’s favorite headphones.

But which of the two firms is superior? Is the HD 599 from Sennheiser or the ATH M50x from Audio Technica superior? Let’s see what we can find out. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598 comparison review.

The Winner: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598

No products found.

We would say they are both about the same thing. However, just a slight difference makes a significant impact when it comes to the winner between ATH-M50X and HD 598.

Both are available in a comparable price range. Both are fantastic buys. Both are excellent choices for those who are new to high-quality headphones. Both are suitable for non-audiophiles seeking a single high-quality set of headphones.

For many people, ATH-M50X may be a preferable initial purchase because it is more portable, with no sound leakage and more constant quality between tracks. You may start with the Audio Technica and upgrade to Sennheiser later.

Both are excellent purchases. In terms of quality, they are nearly comparable, but it is a matter of personal choice. In our opinion, the HD-598 wins on sound, but the ATH-M50X wins on convenience. However, we value sound more so our winner is the Sennheiser HD 598 over-ear headset.

Audio Technica ATH-M50X Professional Wired Headphone

Features of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

Audio engineers and professional audio reviewers alike laud the ATH M50X as the most critically regarded model in Audio Technica’s M-Series. They are the anti-Beats.

These headphones are designed for listeners who value the greatest possible representation of real sound over fashionable accessories and the entire Beats marketing machine.

These are official “studio monitor” headphones which means they are intended to replicate precise tones and vocals with little seasoning or sweetness.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is great for music that is loud, aggressive, and adrenaline-pumping. It has a powerful, assertive tone, and high and low sounds are emphasized. Mids are not as important as they formerly were, however, the bass slams through you.

Nevertheless, it is still better than the majority of headphones in terms of balance. It has a very mechanical, industrial tone to it and that is why we like Audio-Technica ATH M50X. We can say that it is claustrophobic. The sound reaches your ears immediately.

However, long listening sessions are not comfortable. Even if you buy custom pads, the Sennheiser is the most comfortable in the comparison of ATH-M50X vs HD 598.

On the other hand, it is quite portable. It may be folded and stored in a leather pouch. Even more, the external noise is muted. Even when loud, it does not leak much sound.

This headphone consistently performs great. All of the songs on it, in our opinion, sound great.

Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Headphone

No products found.

Features of HD 598 Headphone

Sennheiser HD 598 is just as attractive as they are on the internet. They are relaxing and comfortable as the ear goes inside these headphones. At high volumes, the sound seeps out, but at medium volumes, it should be OK.

Although there is not much noise cancellation, extraneous sounds never disturb us. When the noise is not too loud, they sound their best. This is something we will say again. With HD 598, less is more.  As a result, you don’t have to worry as much about sound leaking.

We used to believe that headphones were always supposed to be used at maximum volume, but not with the HD 598. Its high/mid/low notes are more balanced than the ATH M50. It is ideal for gentle but energetic tunes.

The bass is softer and quieter, yet it surrounds you more effectively. It is better for use at home, but you can still take it with you when you go for a walk in the park. However, the Sennheiser HD-598 has a lower level of consistency. Some tunes will come across as “meh.” Others will sound even more divine than they did with the ATH-M50X.

To be honest, they are a lovely pair of headphones. The white and maroon combination is unusual and gives a great overall touch to these headphones’ appearance and feel.

ATH-M50X vs HD 598 – Comparison

The two’s art design speaks it all when it comes to Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598. In both appearance and sound, the ATH M50X is darker and more mechanical. Both visually and audibly, HD 598 is more vivid and warm.

In terms of accuracy and richness, we would say the HD 598 has superior overall sound quality. Let’s assume the HD598s are 10-20% better in terms of sound quality than the ATH-M50X. However, they will sound similar to someone who does not care much about music.

People who pay attention to the details will notice significant changes in how each makes them feel. So, it is a choice between straight-hitting loud sounds and quieter, more ambient sounds.

So, it is a good idea to have both of them. Each brings something to the table that the other does not.

Sound Quality

M50x’s low end is a bit emphasized, which some people do not like, but it is quite nice and pleasant. One of the few sound advantages that the M50X has over the HD 598 is its bass.

The bass on the HD598 is also quite nice; there is enough of it, and it is not missing in any way. However, due to the broad sound stage, the bass does not touch you in the ear like the ATH-M50X, making it less enjoyable.

This, along with the other sonic characteristics of both headphones, makes the M50x sound better for electronic and artificially generated music in general, as well as music with bass beats.

The bass on HD 598 will sound better with organically generated music, such as instrumental or orchestral music. Because of the larger soundstage, symphonic music’s bottom drums sound incredibly realistic.

Bass is also presented in a highly controlled manner, so it is delightful anytime it appears. It is, however, slower than M50x. Despite this, a lot of electronic music sounds fine on HD598, and in some cases even better, provided the tune makes effective use of imaging and soundstage.

We found the HD 598 sub-bass to be more pleasant than the ATH-M50X in several tunes.

This is an area where HD598 completely outperforms M50x. The HD598’s mids are amazing, natural, and smooth. A major flaw of the M50x is that it has recessed mids, which implies that when you listen to a song, the vocals are much less loud than the bass and treble portions, allowing the instruments to dominate the vocals.

To hear the voices well on M50x, you will have to turn up the volume, which will make the instruments sound excessively loud. The M50x is on the edge of sounding abrasive, and the highs in some of the tunes are difficult to listen to.

As a result, the ATH-M50X has significantly greater ear strain than the HD 598. You could even feel the treble portions scraping your eardrums if a song is improperly recorded.

HD598, on the other hand, has incredibly well-presented yet controlled highs and is more tolerant of poor recordings. They are a little rolled off in this region, with many people referring to their sound characteristics as the Sennheiser veil.

Build Quality

Starting with the build quality, we believe it will be difficult to replicate the M50x’s tank-like durability, especially for a headphone in this price bracket. The construction is entirely made of plastic, yet it is well constructed.

It is also one of the most adaptable headphones; you can fold it and store it in its case for travel, and the earcups rotate 180 degrees, allowing you to wear them around your neck and lay them flat on your chest.

The HD 598 does not have this type of versatility. It is also possible to put them on one ear or fold one of the earcups for a DJ appearance. These appear to be capable of withstanding a lot of abuse, and durability should not be an issue.

It is quite light on your head, and the velvet ear cushions are fairly big. You can keep them for hours, if not the entire day, and occasionally forget they are on your head. While listening to them, your ears will not become moist or even warm, and there will be no ear strain.

Design

The Audio Technica ATH M50X has a stunning appearance and construction. The headband and extenders are constructed of heavy-duty plastic, and the headband and extenders are made of metal. The use of plastic and metal in this design adds a wonderful touch.

The presence of plastic is a bit of a disappointment, even if the materials utilized are of the finest grade, making them sturdy and durable.

The soft cushioning on the headband and ear cups more than compensates for the usage of plastic, providing a pleasant listening experience. You will not feel cramped or sweaty in your ear area if you wear these headphones for a lengthy amount of time.

The Sennheiser HD 599, on the other hand, has a beautiful and appealing design. This headset looks spectacular, to say the least, with its ivory and maroon color scheme. Some editions are also available in black, however, it is known for its bold color scheme.

What makes these headphones unique is that they depart from traditional color schemes and combinations, which helps them stand out in the congested world of headphones.

Some individuals believe that this combination will not go with any clothing and that it is not suitable for somewhat older persons. But it is all up to you. This vibrant color combination is a favorite.

Sennheiser HD 598 is not only stylish but also quite comfortable. The spacious ear cups fit comfortably on every ear, regardless of shape or size. The ear cups swivel in and out, as well as front and back, to give you the optimum fit.

Conclusion: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598

We tried to point out the differences and similarities between Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598 in this comparison review. Both are excellent headphones but they have slight differences, but they are both great options to buy.

Due to the excellent pricing, the ATH M50X is better than the HD-598. Its sound quality is excellent, and somewhat more durable.

Both headphones are identical in performance, however, the Sennheiser HD-598 has a microphone for calls if needed. Its cups are also bigger and may be more comfortable for some, especially because it is not as tight as the Audio-Technica.

We hope you liked our Audio-Technica ATH-M50X vs Sennheiser HD 598 comparison review and it was helpful.