Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony MDR-1A
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| Audio-TechnicaATH-M50x | SonyMDR-1A | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | February 2014 | October 2014 |
| Sound | ||
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Noise cancelling | No | No |
| Driver size | 45 mm | 40 mm |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 24 ohms |
| Bluetooth codecs | None (wired) | None (wired) |
| Drivers | Dynamic, 45 mm large-aperture with neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils; 15 – 28,000 Hz; sensitivity 99 dB; maximum input power 1,600 mW at 1 kHz | Dynamic dome-type drivers with aluminium-coated liquid-crystal-polymer diaphragms and neodymium magnets; 3 Hz – 100 kHz stated response; 105 dB/mW sensitivity; 1,500 mW maximum input |
| Battery | ||
| Listening time (maker's claim) | No battery (wired) | No battery (wired) |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 285 g | 225 g (better) |
| Headphone cable | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | – | Inline microphone and remote on one supplied cable; omnidirectional electret-condenser microphone |
| Fit and ear tips | Circumaural, closed-back; earcups swivel 90 degrees; collapsible; replaceable ear pads | Sony's Japanese specification and original launch table state 24 ohms at 1 kHz; Sony UK's support specification instead lists 48 ohms, so this entry follows the documented Japanese model |
| Dimensions | – | Approximately 225 g without the cable |
| Works with | Detachable 1.2 – 3.0 m coiled, 3.0 m straight and 1.2 m straight cables with gold-plated 3.5 mm plugs; screw-on 6.3 mm adapter | Detachable 1.2 m silver-coated OFC cables with gold-plated stereo mini plugs; optional balanced cable and compatible amplifier required for balanced connection |
| Colours | Black, White | – |
| In the box | ATH-M50x headphones, three cables, screw-on 6.3 mm adapter, pouch | Headphones, 1.2 m headphone cable, 1.2 m microphone/remote cable, carrying pouch, warranty and instructions |
