Audio-Technica ATH-R50x vs Sennheiser HD 550
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| Audio-TechnicaATH-R50x | SennheiserHD 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | January 2025 | April 2025 |
| Sound | ||
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Noise cancelling | No | No |
| Driver size | 45 mm | 38 mm |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 150 ohms |
| Bluetooth codecs | None (wired) | None (wired) |
| Drivers | Dynamic, 45 mm; fully open-back with no added acoustic tuning; 5 – 40,000 Hz; 93.3 dB/mW; maximum input power 1,600 mW | Dynamic, open; custom 38 mm 150-ohm transducers made in Tullamore, Ireland, angled towards the ears; 6 Hz – 39.5 kHz; 106.7 dB SPL (1 Vrms); THD < 0.2% (1 kHz, 90 dB SPL) |
| Battery | ||
| Listening time (maker's claim) | No battery (wired) | No battery (wired) |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 207 g (better) | 237 g |
| Headphone cable | Yes | Yes |
| Fit and ear tips | Circumaural, open-back; new headband design; replaceable ear pads and head pad | Over-ear, open-back; synthetic velour ear pads; synthetic leather headband with soft foam; lower clamping force than other HD 500-series models; metal mesh ear cup covers |
| Works with | Two detachable cables, 3.0 m and 1.2 m, each with a 2.5 mm twist-lock connector at the left earcup and a gold-plated 3.5 mm plug; 6.3 mm adapter | Detachable 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug; 3.5 to 6.35 mm screw-on adapter; balanced and microphone cables sold separately |
| Colours | Black | – |
| In the box | ATH-R50x headphones, 3.0 m and 1.2 m cables, 6.3 mm adapter, pouch | HD 550 open-back headphones, 1.8 m cable with 3.5 mm plug, 3.5 to 6.35 mm screw-on jack adapter, drawstring bag |
