29% of 663 verified Audio-Technica ATH-M50xowners don't recommend it — based on real owner comments from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.
For balance: 55% recommend it. This page collects the complaints so you know what you're signing up for — read the full owner report for both sides. How we score
“the M50x isn't even good for monitoring”— @DJScopeSOFM on YouTube
“they aren't as good as they say... I fell for the hype”— @birkmh on YouTube
“These headphones sucks if you consider using them for music listening! Highs are metalic and too harsh.”— @Harzexe on YouTube
“these headphones give me headaches”— @MyNameIsBob3389 on YouTube
“M50x was one of my first serious disappointments in the world of audio gear.”— @Hari-kx2er on YouTube
“these are just too intense, everything too close together”— @littlescruby on YouTube
“Gosh dang it I should've seen this before I bought mine, this is very accurate”— @nickhay9668 on YouTube
“your review pretty much sums up how I feel about them... so overrated”— @Pjk110 on YouTube
“Don't get these, get mx40s, they're so much better sound.”— @WendigoActual on YouTube
“I had these for 3 years and really enjoyed them. Then I tried them several years later and god damn they're horrid.”— @hartyewh1 on YouTube
“High frequencies are really in your face, biting”— @Vonneti on YouTube
“Every audiophile today knows the disappointment in starting out from these”— @mattriarchal on YouTube
Not complaints — practical notes from owners that didn't affect the score.
“Without equalization the sound was fine. Bass was exaggerated a bit depending on content. Spatial qualities were low with sound on each side of the ear.”— amirm on Audio Science Review
“I could immediately tell the difference with the background noise dropping off and the voices being less harsh and pronounced. I was able to then turn the volume up to louder levels without discomfort or harshness. definitely preferred it!”— Beershaun on Audio Science Review
“I have AKG 701, Beyer DT990, Audio Technica Ath M50 and the Sennheisers are by far the most accurate.”— UomoAnguria on r/audioengineering
“My head happens to be large, so this was a big issue for me. I just bent the headband outward.”— comzee on Head-Fi
“this is the generally agreed bass heavy cans which upon personal listening it surely is”— YSC on Audio Science Review
“I have a pair of these, but only use them for noncritical listening.”— Ron Texas on Audio Science Review
“They have a clear distinction where the one instrument or voice is and what this instrument or voice is producing and contributing to the track.Every one of these instruments and voices are detailed and beautifully reproduced except that they are not...how to say it...they are not apart from each other a lot.”— RequiemForDream on Head-Fi