Real owners lean toward the Edition XS: 68% of 123 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 663 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score
“You could have a faceoff with any headphone on Earth, regardless of cost and compare it to a $169 Edition XS, and while it would lose, it's MUCH closer than it should be...”— 1maxwedge426 on Reddit
“Decent headphones but......I'm on my third, 2 failed and were warranty replaced. Also the headband should be classed as a war crime. Other than that I highly recommend them.”— Emotional_Elk_980 on Reddit
“I hate my edition xs so much because they're amazing, just don't work, they keep losing all audio on the right side and I'm not the only one with that issue”— Kolorboi on Reddit
Real owners lean toward the Edition XS: 68% of 123 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 663 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
Owners point the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x at producers and DJs wanting durable closed-back monitors, and budget buyers wanting a build that lasts many years.
Owners point the Edition XS at listeners moving up from a Sennheiser HD560S or HD600-series who want a wider soundstage, and buyers comfortable using EQ to tune the sound.
The most-cited downside of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is bloated bass that muddies the mids. For the Edition XS, it's headband and weak clamp make the fit loose for many, and owners often add an aftermarket strap.