Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 660S2: 61% of 231 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

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

55%of 663 owners recommend
55% recommend · 16% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Excellent sound quality for the price
  • Built like a tank, lasts for years
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions
Owners complain about
  • Bloated bass that muddies the mids
  • Too-tight clamping force, uncomfortable for long sessions
  • Earpads and headband flake and peel
Full owner report →

Sennheiser HD 660S2

61%of 231 owners recommend
61% recommend · 20% neutral · 19% don't
Owners praise
  • Lush, natural mids and vocals with classic Sennheiser timbre
  • Deeper, richer bass with much better sub-bass extension than the older 6x0
  • Excellent imaging and soundstage for gaming and movies
Owners complain about
  • Dark, veiled or muffled-sounding presentation
  • Loses the forward midrange magic of the cheaper 600/650
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if
  • ✓Producers and DJs wanting durable closed-back monitors
  • ✓Budget buyers wanting a build that lasts many years
  • ✓Listeners who enjoy a bass-forward, fun sound signature
  • ✓Anyone needing solid passive isolation for tracking
Skip it if
  • Mixers wanting a flat, reference-neutral response
  • Glasses-wearers or big heads doing long sessions with tight clamp
Get the Sennheiser HD 660S2 if
  • ✓HD6x0 owners wanting more bass extension and treble sparkle
  • ✓All-day listeners who want a warm, fatigue-free sound
  • ✓Gaming, movie, and music all-rounder seekers
  • ✓Metal, rock, and EDM fans wanting fuller low end
Skip it if
  • Those wanting a wide, expansive soundstage over intimate presentation
  • Purists chasing the classic 600/650 midrange, which feels recessed

What Audio-Technica ATH-M50x owners say

“I can absolutely recommend these, even today.”
— @jonas4288 on YouTube
“Just got these in too, love the detachable cable.”
— @TLD on YouTube
“the M50x isn't even good for monitoring”
— @DJScopeSOFM on YouTube

What Sennheiser HD 660S2 owners say

“I've had it for 5 years now and I still consider it the best of the 600 series”
— @o.f.ftrack3444 on YouTube
“They are my go-to primary headphones.”
— @scottlowell493 on YouTube
“At $250-$350 I would consider giving these a go at $600 they are a pass.”
— @mindhead1 on YouTube

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: frequently asked questions

Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Sennheiser HD 660S2 better?

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 660S2: 61% of 231 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 663 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Who should get 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.

Who should get the Sennheiser HD 660S2?

Owners point the Sennheiser HD 660S2 at hD6x0 owners wanting more bass extension and treble sparkle, and all-day listeners who want a warm, fatigue-free sound.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is bloated bass that muddies the mids. For the Sennheiser HD 660S2, it's dark, veiled or muffled-sounding presentation.