Help on Sony WH-1000XM4 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?

[uzapuca]

Hi guys,
I am new to this and the black friday sales are here. I am a bit undecided between the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. The Sony has a really good discount price at 228 USD and the Audio Technica around 200 USD (no disccount), very similar.

Sony WH-1000XM4

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WH-1000XM4-Canceling-Headphones-phone-call/dp/B0863TXGM3/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=HI9Ku&content-id=amzn1.sym.e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_p=e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_r=VZN14RJ6B3A7D30J31BG&pd_rd_wg=iSqWQ&pd_rd_r=e4603b48-a709-4ffc-bea6-4bf04f0ba21c&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m&th=1

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50xBT2-Wireless-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B09BYFHL25?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Sony
I read good reviews of the Sony WH-1000XM4 on sound quality and ANC but many complaints on build quality. It seems it is a not a long lasting headphone. Many photos of headbands broken.

Audio Technica
I do not have any Audio-Technica headphone so far but the reviews I have read are pretty good. It seems a solid brand with special care on build quality. I am afraid they are more music editing studio headphones so the sound might a be a little too cold. Is that right. Maybe the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is not the best version and there others more interesting. I do not know if this model is wireless but also can be used wired.

What do you think? Any help or ideas?

Thanks! ;-)

 

[ninetylol]

Sony
I read good reviews of the Sony WH-1000XM4 on sound quality and ANC but many complaints on build quality. It seems it is a not a long lasting headphone. Many photos of headbands broken.

Ive been using my XM3s for 4 years 8 hours daily and besides some rare creaking after a while I didnt have any problem.

Also if you need good ANC you only got the Sony to chose from.

PS: I just bought the XM4 too for that price to replace my old XM3s for all they have done for me.

 

[uzapuca]

Ive been using my XM3s for 4 years 8 hours daily and besides some rare creaking after a while I didnt have any problem.

Also if you need good ANC you only got the Sony to chose from.

PS: I just bought the XM4 too for that price to replace my old XM3s for all they have done for me.

Thanks for the update Ninetylol
By the wya, how is the Sony earcup over all comfort and it control buttons?

 

[Yasuo]

Sony are by far more comfortable than ATH. With the price difference being so small go with Sony. I have them both but not the BT version of M50 (just the regular one, I used a few years with a small BT adapter). The earcups of M50 are very small so unless you plan to buy others (thus extra cost) they don't fit well. Sony has way more features (including EQ) and you can used then wired with any 3.5mm cable.

 

[uzapuca]

Sony are by far more comfortable than ATH. With the price difference being so small go with Sony. I have them both but not the BT version of M50 (just the regular one, I used a few years with a small BT adapter). The earcups of M50 are very small so unless you plan to buy others (thus extra cost) they don't fit well. Sony has way more features (including EQ) and you can used then wired with any 3.5mm cable.

Thanks for the good info gigi_boeru.
I think i will go for the Sony XM4 regarding your advice.
Since you own one is there anything on the Sony you would like to share? I read that if you EQ correctly it sound fantastic but i have no idea which parameters to follow regarding EQ.

Best

 

[Yasuo]

You're welcome! I don't use the built-in EQ since I have the Wavelet EQ (lately JamesDSP) and I rarely listen to music on XM4. To answer you question, they don't need that much EQ, maybe just a bit of reduction the the mid-bass area (100-300Hz) to make them less warm - this is when using them in wireless mode. Sound signature varies when switched off, Amir has reviewed them link below.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review (noise cancelling headphone)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise cancelling, closed back headphone. It was kindly purchased by a member from Amazon and drop shipped to me. It costs US $278 including Prime shipping. It comes in three colors; this one is black: I like the feel of the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[uzapuca]

You're welcome! I don't use the built-in EQ since I have the Wavelet EQ (lately JamesDSP) and I rarely listen to music on XM4. To answer you question, they don't need that much EQ, maybe just a bit of reduction the the mid-bass area (100-300Hz) to make them less warm - this is when using them in wireless mode. Sound signature varies when switched off, Amir has reviewed them link below.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review (noise cancelling headphone)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise cancelling, closed back headphone. It was kindly purchased by a member from Amazon and drop shipped to me. It costs US $278 including Prime shipping. It comes in three colors; this one is black: I like the feel of the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thanks for the good feedback!
Nice review by Amirm too.
Just curious why you do not listen to music in XM4 anymore? you don't like the sound or it is better for podcast than music?

Best

 

[Yasuo]

The sound is good for music (and can be adjusted) but I for one like to "enjoy" my music I prefer to listen on speakers or open headphones when I'm at home.

I use the XM4 only in wireless mode when I'm working in the office or I'm outside (commuting. traveling, shopping, walking,training) mostly for podcasts to optimize my time (feels like I'm multitasking). Let's face it, for podcasts literally any headphones are good. Especially if you use Android and system wide EQs are easy to get.

 

[uzapuca]

The sound is good for music (and can be adjusted) but I for one like to "enjoy" my music I prefer to listen on speakers or open headphones when I'm at home.

I use the XM4 only in wireless mode when I'm working in the office or I'm outside (commuting. traveling, shopping, walking,training) mostly for podcasts to optimize my time (feels like I'm multitasking). Let's face it, for podcasts literally any headphones are good. Especially if you use Android and system wide EQs are easy to get.

Thanks for the very good info!
It seems the XM4 as you said is more for office and commuting than a real good quality music experience.

Many forums talk about that EQ is crucial to get a good sound from it too.

Cheers

 

[delta76]

Why not bose QC35 II /45/SE?
good ANC (on par with Sony), pretty neutral sound. where I live SE is cheaper than XM4

 

[symphara]

I have the previous versions of these exact two headphones and I think the Audio Technicas are much, much better.

 

[uzapuca]

Why not bose QC35 II /45/SE?
good ANC (on par with Sony), pretty neutral sound. where I live SE is cheaper than XM4

You are right in Black Friday is almost the same price, just U$D 20 plus.