Like Bass? Audiotechnica ATH-M40x Review / Sound Demo
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- In this video I take a look at the Audiotechnica ATH-M40x closed-back headphones. They cost right about $100 new, but I was able to pick up a refurb set from Amazon for around $75. Basically, if you like bass these headphones may be for you. However, I didn’t find them to be very comfortable, and I’d probably take just about any of the other headphones on the list below over these. At the end of the video I’ll play sound demos of the M40x along with demos from the Status Audio CB-1 for a comparison.
Here are the featured headphones:
Audiotechnica M40X: amzn.to/2H64tgI
Link to the Brainwavz angled pads mentioned in the video:
amzn.to/3bV8SjE
Here’s the list of other closed-back headphones I’m testing:
Status CB-1: amzn.to/376lUrV
HyperX CloudX: amzn.to/2tzIv2i
Monoprice HR-5C: amzn.to/2tHuW0Y
CoolerMaster MH-751: amzn.to/39ye7EM
My Fav: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250ohm): amzn.to/2SLzxHY
Link to my other video with a bunch of sub $100 closed-back sound demos:
• Closed-Back Headphone ...
Here’s the equipment I’m using to make the recordings:
Tascam DR-05 Audio Recorder: amzn.to/2PEL23a
Sound Professionals Binaural Microphones: amzn.to/38bP9dz
I got the idea to try this from Oluv’s Gadget’s: (awesome videos, worth checking out)
/ clavinetjunkie
Background music from Thematic:
Music by Cassette Tapes - This Year (Instrumental) - thmatc.co/?l=5...
Music from Thematic in the order they appear in the sound demos:
Music by Paul Stone - Rise And Fall - thmatc.co/?l=3...
Music by G Voz - Sunlight - thmatc.co/?l=5...
Music by HOAX - Moon Moon Baby - thmatc.co/?l=6...
Music by Dylan Rockoff - Killing Time (feat. OSTON) - thmatc.co/?l=7...
Music by Juan Sánchez - Beautiful Rose (Piano & Strings) - thmatc.co/?l=C...
Music by Ari Chi - Hot Honey - thmatc.co/?l=8...
Music by Mario Ayuda - The Sun - thmatc.co/?l=9...
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Currently listening to: Amazon Prime Music HD (link for free trial): amzn.to/39tRDEM
Top 100 Folk Songs of 2010’s Playlist: music.amazon.c...
Currently playing: COD Warzone
Currently reading: Under the Dome: amzn.to/33M1bJY
-------------------------------------------------------
My Equipment (affiliate links):
Monoprice Liquid Spark (Amp): www.monoprice....
Topping D30 (DAC): amzn.to/39vfIef
Canon M50 (Main Camera): amzn.to/2SWee8a
Canon EF-M 22mm F2 Les: amzn.to/32i4bNk
Sony RX100 M6 (B Camera): amzn.to/36Zyom6
BOYA M1 Lavalier Mic: amzn.to/383Dldw
Tripod: amzn.to/2MYHeIy
AudioTechnica ATR2100 (Voiceover Mic): amzn.to/2MZdwmR
Desk / Face Light: amzn.to/36pp3n3
HP Omen (PC): amzn.to/2ucYSll
Havit Mechanical Keyboard: amzn.to/39E6A8o
Corsair Harpoon (Wired Gaming Mouse): amzn.to/39K9Q2i
KZ AS10 (Favorite IEMs): amzn.to/2w0UXZZ
AOC C24G1 144hz Monitor: amzn.to/37A1Uyy
Acer 21:9 Monitor: amzn.to/2MVlvS3
Good review! I’m looking for a solid pair of headphones for mixing and watching as many videos as I can. The M40X seems to be on everyone’s list, and for the most part has sounded the best to me compared to others. But this is the first time that for a lot of the tracks the M40X didn’t sound as good or as close to the source track compared to the competing pair. I’ve actually come across some videos praising the CB-1. Also just wanted to say thanks for putting together a sound demo with multiple tracks and using the SAME section of the song for comparison! I’ve seen a few videos where they’re demoing different pairs but using different sections of the song. You can’t really have an accurate reference, so thank you and good job 👍🏼
I'm impressed by the video quality! Most youtubers with this many subscribers have not too great quality videos, so massive props!
Edit: Yes I know that subscribers have nothing to do with someone's video quality.
Thanks, I try.
I appreciate the in-depth review as well as the sound demos. Thank you!
getting mine soon can't wait
Had the 20X they where and still are great and gave em to my friend today because i just bought 40X. I do love both but will be keeping the 40X.
hey how's your 40x doing? i mean the earcup do they cracked and peeled off already? also is the headphones comfortable for you?
Great review ,really appreciate the sound demo too.
Just subscribed
Awesome review, thanks!
Right on about the comfort, especially if you have big ears like me.. they sit on my ears with part of my ear inside.
Also the earpads are shallow and not very soft or very comfortable.
The clamping force is strong. If you put all 3 of those factors together they hurt my ears after about 15 minutes.
So, I bought a pair of Yaxi pads the same size as these, and the Yaxi earpads make them more comfortable because they have a little bit more depth and the earpads foam is softer and more plush.
Overtime, the ear pads and grip loosen up and actually become way more comfortable. These really do sound amazing for "flat response" headphones...SBN RESONATE
No offense but these are not flat response. They have a big sub - upper bass hump.
Not even close to flat by any measure.
@@garyluciani370 No offense here, that's why I put quotes around "flat response", because whatever that means. They sound pretty nice to me...SBN RESONATE
@@youtubenatan Fair enough, but usually flat response means a headphone measures relatively flat on a frequency response graph, which the m40x doesn't. It shows elevated frequency response in the bass.
I own numerous headphones and I do like the m40x as a fun closed back.
I understand why people like them.
@@garyluciani370 That's cool, I like feedback, because I can learn from it. I think your right, because my vocals usually sound a bit heavy in low end bass on them, but it isn't a deal breaker. Is there another pair of cheaper headphones like these would you recommend yourself?...SBN RESONATE
@@youtubenatan a bit late on my response but I did find and buy a pair of cheaper closed backs. The creative aurvana live se (cal se).
They don't sound the same as the m40x, but for a less expensive alternative they are a fun headphone. I won't go so far as to say the cal se is better though.
Oddly enough, I've read a few people complaining about the bass not being adequate on these. Do you think the bass on these will be comparable to that of the Sony XB950 (with Bass Boost turned off as it produces overwhelming bass), or even the entry level Senheiser 202 cans? I've ordered the M40X and I was thinking about cancelling the purchase (as I can't return them once they arrive because Amazon only allows replacement) when I read that a few people found the bass to be a bit less than desired, but in your review you state otherwise. So now, I'm a bit confused. Can you help me out?
Sorry, I’m getting to this late. I honestly can’t imagine anyone thinking these lack bass. I’ve never heard the Sonys, and it’s been years since I’ve heard the 202s, so I can’t really compare. I can tell you they had more bass quantity than just about any other closed back I’ve tried; I’d say the Meze 99 had more. Then again, I’m not seeking out bass quantity.
Howz the experience while watching movies...will this give accurate sound like theatre
If anyone doesn't think these have enough bass, it means you've been listening to really, really bassy headphones, like the sony xb , v moda and others like that.
These are bassy headphones. More bass than any of my other headphones.
@@awayrnus4546 pretty good for movies, especially action adventure movies.
Good for any movies really.
Except they're not wide and spacious, They're closed in sounding.
@@garyluciani370 Dude sound in this headphones is so fucking narrow its making me crazy, i like the sound so much but it is so narrow and bass is just kinda okay but the fact that sound is not wide bass mid and highs are just hitting your face and you cant tell anything so they are bassy but everything is so compressed you cant even enjoy it, this is my thoughts.
M40x with Brainwavz HM5 Sheepskin Pads - sexiest combo alive.
I know some people love that combo. Wasn’t for me though. Different strokes for different folks. (I said that to my students the other day, and they cracked up-thought it was the funniest thing ever. Sometimes I don’t understand young people.)
I came across this video while looking for a review for this model. You didn't mention what you were using for source equipment and media. I got the impression you were using your phone and streaming the signal. Or were you using decent equipment and physical media?
Boy, it’s hard to remember. I definitely had some kind of amp/DAC. It wouldn’t have been anything too fancy at the time. A Modi/Magni or something similar.
@@MrAyrit Thanks for the reply.
Hey man great review, my only question is how do they sound with equalizer tuning. Do respond well i mean if i were to reduce some mids or increase some low frequencies, does this provide a good response to that?
I never eqed them. Perhaps someone else can weigh in?
@@MrAyrit i ordered them anyway i'll comment here my views on it.
This is so weird, the m40x aren't supposed to sound bassy at all according to many people who own it. Its known for its treble over weak bass.
I guess I came away with a different impression.
@@MrAyrit It does sound bassy from your microphone which is why I am weirded out. What is known is that if you want an ath with bass you go for the m50x. Oh well.
@@amr5838 Can't tell you what others here, just what I heard. Maybe my set was off somehow. Not sure what to tell you.
@@MrAyrit It's alright. Thank you a lot for replying. Appreciate it.
@@amr5838 I've tested the Mrpx and the have a good amount of bass, not overwhelming but present. What surprises me here is that the Status CB-1 sounds clearer,with better mid highs and in comparison the M40s sound a little muffled, lacking highs.
These are nice don't get my wrong and i even got some HM5 earpads but that headband bugs me. There's no padding on the headset but these sound really good! Also tbh there feels like there's no bass. As a editor i like some fun but these are kinda washed out.
Mr Ayrit I am looking for some budget headphones and these 2 have been the ones everyone recommends on yt alonge with the anker soundcore life q30. I mostly listen to goth music like goth rock,postpunk,darkwave,synth,deathrock but I also listen to surf rock,indie,alt,punk,garage,nu metal,metal. What would u recommend for me out of the 2 for my kind of music taste. I would prefer to hear my instruments clearly and feel like I'm on a cloud, as for the bass since i do love my goth rock, I'm not to sure since bass guitar is different from the loud bass "boom" sound found in hiphop pop or electrictronic/club music.
Hopefully u can help me out,
And great video by the way.
This headphone lacks bass. So I find it surprising you mentioned it has too much bass. I wish I spent a little extra for the M50x instead
Thats weird, I actually found these too bassy and muddy in the low end. You must be used to extremely bassy headphones for these to lack bass
@@RetroPlus Update: The headphone was not broken in yet which is why the bass was lacking. Now the bass is just how I like it. Not too much, just right.
I've had these headphones for 6 months. Unfortunately, the original ATH-M40x pads are very uncomfortable for me when I listen to music for a long time. Ears hurt after 120 minutes. The pressure on the head is too strong. Audiotechnica should make the pads more comfortable
Agreed, you can put Brainwavz pads on them, that will improve comfort significantly. It does make them more bassy though, if I remember correctly.
i was looking for a new headphones for a month and was decided for m40x and then i saw your video a week+ ago. I couldn't believe it when i heard demo. wtf is this huge bass i thought,i didn't remember hearing that much bass in other demos. anyway i wanted to buy new headphones for christmas and could pick only 1, so i got them.
before i only had koss sb49, but they broke after 10+ y., now i use cheap xiaomi piston2(which i like, just wanted big ones, for better immersion i guess? and closed ones). i'm super casual listener, so is my review.
my first thoughts.., i could really hear sounds i couldn't before(as i read in other reviews), or rather i didn't notice them much. here everything is like upfront almost same level as singing and really i could hear tiniest sounds and instruments, even if they only pop out for a split second.
but the bass... now i listen to 95% female kpop and i didn't think kpop has much bass, but suddenly every song had. and once u notice it,you cannot unnotice it. almost every song i heard bam bam bam tuc. and then bum bum bum. what i enjoy in kpop the most>singing, vocals, highs i just couldnt focuse on it. some song were good, but this last time i played clc _helicopter_ , i thought wow l am definitely returning those and after that loona _so what_ and there i felt like i was sinking into mud while dum dum dum in my head, i couldn't even recognize singing or anything else, my head was like boom boom vibrating and all sounds were merging into one. like rly i thought m40x are ok headphones, but those last songs rly showed me how much bassy those are and i dont wanna keep them.
but apart from this, the sound was really amazing, whole new experience, those instruments are rly in your face, you dont even need to hard try, or focus, you will hear everything. very analytical. and at times it was a bit overwhelming.
other thing, i think it was heat building up, bass thingy, clamp force but after like 2 hours, my head felt dizzy and heavy even like vibrating.
anyway that is my review, i just wanna say, if your are looking for a new headphones and you are struggling, pick one u think u will like the most and try them.
i read ALOT of reviews, forums,ratings, lists, zenos videos/forum, reddit, rtings,soundguys,whathifi etc., saw like 30+ youtube reviews over and over again for over 4 weeks, but after trying them once.... you rly need try your headphones. you cant decide on reviews alone, rly trust me.
i will stick with my xiaomi piston for now and once shops will open, i will try some other headphones. and actually i don't know if i want monitoring/professional headphones now that i heard one. if you have tips, hit me.
my final list before buying m40x where
status audio cb1(need ship them), sennheiser hd280 pro, shure srh440, akg k361/371(great reviews, but build quality looks awful),akg k92, DT 770 pro 32ohm(too bassy?). not sony mdr (just dunno..)
after writing this i listened to some songs in this list music.apple.com/in/playlist/our-favourite-tracks-for-bassheads/pl.u-2aoqX6aHNBWVv3y
and thriller and royals sounded good, but maroon 5 was mess, like i cant understand lyrics almost thru those basses :
Yep, when it comes down to it, you just have to trust your own ears.
@@MrAyrit Have you tried the popular Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80ohm)
I mostly listen to hip-pop genre musics, you think this would fit me well? Also, have you tried Philips SHP9500? I'm deciding between these 2, though the SHP is quite a bit cheaper. And also, is the bass on the 40x a bit too emphasised?
I don't listen to a lot of hip hop, but I think it would probably be okay for that kind of music. I found the 9500 to be a bit harsh in the treble region myself, so I wouldn't really recommend it. I do own the 9600 and really like that headphone for $100. Still plenty of bass (although it's a little loose), and the highs are tamed down quite a bit. You're talking closed vs open. Do you have a preference for that?
@@MrAyrit I've never actually own a headphone before (only earbuds) so I'm unsure of open vs closed. I heard open is more suited for quiet environments while closed is for when you go outside. Also, I heard the soundstage is a bit wider on opened back ones as it's not completely sealed but I've heard bass aren't really great/accurate/tight on those as well especially ones below the 100 range (I'm trying to find something under $100). Whereas closed back ones have narrower soundstage but a bit more bass. Personally I own a very cheap earbuds ($10-15) so I don't know which should I opt for, open or closed..
@@kaydee607 As long as you aren't trying to block out noise, and you won't be bothering people around you with music leaking from your headphones, open back is definitely the way to go IMO.
@@MrAyrit What do you recommend for under 100?
@@kaydee607 For an entry into open backs, I think the SHP9600 is a solid choice: amzn.to/2NXCJ4i
For closed, if you can find a set of Takstar Pro 82s for $60 or under, I think those are a good place to start. (I bought a set for my wife off Ebay for $40).
I also like the DT770 for a closed back around $100 (used, you may need to shop around): amzn.to/2O1mGmo
I also use a set of Sony XM3s when I need noise cancelling (used are under $150): amzn.to/3usM3ho)
Out of all those, I'd take the SHP9600 for sound, the Sony for convenience.
Is this headphone suitable for students just wanting a great all rounder headphone like for studying and commuting? Would love some recommendations too
I would steer you more towards something with ANC for those purposes. I was just able to pick up the 1000MX3 Sony model for $130 refurb, and they are pretty darn good.
Very good review.
Thank you. A review of the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro will be coming up next.
Here's the deal, i wanted to buy headphones with crazy bass. I don't know why but i fell in love with the Razer Kraken. My friend had them and i was asking him questions all the time are they good are they this are they that. In the end i bought them, but i can say that i am madly disappointed, they cost like 70 euros and for that price u expect to have something unbelievably good. Man was i surprised when i put them on my head, they were pretty much terrible. The bass is really weak so i tried fixing it with their software which btw didn't even open. I've had them for a year now and Im used to them. My mistake was that i thought that they will have more bass than studio headphones. Now i don't know if i should try and buy some kind of amplifier to make the bass better or just sell them to one of my friend and buy the Audio Technica m20x or m30x. Will i be satisfied with one of those models and which one has better and stronger bass
If you’re not happy with those headphones, I don’t think an amp will probably fix it. Haven’t heard the headphones you mentioned, but the m40 has a good amount of bass. You might also look at the monoprixe retros for a cheap option.
@@MrAyrit what about the m20s
@@deltadelta666 It’s probably been 10 years since I’ve had that one. Not very comfortable is what I remember about them.
@@MrAyrit ok, thanks for the help
Change the pads for a better comfort and change sound signature, get the valour ones for comfort or the angled one for the bass
Should I purchase audio technica m40x or audio technica WS770IS solid base version???I'm music lovers not song......by the way nice review...you earned my subs👍
I have not heard the WS770IS. What type of sound do you like what type of genres of music? I can say that for me (who listens to mostly acoustic / folk music) I did not find the M40x very compelling.
@@MrAyrit I mostly listen electronic music ,soundtracks of the game ,bassy sound and little bit vocal songs....
@@MrAyrit I want to purchase for casual listening and I want to use it on android phone.. because music is the only things who motivate me to do hard work and for the study..
@@patliputragamer7296 I'd say give the M40x a shot. For those genres I think it will be quite good. Not sure what's available right now, but I purchased mine open box from Amazon for around $70. You may also look at different pads from either Brainwavz or Monoprice.
So... I like listening to jazz, instrumental soundtracks and such, I also really like accustic tracks and live versions of songs... I need headphones for listening to music for fun, and editing some songs of my own (accustic + Vocals) do you think the m40x suit my needs, I prefer tastefull bass but what you said concerns me do these have "too much bass", also any other recomendations my bugget would be around the hundred dollar mark and I'm fine with buying used... THANKS!!!
Do they need to be closed back?
@@MrAyritNot at all, I'm totaly open to suggestions
@@nathanr.4804 you have any playlists? I could listen to a few tracks and see what I think with a couple of headphones I have on hand.
@@nathanr.4804 a used 5XX would be at the top of my list to look at Tripple Entry Hifiman Comparison: 400SE, Deva Pro, HE5XX
ua-cam.com/video/WCmPfyI8N4k/v-deo.html, also the 560s Sub $300 Audiophilia? Sennheiser HD560s Review (+ Fiio BTR5)
ua-cam.com/video/aNKNDxZVoUk/v-deo.html
@@MrAyritsomething akin to this I can't get enough of George Benson... ua-cam.com/video/UnYLf5liusU/v-deo.html
I've been thinking to switch from gaming headsets to studio headphones. i like to listen to bassy music like hip hop or bassy pop and game ofc, been surfing thru the internet to find the best budget headphone that has good bass and many people said this is the one. Do you agree? If not give me a recomendation of a headphone with good bass for less than 120$, i'm new to this audiophile headphones
I think it’s a good place to start.
@@MrAyrit what do you think about shp9500 vs m40x? which one is the better one cuz its basically the same price in my country
These headphones vs sennheiser 569 HD ?? who is better ?
Sorry, I’ve never heard the 569. Maybe someone else can respond?
Are those good for watching series and maybe some gaming? I think those would be my first decent pair of headphones! I always used those 20 dollars ""gaming headphones"" on Amazon, so I think it will be a big step
I wasn’t a big fan of these. I much preferred the DT770 for a gaming closed back. Do you need isolation, or could you use am open back headphone?
@@MrAyrit tbh closed or open doesn't really matter to me. I will use it on my room, so sound isolation isn't a big deal for me. The only thing that matter to me is the budget (80-100)
@@damagedsfm2468 take a look at the shp9500 or shp9600, if you can stretch your budget a bit the Sennheiser 58X or 38x are well regarded (you can probably get a used 58X for $120).
they costs $200 in my country 😭. Which one is better, this or beyerdynamic dt900 pro x?
I’d take the 900x. That’s my new gaming headphone. Superb imaging and very easy to drive.
@@MrAyrit thank you!
Is this good for watching movie for accurate sound like theatre
I don't know that it would be my first choice for that, but I wasn't a big fan of it in general.
from the sound demo at the end it seems like m40x has much better instrument separation
Your pretty dead on here, go easy on the bass y'all, because it's just a bit heavy, but it's not so bad...SBN RESONATE
The swivel on the left ear cup cracked completely on the 10mth with my audio technica m40x's bummer
The M50x is heavier on the bass imo
I’ll have to take your word on it. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard the m50x, but I know I didn’t care for it. Thanks for the input.
@@MrAyrit I am not much of a basshead either but I actually like the M40x. I should branch out since I am relatively new to the headphone interest.
@@jefferyjones8399 There's a lot of exploration to be done! Careful though, it's easy to get carried away (hence the existence of this channel).
Do you think the m40x will do a good job for techno music or any other kind of electronic music that involves some bass?
Yes, I think that techno would hit all the m40s strengths.
Yes, definitely.
actually brainwavz have prostock pads.brainwavz claim thats made for audiotechnica m-series headphone for increase the comfort without sacrificing the original soundstage offered by the stock pads(maybe its mean the sound signature to). maybe you can try that.but i haven't try it haha. i buy the hm5 angled sheepskin one.
edit: www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/prostock-sheepskin-athm50x-earpads
kenzo rck thanks for adding that comment. That’s good for people to know.
Which has more clearer and flatter sound the m30x or the m40x? Thank you
I'm sorry, but I have not heard the m30x. I was not a big fan of the m40x though. I would steer you more towards a DT770 (unless you aren't a fan of treble).
How about microfone. Is there is a lot of noise e during talking?
This is just a headphone--no microphone built in.
Lower the preamp 27 dBs and raise the bass use full volume
Do you think these headphones gonna work good with Fiio Btr3k?
Yes, I think that would be fine.
in my ear status cb-1 sounds better
why m40x sounds mono here ?
No idea.
Idk if mines has a problem but they don’t sound the loud to me I think apple AirPods sound more louder 🤔🤔 someone can help me out here 🙏🏽
What are you using them with?
@@MrAyrit my ps4 controller and my MacBook Pro 😔
@@tedsgameplay3913 Been thinking about this, and I don't think you should really have any problems unless you listen really loud (like unhealthily loud). They are relatively easy to drive headphones. The PS4 controller is notoriously low power, but the Macbook should 100% be fine. Is there any other device you could test with? Another set of headphones?
this dude really said that m40x has bass bruh its almost nonexistant
You don't think the M40 are bassy? Hard to believe we'd hear them that differently.
@@MrAyrit before i bought these, almost every review describe them as neutral. just got mine a week ago, it is not neutral at all. for me it is more v shaped. the bass is somewhat boomy and muddy but acceptable. i use it on my ipad and sony nw-a55. maybe if you are using them on the cleanest and neutral dac you’ll get the neutral sound? definitely not using these for sound monitoring. but they are good for gaming, movies and overall songs for me except they are not that comfortable especially for a large head like me. will change the earpads soon.
@@kasturiGM i agree with pretty much everything you’ve said. For around the same price, I prefer the AKG K371, but I also required a pad swap on those (I used brainwavz sheepskin).
@@MrAyrit thanks for the recommendation. these are my first decent headphones btw. looking for an openback pair of headphones soon.
@@kasturiGM same price range? My two favs under $200 are the k7xx and the new Senn 560s. You might consider something like a BTR5 to pair with your iPad. That’ll give you a better signal and some more power to work with.
the treble is lost in the m40x, very little detail
This headphone was not for me either. I definitely felt the bass had the emphasis. I remember the detail being okay though, but it's been awhile since I've heard it.
you know sh*t
Which has more clearer and flatter sound the m30x or the m40x? Thank you
cb sounded better?
I believe the M40X is a technically superior headphone, but I preferred the more balanced sound of the CB-1.
no cruch at all, all bass. very bad experience