As Audio Technica headphone junkies, we know it can get expensive at times when browsing their catalog. A downside to extremely well-made headphones is the price: some of these Beats by Dre headphones can add up to $300! Why? Because they’ve advertised and paid millions of dollars to athletets, musicisans and various celebrities to promote their product. These headphones may work as intended, but we feel that cost is outrageous. That’s why we feel that Audio-Technica is way better than the leading market fronts, and they offer some cheap studio-quality and worthy headphones at that. Always be sure to check out our best studio headphones article for some more alternatives, too.
ATH-M40X
We’ve recently reviewed Audio-Technica’s ATH-M40X and also chose this pair of headphones as the best overall Audio-Technica headphone. We really can’t stress this enough: this pair of headphones is one of their top studio-quality headphones is for as low as $99 on some websites, but check the lowest price on Amazon. We’ve also found some on eBay for cheaper if you look around (people tend to sell lower there, but make sure they aren’t used unless that’s what you want). Some main features of the ATH-M40X include swiveling and folding capabilities, professional-grade ear-pad and headband material, tuned flat for great low, medium and high frequencies, as well as removable cables (you can switch between a few choices). We love this pair of headphones.
ATH-M30X
At just a step below the ATH-M40x listed above, we love this pair almost as much because it’s a lot cheaper, so check Amazon. One of the reasons they are cheaper is because they don’t swivel — is that important to you? Not us. They do however collapse and have a removable cable just like the 40X and 50X. Other main features of this pair is a ‘circumaural design contours around the ears’ (basically comfortable — very), tuned for enhanced detail in the mid-range definition, and 40 mm drivers. If you want a really good pair for the middle price range, get these.
ATH-WS55BK
The WS55BK made an appearance on the best Audio-Technica post for bass article we did a week or so ago. This pair is a part of their ‘solid bass series’ and is an extremely reliable model for that. At only $79 on Amazon, the ATH-WS55BK include a solid bass system that has a double air chamber (their tech to pass frequences of bass through two tubes as opposed to the typical one), acoustically sealed oval earpads, adjustable headband slider, and are also foldable for traveling. This is a nice pair of headphones if you’re into bass and need to travel.
ATH-M30
These pair of headphones are another pair of studio monitor quality by Audio Techinca. They’re only typically in the middle tier retail, but check Amazon because the prices keep dropping. They have been around for quite some time, receiving a lot of positive reviews from users. It is the predecessor of the 30x we’ve spoken about above, so it doesn’t include the interchangeable cables or anything but still holds up to it’s name. The features include a closed-back design, adjustable cushioned headband, lightweight, made for studio engineers and recording musicians (precise sounds), and comes with a few extra cables. Check eBay just in case too.
ATH-CKM500ISBK
These are earbuds and extremely versatile when it comes to the controls they give you. You’re able to answer and end calls on your smart phone, play/pause music, and control the volume. Usually they’re around the retail range of the post, but the ATH-CKM500ISBK prices are dropping as they age. They’re available in black, red, and white. The main features include brass ring stabilizers to suppress unwanted vibrations, emphasis on mid-high frequencies, 12.5 mm drivers and as stated previously, the awesome controller attached to the cable to play with your smart phone.
