Over-Ear
Audio-Technica M50x
76Great
$175
Full review dataAudio-Technica M50x vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica M50x
Sound8.0
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica M50x | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $175 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2014 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 45 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-28kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 285 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica M50x
The Audio-Technica M50x is a dependable wired over-ear headphone known for its warm, bass-forward sound and sturdy build. It's a practical choice for studio monitoring and portable use, thanks to its foldable design, detachable cables, and comfortable fit, though it lacks wireless features and active noise cancellation. Its sound signature is engaging but can feel a bit thick, and passive isolation is only moderate, so it's best suited for quieter environments rather than noisy commutes or travel.
- Pro:Warm, bass-rich sound with good impact
- Pro:Foldable, swivel design for easy portability
- Pro:Detachable cables offer flexibility
- Con:Sound can be thick and lack some clarity
- Con:Noise isolation is only average
- Con:Wired-only, no Bluetooth or ANC
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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