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Audio-Technica R50xImage © Amazon

Audio-Technica R50x

82/ 100
Outstanding
HearWiki score

Exceptional value

$170
typical price, USD
Sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Audio-Technica
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2025

Score breakdownoutstanding overall

Sound8.4
Value8.7

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Audio-Technica R50x is a lightweight, open-back wired headphone designed for studio monitoring and mixing. It offers a neutral-leaning, detailed sound with quick transients and an airy presentation, and its 50-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from a range of devices. The included dual detachable cables add to its professional flexibility.

What works

  • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Open, airy sound with quick transient response
  • Easy to drive with standard devices
  • Dual detachable cables included
  • Neutral, mids-focused tuning suitable for studio work

What doesn't

  • Headband adjustment is not particularly smooth
  • No active noise cancellation
  • High sensitivity may reveal source noise
  • Lacks USB-C connectivity for digital sources

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Audio-Technica R50x
Driver45 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size45 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance50 Ω
Sensitivity93.3 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

6 source(s) feeding this product's score.

audio46.com

Audio46 describes the R50x as efficient to drive and technically capable, with a neutral-leaning presentation and strong studio usefulness. Their writeup highlights the 45 mm driver, 50 ohm impedance, and 93.3 dB/mW sensitivity as part of its approachable, monitor-style tuning.

Read the full review

audio-technica.com

Audio-Technica presents the R50x as a professional open-back reference headphone aimed at accurate monitoring and production work. The company emphasizes its lightweight build, wide soundstage, quick transient response, and included dual detachable cables.

Read the full review

headphonecheck.com

Headphonecheck says the R50x is very light, comfortable, and able to deliver detailed sound with good dynamics for mixing and mastering. Their review also notes that the headphone’s headband adjustment is not especially smooth.

Read the full review

majorhifi.com

MajorHiFi focuses on the R50x’s open, airy presentation, fast transients, and low-distortion character from its 45 mm dynamic driver. The review frames it as a solid mids-focused studio headphone with straightforward power needs thanks to its 50 ohm impedance.

Read the full review

recordingmag.com

Recording Magazine characterizes the R50x as a more modern-sounding, budget-friendly open-back in Audio-Technica’s updated line. It highlights the headphone’s stronger presence, bolder lows, crisper highs, and easy drivability from ordinary playback devices.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

25:03

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x DOESN'T Suck except THE WIRE FFFFFF!!!$R_()#$R(*

Z Reviews16.3K viewsDec 2025

The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x to be a surprisingly good, lightweight, and well-built headphone that sounds smooth and non-harsh, a stark contrast to the disliked M50x. The main complaints are the stiff, janky included cables and the non-replaceable single-sided 2.5mm locking connector, which limits balanced use. Overall, it's a positive recommendation for a budget-friendly open-back.

12:00

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Headphone Review - New Reference Worth Listening To

askdrtk15.5K viewsApr 2025

The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica ATH-R50X to be a highly accurate and natural-sounding open-back headphone, well-suited for critical listening and studio work. They praise its expansive soundstage, good imaging, lightweight comfort, and easy drivability, considering it a strong performer in its price class, even comparable to the Sennheiser 600 series. The overall verdict is very positive, with only minor quirks like a non-locking adapter on the short cable.

25:56

Audio Technica ATH-R50x Headphone Review - A New Entry Level Standard

Reviews By WaveTheory9.2K viewsApr 2025

The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x to be an impressive entry-level open-back headphone that offers reference-caliber sound for its $159 price, with a neutral-bright tuning that is well-executed. While the stock cabling is criticized as a weak point, the overall performance, comfort, and lightweight design make it a strong recommendation for critical listening and audio enthusiasts.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

What owners say

A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.

Perfect for Piano Practice

I use these for playing piano. Fantastic sound quality. Light and comfortable enough for long sessions. Build quality feels better than others in the same class. Highly recommend.

Bass is the issue

I wanted another pair of open back headphones and having the Sennheiser 490 and 599, both open backs, along with the closed back 280, I thought I would try a non-German made product. This left me withRead more

Good for productive work and large head

The sound is clean and open, the bridge is simple and sturdy. Every material is well spend. Good for productive work. The ear pad is also super comfortable. Since it is so simple, you can bend it toRead more

You cannot ever go wrong with Audio Technica

I ve owned both the M30x and M40x. Both excellent headphones. I decided to try an open back model, and went with the R50x. Everything I liked about the last 2 headphones, but better. Everything isRead more

via Amazon customer reviews

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