Is the Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT worth the upgrade from the AKG N9 Hybrid?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT actually scores 27.7 points below the AKG N9 Hybrid, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (8.4 to 3.2) and calls (9.1 to 4.2). On paper: weight 281 g to 262 g, driver size 40 mm to 45 mm and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: battery life goes 100 h to 28 h and active noise cancelling goes Yes to No. It is at least $169 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.07.4
- Noise cancelling8.43.2
- Battery9.85.2
- Calls9.14.2
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | N9 Hybrid | ATH-SR50BT | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 100 h | 28 h | |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX | |
| Weight | 281 g | 262 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Full charge time | 180 min | 330 min | |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 45 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No | |
| USB-C | Yes | No | |
| Controls | touch | buttons | |
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | 2× 45 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 40 kHz | 5 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "N9 Hybrid to ATH-SR50BT". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.