Is the Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT worth the upgrade from the Audeze Maxwell 2?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT actually scores 30.4 points below the Audeze Maxwell 2, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on calls (9.0 to 4.2) and battery (9.5 to 5.2). On paper: weight 560 g to 262 g and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: battery life goes 80 h to 28 h and active noise cancelling goes Yes to No. It is at least $209 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.
- Sound9.57.4
- Battery9.55.2
- Calls9.04.2
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Maxwell 2 | ATH-SR50BT | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 80 h | 28 h | |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX | |
| Weight | 560 g | 262 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Full charge time | 120 min | 330 min | |
| Driver size | 90 mm | 45 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 2 | 1 | |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No | |
| USB-C | Yes | No | |
| Driver | 90 mm planar magnetic | 2× 45 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 50 kHz | 5 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Maxwell 2 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.