Is the Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Edition Xv?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Audio-Technica ATH-SR50BT actually scores 29.6 points below the HiFiMAN Edition Xv, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (8.6 to 7.4). On paper: weight 452 g to 262 g and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: driver size goes 80 mm to 45 mm. It is at least $155 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.
- Sound8.67.4
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Edition Xv | ATH-SR50BT | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 452 g | 262 g | |
| Driver size | 80 mm | 45 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Controls | none | buttons | |
| Driver | 80 mm planar magnetic | 2× 45 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 50 kHz | 5 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Edition Xv 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.