Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Studio Headphone Review

M20x’s are very light — just 190 grams without the cable. This is achieved by using lightweight plastic throughout the build, the only visible metal parts are the headband adjustment rails. The cable is not detachable, which is common in this price range, yet Monoprice manages to incorporate this in headphones that cost less than half of the ATH-M20x price. The headband is very good though, as are ear pads, which feel not that different from the ones you’ll find on pricier M series headphones. Despite the abundant use of plastic M20x give an impression that they’ll withstand some beating. It’s a shame the cable that connects the left and right ear cup before entering the headband, leaves a tiny fragment of cable exposed, which is a potential point of failure.

Audio-Technica has done an outstanding job tuning the M20x! At the time of writing these are among the top 7 closed-back headphones we have measured when it comes to neutral frequency response and by far the most affordable of the bunch! This makes them a terrific choice for computer-less setups where Sonarworks Reference calibration is not available. The high-mid cut and high frequency boost is a common trait for most headphones, yet M20x’s are positively conservative in this regard cutting and boosting only 5 dB respectively. The low end is almost flat down to 60 Hz, sadly they don’t extend lower, but that’s where calibration comes in to help.

On average channels are tightly matched and any deviations in the low end are extremely rare. While inconsistencies above 5 kHz are more frequent, they’re still minuscule and don’t skew the perceived stereo image. M20x blows M50x out of the water in this regard.

For the price, comfort is adequate, but don’t expect to work with them all night without any issues. Both headband and ear pads at first feel great but after an hour or so a short break is needed.

We’re talking about a very impressive frequency response at a price of about ‎€50. This is a very serious tool for a very affordable price. Value is superb!