Sometimes, $50 for a pair of studio cans might be over your budget, be it because you don't have the money in the bank or you need to buy four at the same time or any other reason you can think of. But even then, at this price point, there are so many different models that you might have a hard time choosing one. With this in mind, we asked our members of the French version of Audiofanzine to pick their favorite pair of studio headphones under $50. And here are the results...
#1 Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The Japanese manufacturer lands the top spot in our list with almost 17% of the votes. The ATH-M20x are over-ear, closed headphones with 40mm drivers whose design, supposedly, optimizes low frequencies. They weigh 0.42lbs, are rated at an impedance of 47 Ohms and come with a 9.8' non-detachable, straight cable. They have a similar look to the rest of their family, ranging from the ATH-M20x to the ATH-M70x (which have a street price of around $300).
#2 Superlux HD-681
Even though the Superlux HD-681 could be considered outsiders in the poll. they managed to snatch the runner-up position. We must admit that they carry an incredibly nice price tag and users can’t stop but rave about them. They are over-ear and semi-open, rated at an impedance of 32Ohms, weigh 0.61lbs and come with a protective case. The 8.2' cable features a minijack connector and a 1/4" jack adapter.
#3 Beyerdynamic & AKG
We had a tie for the third place with the exact same number of votes:
Famous German manufacturer Beyerdynamic with its DT 231 Pro, a very lightweight model (0.29lbs) and feature supra-aural (on-ear) ear pads. They are rated at 32Ohms and come with a non-detachable 8.2' cable with minijack (although an adapter is also included), The earpads can be replaced, though!
Austrian manufacturer AKG with the K72, a pair of closed, over-ear headphones that weigh 0.44lbs featuring replaceable earpads. They are rated at an impedance of 32Ohms and have a non-detachable 9.8' cable. They come with a minijack to 1/4" jack adapter and feature a self-adjusting headband, like all AKG models.
Other cans included in the poll were:
