Audio-Technica

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Audio-Technica

50 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  What product category has gotten worse in quality, even at the premium level?

  You can still buy good wired headphones, but you aren't going to find them next to the $20 ones at the local store. You'll need to look up the companies that sell to professional recording studios or audiophiles like Sennheiser or Audio-Technica. As a note, ear buds were never made to last; it was a huge complaint/concern when they were announced early on that they would lose a good portion of their battery 2 years into usage, just because a battery that size won't last long and it was clearly not made to be replaceable.

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• #2Dec 26, 2025

  any gaming headset with low latency actually built to last? tired of plastic junk breaking in months

  I've got an MOTU M2 and a pair of Audio-Technica BPHS1s. The nice thing is that the cable is detachable - which means that if it dies, I can replace *just the cable* instead of the headphones. They sound good, too.

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• #3Dec 26, 2025

  any gaming headset with low latency actually built to last? tired of plastic junk breaking in months

  Yup. Next model up (DT1770) coming on 10 years daily use and still in basically as-new condition. Pretty much anything above entry level from the big names (Beyer Dynamic, Audio Technica, Sennheiser, AKG, Sony, Yamaha, Hifimann, Grado) will last decades if looked after. Leather pads too if you keep them conditioned. Lighter and more comfortable headphones (like open Audio Technicas) are more fragile but still just as durable if you are gentle. DT770 are a decent choice, DT1770s are much the same but better, AD-700X are absolutely phenomenal for the price (basically unbeatable) if you can deal with the weak bass response. I have well over 10k of various headphones over the years and the AD700s (before the X model) have been my favourite to date, as long as you are happy with no isolation and are prepared to add a sub under the desk for bass and gaming.

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• #4Dec 25, 2025

  Sennheiser HD555 from 2008 Mine are from the old ‘Made in Ireland’ run.

  I'll give a shout here for Audio Technica m40x. Great headphones for a reasonable price, bought them like 6 years ago and still work splendidly. Bought them when I got tired of gaming headsets being garbage and breaking on me after like 2 years or so

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• #5Dec 19, 2025

  A gaming headset with low latency after 4+ years of regular use — what actually held up

  I am on year 12 with my Audio Technica M50 headphones. So far I've replaced the earcups and bought a cover for the top band, as the fake leather was shredding on my ears/hair. Sound is just the same as it ever was. You know what works pretty well for reducing latency? *Wires*. You know what never gets made useless by some weird driver or bluetooth issue? Wired headphones.

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• #6Dec 6, 2025

  Looking for a good vinyl player

  Audio Technica AT-LP120X is solid for mid-range, Rega Planar 1 if you want something nicer, or go full send with a Technics SL-1200 if pops really means no budget

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• #7Dec 6, 2025

  Looking for a good vinyl player

  Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB

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• #8Nov 5, 2025

  What are the best headphones with a great price-to-performance ratio?

  i've been meaning to post about the audio technica ath-m50x in this community for a while now because i've had them since 2017 and they're still amazing. I listen to a lot of techno and they're still the best.

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• #9Nov 4, 2025

  What are the best headphones with a great price-to-performance ratio?

  I’ve had a pair of Sony MDR 7506’s for 10 years, they great sound for the price range and extremely comfortable on my head. I also have ATH M50x cans and they’re really solid too. I use the Sony’s more for listening to music and when I’m mixing recordings, and the ATH’s when I’m recording guitar parts. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MDR7506--sony-mdr-7506-closed-back-professional-headphones https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ATHM50x--audio-technica-ath-m50x-closed-back-studio-monitoring-headphones

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• #10Nov 4, 2025

  What are the best headphones with a great price-to-performance ratio?

  Anker for wireless. Beyerdynamic and Audio Technica for wired. Koss Portapros are the only truly cheap headphones worth mentioning, and when you see them you'll understand why they've never been able to jack the price up on them despite years of praise at how they perform for their price.

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• #11Nov 1, 2025

  In ear headphones. Plz help. Tired of replacing constantly.

  I've been using a simple pair of Audio Technica in ears for a few years now. Love them. Never had any issues. [https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-sq1tw](https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-sq1tw)

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• #12Oct 10, 2025

  Over ear headphone recs?

  For durable over-ear Bluetooth headphones, consider Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. They have strong build quality and can last several years with care.

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• #13Oct 2, 2025

  Searching for stable headphones

  Any serious brand should last a while. I like Sennheiser and Koss, many like Audio-Technica, the Sony MDR stuff is used professionally, there's a whole world of good cans outside of the fashion brands.

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• #14Jul 7, 2025

  Looking for wired earphones without noise cancelling

  beyerdynamic dt 770 is a classic for about 150€ But if you are looking for something truly BIFL you need something with a decatchable cable like a Audio-Technica ATH-M50 X or a Sennheiser of you want something open back

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• #15Jul 6, 2025

  Record player. I'm caving to my vinyl head friends and jumping into the game. Looking to spend around $250 or under with speakers.

  So this seems like a troll to me, but sure why not audio technica sound burger and koss porta pro headphones?

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• #16Jul 6, 2025

  Record player. I'm caving to my vinyl head friends and jumping into the game. Looking to spend around $250 or under with speakers.

  Like this https://a.co/d/au6wldT

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• #17Apr 2, 2025

  Best headphones for work?

  I have a $40 pair of Audio Technica ATH-M20x (no mic, no noise cancelling) over the ear headphones that are going strong after ten years of daily use for broadcast radio & television. They have a 6ft cord that causes me to trip and yank them down off my desk unintentionally at least 1-3 times a week. I’ve left them in my car in the summer and winter… I even loan them out to new hires. All that abuse and still no loss in function, sound quality or anything except some cracking in the faux leather cushy headband bit. They don’t look super dorky, oversized or gimmicky, and never have trouble connecting to Bluetooth because they don’t have that capability in the first place.

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• #18Mar 1, 2025

  I need noise cancelling head phones that are big enough that they competely cover the average adult woman's ears

  >If you simply want a headphones that block sound and be BIFL, I'd suggest most popular **closed-back** (it's important) models from Beyerdynamics, Audio-Technica, Yamaha, and Sennheiser. This is what I would recommend. It comes with a massive audio quality upgrade too.

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• #19Mar 1, 2025

  I need noise cancelling head phones that are big enough that they competely cover the average adult woman's ears

  Noise cancelling headphones are usually wireless ones and those are never BIFL. At this point you'll do better in r/Headphones. My rec? Sony's XM4 or XM5 headphones. There's also Bose, if your focus is on noise cancelling ability. If you simply want a headphones that block sound and be BIFL, I'd suggest most popular **closed-back** (it's important) models from Beyerdynamics, Audio-Technica, Yamaha, and Sennheiser.

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• #20Feb 1, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that has lasted for YEARS and was worth every penny?

  audio technica m50x headphones i have been using 10 years, no issues, have only replaced pads few times which is easy and very cheap

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• #21Jan 3, 2025

  Need a good record player

  Speaking from experience audio technica has two really good into level turntables the LP 60 and LP 120. The 120 looks like a technics 1200 knock off.  The LP 60 is good if you want an intro turn table where you need external speakers. It has a start button so you just need to press start and it will queue up your 33 or 45. This is belt driven so you’ll need to replace the belt eventually. You’ll also likely outgrow it if you are serious. I bought one 15 years ago for $65 and they have unfortunately doubled in price.  The LP 120 is a beginner serious turntable. I think it is more than enough if you are not planning to invest heavily in the preamps and higher end speakers. It is direct drive and works like a champ. I’ve been using one for 10 years and it runs like new. The at lP 120 is $350 at the moment, but my wife paid about $200 10 years ago.  The LP 60 is good for computer/desktop speakers while the LP120 is for an actual stereo set up. If you just want the basics go for the 60, if you plan to grow and possibly one day replace the turntable go for the 120.  That said get ready to upgrade the cartridge pretty immediately. I also recommend buying a rubber or cork turn table mat and a record cleaning brush. 

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• #22Jan 2, 2025

  Need a good record player

  Anything but a suitcase player. I love my old audiotechna.

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• #23Jan 2, 2025

  Need a good record player

  And try the audio technica AT-LP60X for a budget option or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon for better quality.

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• #24Jan 2, 2025

  Need a good record player

  Audio-technica AT-LP60 is decent but above that price is better. Like others have said Pro-ject is good, Rega is good. Look for turntables with an adjustable counter weight, easily changed stylus and head shell, anti-skate control and at least 45 and 33 1/3 rpm capabilities. The more automatic the turntable usually the lower quality it is. Best of luck.

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• #25Jan 2, 2025

  Need a good record player

  I have a U-turn Orbit plus that I really like. Performs well and looks amazing. Bit expensive though and a little finicky to use. The needle is manual placement where some models have a button that places the arm automatically. I’d look for one with that feature. Audiotechnica makes some excellent turntables across many budgets. I’d start there if. Unless you love to blow money like I do and buy a nice version to start in which case check the U-turn orbit out haha

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• #26Jan 2, 2025

  Need a good record player

  For a good, reliable turntable that doesn't break the bank, check out the Audio Technica range. If you have a higher budget, say how much, because this is an area where there's literally no upper limit.

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• #27Jan 2, 2025

  Need a good record player

  Project makes some excellent turntables. The Pro-Ject T1 EVO is a great option. I have their Debut Carbon Esprit and have been heavily using it for going on 8ish years. Sounds great, looks great and is easy to work on for when the eventual needle/cartridge swap is needed. If you are on a budget look into some of the offerings from Audio Technica. Even the LP60 is decent little table and easy to operate. Sounds pretty good too, of course that is heavily dependent on the rest of your setup.

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• #28Dec 5, 2015

  Audio Technica ATH-M50X $99 (Great BIFL Headphones)

  I got these a few days ago from Amazon for $115. They sound amazing and are built really well. The detachable cords are a huge BIFL feature.

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• #29Dec 5, 2015

  Audio Technica ATH-M50X $99 (Great BIFL Headphones)

  Verifying! Probably the best closed-back headphones at ~$100, and known for lasting for a long time. Sound pretty good as well!

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• #30Dec 5, 2015

  Audio Technica ATH-M50X $99 (Great BIFL Headphones)

  Wat. You had a pair of Sony's that cracked and that's why you shouldn't buy these? Fwiw, I have had a pair of these for a couple years and they are great. I also have a pair of similar tier head phones from the same company that are almost 20 yrs old that are great as well except the fake leather vinyl on the ear pieces is a bit ratty.

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• #31Dec 5, 2015

  Audio Technica ATH-M50X $99 (Great BIFL Headphones)

  Just because artists use them doesn't mean that they are good. Example 1. Beats. But real explanation is that they are going to use it for a different purpose. The reason why I won't recommend the 70 as much as the 50 is the price and the fact that the 70 is far more beneficial as the 50s have a high mid while the 70s are just even throughout (better for listening experience). I was thinking about VModas but I went for ATH as the sound quality is quite damn good imo.

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• #32Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  ATH-M50 checking in. Totes worth it. Awesome cans.

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• #33Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Audio technica ATH M50X

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• #34Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Audio Technica

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• #35Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  I have a pair of noise cancelling Bose headphones (not sure model, but I assume on the cheaper end.) provided by work, and a pair of AT m50s at home. I prefer the m50s and will probably end up buying a pair for the office eventually.

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• #36Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  If you're set on over the ear headphones, I'll second the Audiotechnica and Grado suggestions having owned and loved both. I prefer in-ear monitors when commuting as they're much more portable and unobtrusive. I can't recommend the [RHA MA-750i IEMs](http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/rha-ma750-ma750i/) enough; best quality+utility/price out of all my audio equipment and I have quite a lot. Extra points for BIFL factor: comes with a set of 10 pairs of tips of varying sizes/types and a case.

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• #37Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Audio technica M50

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• #38Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Audio Technica ATH-M50

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• #39Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  [100% these, you can find them for $15 less online if you look.](http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449196153&sr=8-2&keywords=ath+m50x)

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• #40Dec 4, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Grados are a good suggestion. Headphones will eventually break-down in some way, so a good guarantee is a start. Grado will repair most broken parts for cheap or free. Note that Grado's are also an open design though. Don't be the idiot that gives them a bad review, because you thought they were closed. (For the curious, the design is set to open because it usually makes the headphone sound more natural letting air pass through). Also, for the curious, some amazing things are happening to modifying Grado's right now. It's an easy headphone to modify, but there's people building Senngrados for cheap (Vibro Labs). And you have Symphones started to release the Magnum V6 drivers, and making an open 3d printed earcup, made for the sound quality through Shapeways (in Beta). Grado's, and especially modified Grado are some of the easiest ways to get kickass sound quality on the dirt cheap, considering the hobby is getting stupid expensive. Koss is also a good suggestion and has a lifetime guarantee. If it breaks, and it will after a few years, send it in and get a new one, for life. Very cheap, open air design. Go with the Porta Pro or KSC75 (Latter has better highs, less bass, more neutral). Audio Technica is often recommended. Their M40x/M50x design is phenomenal, but they're a V shape, sucking out the midrange. Many realize their mediocrity after trying more neutral headphones (m50), the issue with the m40x is that it sounds too enclosed and slightly boomy. It is more neutral, the highs feels artificial. Supposedly there is a mod out there to fix some of these issues. My quintessential BIFL headphone is the Sennheiser HD-25. It's a 25 year old headphone, and only had a few updates. It's made to be used, the cable ports are well thought out, the parts can be bought if you break them, and are user replaceable. It sounds neutral, and this mod i've done has made them sound a lot better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZIt_3xfHwc Yes, it's usually more than $150. Also, a lot of people ignore on-ears. I think they're one of the cheapest ways to get a good seal though, whereas many over-ears have a harder time of making a seal and having the driver at the ideal spot to the ears. I was so ambivalent to the clamp of the HD-25's in the beginning, but they loosened up with use. One might place it around something to emulate a head. I agree with Unkle_Erik, a lot of the detachable cables - ESPECIALLY ON CHEAPER MODELS - are very weak. So many sell detachable cables at a selling point, even products like mechanical keyboards, and the input is the first thing to fail. Bose is decent. They make the best noise cancelling headphones, bar none. They are overpriced and not BIFL durable. Beats is overpriced too, although the Solo 2 is considered good. Still not BIFL. Beyerdynamic has too many quality control issues. Frequent drivers dying and imbalances. Not BIFL, although a step above the last few mentions. German Maestro 8.35 gets a mention, because they're bombproof. A videos on YouTube chucking them around. An over-ear, and could use a different set of earpads you can easily switch out yourself. 3 year warranty? Cable will eventually need replacing, but it's heavier than the headphone itself (I recommend the mobile version), since the normal length can put too much weight on the side of the headphone. I also do NOT recommend V-Moda. They are not military grade design. They have a good warranty, where they will give you 50% off your next purchase, when your current one breaks. Val Kolton is trying to balance style and function, and style trumps in the end. The headband frays, the plastic can chip easily (especially where they connect to the headband, the ports are a problem. They're not the worst, but priced around the warranty, i'd say. The sound is also as v-shaped as you can get. Mega bass, no midrange at all. The headband pads are bad, and the XL are not much better. Most would do better with the M50x if they want that V. I'm also not a huge fan of the Sony's 7506/v6. It's a great design, but the quality has dropped. There's a million imitators. They're neutralish though, and meant for monitors. This means, details revealed, bass lighter, and treble can be harsh, particularly on bad recordings. I'd recommend Senal SMH-1000 as an alternative. Headphone pads on both are meh. With the M40x/M50x, Sony 7506, German Maestro's, (and Fostex below) there's like a bajillion different headphone pads that are relatively interchangeable. The Mp4nation pads are generally recommended. They're a weak "memory foam". Also note that pads can change the sound signature in a significant way. I haven't tried the Monoprice more than at a meet. They're cheap, they're durable for their price. They're uncomfortable and put a lot of pressure on the top of the head. They're a headphone that could use some serious modding to make work, which for the price, i'd rather take a koss and flop on the hammock. Good sound signature, more neutral. Also, the T50RP and subsequent mods are a good recommendation. It's a different driver type, orthodynamic. It needs an amp, so can become more expensive and certainly cumbersome. I recommend the Fulla Schiit USB amp. The T50RP is semi-open design, so sound leaks, whereas the T40RP is closed. They've been modded to no end, but the mk3's sound pretty darn good. And ortho driver, to me, sounds more precise, while having a smaller sound stage. Some prefer one to another. While, to me, a dynamic sounds like its coming from a cone, within its soundstage, the Fostex and ortho drivers sound like they're coming from a wider area (not easy to explain). I still find dynamic drivers more fun, even though they're blending more. There's a major shift in the audio industry in the past 10 years. Many of the headphones i'm recommending have been "updated", but have been around the block a few times, and are 10+ years old. Recently, you have a ton of newer companies, typically made in China. Their drivers are fantastic. I can go on many ends of my web of how good the NAD Viso HP50 sounds. It's also horribly uncomfortable and fragile though. Many of these imports have really good drivers encapsulated in poor, weak designs. Take your pick, but it doesn't belong in BIFL. Also, for funsies, I will always recommend the Sennheiser HD600 and HD650. They're not duper durable. Sennheiser offers replaceable parts. Many will disagree with me, and I don't give damns for your downvotes, but with a decent amp, they're the best open, over ear headphones for the price. More people would like the HD650 ideally, but it's a pain to find the right amplifier (Bottlehead Crack). If you're not willing to build that, or invest in something like a Schiit Valhalla, the HD600 is way more amp forgiving. It's a headphone that always sounds, "just right". If you have any specific questions, ask me. This is too much shit for me to write a faq here.

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• #41Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  I bought my pair of ath-m40fs about 3 years ago for $45 and they are great. I wouldn't say they are as good(as the m50x or higher end ATs), but they are also less than half the price and I don't regret the decision one bit.

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• #42Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  If you want open ear, get Koss Porta Pros or the best Grados you can afford. If you want closed, get Audio Technicas.

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• #43Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  90% is way overstated. I see more Sennheisers in the studio than anything else, followed by ATH-M[4,5]0s and then MDR-7506s. I would definitely choose the M50s first in this price range, but they're not that dominant.

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• #44Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  If it's for public transportation, why not buy a set of sound canceling headphones like the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7? Most of these suggestions are far better for a home or office environment than for a bus or subway.

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• #45Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  [ATH-M50x](http://www.cnet.com/products/audio-technica-ath-m50x/)?

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• #46Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  These are great. I own a pair of these and also the Audio Technica ATH-M50s. The Sony headphones are a bit lighter and slimmer, but this comes at the cost of sound isolation. The heavier M50s do a much better job of blotting out the outside world. I have used both on a bus commute.

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• #47Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Seconding Audio Technica - I have the M50x and it is the shit. http://www.cnet.com/products/audio-technica-ath-m50x/ Just realized it's $159 on Amazon. Close enough? Seriously, so worth it.

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• #48Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Don't go boss, don't go beats. Go audio technica. There's a 90% the music your listening to was recorded by someone wearing a pair.

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• #49Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  Audio technica do a set. Called the MTH-50s or something. Can't remember the exact model name. They did an original and then an updated model. If you can't get the new model, you should be able to get the originals for <$150

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• #50Dec 3, 2015

  Best over the ear headphones for less than $150?

  The Audiotechnica ATH-M40x are a go-to when it comes to closed over the ear headphones. Check out headfi.org if you want some real in depth opinions on headphones. http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/75b2f282c93a7651/

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