Sennheiser HD 600 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: The Headphone Showdown

TL;DR

The HD 600 is better for mixing (more neutral, wider soundstage) but leaks sound. The M50x is better for recording and portable use (isolating, durable). Most producers benefit from owning both: M50x for tracking, HD 600 for mixing. If you can only buy one, the M50x is more versatile.

Open-Back vs Closed-Back: The Fundamental Difference

The ATH-M50x is a closed-back headphone — sealed ear cups that isolate you from external sound and prevent sound leaking out. This makes them essential for recording (no mic bleed) and useful for production in noisy environments. The trade-off is a slightly more compressed soundstage.

The HD 600 is open-back — perforated ear cups that allow air and sound to pass through. This creates a wider, more natural soundstage that more closely resembles listening to speakers in a room. The trade-off is zero isolation: everyone around you hears what you're listening to, and you hear everything around you.

For mixing, open-back headphones are generally preferred because their wider soundstage gives more accurate spatial representation. For recording and tracking, closed-back headphones are essential to prevent sound leaking into microphones. The ideal setup includes both.

Sound Quality Comparison

The HD 600 is renowned for its neutral, reference-quality frequency response. Bass is accurate but not boosted. Mids are clear and detailed. Highs are smooth without harshness. The overall presentation is honest — what you hear is what's actually in the recording, without flattery or exaggeration.

The ATH-M50x has a slightly more coloured sound — modest bass emphasis and a presence boost that makes music sound more exciting. For casual listening, this colouration is pleasant. For mixing, it means you need to learn how the M50x represents audio and compensate for its tendencies.

For mixing accuracy, the HD 600 wins clearly. For general production use, recording, and everyday listening, the M50x's engaging sound and practical closed-back design make it more versatile. Both are excellent headphones; they're designed for different primary purposes.

Comfort for Long Sessions

The HD 600 is exceptionally comfortable for extended listening. The velour ear pads are soft and breathable, the clamping force is moderate, and the open-back design prevents heat buildup. We've mixed for 4+ hours in the HD 600 without discomfort.

The ATH-M50x is decent for medium sessions but can become fatiguing over extended periods. The pleather pads generate more heat, and the clamping force is tighter (necessary for isolation). Aftermarket velour pads (about £20) significantly improve comfort for long sessions.

Weight is similar (the HD 600 is slightly lighter), and both headphones have replaceable cables — an important longevity feature that means a damaged cable doesn't require replacing the entire headphone.

Durability and Practical Considerations

The ATH-M50x is built for portability and durability. The folding design, rotating ear cups, and sturdy plastic construction withstand years of mobile use. They come with three cables (coiled, straight short, straight long) and a carry pouch. These are headphones designed to travel.

The HD 600 is more delicate. The open-back design is vulnerable to dust and moisture, the plastic construction (while lightweight) is less robust than the M50x, and there's no folding mechanism for transport. These are studio headphones designed to stay in one place.

Drivers in the HD 600 are replaceable, which is unusual and valuable — if a driver fails after years of use, you can replace it for about £30 rather than buying new headphones. This extends the lifespan significantly and makes the higher initial price more palatable.

Our Recommendation

If you can buy both: get the ATH-M50x (£120) for recording, portable use, and casual listening, and the HD 600 (£260) for mixing and critical listening. The combination covers every scenario a producer faces.

If you can only buy one: the ATH-M50x is more versatile. It handles recording, mixing (with learned compensation), and everyday listening in a portable, durable package. It's not the most accurate mixing headphone, but it's good enough for mixing when combined with occasional reference checks on speakers.

If mixing accuracy is your priority and you have studio monitors for tracking playback: the HD 600 is the better mixing tool. Its neutrality and soundstage make mixing decisions more reliable, and its comfort supports marathon sessions without fatigue.

Both headphones are industry standards for good reason. You genuinely can't go wrong with either one.