AUDIO TECHNICA ATH M20X: AMAZING SOUND STARTS HERE

Audio Technica is famous for its M series of headphones the world over. The M50s as they’re fondly called, are easily one of the most recommended headphones out there. The M series is a professional line of monitor headphones used by DJs and sound engineers alike, and if you look at popular YouTubers, this is the one they use. But the M50x comes at a hefty price. So, is its youngest brother, M20x, any good?

A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THE M SERIES

Yes, this is such a great introduction, that you’d think twice if you even need to upgrade. If you’re on a budget, as I was, these would happily take over the responsibility to please you with whatever music you throw at it. The ATH series prides itself on detail and clarity. Instruments sound clearer, with each getting their own space to shine. Right from dubstep to rock to jazz to classical, everything sounds amazing with these. That’s because they’ve been designed to reproduce true sound – by that it means you will hear your music the way it was designed. No further embellishment, no pushing the sound further, you hear music in all its purity.

ROBUST SOUND MEETS BIG SOUNDSTAGE

Let me illustrate this by taking you through my experience with a couple of songs. Let’s start with ‘Ophelia’ by The Lumineers. The initial drum beats build the atmosphere of the song, and the minute the vocals begin, you get transported to the room where the band is playing. The soundstage is so wide, you feel like you’re there, listening to them live. It’s so damn immersive. The second song I want to talk about is ‘Aaja’ by Nucleya. Now, I’m not a bass-head, but I absolutely love the thump you get from these headphones. They’re punchy, but never overpowering. The bass never clouds the other instruments that often lead to a muffled sound. It’s precise with just the right amount of kick in it. It sounds robust, and yet buttery smooth.

THE MASTER OF SOUND ISOLATION

These closed-back headphones provide excellent sound isolation, which gives you fuller room filling sound, right in your ears. Best heard at about 60% volume, there is minimal sound leak which can hardly be heard by the person sitting next to you. The soft ear-cups are comfortable and made for long listening hours, though I suggest removing it every hour or so, as the sound isolation tends to warm up your ears – though never to a level where you feel uncomfortable.

In short, these are arguably the best budget headphones you can get for your computer or laptop. These are big and not foldable, so wouldn’t be the best bet for travel. But if you intend to pick up nice sounding headphones for your home or office, look no further. These will surprise you by performance, and have you smiling most of the times as you’d discover new instruments in your favourite songs, and start appreciating them even more. At around ₹3,200, this one’s a keeper.