Audio-Technica ATH-M50xEnso vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xEnso

The Enso inherits the M50x's signature sound completely — a punchy, detailed, slightly V-shaped tuning that is fun and engaging for everyday listening but not perfectly neutral for critical mixing. The 45mm driver is unchanged from the standard model.

• The Enso still delivers the punchy, detailed sound that made the M50x famous — its signature has not been retuned for the anniversary edition.
• It delivers an impactful and fun sound that many people love for listening, but that same punchy tuning can compromise neutrality when you need accuracy.
• The tuning is mildly V-shaped — fairly accurate bass with a slightly 'fun' lift and a treble emphasis that spices up female vocals, which is actually useful for catching flaws in audio engineering.
• RTINGS measures decent reproduction accuracy with a generally balanced response — clear, natural vocals and instruments and low enough harmonic distortion that even trained listeners won't notice timbral coloration.