Short answer: the HIFIMAN Sundara. It ranks #93 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $179. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ranks #150, rated 3.8/5, at $159, $20 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the HIFIMAN Sundara: Crinacle’s measurement gives a preference score of 82, and the midrange and treble stay within about 1 dB of target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, so voices and instruments sound natural with a neutral balance. Watch for: Sub-bass falls about 5 dB below target under 60 Hz and is 6.1 dB down at 30 Hz, so kick drums and synth bass lack deep rumble.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness. The catch: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble.
Buy the HIFIMAN Sundara. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $20 you would save on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Crinacle’s measurement gives a preference score of 82, and the midrange and treble stay within about 1 dB of target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, so voices and instruments sound natural with a neutral balance.
Amazon $179.00 eBay
This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness.
Amazon $159.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN Sundara | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $159.00 |
| Ranked | #93 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #150 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.54 dB standard deviation | 2.01 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 37 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 99 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Frequency Response | 6Hz - 75kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 30 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the HIFIMAN Sundara from audioamigo, boizoff, cammyfi, daemonxar, kuulokenurkka, sai, superreview and vsg; the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x from aden, auricularesargentina, boizoff, kuulokenurkka and listener, all via squig.link.
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for HIFIMAN Sundara: