The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x ranks #55 out of 134 total Over-Ear Headphones for sound quality. See all Headphones rankings for every top pick.
Brand: Audio-Technica
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#55 Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: $109.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The closed back keeps outside noise down and sound in, and at 240 g it is the lightest closed back in this group. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz sits about 3 dB above target while sub-bass is nearly on target, giving punchy, full low end with a preference score of 79. At 35 ohms and 98 dB sensitivity a phone drives it without an amp, and it ties the Philips SHP9500 on rating at a slightly higher street price.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2 dB hot and the top octave 4.5 dB above target, with a 5.5 dB peak near 8.3 kHz, so cymbals and sibilants can sound sharp and splashy. A 3 dB dip near 5 kHz can blur vocal detail slightly. The bass emphasis is too much for listeners who want a neutral balance.
| Released | Feb 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 35 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +17.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 48 Hz | -16.9 dB | 0.29 |
| Peak | 348 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.87 |
| Peak | 5,150 Hz | +3.3 dB | 4.10 |
| Peak | 2,979 Hz | +1.8 dB | 1.99 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -6.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,378 Hz | -1.4 dB | 2.13 |
| Peak | 796 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.67 |
| Peak | 6,306 Hz | +1.6 dB | 5.10 |
| Peak | 2,225 Hz | +0.8 dB | 3.70 |
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