Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B or M50?

[grubyhalo]

Hello All,
I am very close to pulling the trigger on the M50's which I've been eyeing for a long time now. When checking these out on Amazon, it appears that they have the ANC7B for around $110. I also noticed that the cheapest price on the M50's was $121. Reading impressions of the ANC7B, both from here as well as at headf-fi.org, I understand that though it might be among the best when it comes to noise cancelling, the M50's have better SQ. I've also read a few impressions claiming that the ANC7B's are more forgiving (warm?) and do female voices better than the M50's. My usage for this would pre-dominantly be streaming audio and low-res files through either a laptop or a PMP. Also, most of the listening would be done stationary though there would be a bit of music on the move. I understand that quite a few people here have heard one or both of these cans and I'd appreciate if you could share your thoughts on how they handle simple and complex music. Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.

 

[cruise_1982]

I have never heard ANC7B, but have heard ATH M50. Those are great Cans, almost a bench mark for headphones around $100. If you are buying these Cans for Listening at home or office, go for M50 eyes closed. Noise Cancelling Headphones are not the best when it comes to SQ.

 

[grubyhalo]

Thank you for your comments. In your view, how do these fare when it comes to vocals?

 

[Bluu]

I listen to a lot of Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy on my M50s and the sound is great. They are very, very good headphones at their price point.

 

[iaudio]

grubyhalo, The ANC7 just doesnt impress when it comes to music! I have not AB-d it with M50. But the NC7 is far behind the AD700. Ofcourse,it is a different matter if you need the noise cancellation! But if you don't, the decrease in SQ would be hard to justify. The ANC7 is not a bad headphone per se, but for the same amount of money you can better performing(all aspects, vocals, separation and imaging, timbre) normal hps.

 

[grubyhalo]

Thanks Bluu and iaudio, appreciate your responses. I was pretty much sold on the M50's, was just curious to hear the devil's advocates, if there were any...

 

[iaudio]

grubyhalo, if you are looking at hps for portable use, do seriously consider the Senn HD 25-1 II. That will be a good step up in SQ but they are not very forgiving.

 

[grubyhalo]

Sure, will look them up and see what I find. These cans would be used 85% indoors, for extended periods of time...

 

[audiodelic]

ATH M50 ... i love these phones so much that i wear them on the train/plane /traveling etc. Many times i thought that i look stupid with these on i need good iem's but i just cant get myself to make the shift as the m50 sq is too good. I feel like im on a high end stereo while traveling on the train/plane and that feeling is priceless for me.

 

[cruise_1982]

Thank you for your comments. In your view, how do these fare when it comes to vocals?

I preferred Shure SRH840 over M50 for Vocals. But M50 is a well rounded HP and you would definitely like it.

 

[grubyhalo]

Thanks for your inputs audiodelic and cruise. Now to see if I can have Amazon ship the M50 on time...

 

[WolVerInE]

from where did you order? Amazon.com?

 

[grubyhalo]

from where did you order? Amazon.com?

I could not order as it would not have reached my friend in time to bring it to India. Ofcourse, there was always the expensive option of 1-day shipping but I chose not to order at this time. Maybe, in a coupla months from now...

 

[rupakb24]

Pristine Note is the authorized dealer for Audio Technica here in India. I believe it makes more sense than buying from amazon unless there is a huge difference in price. M50 from my listening experience is not worth 7k. Shure 840 might be better but then it is dearer by about 3k (lynx-india stocks them what I gather from their website). Shure may not be comfortable for extended use- cruise_1982 can clarify on that.
M50 is almost as good as a noise canceling hp- I can hardly hear my phone ring or my wife talking. You may go through my short review ( if one can call it so) on the M50. http://www.hifivision.com/audio-video-accessories/16879-suggestions-headphone-system-5.html#post235621

Take care

 

[grubyhalo]

Thank you for your impression. While I understand that the M50's were a good value when they were going for around $100, at around $125, I agree that they do not offer as much value. However, I am yet to see a decent alternative for the M50's that share a similar build quality and travel-friendly design. Though I am sure it would not be used extensively during my travels, I need an option that does take into account the fact that it would be bounced about a bit. I just might go in for these if I don't find a decent alternative at around $100. Thanks for your time...

 

[alitaher2009]

definitely M50
best in its class

 

[BLASTO]

I am sure rupak's impression has changed by now as these HPs require like 50 hours breakin to sound optimal. Will love to hear his views.

I got it for like 5.5k without warranty (in the US, not sure of warranty) before it is introduced by pristine note and I cannot be much happier. Pristine note gives it for 7k with warranty.

I request people, when they write that this HP is worth only 3.5, 5k etc to pen down which 3.5k or 5k HPs they are referring to which are in par with M50s so the forum can be benefitted. You can keep giving numbers but until you back yourself with data, they are only just that.. Numbers..

The question is, what would you buy instead if you get a second chance?

 

[BLASTO]

I am sure rupak's impression has changed by now as these HPs require like 50 hours breakin to sound optimal. Will love to hear his views.

Oh yeah.. Here it is already..

http://www.hifivision.com/audio-vid...uggestions-headphone-system-9.html#post262798

Halo, Did you end up buying them?

 

[theironhorse]

yeah i am up for ath-m50 as well but bad part is no stock..

looking to grab one as gautam (prinstine note ) gets it..

even the open back can ad-700 is out of stock...

 

[rupakb24]

Yup, i am enoying- not only the headphone but the music too. I'd stopped being critical about the headphones and had started to find joy in the music. Earlier I was listening to instruments, each instrument in isolation- it was much later that i realized that i was missing the soul of the song itself in the process. I am no sound engineer nor work in a studio to be such critical about a headphone. M50s are good-better than most i guess- in that price range. Bought the HM-601 too but i' m yet to receive the RE-ZERO