Audio-Technica Announces Limited Edition M50x Variant
Published: June 25, 2025 | Category: News
Audio-Technica announced the ATH-M50x Limited Edition — a gold-colored variant of the beloved $149 studio headphone. But this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh: the Limited Edition uses upgraded 45mm drivers with a neodymium magnet system, delivering 20% better frequency response (15Hz-28kHz vs 15Hz-28kHz — same range but flatter response). Price: $199. Release date: July 2025. Here’s whether the upgrade justifies the $50 premium.
What’s Different from the Standard M50x
Drivers: upgraded 45mm with neodymium magnets (vs standard ferrite). Cable: detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable (vs standard PVC). Earpads: memory foam with protein leather (vs standard synthetic leather). Color: gold finish (vs standard black). Sound: flatter frequency response, better detail retrieval, slightly tighter bass. The M50x Limited Edition measures 0.3% THD at 1kHz vs the standard M50x at 0.5% — a meaningful improvement in distortion.
Is It Worth $199?
The $50 premium buys you better drivers, better cable, and better earpads. But the sound improvement is modest — maybe 10-15% better than the standard M50x. If you already own the M50x, the upgrade isn’t worth it. If you’re buying new, the standard M50x at $149 is the better value. The Limited Edition is for collectors and gold enthusiasts who want the prettiest M50x possible.
My Take
Here’s my take: Audio-Technica is cashing in on the M50x’s popularity with a cosmetic refresh. The sound improvements are real but marginal. Save $50 and buy the standard M50x — you’ll get 90% of the performance for 75% of the price. The Limited Edition is a collector’s item, not a serious upgrade.
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