The new ATH-M20xBT wireless headphones from Audio-Technica have a great sound but are also fantastic … [+] economic study headphones.
Audio technology
Audio-Technica’s M50x studio monitor headphones have been the preferred choice for many musicians and broadcasters for quite a few years. Their excellent build quality and flat frequency response make them something that comes close to a gold standard for studio use.
Now, the Japanese company has launched a pair of more affordable studio-quality headphones with Bluetooth and cable operation. Sure, the ATH-M20xBT is inspired by the brand’s best-selling M series of professional studio headphones with cable, but this new model offers up to 60 hours of continuous wireless playback and great, bold sound.
The critically acclaimed M Series range is known for its precise audio and excellent comfort levels, ideal for extended studio and moving sessions. The ATH-M20xBTs are also wonderfully comfortable headphones. The build quality is not as solid on the M50xBT and there are no headphones with hinges. However, these headphones look fantastic and feel incredibly light to wear.
The ATH-M20xBTs are incredibly comfortable and lightweight, ideal for long studio sessions.
Audio-Technique
With their modern design and high quality materials such as professional quality bearings, the ATH-M20xBTs are equipped with 40mm controllers made of rare earth magnets and copper coated aluminum wire voice coils for exceptional clarity and an impressive bass response. Undoubtedly, ATH-M20xBTs are more severe than ATH-M50xBT neutrals. Bluetooth has a low latency mode for precise synchronization between audio and video when playing movies or playing games.
These new headphones also have a multipoint pairing capability that allows the user to connect two devices via Bluetooth. One device could be a smartphone to receive calls, while the other could be to connect to a tablet to watch a movie or play a game. Switching between the two devices is perfect. Along with up to 60 hours of game time with a full charge, a quick burst charge of just 10 minutes will give you up to 3 hours of game time. The headset is easy to use and has a built-in microphone for phone calls and voice assistants, as well as buttons on the left handset to handle calls, control music playback, and adjust volume levels.
The sound quality offered by the M20xBT is solid and muscular. In addition to being excellent for playing a wide selection of musical genres, these headphones are affordable studio cans for broadcast or podcast, thanks to their closed design and effective sound insulation.
With its 60 hours of battery life and a lightweight design, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT are ideal … [+] to play moving music.
Audio-Technique
Verdict: If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality Bluetooth wireless headphones that fit your ears, the ATH-M20xBT is a bargain. The fit is incredibly comfortable and the weight is wonderfully low, ideal for long listening sessions. Battery life is nothing more than epic, and if you run out of power, there’s an audio cable supplied with a 3.5mm stereo jack connector for passive use. If you like a lot of bass and enjoy a detailed high-end with an ideal V-shaped frequency response, these headphones deserve a listen.
Price and availability: the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is now available and costs £ 79.99 / € 89 / $ 79.
More information: www.audio-technica.com
Technical specifications:
- Type: Closed dynamics.
- Conductor: 40 mm.
- Frequency response: 5 – 32,000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: 100 dB / mW.
- Impedance: 36Ω.
- Weight: approx. 216 g (7.6 oz).
- Charging time: Approx. 4 hours.
- Microphone sensitivity: -42 dB (1 V / Pa, at 1 kHz).
- Microphone frequency response: 50 – 20,000 Hz.
- Microphone polar pattern: omnidirectional.
- Battery: 3.7 V lithium polymer.
- Playback time: up to 60 hours with full charge.
- Bluetooth: version 5.0.
- Operating range: approx. 10 m (33 ft).
- Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP.
- Audio codecs: AAC, SBC.
- Accessories: USB charging cable (30 cm / 12 inches), USB type A / USB type C), audio cable (1.2 m (3.9 feet) / 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) mini stereo gold-plated plug (3 poles / L-shaped).