Audio-Technica has been a popular and trusted audio brand for 60 years, extending their passion in vinyl turntable cartridges to other aspects of audio and delivering quality products at reasonably affordable pricing. The M-series headphones are staple products in professional studio and production houses. Like the M50-series, the M20 series have come a very long way. Originally released in 2010 as the entry-level ATH-M20 for professional studio monitoring, the upgraded version ATH-M20x was refreshed in 2014. Now updated with wireless connection, the new ATH-M20xBT retails at S$128 in Singapore.
This entry-level M-series is a notch up from the ATH-S220BT, but with a small price difference, the M20xBT looks more “professional” with a sturdier build. Compared to the ATH-M50xBT2, the M20xBT feels more lightweight, the headband clamping force is lighter, and the earcups are slightly larger. In terms of comfort, I prefer wearing the M20xBT over the M50xBT2, but the M20xBT cannot be folded, so it takes more space when carrying it around. And obviously the M50xBT2 feels more robust and solid thanks to its flexible earcups that can pivot and swivel in any direction. The M50xBT2 also offers better passive noise isolation.
M20xBT Features
There are just 3 buttons on the left earcup. The middle multi-function button acts as a power button, play-pause button, and voice assistant (double-click), while the other 2 buttons work as volume and change tracks. The M20xBT also does not have a smartphone app to adjust EQ or customise any settings. It only supports AAC and SBC audio codecs (the M50xBT2 can stream in hi-res LDAC). It also supports multipoint pairing up to 2 devices concurrently, low-latency mode (triple-click the middle button) and a massive 60-hour battery life, similar to the ATH-S220BT.
M20xBT Audio Quality Comparison
Moving to the audio quality, the ATH-M20xBT sounds more neutral compared to the ATH-M50xBT2 that is known to have bright tuning. The M20xBT has relatively more midrange presence which adds musical support to the upper bass and lower treble, resulting in a more full, meaty sound. The stereo imaging is wide and close, feels like I’m positioned in front of the performers. Its lower bass is less intense, the upper treble is less intensely sparkling than the M50. On the M50, the music sounds more exciting, more airy and sizzling, acoustic genres like Classical and Jazz plays brilliantly on the M50. Compared to the ATH-S220BT, the M20xBT sounds clearer, the upper midrange is less emphasised.
But if I put all comparison aside and listen to the M20xBT on its own, I am quite pleased with the frequency balance. The treble is clear and not “Hi-Res” bright, the bass has presence but not overpowering, while midrange has sufficient weight while not making it sound too bloated or ringing. Piano does not sound muddy, strings deliver good sizzle, saxophone do not sound sibilant, percussions do not sound too distant. The primary instrument is mixed just a tad forward, so that accompaniment remains close. With everything put together, the music is cohesive, all instruments are heard without any major in-fighting.
When connecting the M20xBT to a 3.5mm cable, the power turns off automatically for passive audio without consuming battery. In this mode, the sound is more dynamic, less compressed. The lower midrange is a bit more exposed while the upper treble is also slighting more bright-sounding, albeit still obscured by the prominent midrange.
Personally, I prefer the less-hyped tuning of the M20xBT compared to M50, and if you are sensitive to upper frequency, the M20 might be a better option. Having said that, the M50xBT2 is a more premium headphones with more features like LDAC, custom EQ, better build, so you pay for better features with limited-edition colour options. Plus, music played on M50 is much clearer, the highs are more articulated and precise. Its tuning is more likable to the general listeners.
For call quality, the M20xBT mic captures slightly louder audio compared to the M50xBT2, but the M50 has a cleaner refined sound. There is active background noise cancellation, so depending on the noise level, the mic will actively remove noise while capturing the voice, so as usual, there will be times where the voice can sound muffled. There is no Sidetone mode, so I am unable to hear myself while talking, a feature that I appreciate having on the M50xBT2.
Verdict
The ATH-M20xBT professional wireless headphones is affordable, the audio tuning is balanced, and the fit is comfortable. I would certainly use it as my daily headphones at home while I keep the M50xBT2 for special occasions and for referencing other audio products during reviews. Plug the cable directly and the M20xBT performs just like the wired version. I would recommend getting this for your budget audio production setup to monitor your mixes.
