TL; DR
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 has an improved microphone system and integrated Amazon Alexa.
- The headset also supports Bluetooth Multipoint, so listeners can connect the headset to two devices at the same time.
- The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is available to order starting today and is priced at $ 199.
Audio-Technica has updated its flagship Bluetooth headphones with improved voice recording, support for audio streaming via the high-quality LDAC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, and multi-point connectivity. The ATH-M50xBT2 keeps the same overall design as the first generation headset, but this time the company has discontinued the micro-USB port for the more modern USB-C input.
See: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT test
Using the button on the left auricle, Amazon Alexa is burned into the headset, and you can even opt for a different assistant such as Google Assistant or Siri. If you are a gamer, the headset supports a low latency mode. Meanwhile, daily conference callers will appreciate the sidetone effect, which allows the speaker to hear their own voice during a call.
The controls on the left ear cup make it easy to adjust the volume, answer or end calls, mute the microphone and control music playback. The headset also supports “Fast Pair”, which allows listeners to connect the headphones to Android OS devices with a tap of a finger.
Just like the classic wired ATH-M50x, these headphones have dynamic 45mm drivers. You can expect the same comfortable frequency response as the wired and original wireless headsets. Anyone with a penchant for tinkering can adjust the sound quality using the AT Connect app’s equalizer, although most people will be perfectly happy with the default sound profile. The app also gives users the ability to manipulate the left / right channel balance, find the headphones, choose a preferred bluetooth codec, and much more.
The M50xBT2 offers up to 50 hours of uninterrupted playback, a 10-hour improvement over before, and supports fast charging. Just 10 minutes of charging gives 180 minutes of play time, which is more than enough to handle most round-trip journeys. Don’t forget these double wired headphones either: If the battery is empty or you want to enjoy lag-free, lossless audio, you can plug the supplied cable into the headphone socket of your device.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 comes with a USB-C cable, a 1.2 meter cable and a carrying case. The headphones are available in black and retail for $ 199.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Robust, flexible and versatile Bluetooth headphones for every occasion.
The ATH-M50xBT2 differs from the M50xBT2 of the first generation with Bluetooth multipoint and integrated Alexa support. These headphones also bring two new high quality Bluetooth codecs to the table: AAC and LDAC.