First, the ATH-M50xBT2 takes advantage of USB-C charging in order to be compatible with newer devices and offer a quick charge feature that will provide 3 hours of playback after a 10-minute charge.  The ATH-M50xBT2’s battery has been upgraded from the previous version and will provide 50 hours of playback when fully charged. Call quality is also greatly improved with the addition of dual mics and beamforming technology for exceptional vocal pickup.

Other new, notable features are a low latency mode, Google Fast Pair, multipoint pairing, and access to more customizable options (such as equalization and L/R balance) via the A-T Connect app. The ATH-M50xBT2 also supports Sony’s LDAC, a superior Bluetooth codec with transfer rates up to 990 kbps. Below is a comparison chart that illustrates the key differences between the ATH-M50xBT and the new ATH-M50xBT2.

 

 

 

ATH-M50xBT

 

ATH-M50xBT2

Battery Life 40 Hrs 50 Hrs
Quick

 

Charge

N/A 3 Hrs on 10 min Charge
Charge Port Micro USB-B USB-C
Microphone Single Omnidirectional Dual Beamforming
Electronics Integrated Chip Bluetooth chip and dedicated DAC/AMP (AK4331)
Google Fast

 

Pair

N/A Yes
Multipoint

 

Pairing

N/A Yes
Voice Assist Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant, Siri
A-T Connect

 

Capabilities

Change Codec Support, Locate Headphones EQ (save to headphones), L/R Volume Balance, Fine Volume Control (in 16, 32 or 64 steps), Low Latency Mode, Change Codecs, Locate Headphones
Low Latency

 

Mode

N/A Yes
Codec(s) SBC, AptX, AAC SBC, AAC, LDAC
Sidetone N/A Yes
Touch

 

Control

Capacitance Switch Tactile Switch
Wired Cable Cable with mic and control for wired use Standard cable for wired use