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. (For more information regarding Bluetooth codecs, please see our previous article here). 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 |