Product Strengths

• Shockingly good for the money, a very well-tuned headphone for the price category
• Good bass response that is fun, with lots of thumpiness and impact in the lower sub-bass regions, while maintaining a clean mid-bass region
• Trouble response is fairly target-adherent with a chill character and not overly fatiguing
• Comes with a banger accessories package providing two cables, a carry case, more than a lot of companies are coming out with
• Delivers impressive sound quality across the board, backed by excellent build quality and a generous set of accessories

Product Considerations

• The actual earpad area for the ear is not super great, and it will be felt a little bit on the ear, might be more on-ear than fully over-ear if you have really large ears
• Sound staging is one area that could improve the most, because there is almost none, can sound almost claustrophobic, because everything is happening right here all the time
• Mid-range is not all that exciting to listen to, vocals can be shouty or honk-type sound to certain vocalists
• Build quality feels good for $150, but it would not pass the sniff test for $500, definitely feels like it's a budget device

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The AKG K361 has advantages over the FiiO FT1, like sound staging
• The FT1’s level of midrange fidelity is impressive, rivaling the best mid-fi headphones such as the Sennheiser HD6XX and the Sundara
• It outshines most closed-back classics, including the Sony MDR-7506, AKG K361, and beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X
• The smaller FiiO FT1 was enjoyed even more than the FiiO FT5, since it strikes the right balance between fun, warmth, and technicality, handling tough tracks with much more ease than anticipated

Takeaway: The FiiO FT1 is a surprisingly good closed-back headphone for the money and offers a well-tuned sound signature with good bass response. This headphone is priced at $150 and is surprisingly nice with some great terminations.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• ANC does not compete with Sony or Bose, even in the same price category, let alone their higher-end stuff.
• The Sennheiser HD 450BT and the Urbanista Los Angeles offer better ANC or a unique solar charging design, respectively, for a small price increase.
• More comfortable than the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 and Apple AirPods Max thanks to plush padding.
• The Edifier WH950NB hybrid ANC is well implemented, making it a legitimate reason to consider, even outside of the big price savings, as the Stax SPIRIT S3 does not feature any noise cancellation.

Takeaway: The Edifier WH950NB is a comfortable and feature-rich headphone that offers good noise cancellation and balanced sound, making it a solid choice for commuters or anyone seeking an immersive listening experience. With its long battery life and customizable app, these headphones are a great value for the price.

Product Strengths

• Comfortable, with deep and wide ear pads that fit most ears and are made of compliant pleather
• Easy to drive, performing well even with simple sources like Apple dongles
• Good build quality, utilizing metal in the adjustment mechanism and steel-reinforced earcups
• Decent passive noise isolation for a closed-back headphone, blocking out more noise than open-back models
• Relatively wide and natural soundstage for a closed-back headphone

Product Considerations

• Can get warm after extended use (3-4 hours)
• Bass response can be inconsistent depending on head shape and seal, especially for those wearing glasses
• Treble response can be inconsistent, sometimes sounding dark or bright depending on the track
• Some reviewers found the sound signature to be a bit boxy, stale, or not as rich as other Sennheiser models
• The stock cable is fairly basic and a balanced cable is an optional purchase

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The HD 620S has better bass extension and imaging than the HD 600, but the HD 600 is more comfortable for some due to lower clamp force
• The HD 620S is built more substantially with a stainless steel reinforced headband and chunky ear pads than the HD 560S, though visually similar
• The HD 620S has a better tuning out of the box than the beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X, where the beyerdynamic benefits more from EQ, and is more comfortable
• The HD 620S provides better passive noise isolation than the HIFIMAN Sundara (closed back)
• The beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X delivers more consistent sound between wears, whereas the HD 620S is negatively affected by wearing glasses

Takeaway: The Sennheiser HD 620S are comfortable and well-built closed-back headphones that offer a decent soundstage and are easy to drive, making them a good option for users needing isolation without sacrificing too much sound quality. The sound is generally enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a balanced signature and Sennheiser's house sound.

Product Strengths

• Neutral and balanced sound profile makes it suitable for studio monitoring and critical listening
• Comfortable for extended use due to soft padding on the earcups and headband
• Sturdy and robust build quality uses metal in key areas
• Long battery life often exceeds the advertised 50 hours in tests
• USB-C charging and a quick charge feature, providing multiple hours of playback with a short charge, are also highlighted
• The Audio-Technica Connect app enables users to customize the sound profile using an equalizer and presets, adjust L/R balance, customize voice assistant preference, customize volume, and other settings
• Flexibility of both Bluetooth wireless and wired connectivity via a 3.5mm audio jack
• Multipoint pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, is also a valuable feature

Product Considerations

• Absence of ANC is a common point of concern
• While the headphones offer decent passive isolation due to their over-ear design, they do not block out noise as effectively as ANC-equipped alternatives
• Heat can build up after longer listening sessions
• The earcups can sometimes be backward when putting on the headphones
• Tight fit may be uncomfortable for users who wear glasses or have larger heads
• Inconsistent bass and treble delivery, and are sensitive to the fit, seal, and positioning of the headphones on the head

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Bose QC35: The ATH-M50xBT2 has a slightly shorter battery life, but unlike the Bose, it lacks noise cancelling
• Vs Sennheiser HD450BT: The ATH-M50xBT2 has a slightly shorter battery life than the Sennheiser HD450BT, but unlike the Sennheiser, it lacks noise cancelling
• Vs Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is more comfortable and well-built, and unlike the Audio-Technica, it features an ANC feature
• Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: The ATH-M50xBT2 has a longer continuous battery life and better recording quality
• Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: The ATH-M50xBT2 also features sound customization options and multi-device pairing
• Vs Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless feature an ANC feature, unlike the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless

Takeaway: The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking balanced sound, comfort, and versatility in both wireless and wired modes. These headphones are suitable for listening to music, working from home, or in the office.

Product Strengths

• Comfort is good and fit feels like the original Sundara.
• Very easy to drive with high sensitivity and low impedance.
• Build quality is good, and the beechwood earcups give a touch of quality and substance.
• Good bass extension and punch.
• Mid-range is relaxed, lush, airy, and offers a good level of details.

Product Considerations

• The sound signature is not equivalent or familiar to that of the open-back Sundara.
• Treble response is dark.
• Soundstage is average in size, and not very open sounding.
• Stock cable is not great, and a replacement may be desired.
• Some reviewers found the mid-range to be too mid-forward.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the HiFiMan Sundara (Open-Back), the Closed-Back has different drivers, is tuned differently, and is not just a variation of the original open-back Sundara.
• Compared to the AKG K361, the AKG has better soundstaging and imaging.
• The Sundara Closed-Back is superior to the Hifiman HE400SE in terms of bass performance.

Takeaway: The Sundara Closed-Back headphones are comfortable and easy to power, and have a unique sound signature that some may find enjoyable. They are a good option to consider if one wants to try a closed-back planar headphone.