Friday, March 31, 2023

2023 Annual Headphone Shootout the Over The Ear Models

March Madness is here, which means it’s time for our annual Headphone Shootout. It’s in two parts: the in-the-ear, and over-the-ear models. We will be doing the over the ear models first. They include the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 MSRP $199, JBL Quantum 810 Wireless MSRP $199, Urbanista Los Angeles $199 MSRP, Garmin dēzl Headset 200 $399 MSRP, and Master & Dynamic MW75 $599 MSRP.

 

We’ll start with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. They are designed after the classic studio monitor M50, only is wireless. So, you get the great studio monitor sound of the M50, only in the convenient wireless design. They come in classic black, but they also have an optional blue as well.

 

Features and specs:

-Wireless, on-the-go design delivers the same critically acclaimed sonic performance as the original ATH-M50x professional studio headphones

-Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers and dedicated amplifier deliver exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response

-Low latency mode improves synchronicity between audio and video for smooth streaming and gaming

-Premium audio-grade components, including an AK4331 advanced audio DAC and dedicated internal headphone amp, deliver pure, natural sound

-Dual mics and beamforming technology ensure crystal-clear call quality

-Sidetone circuitry improves conversations by letting you hear your voice in the headphones when making calls on most smartphones

-Microphone can be muted with a simple press of a button

-Multipoint pairing function allows you to stay connected to two Bluetooth devices at once

-Buttons built into the earcup provide easy control of volume/mute, music, and calls, and give you access to voice assistant (Amazon Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, Siri)

-Google Fast Pair lets you quickly pair headphones with an Android smartphone or other device

-A-T Connect app gives you additional control: activate low latency mode, adjust and save EQ to the headphones, change L/R volume balance, select desired voice assistant, locate misplaced headphones, change codecs, and more

-Up to 50 hours of continuous use on a full charge and up to 3 hours of use on a 10-minute rapid charge (via USB-C connection)

-Compatible with high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs

-Over-ear design for excellent sound isolation in loud environments

-Professional-grade earpad and headband material for long-lasting durability and comfort

 

-Includes 1.2 m (3.9") cable for optional wired connection

Type:     Closed-back dynamic

Driver Diameter: 45 mm

Frequency Response:      15 - 28,000 Hz

Sensitivity:           99 dB/mW

Impedance:         38 ohms

 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 came in a great looking color printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected headphone held in place by custom molded paper. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used as well as the fit and finish, was very good. Also included was an audio cable, charging cable, soft carry bag, and manual.

 

I like the design of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. It’s the traditional studio monitor design, for long listening sessions. You get soft well-padded leatherette earcups and headband. The earcups also rotate for a DJ style. The metal in the headband gives extra durability. And the large 45 mm drivers give you that legendary M50 sonic signature.



But that’s just the beginning of the features. They feature the AK4331 DAC and internal amp to not only give the drivers the power to really make them sing, the DAC make them sound great doing so. You get dual mics and beam forming technology. So those calls you have to answer in between jam sessions sound great too! Thanks to multipoint pairing you can stay connected to two devices for multitasking. And the app allows you to customize the sound to your liking. Now let’s see how it sounds.

 

Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – Silky vocals were smooth with very good texture. Excellent resolution of the strings on the acoustic guitar. Bass had very good low-end extension. Hi hat was so crisp and clean! Strings were also really smooth with excellent resolution of the strings. Trombone and trumpet were so very dynamic, with very good harmonics without being too brassy. Sound stage was nice and really wide. Drums also had great depth and dynamics.

Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – the violins were nice and smooth. The percussion was extremely dynamic with excellent resolution of the shaker, cow bell, and texture of the wood blocks. The guitar was pleasantly funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were also smooth and dynamic. Trumpets were also extremely dynamic with excellent harmonics.

Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth, snaps were extremely dynamic. Bass beats were nice and tight with really good punch. The deep sustained beats were really deep, and hit really hard with a ton of authority and was really clean.

 

 

Next up is the JBL Quantum 810 Wireless. JBL has a long history of great sound, and this has been incorporated into their JBL Quantum 810 Wireless.  Not only can you get that legendary JBL sound with your tunes, you can also now get it when you are getting your game on. For you gamers, it’s your one stop for all your sound needs.

 

Features and specs:

General Specifications

Driver size (mm): 50

 

Audio Specifications

Passive Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Active Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz

Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW (dB): 95

Dynamic frequency response range (Hz): 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Impedance (ohms): 32

Dimensions

Weight (g): 418

Weight (oz): 14.7

Charging Cable Length (m): 1.5

Charging Cable Length (ft): 4.9

Ear Cup External Height (in): 3.8

Ear Cup External Width (in): 3.4

Ear Cup Internal Height (in): 2.4

Ear Cup Internal Width (in): 1.7

Ear Cup Depth (in): 1.1

Ear Cup External Height (cm): 9.7

Ear Cup External Width (cm): 8.7

Ear Cup Internal Height (cm): 6.2

Ear Cup Internal Width (cm): 4.2

Ear Cup Depth (cm): 2.7

Audio Cable Length (ft): 3.9

Audio Cable Length (m): 1.2

 

Control and Connection Specifications

Bluetooth profiles: A2DP 1.3, HFP 1.8

Bluetooth frequency: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz

Bluetooth transmitted modulation: GFSK, /4π DQPSK, 8DPSK

Bluetooth transmitter power: <12 dBm

Bluetooth version: 5.2

 

Battery

Charging time (hours from empty): 3.5

Maximum play time (hours): 43

 

Features

Charging cable: Yes

Audio cable: Yes

Built-in Microphone: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Active Noise Cancelling: Yes

Bluetooth: Yes

 

The JBL Quantum 810 Wireless came in a great looking color printed box, with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected headphone held in place by custom molded paperboard. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was very good. They also included an audio cable and charging cable, both were cloth branded, and a soft carry bag, Wi-Fi dongle, and owner’s manual.

 

I like the design of the JBL Quantum 810 Wireless. It’s a little flashy with the mirror like silver finish on the earcups. The cloth braided orange cables that came out from the earcups to under the headband, give it some JBL styling as well. The headband feels a little on the cheap side, and they used plastic in the adjustable headband, but I can see the need to cut some corners for what you are getting to stay at this price point.

 


The JBL Quantum 810 has some great features. The earcups are leather wrapped memory foam. So when you have those long gaming sessions, you’ll be comfortable. The attached boom mic also rotates up. That way when you aren’t gaming, but are listening to your tunes, it’s out of the way. You get both wireless and Bluetooth, to ensure you get a good connection. While you get Quantum Surround for compatible games, the Active Noise Canceling also helps get rid of background noise, to help you focus on your gaming. And the Hi-Res 50mm drivers ensure you get that stellar JBL sound. We also can’t forget the JBL App, so you can even customize the sound to your liking. Now let’s see how they sound.

 

Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were silky smooth with very good texture. Very good resolution of the strings on the acoustic guitar. Bass had very good low-end extension with very good authority. Hi hat was crisp and clean. Strings were also really smooth with very good resolution of the bow on the strings. Trombone and trumpet were so dynamic with very good harmonics without being too brassy. Drums also had great dynamics and depth. Soundstage was really wide.

Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – the violins were nice and smooth. The percussion was extremely dynamic with very good resolution of the shaker, cow bell and texture of the wood blocks. The guitar was pleasantly funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were smooth and dynamic. Trumpets were also very dynamic with excellent harmonics.

Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth, snaps were really dynamic. Bass beats were really tight with really good punch. The deep sustained beats were really deep and hit really hard with a ton of authority and was really clean.



Now it’s time for the Urbanista Los Angeles. They are fairly new to headphones, starting in 2010. They use a more modern design, and use cities for their model names. The modern design for the looks, has also found its way in features as well. The Los Angeles model has built-in solar charging.

 

Features and specs:

KEY FEATURES

Virtually infinite playtime

Always charging when exposed to light

80 h battery reserve

Hybrid active noise cancelling

Ambient sound

On-ear detection

USB Type-C charging

Bluetooth 5.0

Siri and Google Voice Assistant

Compatible with iOS & Android

 


SPECIFICATIONS

Drivers: 40 mm dynamic, moving coil

Microphone: electret condenser

Echo cancelling: built-in DSP

Battery capacity: 750 mAh

Bluetooth version: 5.0

Bluetooth class: 2

Profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6

Codecs: SBC and AAC

Range: ≤10 m

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Sensitivity: 107±3dB @ 1 kHz

Impedance: 32 Ohm ±15 %

 

The Urbanista Los Angeles came in a great looking color printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box showed a well-protected headphone, held in a semi-hard case. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Quality of materials used, as well as the fit and finish, is excellent. Also included is the carry case, audio and charging cables, and manual.

 



I love the design of Urbanista Los Angeles. The earcups have a soft plastic feel, in a good way. The piece from the earcups to the headband, that is used to adjust the size, is very durable metal. The earcups use memory foam covered in leatherette. And the really special feature is the headband, which incorporates a solar panel on the top and sides. So using any light source…they are always charging the battery. I love the look and design, now let’s see how they sound.

 

Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were silky smooth very good texture. Excellent resolution of the strings of the acoustic guitar. Bass was very smooth with great low-end extension and played with authority. Hi hat was really crisp and clean. Strings were also pleasantly smooth. Trombone and trumpet were also dynamic with good harmonics, not too brassy. Drums also had good depth and dynamics. They also had a nice wide soundstage.

Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – the violins were nice and smooth. The percussion was extremely dynamic with excellent resolution of the shaker, cow bell and wood block texture. The guitar was nice and funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were also smooth and dynamic. Trumpets were also very dynamic and smooth with excellent harmonics.

Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth, with snaps that were dynamic. Bass beats were nice and tight with good punch. The deep sustained bass beats were really deep, hit really hard, and was really clean.

 


Next up is the Garmin dēzl Headset 200. And kudos to Garmin for this design. Garmin has a long history of providing us with products to use with our vehicles, such as GPS receivers, and dashcams. They saw another need, for drives, and designed a product for that need: the dēzl Headset 200. It’s a headset with a removable earcup. It’s made for long haul truck drivers in mind.

 

Features and specs:

General

CHARGING TIME:             Full charge: 2.5 hours

Quick charge: 15 minutes of charge for 8 hours of use

DIMENSION        7.9" x 8.3" x 3.3" (20.0 x 21.0 x 8.5 cm)

WEIGHT:  12.0 oz (340 g)

BATTERY TYPE    rechargeable 820 mAh battery

BATTERY LIFE: Up to 50 hours BLUETOOTH® talk time; up to 25 hours media play time with ANC-enabled

Connectivity

SMARTPHONE PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY            

iPhone®, Android™

WORKS WITH GARMIN APP ON A COMPATIBLE SMARTPHONE       yes (via the Garmin dēzl™ app)

RANGE (VIA SMARTPHONE OR OTHER BLUETOOTH® SOURCE)      300 ft

AUDIO INPUT     Wireless: BLUETOOTH

Wired: 3.5 mm

NUMBER OF BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIONS            Pair to and switch between up to 8 BLUETOOTH devices

REQUIRES BLUETOOTH®-ENABLED SMARTPHONE              

Electrical Features

POWER SOURCE               USB-C


 

The Garmin dēzl Headset 200 came in a nice-looking printed box, with photos and specs of the headphone. Opening the box revealed a well-protected headphone, held in place by custom molded paperboard. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic, with some metal. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was very good. Also included was charging and audio cables, stow holder, and user manual.

 

I really loved the design of the Garmin dēzl Headset 200. Truck drivers will rejoice. It’s like a traditional headset with just 1 earcup. That way you can hear your call in the earcup, yet also hear what’s going on around you. Only it also has a detachable 2nd earcup. That way when you aren’t driving, they convert to standard headphones to listen to your music. The leatherette earcups feature memory foam, so they are comfortable for the long drives. There’s and attached boom mic, that swivels up to get out of the way when not in use. Active Noise Canceling helps your calls or music sound great. And there’s even a storage hook, to mount in your truck. So when they are not in use, they are stored out of the way. Now let’s see how they sound.




Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were silky smooth with excellent resolution of the texture of the timbre. Resolution of the strings of the acoustic guitar was excellent. Bass had very good low-end extension and played with good authority. Strings were also very smooth with good authority. Strings were also very smooth with excellent resolution of the bow across the strings. Trombone and trumpet had excellent dynamics and harmonics and was only a touch brassy. Hi hat was really crisp and clean. Drums had good dynamics and depth. Soundstage was nice and wide with good depth.

Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – violins were nice and smooth. The percussion was extremely dynamic with excellent resolution of the shaker, cow bell, very good texture of the wood blocks. The guitar was pleasantly funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were smooth with good dynamics as well, with good texture. Trumpets were also extremely dynamic with excellent harmonics.

Katy Perry: Dark Horse – vocals were silky smooth with really good texture. Snaps were extremely dynamic. Bass beats were nice and tight with really good punch. The deep sustained bass was really deep, and hit really hard with really good authority, and was really clean.

 

Last but not least is the Master & Dynamic MW75. They are coming up on their 10-year anniversary. While relatively new, they have developed a reputation for high-quality well-made headphones. Their MW75 is their top of the line wireless over the ear headphones. MSRP is a very fair $599.

 

Features and specs:

MODEL: MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones

DIMENSIONS: 160.75mm x 197.83mm x 83.57mm

DRIVERS: 40mm Beryllium

IMPEDANCE: 32 Ohms

WEIGHT: 338g

BATTERY LIFE: Up to 32 hours of battery life or up to 28 hours with ANC enabled

MATERIALS: Lambskin leather headband and ear pads / aluminum and tempered glass ear cups / anodized aluminum controls

ANALOG HEADPHONE CONNECTION: USB-C to 3.5mm cable for optional analog audio connection

WIRED DIGITAL HEADPHONE CONNECTION: Supports hi-res audio up to 24-bit / 96kHz with computer connection using provided USB-C to USB-C cable

CABLES: USB-C to 3.5mm input cable, USB-C to USB-C charging cable

EAR COUPLING: Over-Ear

TALK MICROPHONES: 4 Microphone talk solution with wind protection

ANC MICROPHONES: 4 Microphone ANC solution

ANTENNA: Internal Antenna

EAR PADS: Replaceable Magnetic Lambskin-Wrapped Memory Foam

BLUETOOTH PROFILE: Bluetooth® 5.1 range of 100ft/30m with AAC, aptX™ Adaptive up to 24 bit/ 48kHz, and SBC. Hi-res requires a compatible source device and streaming service.

VOICE ASSISTANT: Compatible with native voice assistants

 

The Master & Dynamics MW75 came in a great looking color printed box with photos and specs of the headphones. Opening the box revealed a well-protected headphone, held in place in its cloth wrapped hard zippered case. And this is one area where Master & Dynamics bucks the trend. Materials used in the construction was all metal, except for the soft genuine leather wrapped headband and earcups, which also uses memory foam in the earcups. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, was excellent! Also included was the hard case, braided cloth covered audio and charger cables, USB, ¼”, and airline adapters, as well as manual.

 

I absolutely love the design of the Master & Dynamic MW75. The cloth wrapped hard case has an elegant look to it. In the middle of the case is a well-placed holder for all the adapters and cords. The headphones are built like a tank! They feature all metal for the housing. The swivel arms are also thick yet are polished and beautiful looking metal, which protruded into the headband. The headband is leather wrapped foam. The earcups are leather wrapped memory foam. And the leather is so, so soft! Another bonus is the leather wrapped earcups are held on magnetically. So, if they need to be replaced, it's extremely easy to do. Buttons for controls, as well as built-in mics, are found on both earcups. They are a very premium product, designed to last a very long time! Now let’s see how they sound.

 

Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E – vocals were smooth like honey with excellent texture of the timbre. Acoustic guitar had excellent resolution of the strings. Bass had excellent low-end extension, was really full, with great authority. Hi hat was so crisp and clean with excellent resolution of the stick on the metal. Violins also had excellent resolution of the bow sliding across the strings. Trombone and trumpet was so very dynamic without being brassy, with excellent harmonics. Drums also had great dynamics and depth. Soundstage was huge with great width and even had some depth to it.

Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – the violins were nice and smooth with excellent resolution. The percussion was extremely dynamic with excellent resolution in the shaker, cow bell, and excellent texture and woodiness of the wood blocks. The guitar was nice and funky and raw. Michael’s vocals were smooth and dynamic with excellent texture of the timbre. Trumpets were extremely dynamic with excellent harmonics and were so clean!

Katy Perry: Sark Horse – vocals were silky smooth with excellent texture of the timbre and harmonics. Snaps were extremely dynamic. Bass beats were really tight with really good punch. The deep sustained beats were really deep, hit really, really hard, was really clean with a ton of authority.

 

When it came to the overall sound, I was really surprised with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. They were just a hair on the bright side as far as sound signature. But the quality of sound and resolution has them sounding significantly better than their price point. The JBL Quantum 810 Wireless has a sound signature that’s just a hair on the warm side. The sound quality and resolution is not quite as good as Audio-Technica’s. But for the same price you do get some really cool gaming features, and earcups with built-in RGB lights. The Urbanista Los Angeles had a pretty neutral sound signature. And it did not play nearly as loud as the other headphones. It also didn’t quite have the resolution and sound quality as the Audio-Technica’s. But the built-in Solar charging is a really cool upsell. The Garmin dēzl Headset 200 has a sound signature a bit on the bright side with similar resolution and sound quality as the Audio-Technica’s. And the design for the truckers is really cool! Last, but not least, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has a more neutral sound signature. And the sound quality and resolution is also a step up from the others. Add to that the superior build quality, and you have a premium product.

 

Next is our Bluetooth and ANC testing.  Just a heads up on our Bluetooth testing:  it is meant to be a torture test, and see just what it can handle.  This goes way above and beyond the manufacturer’s specs. Paired with my smartphone, I leave my phone in the basement, wander around the basement and move to the main floor and wander around, and then move up to the 2nd floor and wander around. Can it handle staying connected as I wander up the floors.  Then I take it outside and see how far I can go with no walls between the headphones and my smartphone, walking out to a maximum of 200ft.  The performance will also vary based on your phone, but this will at least give you an idea of how good the Bluetooth performance is.  And then lastly we test the ANC performance to see the rough percentage of sound around me that was removed.

 

For the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, there was no problems in the basement, a little glitchy on main floor, too glitchy on the 2nd floor to be usable. Walking outside it was a little glitchy at 100 ft, useable to 150 ft.

JBL Quantum 810 Wireless, no problems in the basement. A little glitchy on main floor, and 2nd floor was almost useable but too glitchy. Outside it was a little glitchy at 100 ft., usable to 125 ft.  For ANC it took out around 80%.

Urbanista Los Angeles, no problems in the basement. It was glitchy enough on the main floor that I would consider its use questionable. Surprisingly the 2nd floor performance didn’t get any worse, but not any better either. Outside it was a little glitchy at 100ft, and usable to 125ft.  For ANC it did great, taking out about 90%.  

Garmin dēzl Headset 200, no problems in the basement.  A couple glitches on the main floor but usable, too glitchy on the 2nd floor to be usable. Outside it was a little glitchy at 100 ft, made it to 125 ft before it was not usable.  ANC took out around 85%.

Master & Dynamic MW75, no problems in the basement. A little glitchy but usable on the main floor. And surprisingly similar performance on the 2nd floor: a little glitchy but usable.  Outside, it was a little glitchy at 125ft, and usable all the way out to 200ft.  And for ANC it performed great, removing around 90%.

 

We have some great products in this year’s over the ear models. They all sounded great. But just as we had surprises at the beginning of this year’s March Madness, we also had a surprise in this years over the ear part of our annual Headphone Shootout. That came from the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. There’s no fancy features like ANC, gaming, leather earpads, or metal construction. But they still sounded much much better than their $199 price point! The JBL Quantum 810 Wireless also gave an excellent sound, as well as providing advanced gaming features. The Urbanista Los Angeles also provided great sound and game changing solar charging. Truck drivers will be ecstatic with the Garmin dēzl Headset 200. And Master & Dynamic does what they do best with their whole package premium Master & Dynamic MW75. No matter your budget, these all provide great sound. Based on their design, features, quality and per performance, the JBL Quantum 810 Wireless and Urbanista Los Angeles have earned our Highly Recommended Award, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, Garmin dēzl Headset 200, and Master and Dynamic MW75 have earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their websites at www.audio-technica.com, www.jbl.com, www.urbanista.com, www.Garmin.com, www.masterdynamic.com.



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