The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT: A Nostalgic Journey With Wireless Convenience, But Is It Worth the Price?
Audio-Technica, a name synonymous with wired audio excellence, has taken a nostalgic trip back to its roots with the ATH-M20xBT. This wireless iteration of the beloved ATH-M20x promises to bring the same studio-grade sound to a new generation of listeners, but with the added convenience of wireless connectivity. However, the question remains: Does this Bluetooth upgrade justify the Rs. 13,500 price tag in a competitive market filled with feature-packed wireless headphones? Let’s dive into the design, sound performance, and overall value of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT to find out.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT: Design and Specifications
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is a faithful homage to its predecessor, the ATH-M20x, both aesthetically and in terms of its comfortable, over-ear fit. It maintains the familiar design elements: the etched "ATH-M20x" on the sides, the smooth swivel for adjustment, the telescopic headband, and the exposed audio wires near the headband.
The headphones are made available in a single black color, staying true to the classic look. Despite its size, the ATH-M20xBT weighs a surprisingly light 216g, thanks to the use of a metal frame connecting the ear cups. The comfortable padding around the ears and headband ensures a snug and secure fit, covering the ears completely.
While the design is familiar, there are some necessary changes to accommodate the wireless features. On the left earcup, you’ll find a stereo socket for wired listening, a USB Type-C port for charging, and three buttons for controlling playback and volume. The package includes a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable and a stereo cable for wired connectivity, but unfortunately, a carry case is missing.
Under the hood, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT utilizes Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity, supporting the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. It boasts 40mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response range of 5 to 32,000Hz, a rated sensitivity of 100dB, and an impedance of 36Ohms. For hands-free calling, a microphone is conveniently incorporated.
One notable feature is multi-point connectivity, allowing you to pair and connect to two devices simultaneously, seamlessly switching between them based on incoming calls or active playback. However, the ATH-M20xBT lacks active noise cancellation, app support, and wear-detection sensors, ultimately making it feel under-equipped compared to rivals from brands like Sony, JBL, and Sennheiser.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT: Performance and Battery Life
The ATH-M20xBT is undoubtedly feature-light, but it promises a lot when it comes to its most crucial aspect: sound quality. Audio-Technica asserts that it delivers the same sonic tuning as the ATH-M20x, but wirelessly. While it might not sound exactly identical to the wired version due to the inherent limitations of Bluetooth, the ATH-M20xBT comes remarkably close.
The ATH-M20xBT retains the familiar, neutral, studio-friendly sound signature that made the M-series so popular. This translates to a balanced frequency response, allowing each frequency range to shine and ensuring a high level of audible detail. You can easily pinpoint subtle elements in tracks, aligning well with the essence of studio monitors.
This characteristic shines in slower, detail-oriented genres. "Truth by Kamasi Washington" showcases the ATH-M20xBT’s revealing and insightful capabilities, exceeding what most wireless headphones in this price bracket can achieve. The slow progression of the track is engaging, with the headphones delivering every gentle drum hit, saxophone riff, and piano element with remarkable precision for a wireless headset. The lows boast impressive timbre and growl, the midrange offers clear orchestral vocals, and the highs, while sharp, occasionally feel slightly too piercing.
"Arambol by Astropilot" allows you to scrutinize the headphones’ stereo separation and specific elements across the frequency range. While the bass isn’t as calculated and tight as the more impressive (and expensive) Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT, the ATH-M20xBT prioritizes the neutral, flat sound over the polish and refinement found in pricier wireless headphones.
This different tuning exposes its limitations when tracks become overly busy, highlighting the potential benefits of support for advanced codecs. With only SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, the ATH-M20xBT feels overwhelmed at times.
Overall, Bluetooth seems to be the main culprit. The ATH-M20xBT remains true to its wired roots and is not optimized for the inferior Bluetooth input signal. Plugging in the cable and listening the traditional way does help address some of the sound deficiencies, but this defeats the purpose of a wireless headset.
Call quality indoors is decent, with the loud sound facilitating clear communication with the person on the other end. Connectivity is stable, with the ATH-M20xBT performing well at distances up to 4m. Battery life is exceptional, with the headphones running for approximately 48 hours on a single charge with continuous music playback at moderate volume levels.
Verdict
The ATH-M20xBT, despite its lineage from a renowned product line, faces a few challenges. While it retains the monitor-grade sound of its wired counterpart, offering detailed and insightful listening experiences, along with excellent battery life, it suffers from drawbacks like the absence of advanced Bluetooth codecs and its high price tag.
For dedicated fans of the Audio-Technica M-series who crave wireless freedom, the ATH-M20xBT might make sense. However, its lack of features, such as active noise cancellation, app support, and any notable audio technology beyond Bluetooth, feels underwhelming, especially considering the Rs. 13,500 price. Objectively, the headphones themselves are decent, but their pricing feels unjustified.
