Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review
vs
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO review

What can I say having tested the closed type over ear headphones Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is that in spite of being very close in type and features still they leave a lot to compare. Being wired they are not the best choice for active use out and in motion still both have a great chance to become your favorite critical or fun listening device.

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Features

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x has a lover impedance of 35 Ohm vs 64 Ohm of Sennheiser HD 280 PRO, but the frequency response of the second is better at lower range, 15Hz-24KHz vs 8Hz-25KHz. Again, the sensitivity of Sennheiser beats Audio-Technica in 113 vs 98 dB.

Sound

There is no active noise cancelling in both the headphones but being closed they isolate sound pretty well. Closed back makes the sound stage limited.

What makes both headphones great for critical listening and sensitive ears, it reproduces music flat, I mean, the way it is recorded, without overwhelming trebles and punching bass or recessed mids. Everything is clear and neutral the way it should be.

Both have no buttons to control audio.

Comfort and design

I find Audio-Technica really comfortable. Even having a large head and wearing glasses do not make any troubles or feel tight unlike with Sennheiser. Both have large and super soft earpads, very nice and pleasant to touch, well-fitting and comfy.

They are very convenient with the cups able to fold and adjustable headband. The cups swivel, which makes them easy to adjust individually.

The Audio Technica ATH-M40x is really light with its 240 g of weight, while Sennheiser headphones are also quite airy with their weight of 285 g.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x pros and cons

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x pros and cons

Pros

  • 2 detachable cables: short coiled and long straight in a set makes it more portable and comfy in use
  • They reproduce a clear sound with enough level of bass, not heavy, and provide an average level of audio suppression
  • Well built, feels nice to hold, and smart-looking

Cons

  • Bulky design and weak noise isolation will not allow to use it convenient on the go

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO pros and cons

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO pros and cons

Pros

  • Flat sound for professional use
  • Look and feel durable in spite of being made of plastic
  • A decent soundstage and audio suppression as for closed back headphones

Cons

  • The cable is not detachable, so the headphones would be pulled off your head if it hooks over something

Votes 24 24
Rating 4.5 4.5

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
8.2
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
7.5
10
8
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review

May 20, 2020

The Japanese model of Hi-Fi headphones Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a decent option of closed back ove...

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Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO review

May 18, 2020

My impression of closed over ear headphones Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is a bit controversial. Being a gr...

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Common

Product

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Model

ATH-M40x
HD 280 PRO

Brand

Audio-Technica
Sennheiser

Reviews

8006
6672

General

Wearing style

over ear
over ear

Enclosure

closed back
closed back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
dynamic

Driver size, mm/inches

40/1.5

Impedance, Ohm

35
64

Frequency response, Hz

15Hz-24KHz
8Hz-25KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

0.1

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

98
113

Magnet type

neodymium

Weight (headphones), g/oz

240/8.4
285/10

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

300/9.8
130/4.2

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

has not
has not

Bluetooth version

has not
has not

aptX

has not
has not

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

has not
has not

Bluetooth profiles

has not
has not

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

has not
has not

Battery life, hrs

has not
has not

Charging time, hrs

has not
has not

Charging port

has not
has not

Charging cable

has not
has not

Speed charge

has not
has not

Battery free listening mode

has not
has not

Battery level indicator

has not
has not

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

has not
has not

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8.2
  • 7.5
  • 8.2Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
  • 7.5Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is better headphones in this comparison. Check Audio-Technica ATH-M40x price