Isolation is below average for a closed set of cans. I tried using them on stage for live monitoring, but the isolation doesn't cut it for me compared to IEMs or other headphones. The isolation is also below average when I used them on the subway. As you can see by the fact that I gave the M40x a full value rating I consider it money very well spent indeed. Comfort wise I have no issues at all and find it comfortable enough. I strongly prefer over ear designs and while the XS has less clamping pressure than my M80, it isn't without some pressure. There is perhaps a slight bit of clamping pressure with the M40x, but it has not resulted in me feeling any discomfort and I have it at the smallest setting possible. I find the ear pads quite comfortable, but certainly not luxurious, but seriously, for the price what should I get, supple leather? Soundstage is shorter than the AKG and wider than the Grado. It sits near that of the Sennheiser HD598. The mid-bass is very nice if a tad un-differentiated, but very nice. I like to pay close attention to the bass lines in songs and just today I listened to Achtung Baby by U2 which made use of very prominent bass energy as an omnipresent soundscape throughout much of the album. This album is a tough task to handle in this respect as the music can start to clump and bass lines will merge into a bloom. What the M40x did here was quite commendable. I found that to very acceptable levels the bass energy wasn't mud and when the bass lines were mastered to come out and be distinct, they were there and had plenty of detail. Certainly not reference detail, but very engaging. In fact, if I was forced to use one word to describe my overall impression of the M40x I would call them engaging.

Well, This was my birthday Gift from my friend and turns out to be one of the best gifts I received. Instrument separation resolution/timbre/details/clarity/imaging are all above average. I have heard better gear for microdetails/resolution/soundstage, but for the price point, I don't have much complaints. Soundstage width is average.I don't have golden ears. I can't tell you why something sounds good or why it sounds bad, I can however tell how much enjoyment I'm getting out my headphones. It is quite cheap for its abilities and sound qualities, and is not as well known as its bigger brother, the M50x in audio circles. The M50x definitely boasts a more boosted bass, and is more for casual listening. The M40x on the other hand, is very neutral, and more for studio monitoring rather than leisure listening. Treble is more detailed in all of the headphones I compared the M40x to, but that is to be expected at the price point. Build quality is good, strong plastic with a durable headband. The cords are detachable if they were to become damaged.

Thanks to the circumaural design that contours around the ears, these Audio-Technica wired, on-ear headphones provide unmatched sound isolation with minimal bleed to let you hear the full-spectrum detail of your sound source, even in loud environments. The essential 40 mm drivers add a professional and balanced sound experience.It is easily drivable, and doesn't require external amps. Most smart phones should be able to run it. You also get a nice pleather bag to stash your headphones. I would've preferred a carry box instead, but hey, I would've also preferred to get an Orpheus 2 too, so I guess you got to take what you can get. My old IM-70's died (the left cable) and since they were still under warranty, I returned them and got the ATH-M40X (why spend money on a cable when I can have them replaced, right?). I have used about 15 pairs of IEMs/headphones so far in my fledging audio hobby journey, and by far, the M40x is the most neutral gear I have ever used.