[Trans Am]

Looking for some new headphones. Currently have the JVC HA-RX500's. I like the ATH-M50's because of the look, design durability, and they have great reviews. I will be using an iDevice to power. Will the volume decrease much? Not quite sure how to interpret these specs.
My JVC's have:
105dB:1mw of power
70 ohms

M50's have:
Maximum Input Power   1,600 mW at 1 kHz
Sensitivity   99 dB
Impedance     38 ohms

Will be using them lawn mowing so I need durability.  If these are not a good fit please feel free to suggest other cans.
Thanks,
TA

[lcrim]

I don't have the 500's but I do have the 400's and previously owned the ATH M-50's and IMO the AT's would be a step backwards.  Especially so since you won't be using a hp amp.
Larry

[Trans Am]

Thanks Larry. probably won't get those then. Is that referring to sound quality or sensitivity? Does anyone have the SOL Republic Tracks HD? Those are another highly recommended pair of cans.
Thanks,
TA

[Noseyears]

M50's are easy to drive from low powered devices. What kind of music genres you like?

The sol republic HD seems fragile (build quality)

[Trans Am]

My device would be an iPhone and an iPod. Classic rock and some hard rock.
Thanks,
TA

[angryguy]

I really enjoyed the ATH-M50 but I can't offer you a direct comparison to your JVC's. I just don't see how they could possibly be a downgrade. The M50s are easy to drive and don't need an amp. You may get a little something extra out of them with an amp, but they really don't need it. As far as durability goes, my audio technica headphones have held up better than anything else I've owned in the past.

They have pretty good isolation as well so they could work pretty well for use while lawn mowing. That said, you'll get better isolation out of some IEMs so you may want to consider that if you haven't.

[j123my]

I have had the M50, and I can say those are pretty decent headphones for the price. People said they are v-shaped or has recessed mids, which is probably fine (or even desirable) for rock etc but not for classical, jazz, etc. But since then I have moved to HD600 and never looked back. 

[brooklyn]

I recently took home a pair of the sol republic HD from Best Buy and returned them,
the bass sounded a little overpowering for me.

Build quality was pretty good (Indestructible Headband) but because the ear cups don't move it made them uncomfortable for me.

Regards,
Jerry

[neobop]

A lot of pros seem to like the M-Audio Q40.  116dB, 64 ohms and said to have good isolation.  That's about all I know about them.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/529902-REG/M_Audio_9900_52308_00_Studiophile_Q40_Closed_Back_Dynamic.html

[JohnR]

I owned the M50's, I do think they are very good for the price (which is...?? $139, OK) because they are easy to listen to, reasonably well balanced and easy to drive from an iPhone etc. However, the bass is really overdone, which gets tiresome after a while (JMHO).

However, if you are seeking advice ( ) I would say don't use headphones while mowing!! Headphones like this don't have that much isolation, so you will naturally turn it up loud to drown out the mower. You don't realize how loud you are really playing headphones, because of the lack of physical impact. Get better headphones for proper listening, and wear ear protection while mowing.

"Because the noise levels of a Rotary Mower can exceed 85 dB(A), personal hearing protection is normally used"

http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/content/safety_topics/noise/further_information/Rotary_lawn_mower-Noise_manage.html

[Trans Am]

Ok bought the SOL's back in January and I love them. First pair of on-ear headphones. The bass is a little on the high side but for casual listening and streaming Netflix on an iPhone or iPad. Very comfortable and the sound is super realistic. Love them, couldn't find a pair of M50's to listen to to judge their sound quality.

Thanks for the advice John. I did find that true.

-Chris