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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold — Over-ear · 2022
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold

Over-ear · 2022

85
/ 100
From $199
VS
Focal Celestee wins by 3
Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Focal Celestee takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold lands at 85 and Focal Celestee at 88. That puts Focal Celestee ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Focal Celestee if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Celestee

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Celestee leads on sound (88 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold

ANC strength for commute and travel

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold leads on anc (83 vs 0).

Comfort

Focal Celestee

Long-session wearability

Focal Celestee leads on comfort (88 vs 84).

Value for money

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($199 vs $999).

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold 85
vs
88 Focal Celestee

Score breakdown

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold
85
anc 83
sound 85
comfort 84
battery 82
features 81
Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold versus Focal Celestee — full spec comparison
Spec Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold Focal Celestee
Type
Over-ear
Closed-back
Release year
2022
—

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Focal Celestee

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold vs Focal Celestee

Which is better, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold worth the price? +

At $199, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in sound.

Is Focal Celestee worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Focal Celestee last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold or Focal Celestee? +

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 · Rose Gold — leads on anc (83 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.