If you want superior noise isolation for loud environments like drum rehearsals and need a built-in volume knob for live adjustments, choose Superlux HD667; if you need ultra-lightweight comfort for long mixing sessions and a wider low-end frequency response, choose Audio-Technica ATH-M20x.
• Superlux HD667: Excels in active sound control with an inline volume knob and heavy-duty isolation for drummers, but the heavier 335g build can feel substantial over long periods.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: Offers exceptional comfort with a featherlight 190g design and extended bass response down to 15 Hz, though it lacks physical volume controls on the cable.
• The Pick: Choose the Superlux HD667 for musicians needing to manage levels while playing; pick the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x for producers and commuters prioritizing all-day wearability.
The Superlux HD667 is engineered with a very specific mission in mind: it is built for the drummer. The design prioritizes "in-the-zone" performance where external noise must be completely silenced so that the musician can focus entirely on their craft. This is achieved through a closed-back enclosure that pairs with premium ear cushions to block out the chaos of a rehearsal room or a live stage. If you are recording percussion or playing in a band where your amp is blasting, this headphone acts as a barrier against distraction, letting you hear every nuance of the snare or hi-hat without interference.
What truly sets this model apart from standard studio cans is the inclusion of an in-line volume control on the detachable 2-meter cable. Most headphones force you to reach back to your source device to adjust levels, which is cumbersome during a performance. With the HD667, you have quick, precise adjustments right at your fingertips. This feature is critical for anyone who needs to react instantly to changes in volume during a set or a recording take. The gold-plated stereo mini plug and the included 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter ensure that these headphones connect seamlessly to electronic drum kits, guitar amps, keyboards, and other studio gear without signal loss.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-26 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this specialized engineering comes with a trade-off regarding weight. At 335 grams (without the cable), these are not the lightest headphones you will ever put on. They are built with metal and plastic components to ensure durability and acoustic integrity, but that mass means they sit firmly on your head. While the foldable design and included soft velvet pouch make them travel-ready and protect them from scratches, the sheer heft might be tiring if you plan to wear them for hours without a break. This makes the HD667 ideal for focused, shorter-duration tasks like rehearsals, recording sessions, or commuting where you need to block out the world and have immediate control over your audio levels. It is less suited for someone who wants to wear headphones casually for a full workday while multitasking.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x takes a different approach, focusing heavily on comfort and versatility for the beginning producer or the daily commuter. Weighing in at just 190 grams (6.7 oz), these headphones are significantly lighter than their Superlux counterpart. This lightweight construction is paired with an over-ear design that ensures extended comfort during long mixing sessions or critical listening. If you are someone who wears headphones for eight hours straight while editing video or writing code, the reduced pressure on your ears and head makes the M20x a much more forgiving option. The materials used suggest a focus on softness and flexibility, designed to minimize fatigue even when the volume is turned up.
Acoustically, the M20x aims for precision monitoring with a broad frequency response that starts as low as 15 Hz, extending up to 20,000 Hz. This wider range compared to the Superlux allows for a deeper, more detailed bass response, which is essential for mixing tracks where you need to hear the kick drum and bass guitar clearly. The closed-back dynamic design provides excellent passive noise cancellation, minimizing external distractions in both studio and DJ environments. Unlike the Superlux, which has a dedicated volume knob, the M20x relies on a straight, left-side exit cable that runs 3 meters (9.8 feet). This extra length gives you plenty of slack to move around your home studio or workspace without feeling tethered to your device.
The trade-off here is the lack of on-cable controls and the slightly more generic build quality compared to the rugged feel of the HD667. You do not get a volume wheel to tweak levels on the fly, meaning you must adjust settings on your phone, computer, or mixer. Additionally, while the bundle includes a desktop stand for convenient storage, the headphones themselves do not fold as compactly as the Superlux. This makes them slightly less portable for throwing into a small bag, though the included stand helps keep them safe on a desk. These headphones are perfect for beginners entering the world of recording, content creators working from home, or commuters who need a reliable, comfortable pair of wired headphones that offer a flat, accurate sound profile without weighing them down.
• Best for loud rehearsals → Superlux HD667, thanks to its aggressive noise isolation and drum-focused tuning.
• Best for long-term comfort → Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, due to its featherlight 190g frame that reduces ear fatigue.
• Best for on-the-fly volume changes → Superlux HD667, featuring a convenient in-line remote for quick adjustments.
• Best for deep bass and low-end detail → Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, offering a frequency response that extends down to 15 Hz.
• Best for portability and protection → Superlux HD667, with its foldable design and included protective velvet pouch.
• Best for extended studio use → Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, providing a longer 3m cable and a stable desktop stand.
• Best for battery-free reliability → Both are wired, but the Superlux's 2m cable is shorter and tighter for stage use, while the M20x's 3m cable offers more room.
• Best for value seekers looking for accessories → Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, as the bundle explicitly includes a desktop stand for organization.
In my opinion, I would buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x for my own daily needs, specifically because I prioritize comfort and versatility for general listening and light creative work. The significant weight difference alone makes it a winner for me; I can wear them for hours without the neck strain I would expect from the heavier Superlux unit. However, if I were stepping onto a stage to play drums or needed to manage volume levels instantly during a live gig, I would switch to the Superlux HD667 immediately. Its specialized features and robust isolation are simply unmatched for that specific high-energy environment. For a commuter who wants a rechargeable wireless headset for commuting or low latency head phones for commuting, neither of these fits that description since both are wired, but for wired fidelity, the Audio-Technica wins on comfort while the Superlux wins on utility.
Both models offer excellent passive noise isolation due to their closed-back designs, but the Superlux HD667 is specifically engineered with thicker isolation for very loud environments like drum rooms, making it potentially better for blocking out intense traffic noise.
No, both the Superlux HD667 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are purely wired, passive devices with no internal batteries or microphones, so they require a direct connection to your audio source.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has a slight edge here, with a frequency response starting at 15 Hz compared to the Superlux's 20 Hz, allowing for deeper and more accurate bass reproduction for mixing.
Yes, the Superlux HD667 includes a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter and is explicitly designed to work seamlessly with guitar amps, keyboards, and other studio gear for optimal signal transfer.
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