How does this compare to the M50?

It depends on your application. First, the M50 is now the M50x, which includes improved ear cups as well as three interchangeable cables (short, long, coiled). The M50's have a bit better isolation than the M40's. Sonically, the M50's has the flatter response on provides less coloration to the music than the M40. I.e., the M50 is very, very precise. You will hear the source faithfully and any coloration and soundstage needs to come from there because these cans, by design, will not provide it. The M40 is a bit more musical and will be more forgiving with consumer grade gear. In studio or for technical/critical listening, I'd go with the M50x. For a live stage or personal listening, I'd seriously consider the M40x.

I have a big head. Will the ATH-M40x work for me?

I have an abnormally large head, probably top 5% of the population. The ATH-M40x at maximum extension are a tiny bit snug. It's actually a really good fit. If you have a "big" head, you're fine. If you regularly find you can't wear other brands of headphones, the M40s aren't especially roomy. Try them and be prepared for a return if necessary.

What about "noise pollution"? Will other people on the bus be able to identify the music i'm hearing, what is the critical volume these hp will out??

As with all things, moderation is appropriate. If you want to throb your head and damage your hearing later in life, then things are different. Normal sound levels, with the ear pads cupped together, you cannot hear music, coming from the head phones, inches away from your ears. While on your head, you will hear the full range of music. Pay attention, you will feel the music, crisp and sharp, highs and lows, with good L/R separation. So unless your head is swiss cheese, even if it was, I think no one will hear anything coming from them, but you. I am speaking from experience, rural Sunday morning bedroom with the window open, light breeze through the trees, birds are content. I guess mating season is over.On the bus, with head splitting music? I think you are safe listening to top secret national defense briefings, in addition to any other music you can think of. That is, the bus is expected to be diesel/gas, in first or second gear, going 25+ MPH, and there are at least 10 people on board keeping to themselves. The headphones have good noise isolation, so your sound levels, depending on environment, will vary. You cannot hold a conversation, as that would be both difficult and rude, while wearing.All that to say NO, you are safe. The notion of critical volume is subjective. Since the object is to not damage hearing, critical volume is beyond the scope anyone should be using them. With that said, at 75% max volume on an iPhone in a relatively quite room, you will be able to identify the music for sure, with the ear pads cupped. Between 60% to 70% volume, you will not comprehend what is being listened too. At 50% you will hear no sound at all. On the bus, I suspect 75% to 90% is safe, while 100% volume could be heard quite clearly by the person sitting next to you. You could share your music with the ear cups opened out flat around you neck, without damaging anything.

How do these headphones do with classical/acoustic music? Is the sound natural and sufficiently good?

When i first got these headphones I listed to Ludovico Einaudi's CD and it sounded great, then I listed to The Early November acoustic Ep and that sounded amazing.

Noise Control	Sound Isolation
Frequency Response	24000 Hz
Sensitivity	98 dB
Headphones Jack	3.5 mm Jack
Model Name	Audio technica
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Wireless Communication Technology	no
Included Components	ATH-M40x Headphones, 6.3mm (1/4") Screw-On Adapter, Carry Pouch
Age Range (Description)	Adult
Material	Faux Leather, Aluminium, Plastic, Metal, Copper
Specific Uses For Product	Studio tracking, mixing, DJ monitoring
Recommended Uses For Product	Music production, podcasting, casual listening
Compatible Devices	Laptops, Mobile Phones, Tablets, PC, AV equipment, Media Players and any other wired jack device
Control Type	Volume Control
Cable Feature	Detachable
Item Weight	0.24 Kilograms
Customer Package Type	Standard Packaging
Net Quantity	1.0 Count
Style	Over-Ear
Control Method	Touch
Number of Items	1
Product Dimensions	28.96 x 25.4 x 10.41 cm; 240 g
Batteries	1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
Item model number	ATH-M40x
Connector	3.5mm Jack
Hardware Interface	3.5mm Audio
Size	Standard Over-Ear
Colour Screen	No
Computer Memory Type	DIMM
Linux System Requirements	Laptops, Mobile Phones, Tablets, PC, AV equipment, Media Players and any other wired jack device
Mac System Requirements	Laptops, Mobile Phones, Tablets, PC, AV equipment, Media Players and any other wired jack device
Windows System Requirements	Laptops, Mobile Phones, Tablets, PC, AV equipment, Media Players and any other wired jack device
Unix System Requirements	Laptops, Mobile Phones, Tablets, PC, AV equipment, Media Players and any other wired jack device
Voltage	240 Volts
Item Weight	240 g
Manufacturer	Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica ATH-M40X Professional Studio Monitor Over-Ear Headphones (Black)

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