I recently reviewed the MACH 60, and loved the punchy bass and warm feel of the overall sound signature. So, I was interested to see how the MACH 50 compared with respect to tuning and performance, considering it has one less driver in the low-end and is priced $300 less than the MACH 60. What differences in sound and skill can you expect?

Design Differences

The MACH 60 employs 6 balanced armature drivers - 2 Bass, 2 Midrange, 2 Treble. In contrast, the MACH 50 has 5 balanced armatures - 1 Bass, 2 Midrange, 2 Treble.

With an impedance of 32 Ohms and a sensitivity of 110dB, the MACH 50 is easier to drive than the MACH 60 (35 Ohms and 100dB). So, you’ll get a more volume from the MACH 50. But both models can be comfortably driven from your phone without a DAC/Amp.

Both models come with the Linum Estrone Superbax cable. It is much thinner than the MACH 80’s and 70’s 224 strand silver-plated copper cable. But like all the MACH models, both the 60 and 50 use a T2 connection, which many argue, is a more solid alternative to the sometimes temperamental 2-pin and MMCX connectors.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

All Westone models, regardless of their driver setup, have fantastic imaging. And this is certainly the case with both, the MACH 50 and MACH 60, which perform equally well in this department. Both IEMs not only offer plenty of height, but the sense of depth is amply apparent. You’ll hear nuanced degrees in placement behind and in front of the ear. And although the stereo field is not vastly wide, there is plenty of space between instruments. So, whichever model you purchase, you can expect a clean and comprehensively multidimensional soundscape that feels colorful and all-encompassing. 

Low-End

The low-end on the MACH 60 is deeper and more present than it is on the MACH 50. It’s got more punch and lends more warmth to the overall mix. In contrast, the bass on the MACH 50 falls closer to the neutral side. So, the MACH 60 not only packs a bigger punch with respect to modern genres, it also offers a richer, more majestic flavor to acoustic instruments in this range.

Mids

The upper mids feel more prominent on the MACH 50, while the midrange balance on the MACH 60 comes across as more even. As such, vocals are more dynamic and forward on the MACH 50, while the M60 offers a lusher and meatier feel with upper-mids that are slightly easier on the ears. And overall, the MACH 50 has the brighter midrange profile of the two.

Highs

The high frequencies on the MACH 50 feel slightly lighter or less substantial than the relatively weighty and rich presentation of the MACH 60. And although both IEMs have great extension in this range, the MACH 60 seems to have smoother peaks than the MACH 50, which can be a touch piercing at the very highest treble points.

Summary

Although there is not a huge difference with respect to the skill of these two IEMs, I found the MACH 60 to be a more satisfying and forgiving listening experience overall. I not only preferred the deeper, warmer bass and low mids, but also appreciated the smoother highs at the treble peaks. That being said, if you prefer a brighter and more lively sound signature, you’ll likely gravitate towards the MACH 50. But for my tastes, the tuning and richness of the MACH 60 is superior.

Specifications for Mach 60 and Mach 50

Where to Buy

You can shop for both the Mach 60 and Mach 50 from Westone here at Audio46 using the buttons below: