The wear on these headphone pads was gradual so I didn't really notice how uncomfortable they'd become until I put on other, cushier cans. I've got two less-used Sennheiser models, one (HD280Pro) with the same type of soft plastic pads and the other (HD-580) with deliciously cushy velour pads. Both are extremely comfortable, so when I subsequently put on the ATH-M50s it's like donning a scratchy sweater. 
 
Aside from the cushions getting ratty, I can't complain about the general ruggedness of the AT's. I've had these for almost 8 years as my day-to-day mixing/editing headphones and I've subjected them to a great deal of abuse. They've been dropped, sat upon, jammed into carry-on luggage and carried around the world several times. 

I couldn't get my promo code to work. Alas I shall keep trying. Thanks for the heads up Larry.
 
Rocky

Everywhere I've read about them they get high marks...for sound and durability.
So that all bodes well...there is definitely a difference from my ATH-M40's...
and those things were like a rock..so if these hold up as well...I'm good to go...
Only thing wrong with my 40's is they need new earpads...but they still sound
great...just not as good as the 50's.

I paid the same for the 50's that I did for the 40's....go figure...

Bit, didn't you see the black flecks all over your ears and shirt?  I've got a 40 and have to practically scrape the stuff off.
 
;-)

I've seen them even cheaper than prices quoted above.  I paid a lot more for my M50s four years ago than they cost now and I didn't think they were bad value then.  So now they are definitely worth the current price.
 

bluzdog
I couldn't get my promo code to work. Alas I shall keep trying. Thanks for the heads up Larry.
 
Rocky

Rocky, once you've signed up there is no promo code...it will be in your shopping cart.  
It will say "you have a $10 Credit" and you have to click the "Apply" button.

Make sure you use my link to get there...I get a $10 credit if you buy something! 

Kev999
I've seen them even cheaper than prices quoted above.  I paid a lot more for my M50s four years ago than they cost now and I didn't think they were bad value then.  So now they are definitely worth the current price.
 

I've NEVER seen ATH-M50's for cheaper then $79 anywhere....they normally sell for $159...

Not saying that it's not possible...but I monitor LOTS of sites and have never seen these cheaper...
I've been waiting for 2 years for the price to be right to buy these...

I think my M-50's are amazing. I ultimately prefer my Grado's for listening to non-electro music, but for checking mixes through my VRM box the M-50's are ideal and immediately reveal any bass problems, and anything that has sub-bass or a heavy kick sounds amazing.

My only regret is that I have the coiled cable instead of the straight cable, if I bought a 2nd pair I'd get the straight. And mine does have a little wear at the connector which means that every now and then the sound cuts out and I have to push the wire back in - I can't remember how this happened but I suspect it was from standing too far from my interface to record a guitar part and I may have tugged them out. Which is why I should have got the straight cable....

Here's your chance Sharke!!  Buy the Straight Cable set for backups!!!
 
$69 is a crazy good price 

I'm sorely tempted...