Audio-Technica R70xa

The reviewer finds the new Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa to be a solid update over the original, with improved comfort from the pivoting cups and telescoping yoke, though the weak magnetic suspension strap adjustment is a notable flaw. The sound is well-regarded, and the lightweight design is a highlight, but the high impedance requires a powerful amp. Overall, it's a good but not revolutionary upgrade, with the cheaper R50X also impressing for its price.

The reviewer finds the R70xa to be a capable successor with a bright, detailed treble and ethereal vocals, but notes a thin lower midrange and a less comfortable fit than expected. The R50x is praised as a better-executed design with a snugger fit and softer pads, making it a more compelling value at $200.

The reviewer initially expected little from the Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa but was surprised by its extremely light weight, comfortable fit, and a natural, balanced sound that made his usual Beyerdynamic headphones seem overly bright and boomy in comparison. He concludes that while the R70xa lacks aggressive bass or treble, its honest and effortless presentation is so compelling that it changed his listening preferences.

The reviewer compares the Audio-Technica R70xa and R50x against the Sennheiser HD 650, concluding that both Audio-Technica models outperform the HD 650 in terms of soundstage, air, and value. While the R50x is praised as a mix-ready budget option, the R70xa is ultimately favored for its superior detail and precision, especially when EQ-corrected, making it the new recommended studio standard.

The reviewer finds the R70xa to be a mostly neutral, mid-forward open-back headphone that blends the tunings of the original R70x and the Refine collab, but the combination of warmth and leanness sounds odd and unnatural to him. It is extremely light and comfortable, and the high impedance makes it tube-amp friendly, but the long, proprietary, reversible cable is a major drawback. He concludes it will appeal to a specific audience, but he is not part of it.

The reviewer and a guest engineer find the Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa to be extremely lightweight and comfortable, with a smooth, natural frequency response that requires minimal EQ for mixing. However, they note significant drawbacks: the headphones are very power-hungry (470 ohms, spiking to 1000 ohms), have limited low-end extension and headroom, and exhibit a narrow soundstage that can be distracting without crossfeed. Overall, they are recommended for acoustic or mellow mixes but not for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM.