Audio-Technica ATH-R70x vs ATH-R70xa Review: How the Flagship Just Got Better
Audio-Technica has long been at the forefront of professional audio equipment, and the ATH-R70x headphones have been a flagship model beloved by sound engineers, musicians, and audiophiles. However, with the recent release of the ATH-R70xa, the brand has taken its flagship to new heights.
If you’re considering upgrading or are simply curious about how these two models compare, this detailed breakdown will guide you through the similarities and improvements that set the ATH-R70xa apart.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the design, sound quality, features, and suitability of the ATH-R50x for various users, providing you with a detailed understanding of what these headphones bring to the table.
Overview of the ATH-R70x
First released in 2015, the ATH-R70x quickly became a staple in professional studios and home setups. Its lightweight design and fully open-back construction earned praise for delivering an airy soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening tasks like mixing and mastering.
Key features of the ATH-R70x include:
- 45mm Drivers: Offering accurate sound reproduction across a wide frequency range.
- Featherlight Build: At just 210 grams, the headphones are easy to wear for long sessions.
- Open-Back Design: Providing a natural and expansive soundstage.
- Self-Adjusting Headband: Ensuring a comfortable fit for various head sizes.
The ATH-R70x gained a loyal following, particularly among professionals who valued its balance of price, performance, and comfort.
Introducing the ATH-R70xa
The ATH-R70xa builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor while incorporating modern enhancements that cater to the needs of today’s audio professionals.
Key improvements in the ATH-R70xa:
- Redesigned Drivers: New 45mm drivers provide enhanced transient response and greater sonic accuracy.
- Lighter Weight: At 199 grams, the ATH-R70xa is even more comfortable for extended use.
- Upgraded Headband: Improved adjustability and durability for a better fit and longer lifespan.
- Enhanced Build Quality: Refined materials for increased resilience under professional use.
Audio-Technica has carefully re-engineered the ATH-R70xa to address feedback from users of the original R70x, creating a headphone that feels modern and refined while maintaining its predecessor’s core strengths.
Sound Quality: A Clearer, More Detailed Listening Experience
ATH-R70x:
The original ATH-R70x earned accolades for its transparent and uncolored sound signature. Its open-back design contributed to an airy and natural soundstage, making it suitable for detailed work.
The frequency response of the ATH-R70x (5 Hz – 40 kHz) captures a wide range of sounds, but some users noted that the transient response could be slightly improved, particularly when handling complex or fast audio material.
ATH-R70xa:
The ATH-R70xa addresses this with redesigned drivers that offer faster transient response and reduced internal resonance. These improvements enhance the headphones’ ability to reproduce intricate details with greater precision, whether it’s the subtle reverb on a vocal track or the intricate layering of an orchestral score.
While the frequency response remains the same, the ATH-R70xa achieves a more balanced tonal character, ensuring accuracy across all frequencies. The bass is tighter, the mids are more articulate, and the highs are crisp without being harsh.
For professionals working on high-resolution audio or demanding projects, this refined sound quality is a significant step forward.
Comfort and Build: Extended Sessions Made Easier
ATH-R70x:
The lightweight design (210 grams) and self-adjusting headband of the ATH-R70x made it a favorite for long listening sessions. The velour earpads provided a comfortable and breathable fit, though some users noted that the headband could feel slightly loose on smaller heads.
ATH-R70xa:
At 199 grams, the ATH-R70xa is even lighter than its predecessor, making it one of the lightest professional open-back headphones on the market. Audio-Technica has also redesigned the headband for improved fit and durability, ensuring that it stays comfortable and secure regardless of head size.
The new model retains the replaceable velour earpads, maintaining the comfort and practicality that users loved in the ATH-R70x.
Features: Small Changes with Big Impact
ATH-R70x:
The dual-sided, detachable cable of the ATH-R70x was a highlight, offering flexibility and durability. Its design ensured accurate stereo imaging, a critical feature for professional use.
ATH-R70xa:
The ATH-R70xa retains this feature while introducing minor refinements to the connectors for improved reliability. Additionally, each pair of headphones undergoes meticulous assembly and testing at Audio-Technica’s Tokyo facility, ensuring top-notch quality control.
Who Should Choose Which Model?
Choose the ATH-R70x If:
- You’re looking for a professional open-back headphone at a slightly lower price point.
- You’re content with the tried-and-true performance of the original model.
- You prioritize an established, proven product over the latest iteration.
Choose the ATH-R70xa If:
- You want the latest advancements in driver technology for enhanced transient response and sonic accuracy.
- You’re upgrading from the ATH-R70x and are seeking a noticeable improvement in sound quality and comfort.
- You plan to use the headphones for intensive, long-term professional applications and value the lighter weight and improved build quality.
Conclusion: Evolution Over Revolution
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa is a worthy successor to the ATH-R70x, retaining the original’s strengths while introducing meaningful improvements in sound quality, comfort, and build. For existing R70x users, the R70xa offers enough enhancements to make an upgrade worthwhile, especially for those in demanding professional environments.
If you’re new to Audio-Technica’s open-back reference headphones, the choice comes down to your budget and priorities. The ATH-R70x remains an excellent option, but for those who want the latest and greatest, the ATH-R70xa sets a new benchmark for what professional open-back headphones can achieve.
No matter which model you choose, you’ll be investing in a product that upholds Audio-Technica’s reputation for quality and precision.
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