Audio-Technica’s R-series has long been a favorite among audiophiles and audio professionals for its exceptional reference headphones. In 2025, the highly anticipated ATH-R70xa was introduced as an upgrade to the beloved ATH-R70x. Both models offer open-back designs and reference-grade sound, but how do they compare? This detailed review breaks down the differences to help you decide which is the better fit for your listening or professional needs.
What Comes In The Box
ATH-R70xa – $349 | ATH-R70x – $349 |
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Both headphones come with the same accessories, ensuring you have the essentials for professional audio setups.
Aesthetics & Functionality
The ATH-R70xa introduces a sleek, lightweight design at just 199 grams. Its adjustable suspended headband delivers a secure, customized fit, accommodating various head shapes. Audio-Technica revamped the headband from the ATH-R70x, replacing the two auto-adjusting supports with a full suspended design for added stability. While the magnetic clasps offer convenience, they can feel fragile and require careful handling.
In comparison, the ATH-R70x features an innovative suspended headband with dual side-mounted pads that automatically adjust for comfort. This design reduces pressure on the crown, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. The top band also provides flexibility, allowing users to rest the headphones around their neck when not in use. Despite being slightly heavier at 210 grams, the ATH-R70x delivers comparable comfort and stability.
Both headphones prioritize lightweight construction, ergonomic fit, and professional aesthetics, but the R70xa’s redesigned headband offers a slight edge in stability.
Tech Specs
Feature | ATH-R70xa | ATH-R70x |
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Type | Open-back reference | Open-back reference |
Driver | 45 mm | 45 mm |
Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW | 99 dB/mW |
Frequency Response | 5 Hz–40 kHz | 5 Hz–40 kHz |
Max Input Power | 1,000 mW | 1,000 mW |
Impedance | 470 Ω | 470 Ω |
Weight | 199 g | 210 g |
While both models share similar core specs, the ATH-R70xa boasts slightly lighter weight and a marginally lower sensitivity, making it easier to drive without sacrificing sound quality.
Listening Review
Soundstage
The ATH-R70xa offers a wider and taller soundstage with impressive spatial clarity. Frequencies feel open and natural, creating an immersive listening experience ideal for critical mixing and mastering. However, the depth leans more frontal, placing details directly in front of the listener. On the other hand, the ATH-R70x delivers a wide soundstage but lacks the same level of separation and precision. Layers can feel slightly congealed, though the overall presentation remains immersive and flat, perfect for casual mixing and general listening. Both headphones excel in soundstage performance, with the R70xa offering a more analytical edge and the R70x favoring a smoother immersion.
Low Frequencies
The ATH-R70xa delivers a clean, controlled bass response that complements rather than overwhelms the mix. The lows are natural and balanced, providing a solid foundation for acoustic and electronic tracks alike. The ATH-R70x follows suit with smooth, rich bass that avoids muddiness. While slightly more textured than the R70xa, it retains clarity, ensuring subtle bass nuances are preserved. Both models prioritize precision over exaggerated low-end response, making them excellent for analytical listening.
Midrange Frequencies
The ATH-R70xa shines in the midrange, presenting vocals and instruments with precision and clarity. This headphone brings midrange details to the forefront, creating an intimate yet balanced listening experience. Similarly, the ATH-R70x excels in midrange reproduction, offering lifelike textures and space for layered instrumentation. Its slightly V-shaped tuning provides added emphasis to vocals and key instruments, though it feels less expansive compared to the R70xa.
High Frequencies
The ATH-R70xa features light and airy highs that dissipate naturally, thanks to its open-back design. This creates crisp, analytical treble without harshness, making it ideal for post-production or orchestral recordings. The ATH-R70x delivers a brighter, slightly more colorful treble. While not as analytical as the R70xa, it offers excellent detail and smoothness, making it more forgiving for casual listening.
Summary
Both the ATH-R70xa and ATH-R70x are standout reference headphones that cater to audiophiles and professionals alike. The ATH-R70xa offers subtle but meaningful upgrades, including enhanced soundstage, lighter weight, and sharper detail retrieval. It’s an ideal choice for those prioritizing analytical listening and spatial precision.The ATH-R70x, meanwhile, holds its own with a slightly warmer and more immersive sound signature, making it perfect for users who prefer balanced, musical reproduction.
With both models priced at $349, your choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences and use cases. Whether you’re a studio professional or a dedicated audiophile, either headphone promises the premium quality Audio-Technica is known for.
Both the R70xa and the R70x are available at Audio46.
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