Excellent news! Audio Technica recently announced the latest additions to their family of highly regarded headphones. We, at Audio46, are über excited to get our hands on these three lovely additions and can’t wait! For now, we’ve jotted down a few of our initial thoughts on release notes, and will definitely be sharing more with the world after we have a listen.

ATH-M70X:

The ATH-M70x, at $299, is A-T’s most recent addition to their widely popular closed-back studio line (the “m” stands for monitor.)

Three main adjustments set this beast apart from its predecessors: 1) It’s not collapsible. Although the same 90-degree swiveling earcups are still present, the headphone itself is not collapsible. This means that the parts are less prone to wear and tear because there will be less strain on the body. Additionally, the M70x comes with a specially designed headphone bag (with an additional insert bag for cables too!) which is a significant improvement to the thin pouches included with earlier models. 2) Increased frequency response range. The previous model (M50x) had a frequency range of 15-28,000 Hz, while the M70x boasts an incredible 5-40,000 Hz. While the approximate range of audible frequencies spans from 20-20,000 Hz, frequencies above and below this range can still be felt. While this difference won’t be clearly apparent to many listeners, this is a major incentive for producers, and allows the M line a more competitive edge in the closed-back market. 3) Made with a slick solid metal build, it’s a force to be reckoned with! If you thought previous models were durable and  well-built, the M70x is as close to indestructible as you can get with Audio Technica’s professional studio monitor line. 4) Less bass. The M70x is tuned flat for added accuracy, which means that none of the frequencies are raised or altered. This means that listeners can expect just the right amount of bass intended. No more, no less.

Aesthetically, the overall look is simply an upgraded version of the ATH-M50x with slight yet noticeable alterations. A classic. Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis after we have a chance to listen to these! Pre-order a pair by clicking here.

ATH-R70X:

The ATH-R70x is a wild card, being A-T’s very first professional pair of open-back reference headphones. At a semi-steep price point of $349, the R70x boldly enters the reference market (the “r” stands for reference) going head-to-head with existing competitors in the $300-400 price range (Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, AKG, etc.)

Aesthetically, the R70x looks like the modern love child of a Sennheiser HD600 and an AKG k701 – because of its classic open-back earcups, AKG-esque headband, and self adjusting 3D wing support, which create a snug fit for comfortable prolonged use. (If you look at the photos long enough, you’ll start to agree with us.) With an aluminum honeycomb mesh, velour earpads, and a sleek yet sturdy build, listeners will definitely not be disappointed. Although the R70x will be released in only black initially, we optimistically anticipate a wider variety of colors to appear in the future.

Though we are not yet able to form opinions on sound from firsthand experience, looking at the specifications (below), we noticed the extremely wide frequency response range and the high impedance. The wide frequency response range allows for increased accuracy during mixing, and an increased soundstage – additional low and high end frequencies to be felt rather than heard. The high impedance level also caught our eye, and may potentially require listeners to use a headphone amp or crank up the volume on their portable music player devices – though we have not yet tested or confirmed this theory. 

ATH-M50xDG:

 As we welcome in a new year, we also welcome in a new color to the lineup of ATH-M50’s! The ATH-M50xDG (“DG” being an acronym for “dark green”), at $189, has all the same features and specifications of previous ATH-M50x models including the convenient detachable cable and improved earpads.

The ATH-M50xDG is an absolute beauty from top to bottom, with a luxurious chocolate brown headband and earcups, along with metallic honey gold rings circling the A-T logo on the side of each contoured earcup. Setting itself apart in class from previous limited edition colors, we are particularly impressed. 

Special Audio 46 Pre-Order Deal!!!

Pre-order any of these today and receive a complimentary Bluetooth   Mini Speaker (Value $9.99) and Compact Handheld Device Power Charger (Value $19.99).

ATH-M70x Specifications:
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Driver Diameter: 45mm
Magnet: Neodymium
Voice Coil: CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire)
Frequency Response: 5-40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power: 2,000 mW at 1 Hz
Sensitivity: 97 dB
Impedance: 35 ohms
Weight: 280g (9.9 oz), without cable and connector
Cable: Interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2m-3.0m (3.9’-9.8’) coiled cable, detachable 3.0m (9.8’) straight cables and detachable 1.2m (3.9’) straight cable
Accessories Included: Protective carrying couch, 6.3mm (¼”) screw-on adapter

ATH-R70x Specifications:
Type: Open-back reference
Driver Diameter: 45mm
Frequency Response: 5-40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power: 1,000 mW at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Impedance: 470 ohms
Weight: 210g (7.4oz), without cable and connector
Accessories Included: Protective carrying couch

ATH-M50xDG Specifications:
Type: Closed-back dynamic
Driver Diameter: 45mm
Magnet: Neodymium
Voice Coil: CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire)
Frequency Response: 15-28,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Impedance: 38 ohms
Weight: 285g (10 oz); without cable and connector
Cable: Interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2m-3.0m (3.9’-9.8’) coiled cable, detachable 3.0m (9.8’) straight cables and detachable 1.2m (3.9’) straight cable
Accessories Included: Protective carrying couch, 6.3mm (¼”) screw-on adapter