Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa Review

Audio-Technica has long been a trusted name in professional audio equipment, and their latest offering, the ATH-R70xa, seeks to raise the bar for reference-grade headphones. Set to release at a competitive price of $349, the ATH-R70xa builds on the legacy of its predecessor while introducing key updates in design and performance. This review explores every aspect of the ATH-R70xa, from unboxing to sound quality, to help you determine if these headphones are the perfect addition to your studio or personal listening setup.

What Comes In The Box

• ATH-R70xa Headphones

• 3m straight cable

• 6.35mm adapter

• Carrying Pouch

• Warranty and Information cards

Aesthetics and Functionality

The ATH-R70xa boasts a featherlight design, weighing just 199 grams (7.0 ounces) without the cable. This makes extended listening sessions remarkably comfortable, as the headphones feel almost weightless on your head. Audio-Technica has reimagined the headband design, replacing the two auto-adjusting supports of the previous model with a full suspended headband. This new system ensures a more secure and personalized fit, although the magnetic clasps can feel a bit fragile.

The build quality combines minimalism and durability, with sleek matte finishes that resist fingerprints. Despite its lightweight construction, the ATH-R70xa feels robust enough to handle daily use in professional settings. With the 3 meter cable and 6.35mm adapter, you are set to apply this to any audio setup.

You will definitely need some sort of external amplifier to drive these, as the 470 Ω impedance is a daunting number for just your laptop or phone to power. I paired this with the FiiO BTR15, a portable DAC/Amp that was perfect to allow me to listen to the headphones' full potential. 

Tech Specs

• Type: Open-back reference

• Driver: 45 mm

• Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW

• Frequency response: 5 to 40,000 Hz

• Maximum input power: 1,000 mW

• Impedance: 470 Ω

• Input jack: 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack

• Weight (without cable): Approx. 199 g (7.0 oz)

Listening Review

Soundstage

Super wide soundstage, giving you plenty of width as well as height for frequencies to expand. The depth gets a little lost, and everything is very frontal so you can get a lot of detail and clarity in its instruments. You get little to no sound privacy or isolation in these; the open-back design is well enforced and you can hear your ambient environment just as much as your music. The music reproduction is very natural, so it almost feels like your tracks are being played within the room you are in. Overall, the signature is quite flat and stays balanced between the lows, mids, and highs, so you have an excellent headphone for reference tracks and doing some precise audio work. 

Low Frequencies

The bass response of the ATH-R70xa is subtle yet impactful. It delivers clean, detailed low-end performance without overpowering the rest of the frequency spectrum. Acoustic and electronic tracks benefit from its natural reproduction, where low synths from the 1980s feel both textured and balanced. The bass is present enough to provide a solid foundation but never overwhelms, making these headphones ideal for critical listening.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange shines on the ATH-R70xa, standing out as the most prominent frequency range. Vocals are pushed forward, allowing them to take center stage while other instruments and layers fill the periphery. Tracks like “Michelle” by The Beatles showcase this beautifully; harmonies and instrumental details are effortlessly separated, creating a rich and immersive experience. The natural and uncolored reproduction of the mids ensures an accurate portrayal of the source material, making it an invaluable tool for vocal-heavy productions.

High Frequencies

High frequencies are where the ATH-R70xa’s open-back design truly excels. Treble notes feel light, airy, and free to dissipate naturally, avoiding harshness or sibilance. This openness is particularly noticeable in orchestral recordings, where room reverberations add depth and realism. Despite its analytical focus, the treble never becomes shrill, striking a perfect balance between sharpness and smoothness for extended listening comfort.

Summary

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa sets a new standard for reference headphones with its thoughtful design, lightweight comfort, and impeccable sound quality. Its neutral tonal balance and natural sound reproduction make it an excellent choice for studio professionals and audiophiles alike. While the magnetic clasps on the headband may feel delicate, and the depth of the soundstage could be more pronounced, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by its overall performance and value.

Priced at $349, the ATH-R70xa is a compelling option for those seeking high-quality open-back headphones. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, these headphones offer a listening experience that’s both analytical and engaging. Audio-Technica has once again proven why they’re a trusted name in audio innovation.

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa is available today at Audio46.