The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are this manufacturer's long-standing open-back option for audiophile headphones. They're lightweight, and the ear cups feature an aluminum honeycomb mesh housing to help create a natural and open passive soundstage. They come with some unique features like a 3D Wing Support head pad system designed to reduce headband discomfort, as well as a unique cable system that lets you use either cable in either driver while still getting the appropriate L/R channel. They have an impedance of 470 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB, so they need an amp to drive them. Although they're often compared to the Sennheiser HD 600 for their sound, they're worth considering if you're looking for lightweight mid-range headphones with an immersive sound.
Our Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are great for neutral sound. They have a warm sound profile that gives audio some extra fullness, as well as a well-balanced mid-range that accurately reproduces vocals and lead instruments. While their open-back design creates an open and natural-feeling soundstage, their small ear cups may not be the most comfortable if you have larger ears. Their high impedance also means you'll need a powerful-enough amp to get the most out of them.
- Good passive soundstage.
- Small ear cups, which may not be comfortable for users with large ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x aren't intended for commuting and travel. Their open-back design lets in noise from engines and other commuters. They also leak a lot of audio, can't fold up into a more compact shape, and their carrying pouch doesn't protect against damage while on the go. They also need a powerful amp to deliver good sound.
- Good passive soundstage.
- Bad noise isolation.
- Leakage at high volumes.
- Small ear cups, which may not be comfortable for users with large ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x aren't recommended for sports. They won't block out any noise in the gym and are unstable on your head during moderate exercise. Additionally, their cable can get caught on exercise equipment and damage the headphones. They need an amp to get the most out of them too, which adds an extra, bulky component to worry about at the gym.
- Good passive soundstage.
- Bad noise isolation.
- Leakage at high volumes.
- Small ear cups, which may not be comfortable for users with large ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are bad for the office. They don't have a mic for calls, don't block out ambient noise and leak audio, meaning you'll hear people talking around you, and people around you will hear your audio. However, if you work from home or have your own office, they may be worth considering if you value sound quality.
- Good passive soundstage.
- Bad noise isolation.
- Leakage at high volumes.
- No mic.
- Small ear cups, which may not be comfortable for users with large ears.
You can't use the Audio-Technica R70x wirelessly, and therefore, you can't use them for wireless gaming.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are okay for wired gaming if you don't need a built-in microphone. Their open-back design creates an open and immersive soundstage with accurately-placed effects like footsteps in the stereo image. They're lacking a rumbly, thumpy low-bass, but on the upside, sound effects like footsteps and explosions still sound warm.
- Good passive soundstage.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- No mic.
- Small ear cups, which may not be comfortable for users with large ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x aren't suited for phone calls as they have no microphone. If you use an external mic, they'll still leak a lot of call audio, meaning people around you will hear your conversation.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x come in one color variant: 'Black'; you can see our unit's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussion section below.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
Released in 2015, the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x have established themselves as one of the most popular mid-range open-back audiophile headphones on the market. They're unique amid Audio-Technica's lineup, as most of their headphones, like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, are closed-back and meant for casual or studio use. They feature an immersive passive soundstage and a 3D Wing Support system that eliminates discomfort on the top of the head. However, the ATH-R70x are much smaller than traditional audiophile headphones, like the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X 2013, and may not be comfortable if you have larger ears. They still deliver more bass and are more comfortable than other mid-range audiophile headphones, like the Sennheiser HD 650.
If you're looking for more headphones like these, check out our lists for the best over-ear headphones, the best open-back headphones, and the best audiophile headphones.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x and the Sennheiser HD 600 are very similar-performing audiophile headphones. While the Audio-Technica have a lower bass extension, the Sennheiser have more accurate treble delivery and a flatter frequency response. However, they have a higher clamping force than the Audio-Technica, making them less comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Their passive soundstage also isn't as wide and natural-feeling as the Audio-Technica.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are better audiophile headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. Although both open-backed headphones are comfortable to wear, the Sennheiser are slightly more stable with more space to fit your ears. That said, they're both broadly similar-sounding, so you may prefer the more conventional headband design of the Sennheiser cans.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are slightly better for neutral sound than the AKG K712 PRO. the Audio-Technica have more bass overall and a more neutral midrange, resulting in a warm mix with clear and present lead instruments and vocals, which some users may prefer. The AKG, on the other hand, have a better-balanced treble range, so vocals and sibilants will sound crisp and detailed. However, their passive soundstage doesn't feel as natural and open as the Audio-Technica.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are different kinds of audiophile headphones, and your preference for open or closed-back designs will determine which is best suited for your needs. The closed-back ATH-M50x have more bass overall, which will make EDM and hip-hop sound thumpier and more full. Meanwhile, the ATH-R70x interact more with your pinna, which is indicative of a more spacious sound. However, the ATH-M50x block out much more noise and leak a lot less audio, making these more suitable for podcasts or casual listening in noisy spaces.
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