The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are great for a smooth sound. They have a warm sound profile that adds fullness to the sound and a well-balanced mid-range that makes singing and lead instruments sound just as they should. Even though their open-back design makes the soundstage feel open and natural, their small ear cups may not be the most comfortable for people with bigger ears. Because they have a high resistance, you’ll also need a strong amp to get the most out of them.
As seems to be the trend these days, the ATH R70xs come in a cardboard box that is surprisingly big. Strangely, the closed-back sister M70xs come with a padded carrying case, but the R70x only comes with a simple leatherette bag. The three-meter, Y-shaped cable connects to both earcups with a mini-jack that can be locked in place with a twist. The stereo orientation stays the same no matter which part of the cable is plugged into which earcup. This is possible because the full stereo signal is sent down both sides of the cord, but the left and right earcup sockets are wired differently.
Specifications
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Model Name: AUD ATHR70X
- Color: Black
- Form Factor: Over Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
Where to get Audio-Technica ATH-R70x?
The ATH–R70xs’ design is very different from that of their closed-back brothers and from that of most headphones in general. Instead of the usual padded headband, the two earcups are linked by a half-circle frame made of slotted metal that does not touch the wearer’s head at all. The earcups can move in a horizontal plane, but not in a vertical plane. Vertical movement is done by what can only be described as a set of flaps attached above the earcups. These are hinged at the bottom and have a small spring. They rest on top of the head to keep the headphones stable and in place.
With 99dB of sensitivity and 470 of resistance, the R70xs can be driven by a low-power source like a USB DAC or laptop headphone output, but if you want to use them at a louder volume, you’ll need something with a bit more power. As you might expect from phones with open backs, there is some sound leaking, but they are far from the worst in this area.