Boasting "exceptional audio clarity and precision" alongside the ability to "expand the capabilities of critical listening in both home studio and professional environments," the Audio-Technica R70xa and R50x had better follow that up where it counts.
Thankfully, the new ATH-R70xa has a good pedigree as it is an evolution of the popular ATH-R70x. Meanwhile, the ATH-R50x are a more budget-conscious set of open-back over-ears that promise a "versatile, professional-level performance" for critical listening.
The ATH-R70xa becomes the range flagship. Its open-back configuration allows for unrestricted airflow, enabling the pair of 45 mm drivers to deliver a more "natural and balanced" sound with "refined accuracy" across its claimed 5 – 40,000 Hz frequency response.
Weighing just 199g and made using a streamlined, metal-reinforced construction with replaceable velour earpads, the ATH-R70xa is said to blend professional performance levels with "unmatched" comfort for long listening sessions. The new cans are bundled with a dual-sided 300m detachable locking cable, a 6.3mm adapter, and a carrying pouch.
The ATH-R50x, however, weighs 207g and also sports 45mm drivers to deliver a frequency response of 5 to 40,000 Hz and 93.3 dB/mW sensitivity. The R50x relies on re-engineered drivers found in the original ATH-R70x headphones, so we are told to expect a "wide, realistic soundstage" along with good bass extension.
The R50x comes with two detachable cables (3m and 1.2 m), each with a 2.5mm twist-lock connector and a 3.5mm gold-plated stereo mini-plug. Like its more premium stablemates, it also comes with a 6.3 mm adapter and a handy carrying pouch.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa are available now priced at £299/US$349/€349/A$499. The ATH-R50x will follow soon with an RRP of £139/ US$159/€169/A$399.
Visit Audio-Technica for more information
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