Audio-Technica’s R70xa and R50x Prosumer Open-Backed Headphones Released

Posted on 27th January, 2025
Audio-Technica’s R70xa and R50x Prosumer Open-Backed Headphones Released

Audio-Technica's latest open-back reference headphones are designed to bridge the gap between home and studio use.

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.

Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa open-back headphones

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.

Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa open-back headphones

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.

Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa open-back headphones

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.

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x open-back headphones

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.

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x open-back headphones

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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Jay Garrett

StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.

Posted in: Headphones

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