Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

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$279.00 to $352.44 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (11)

5 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

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5 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (4)

$349.00

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5.0 (1)

$349.00

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5.0 (2)

$352.44 4 available New

$218.00 1 available Used

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4.7 (89)

$279.00

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Average Price: $309

High-end/Boutique

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Headphones & In-Ear Monitors category, Audio-Technica ATH-R70x is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Audio-Technica ATH-R70x". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your listening experience with the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x, where precision meets comfort in an open-back design. Crafted for discerning ears, these professional reference headphones are ideal for studio mixing, personal enjoyment, and critical listening tasks. The proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver a remarkable frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 40kHz, ensuring that every nuance of your audio is faithfully reproduced.

The ATH-R70x showcases an acoustically transparent aluminum honeycomb-mesh housing, providing an expansive soundstage that captures the subtleties often missed by lesser headphones. Its ergonomic design, featuring a unique 3D wing system and breathable fabric earpads, guarantees hours of fatigue-free listening. With an impedance of 470 ohms and a maximum input power of 1000 mW, these headphones stand as a testament to Audio-Technica's commitment to excellence and innovation.

Key Features:

Open-back, circumaural design for natural sound reproduction
Proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets
Frequency response of 5Hz-40kHz for comprehensive audio coverage
Acoustic aluminum honeycomb-mesh housing for a spacious soundstage
3D wing support system for a comfortable fit
Detachable cable with dual-side routing for convenience
Impedance: 470 ohms; Max input power: 1000 mW at 1 kHz
Sound pressure level: 98 dB
Lightweight at 210g (without cable) for extended wearability
Comes in a sleek black finish with a carrying pouch included

Discover the perfect balance of clarity and comfort with ATH-R70x – a favorite among audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Product specs

Brand	Audio-Technica
Model	ATH-R70X Open-Back On-Ear Reference Monitor Headphones
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	On-ear Headphones, Open-back Headphones

FAQs

Are the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?: Yes, the ATH-R70x headphones are designed as open-back reference monitors, providing a neutral and accurate sound profile that is ideal for mixing and mastering.
Do the ATH-R70x headphones require an amplifier for optimal performance?: While you can use the ATH-R70x with a phone or computer, an amplifier is recommended to fully realize their potential, especially for higher volume levels and enhanced sound quality.
What type of design do the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones have?: The ATH-R70x features an open-back design, which allows for a more natural and spacious soundstage, making them well-suited for critical listening environments.
How comfortable are the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones for long sessions?: The ATH-R70x headphones are designed with lightweight materials and breathable ear pads, providing comfort for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue.
Are the ATH-R70x headphones compatible with portable devices?: Yes, the ATH-R70x headphones can be used with portable devices, but pairing them with an amplifier will enhance their performance significantly.

Videos

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Z Reviews

Z Review - Audio-Technica ATH-R70X

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Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Review: WORTH IT? (2023)

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions
Accurate and pleasurable sound signature, well-balanced across frequencies
Strong, clear bass without overwhelming thump
Buttery smooth mids and highs, with detailed vocal reproduction
Open-back design offers immersive soundstage
High-quality build, with replaceable parts and cable for long-term use
Performs well with various genres and professional audio work
Requires an amp for best performance, indicating high fidelity
Outperforms more expensive competitors in value and sound quality
Lightweight design enhances user comfort

CONS

Open-back design leads to sound leakage
High impedance requires powerful amp or audio interface for optimal performance
Some users may find the ear pads too small
Fragile construction in parts; care needed during use and storage
Stock cable quality and design could be improved
Ear pad discomfort noted for users with large ears or glasses

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATH-R70x.

Use cases and applications

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Owners find the R70x performs well with tube amps, enhancing listening experiences with models like the Little Dot MK2 and Xduoo TA26.
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Calibration using a personalized hearing test ensures sound remains centered and balanced, even with slight hearing differences between ears, enhancing the listening experience.
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Due to precise imaging, the R70x is recommended for gaming as well as music listening, providing an immersive experience.
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User experience

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Using a quiet environment and white noise to cleanse hearing aids in accurately determining frequency thresholds during the Peace Headphone calibration process.
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Owners note that the initial dullness of calibrated EQ settings diminishes within days, revealing a balanced sound profile without altering bass or treble after calibration.
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Some users report the R70x feels extremely light and comfortable, often described as feeling like "nothing at all" compared to bulkier headphones.
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Some users find the small inner diameter of the earpads causes ears to touch the pads, affecting comfort for long sessions.
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Software and compatibility

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AutoEQ project uses measurements from Oratory1990 but isn't associated with him, generating EQ profiles for various targets like Harman and IEF Neutral.
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Owners utilize the Peace Headphone and Hearing Test tool for personalized EQ calibration, addressing unit and individual hearing variations for better tonal balance.
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Features and functionality

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The Peace Equalizer tool allows for creation of flat EQ profiles with adjusted pre-amp gain, enabling easy comparison between default and EQ-enhanced sound.
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The "3D wing support" headband system, with its stiffer elastic and decent clamp force, ensures stability even during active use.
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Mods and upgrades

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Qudelix 5K is favored for on-the-go EQ settings, allowing users to apply different EQ settings for left and right channels, enhancing portable headphone use.
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Brainwavz XL Micro Suede gel pads increase comfort but can make the sound less airy and more intense.
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Running the R70x balanced with an AliExpress cable offers more power, particularly beneficial for portable devices like the Qudelix 5K.
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Value and pricing

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Many owners express surprise at frequently choosing the R70x over headphones costing twice or three times as much.
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Build quality

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The R70x uses twist-lock dual-2.5mm connectors, limiting cable replacement options, and the 3-meter cable may be impractical for many setups.
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The metal parts can feel sharp, which some owners carefully smooth out with high grit sandpaper to improve the feel.
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Setup and maintenance

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With 470 ohms impedance, a dedicated amplifier is suggested for optimal performance, though they function adequately with lower power sources.
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Comparisons

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The R70x offers superior imaging and soundstage compared to the HD600, despite having a similarly neutral tuning profile.
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Critic Reviews

Audio Technica ATH-R70x Review: A Gateway to Soundstage – Headphones.com

headphones.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x impresses with its lightweight build and exceptional soundstage, making it a strong contender in the mid-fi headphone market. Its neutral tuning offers non-fatiguing listening, though some may find it lacking in bass depth and note definition, particularly in drums. While it doesn't surpass competitors like the Sennheiser HD600 in technical performance, its comfort and immersive staging make it ideal for extended use. Overall, it's a highly recommended choice for those prioritizing comfort and spatial audio experience over pure sound resolution.

positive

Full Review

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Review (Headphone) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

audiosciencereview.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x offers a unique design with good frequency response between 100 Hz and 4 kHz, but it falls short in comfort and bass performance. High impedance and low sensitivity mean you'll need a robust headphone amplifier. While fidelity is respectable out of the box, its lack of deep bass and highs affects spatial quality. Adding EQ improves performance, but bass boost can introduce distortion at higher volumes. Competing in a crowded $300 market, it struggles against more comfortable, better-sounding options from Sennheiser and Hifiman. Not a standout, but not without potential for the right user.

neutral

Full Review

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones shine with an immersive open-back design and a natural soundstage that audiophiles will appreciate. Their lightweight build and 3D Wing Support ensure comfort during long listening sessions. However, they fall short in versatility, with poor noise isolation and significant audio leakage, making them unsuitable for commuting or office use. The high impedance also necessitates a powerful amp. Despite these drawbacks, their balanced mid-range and warm sound profile make them a compelling choice for home use, particularly for those who prioritize sound quality over portability.

positive

Full Review

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Studio Headphone Review - Sonarworks Blog

sonarworks.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones are a stellar choice for studio professionals, praised for their neutral frequency response and lightweight, comfortable build. They rival the Sennheiser HD 650 in sound quality, with lower total harmonic distortion and impressive adaptiveness. However, their build feels somewhat fragile, and they're limited by cable options and fit issues for smaller heads. At a price point of $350, they offer excellent value but face stiff competition from the Sennheiser x Massdrop HD 58X and 6XX in terms of cost-effectiveness. Overall, these headphones are a top contender in the open-back category.

positive

Full Review

Audio-Technica: ATH-R70x open-back reference headphone | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones are a hit among studio professionals for their light weight, comfort, and balanced sound profile. The design is thoughtful, featuring a unique headband and versatile Y-cable, though the single long cable could be cumbersome. Sound-wise, they offer a warm, inviting tone with excellent low-frequency performance, minimal distortion, and precise imaging. Despite minor quirks like hard-to-see side markings, the ATH-R70x stands out as a reliable studio reference, especially for open-back designs. Priced at $350, they are a valuable investment for those seeking clarity without fatigue.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

kalam_mahardhika

223

about 2 years ago

very neutral sounding and dangerously comfy

primarily, i only need headphones for mixing demos and this does it's job very well. No immediate overpowering/underpowered frequencies, staging and imaging is good enough for me. What makes this pair so special though is how dangerously comfy it is. I have normal sized ears so the ear cups provide no issues, and the headband pressure is so comfy I literally almost slept in these watching netflix.

Roles:

Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Funk / Soul Jazz

lovremy

almost 4 years ago

The Flattest Headphones I've Ever Used

These are the most flattest headphones I have ever used! Some may listen to these headphones and be met with a "thats it?" sound, however, these headphones are perfect for mixing & mastering; the sound you hear on these headphones, is the exact way your music sounds.

Some headphones (like Beats) boost the bass, and even some of the other Audio-Technica headphones (M50) boost the bass and high end. But these? The r70x's are extremely flat and they are truly the best pair of mixing headphones I've ever owned.

Roles:

Singer Rapper Composer

Genres:

Pop Hip Hop Contemporary R&B

adamfiregate

2049

over 9 years ago

My best headphones yet

This is my most expensive headphones yet. I found it extremely good for listening, production, mixing and mastering as well.

lighweight
ultra detailed sound
quick transients
comfortable
good for long sessions as it is open backed

It has a better tonal quality than the Sennheiser HD 600. The HD 600 doesn't have enough bass, but the R70x is superior in the bass range. Overall I like the R70x better.