When Audio-Technica created the ATH-R70xa, they wanted both professionals and audiophiles to enjoy the headphone. So we wanted to see how the R70xa matches up with the esteemed Audeze MM-100. Both come in under $400, with the R70xa clocking in at $349 and the MM-100 at $349. The Audeze headphones, just like the Audio-Technica headphones, are open-back reference headphones geared for both mixing/mastering as well as for home playback. They take very different approaches as they look to reach similar goals. So which one is for you? Let’s find out in this review.
What’s in the Box:
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa | Audeze MM-100 |
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Build:
Audio-Technica achieved a feat of engineering with the R70xa’s lightweight construction. The Japanese company refers to it as “featherlight” because it weighs just 199 grams. With soft velour pads and a stabilizing suspension headband, it’s very comfortable to wear for long periods. That makes it suitable for drawn-out mixing/mastering sessions and extended listening periods. Assembled in house, the R70xa uses a carbon composite resin to improve structural rigidity. Furthermore, the headphones are designed to last thanks to their metal-reinforced construction and replaceable earpads. Plus its dual-sided cable is detachable and sports a locking mechanism, making it secure and easy to use. The signal independence of each connector just adds to the usability of the headphone.
With the MM-100, Audeze also made a lightweight headphone. But everything is relative: at 475 grams, it’s more than twice the weight of the R70xa. However, it’s significantly lighter than Audeze’s other offerings, its ability to live up to Audeze’s high-end reputation while staying at an accessible price point should still be lauded. It uses magnesium for its yokes and grills and includes an adjustable spring-steel suspension headband (simply loosen the locking screws and adjust the headband accordingly). Furthermore, its gel-filled pleather earpads are luxurious and comfortable, and the earcups rotate 90 degrees so they can fit flat in a carrying pouch for on-the-go use.
The R70xa is unquestionably lighter, but both are supremely comfortable. I don’t doubt the R70xa’s durability, but the MM-100 just has that Audeze “built-like-a-tank” feeling to it that Audio-Technica’s headphone just doesn’t. On the flip side, I could wear the R70xa for hours and hours and not even notice them on my head, while the MM-100 fit a little more snugly on the head. They’re an even match when it comes to usability. The R70xa finds strength in its locking and signal-independent cable while the MM-100’s headband adjustment and swiveling earcups prove useful for listening in one-ear while mixing and mastering. Overall, it will come down to taste – both headphones have unique strengths, so it’s up to the listener to weigh the differences.
Design:
Audeze and Audio-Technica didn’t just take different approaches with their headphones’ builds. While they are both open-back reference headphones, they diverge in how they tackled the designs of their headphones. The R70xa uses a 45mm dynamic driver, and has a 470 ohm impedance and 97dB SPL. Aside from dampening materials, the headphone has a completely open-back design, resulting in an extremely wide soundstage. Even though it has a high impedance and about average SPL, it’s still fairly easy to drive, playing well from a dongle or audio interface as your headphone amps.
The MM-100 uses a 90mm planar-magnetic transducer, which is in keeping with Audeze’s typically massive planar drivers. Unlike the R70xa which is more minimal in its technique, the MM-100, which still uses an open-back design, incorporates patented waveguides, magnet arrays, and diaphragms to try and set a benchmark for sound quality in its price class. At 18 ohms and with a 98dB SPL, it is also pretty easy to drive. Both will definitely want headphone amps to be driven to full potential, but neither requires an unusual amount of power.
Sound Impressions:
Low End:
The MM-100 and R70xa frequency responses contrast with each other in that the Audio-Technica is a bit more laid back while the Audeze has a more forward presentation. This dynamic takes shape in each one’s bass response. The R70xa is precise but a bit more grounded with its low end dynamics. It’s able to duck out of the way when a song doesn’t need too much from the lower frequencies. But when a more bombastic track comes along, it can ramp itself up to pretty exciting levels. That said, it pays more attention to texture and detail rather than sheer might. As it works up to its midbass transition, the R70xa is light and smooth, allowing for a seamless connection between the lower notes and sweeter midrange sounds.
The MM-100, with its speedy planar-magnetic drivers, is more energetic with a more visceral sense of punch and slam. While notes attack and decay with a natural sense of accuracy, it does pick up a little bit of warmth as it gets up to the midbass. This tonality has a ton of oomph and will allow professionals and audiophiles to really feel the tracks they’re working with. The elevated midbass does lead to a slight tinge of warmth though, so I would say that the R70xa is stronger in terms of overall neutrality whereas the MM-100 is more powerful and forceful.
Midrange:
Both headphones have lush and natural midranges, but once again, the R70xa stays a bit more reserved while the MM-100 goes for a more bold approach. The R70xa’s midrange is spacious and roomy, giving vocals and some instruments a distant feeling. Timbrally speaking, it’s still quite sound, and this distance never causes any shrill or brittle sounds. But it stays relaxed, keeping its position within its entire sound signature’s laid back presentation.
The MM-100 is a bit more vocal forward, though it still feels linear given the bass response’s more forceful nature. This leads to a more or less coherent response. Where the two differ is in their overall tonalities – the more present vocals on the MM-100 can feel warm in comparison to the R70xa, which in turn seems a bit brighter by comparison. However, both ultimately prioritize naturalism and cohesion. Both headphones have strong midrange dynamics and separate vocals and instruments quite well. The one area where they differ is in their upper midranges. The R70xa is a bit more refined in how it transitions to the upper frequencies while the MM-100 places more of an emphasis on lower mids. Once again, this causes a feeling of warmth and musicality where the R70xa is a bit more clinical and neutral.
Top End:
Treble is where these two headphones find the most common ground. Both go in a more relaxed direction, allowing for detail and resolution to take priority over bright dynamics. The R70xa may have the edge in terms of quantity of detail where the MM-100 tends to be smoother and more resolving. The R70xa seems like a great option for the listener who wants to hear the most information they can. Meanwhile, I think the MM-100 is best suited for listeners who want a more musical sound. Neither feels harsh or sibilant though, and I think each headphone does a good job at creating cohesion between their lower and higher frequencies.
That said, the relaxed nature of the R70xa at large makes the listening experience a little more neutral and coherent. Given the already warm-leaning nature of the MM-100, its treble can emphasize its warmer characteristics. That would lead me to think the Audeze might be a better choice for audiophiles who want to listen for pleasure while the R70xa may be more suitable for professionals who need to hear everything as clearly as possible.
Soundstage:
The R70xa and MM-100 both have impressive soundstages. Audio-Technica’s headphone feels a bit wider. It spreads information around elegantly and accurately, allowing for a nice sense of depth. Imaging is solid, though I do get the feeling that the R70xa prioritizes width over imaging accuracy. Still, it does a good job at creating a deep stereo field that I think listeners will appreciate.
The MM-100 is slightly narrower than the R70xa, but it makes up for this with its sense of scale. Notes feel a little more visceral and its more precise localization helps to keep listeners engaged. Both headphones do a great job engulfing the listener in sound, but ultimately the difference between these headphones still lives in their approaches. The MM-100 stays more forward and visceral while the R70xa is more laid back and relaxed.
Final Verdict:
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa and Audeze MM-100 are great contenders in the sub-$400 market. Furthermore, each headphone does a great job at representing what their higher end siblings offer. Ultimately, the choice, as always, comes down to preference. These reference headphones offer two different paths to hearing your music, and in a lot of ways they compliment each other quite well. Most importantly, they both impress with their unique characteristics and earn their keep in this crowded headphone segment.
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa and Audeze MM-100 are available at Audio46.
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