Audio-Technica has consistently set the bar high, particularly with its R70x model, renowned for its balanced sound and lightweight design. Now, the brand has introduced the R70xa, an updated version promising enhanced performance and refined features. If you’re a mixing engineer, audiophile, or simply someone who values high-quality sound, you’re likely wondering: how do these two models stack up? In this detailed review, we’ll dive into the differences in design, soundstage, frequency response, and overall performance to help you determine which of these headphones is the right choice for your needs.
What You Get
R70xa | R70x |
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Look & Feel
Audio-Technica’s main design for the R70x mostly persists with the R70xa. That is, they both retain an extremly lightweight structure that makes the headphones almost weightless. The most imidiate difference between the two headphones is the headband. With the R70xa, Audio-Technica subtracts the extra head clasps for a more simplified appearence. The headphone grilles are also slighty different, reavealing different interior structures, but for the most part these are the same basic frames. They both have thin meterials, but I would never consider them to be flimsy. This also makes both headphones equally comfortable to wear for long hours.
Design
Both headphones utilize 45mm dynamic drivers and have similar specifications like impedance and sensitivity. They have very high impedances so both the R70xa and R70x require an amplifier.
Soundstage
At first, it may be hard to tell the immediate differences between these two headphone’s soundstages. Both headphones are very wide and accurate, allowing for easy localization and spatial consistency. They look to communicate an in-studio display of sound, but switching between both headphones revealed a key advantage one has over the other. Going back and forth, the R70xa revealed non-linear imaging that offers increased depth and dimension to the sound. If you’re using headphones primarily as a tool for mixing, then the R70x will get the job done, but you won’t get the separation quality and layering that the R70xa gives you.
Low End
While the Audio Technica R70xa and R70x deliver clear bass frequencies with precision and clarity, there’s a definitive tonal difference between the two. The R70xa always feels soft to me, while the R70x is more tonally rich and full. I like the balance of the R70xa, but if you’re looking for slightly more punch, the original R70x will do that. Neither headphones have the most engrossing bass timbre, as the R70x and R70xa have very raw bass responses with little texture. This works for studio headphones though, I think the R70x offers a bit more to bite on than the more relaxed R70xa. With that said, I do prefer the separation of the bass frequencies on the R70xa, as I think the less solidified and weighty response actually increases its realism and transparency.
Mids
Both the R70x and R70xa get the job done in the midrange, but one headphone clearly offers more than the other. The R70x has a knack for articulating vocals and instruments, but it doesn’t have the level of detail that the R70xa does. Switching between the two headphones reveals that certain artifacts are missing in the R70x. You get the impression that the R70x has more notches in the mids compared to the R70xa, which feels much livelier and elevated. Notes appear more individualized and are better at communicating subtleties on the R70xa. I think both headphones are clear enough for what they are though, even if the R70x is more v-shaped than the R70xa.
Highs
This is an instance where I prefer the frequency response that might not be the most appealing to you. I like crispy and textured high frequencies, and the R70x gives you that. They’re bright and splashy at points, but they give the highs a ton of character in the same way it does for a Beyerdynamic headphone. For both mixing and general enjoyment though, you’ll probably prefer the R70xa with its much more controlled and airy response. Both headphones still feature good high-frequency detail, it just depends on how much of it is easy to digest.
Summary
Choosing between the Audio-Technica R70x and R70xa comes down to your specific needs as a listener or professional. While both headphones excel in comfort, lightweight design, and balanced audio performance, the R70xa takes things further with its improved imaging, midrange detail, and controlled high frequencies. On the other hand, the original R70x still holds its ground with a slightly punchier bass and more vibrant treble, making it a great option for those who appreciate a brighter, more dynamic sound signature. Regardless of your preference, both models are excellent tools for critical listening and mixing. Whether you prioritize the enhanced depth and realism of the R70xa or the engaging character of the R70x, Audio-Technica ensures you’re investing in premium studio headphones designed to deliver exceptional performance.
The Audio-Technica R70xa and R70x are available at Audio46.
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