Sony MDR-MV1 Vs Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa Comparison Review

Finding the perfect pair of studio headphones can be daunting but, the Sony MDR-MV1 and Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa stand out as top contenders. Whether you’re focused on mixing, mastering, or critical listening, these two candidates might get the job done for you, but which one is the best? Both models offer impressive sound quality, lightweight comfort, and a spacious soundstage, but they cater to different needs. Is the Sony MDR-MV1 worth the extra fifty dollars, or is the Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa more on the cutting edge? Let’s break down their design, soundstage, bass response, mids, and highs to help you decide which open-back headphones best suit your workflow.

What You Get

Look & Feel

With the MV1 and R70xa, it’s all about weightlessness. Especially the R70xa which almost feels like nothing when wearing them on your head. The MV1 is similarly comfortable but its earcups are narrower and form a tighter grip on your head for extra security. In terms of looks though, the R70xa has the best design of the two. Its metal frame and headband combined with its large ear cups and open-back grille stands out more than the MV1’s fairly standard design.

Design

Both the MV1 and R70xa use dynamic drivers, with the R70xa being a slightly bigger unit. It uses a dual-sided cable while the MV1 is single-sided. Where these headphones have a major difference is their impedances. The R70xa is much harder to drive than the MV1, with an impedance of 470 Ohms. You’ll need a significant amp to run the R70xa, but the MV1 can be driven by practically any system with a 3.5 or quarter-inch headphone plug.

Soundstage

You might not think that either of these headphones has the most dimensional or immersive soundstage, but both may surprise you. Returning to the MV1 after some time, I found the imaging especially impressive, with its expanded headspace and separation. The R70xa also has a lot of spaciousness and accuracy, matching up with the MV1 in terms of localization. Both headphones individualize specific sound spaces, inserting them in their own direct area of the stereo field. The R70xa and MV1 present carefully layered instruments and expand them far enough outward they have a distinct origin. I don’t think I can recommend one over the other here, as both the MV1 and R70xa have a soundstage that operates exactly how you need it to for open-back studio headphones. The level of spatial imaging they’re able to translate grants you the perfect assessment for making decisions when mixing.

Low End

For open-back reference headphones, the MV1 and R70xa have a solid bass response that hits harder than you might expect. The R70xa has a particularly dynamic and bouncy bass tone that’s full of natural detail and impact. With the MV1, the bass actually appears very dignified, reaching deeper in the sub-bass and extracting a consistent growl. It might not be the kind of response you’re looking for to reference bass, but it’s very engaging for casual listening. Each note is still very clear and easy to pick out in a mix, but the MV1 also has this edge to it that might be more elevated than how your bass may actually sound. I wouldn’t call it coloration, but the R70xa seems more realistic to use as a reference.

Mids

While professional mixing headphones should keep a rather neutral and flat midrange, the MV1 and R70xa both have their quirks. For instance, the R70xa appears like it has a sense of heightened musicality, with some crisper micro-details thrown it to keep the sound exciting. It never sounds dull, and transients have finesse, but it might be more than what you might be looking for in terms of true evenness. In comparison, the MV1 seems flatter throughout most of the sound signature until you get into the upper-midrange where you hit a bit of spike. It’s not a Beyerdynamic timbre, but the upper-mids do have an expanded resonance to them that stretches out instruments and vocals more.

Highs

There are a lot more definitive differences in the highs that could push you to one toward the other. If you’re not a fan of bright or sibilant highs, the R70xa offers a more relaxed response. The MV1 is not shy in comparison and will hit you with sharper properties. Nothing is ever harsh though, quite the contrary. You get a lot of balance in the highs, with the MV1 featuring a lot of height and detail. Neither headphone has any sparkle to it, but the MV1 comes close in terms of excitement.

Summary

Both the Sony MDR-MV1 and Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa deliver high-quality sound and professional-grade performance, making them excellent choices for studio work. The MDR-MV1 excels with its detailed imaging, extended highs, and deeper sub-bass, while the ATH-R70xa offers a more natural, balanced sound with a relaxed treble that’s ideal for long listening sessions. If you need a headphone that’s easier to drive, the MDR-MV1 is the better option, whereas those with a dedicated amplifier might prefer the ATH-R70xa’s reference-level accuracy. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific studio needs and listening preferences but whichever you choose, you’re getting one of the best open-back headphones available today.

The Sony MDR-MV1 and Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa are available at Audio46.