This review delves into a detailed comparison of the Audio-Technica ATH-R70xA and ATH-R50x headphones, examining their features, build quality, sound profiles, and overall listening experience. Both models offer compelling options within different price points, but cater to distinct sonic preferences. The R70xA, at a higher price point, boasts a refined design and a more nuanced, ethereal sound signature characterized by bright treble and a spacious soundstage. However, its comfort and build quality are subjected to closer scrutiny.The R50x, a more budget-friendly alternative, presents a lively and energetic sound profile with increased bass emphasis. This comes at the cost of a potentially fatiguing, brighter treble response. This review will dissect the strengths and weaknesses of each model, including comparisons to the Sennheiser HD600, ultimately helping you decide which headphone best suits your listening style and budget. The verdict will weigh the pros and cons of each, providing a clear recommendation based on individual preferences.
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Unboxing and Accessories
The Audio-Technica R70xA, priced at $350, arrives with a basic cloth carrying pouch and a 3.5mm cable with lockable connectors and a quarter-inch screw-on adapter. Its simplicity contrasts with the R50x's more generous packaging.
In contrast, the $200 R50x includes a slightly better carrying case and two detachable cables (1.2m and 3m), both with single 3.5mm entries. This North American-designed headphone’s accessories showcase a more consumer-friendly approach.
While the R70xA’s dual 3.5mm entry and locking mechanism are appreciated, the R50x's single entry cables are more convenient for some and are a welcome alternative.
Build Quality and Comfort: A Tale of Two Headbands
The R70xA boasts a redesigned headband with a suspension strap, a significant departure from the original R70x's wing design. While the wing design proved divisive, the new design offers improved adjustability along the sides.
However, the R70xA’s semi-adjustable suspension strap feels less intuitive. Although removable and adjustable, the limited slots restrict fine-tuning for optimal comfort. It also applies more pressure at the top of the cups than the bottom, leaving a noticeable gap at the base.
Conversely, the R50x utilizes a simpler foam-padded headband, similar but subtly improved. The less aggressive curvature and stronger clamp force provide a snugger, more comfortable fit. The build feels more substantial compared to the R70xA.
Sound Quality: R70xA - Ethereal Vocals and Bright Treble
The R70xA initially impressed with its light, bright tuning. While the bass is punchy, not deeply rumbly, the mid-range and treble truly shine. Vocals possess an ethereal quality, creating a sense of distance and highlighting subtle harmonies.
The treble, while bright, offers a well-balanced shimmer and crispness. It beautifully renders pianos, woodwinds, and jazz tunes. The open soundstage contributes to excellent instrument separation and creates an airy listening experience.
Measurements reveal a dip in the lower mids (about 2dB), explaining the occasional thinness, and a bass hump. The treble response is above the 10dB downward slope, confirming the bright character but within acceptable limits. Channel balance inconsistencies are noted in measurements, though less noticeable subjectively.
Sound Quality: R50x - Lively and Energetic, but Bright
The R50x presents a more straightforward, lively, and energetic sound. Its mild V-shaped tuning profile features a scooped mid-range, resulting in clear but potentially thin vocals on some tracks.
The R50x offers more bass presence than the R70xA, adding oomph, particularly in drum-heavy music. However, this bass remains punchy rather than deeply resonant.
The treble is strikingly bright, sometimes becoming strident and splashy, especially on poorly recorded tracks. While the brightness isn't overly sharp, it can necessitate volume adjustments. Despite the brightness, the R50x maintains good soundstage, imaging, resolution, and instrument separation.
Comparisons: R70xA vs. HD600 vs. R50x
Comparing the R70xA to the HD600 reveals that while both can sound lean, the HD600’s lack of sub-bass is even more pronounced. The R70xA surprisingly has more bass presence and punch.
The R70xA's treble is brighter and more integrated than the HD600's, which is more mid-range focused. The R70xA excels in highlighting details in treble-rich tracks, providing more shimmer and presence.
The R50x's treble is even brighter than the R70xA’s, sometimes bordering on strident. However, it still offers a good soundstage and resolution, similar to the R70xA but with more bass presence. The R50x's brighter treble may prove fatiguing for some.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Audio-Technica R70xA offers a unique, ethereal sound signature, especially impressive in vocal-focused music. Its bright treble and airy soundstage make it enjoyable, despite a noticeable lower mid-range dip.
The R50x provides a more straightforward, energetic sound at a lower price point but with a significantly brighter treble that may be too much for some. The bass is improved over the R70xA, but still lacks deep resonance.
The HD600 remains a strong contender, offering a smoother midrange and while less bass and treble than the R70xA/R50x, it’s a safer, more versatile option overall. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and tolerance for brightness.