Audio-Technica unveils its first professional grade open-back headphones with the new ATH-R70x

Audio-Technica, makers of leading audio gear for nearly half a century, have announced a new entry to its growing lineup of professional grade headphones. Initially unveiled at the NAMM show in California recently, the new ATH-R70x headphones are the company’s very first foray into open-back reference headphones and sit alongside the already released closed variation, the M70x model.

Head below for more details on the R70x’s premium internal components and aluminum/carbon composite resin build: 

These reference cans feature 45mm drivers, a 5-40,000 Hz frequency range, and an “accurate/extended” high end response with the use of “high-efficiency” magnets and a pure alloy magnetic circuit design. The company claims its use of carbon composite resin improves the rigidity of the hardware and brings out detailed transients in the audio. Despite that and the aluminum honeycomb mesh housing in the ear cups, they are apparently feather-light at approximately 210 g without the dual-sided detachable locking cable.

Now these headphones are rated with an impedance of 470 ohms, so you’re going to require the use of a dedicated DAC or full on audio interface to really drive these suckers properly. Some of our favorite picks are the inexpensive but highly rate FiiO options, but if you really want to make them sing checkout the JDSLABS Objective2 + ODAC Combo Headphone amp.

At nearly $500 a pop and a completely open-back design, they certainly aren’t for your average user. But based on reviews of previous model ATH M-series cans, these are likely to be a prime option for audio professionals and those who take their music seriously.

The new Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones are expected to begin shipping in March for $489 from Audio-Technica.com. However, we are already seeing an early preorder listing on Amazon.

Full press release follows:

[9to5-press-release]

The NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA 01-22-2015 – Audio-Technica (booth 6740), a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 50 years, introduces the ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones. The ATH-R70x is Audio-Technica’s first professional open-back reference headphone, joining the new ATH-M70x in A-T’s flagship professional headphone lineup. Featuring Audio-Technica’s comfortable, self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Headband Design that adapts to automatically fit any wearer with no need for adjustment, the R70x also has breathable fabric ear-pads, providing prolonged comfort for continuous use in professional environments. The proprietary driver unit, specially designed for the R70x, is the culmination of over 40 years of headphone design and manufacturing experience.

The ATH-R70x employs high-efficiency magnets and a pure alloy magnetic circuit design, reducing distortion and ensuring accurate and extended high frequency response. Use of its carbon composite resin improves structural rigidity to provide detailed transient response. The headphones’ acoustically transparent aluminum honeycomb mesh housing provides a natural and spacious open-back sound. The ATH-R70x’s feather-light weight (approx. 210 g w/o cable), combined with robust construction, is perfectly suited for professional use. It also features a unique dual-sided detachable locking cable that is L/R signal-independent, always ensuring proper stereo orientation.

ATH-R70x Specifications:

• Driver: 45 mm

• Frequency Response: 5-40,000 Hz

• Maximum Input Power; 1,000 mW

• Sensitivity: 98dB at 1 kHz

• Impedance: 470 ohms

The ATH-R70x will ship in March 2015 with a U.S. MSRP of $489.00. For more information, please visit www.audio-technica.com.

Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.

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