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Audio-Technica’s R-Series Open-Back Headphone Lineup Now Features the ATH-R70xa and R50x: NAMM 2025

Designed for studio applications the ATH-R70xa and R50x provide audio clarity while providing all-day wearing comfort for less than $400.

Audio Technica ATH-R70xa In Studio

The pro audio market has rather different demands when it comes to headphones and there is no shortage of quality options in 2025 for musicians and engineers to select from. Audeze, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic have done rather well in the category but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room still for competition from brands like Audio-Technica that are well established in the consumer headphone category.

With that in mind, Audio Technica is expanding its professional open-back R-Series headphone line. Building on the previously released ATH-R70x (2015), the ATH-R70xa is the new R-series flagship and is also joined by the new step-down ATH-R50x.

Refer to Open-back vs Closed-back Headphones: Which Should You Buy?

ATH-R70xa ($349)

Audio Technica ATH-R70xa

Built on the ATH-R70x, the ATH-R70xa are Audio-Technica’s new flagship professional open-back reference headphones. Suitable for studio applications such as mixing, mastering, or creating, the ATH-R70xa is designed to deliver accurate stereo, surround, and immersive audio and provide the natural and balanced sound of the predecessor R70x but with more refined accuracy and detail.

The ATH-R70x utilized damping for added low-frequency emphasis, but the ATH-R70xa relies solely on the performance of the driver – each diaphragm movement translates directly into sound without reliance on acoustic cavities or resonance. This delivers frequency enhancement while minimizing distortion.

Made for critical listening, the ATH-R70xa allows engineers to make the right decision at every step of the production process. With an extended frequency range (5 – 40,000 Hz), every detail of a mix is transparently reproduced. The unrestricted airflow and absence of internal resonance support extremely rapid transient response, ensuring the clarity and separation needed to handle complex mixing tasks.

The ATH-R70xa headphones incorporate very light streamlined construction. A new headband design is included along with replaceable velour earpads. This supports comfort for long working sessions. A dual-sided 3.0 m (9.8-inch) detachable locking cable is provided which is L/R signal independent to ensure proper stereo orientation.

According to Audio Technica, the ATH-R70xa has been handcrafted in A-T’s facility in Machida, Tokyo, assembled from components built and tested in-house.

ATH-R50x ($159)

Audio Technica ATH-R50x Headphone

Although the ATH-R50x is a step down from the R70xa, it is still designed for studio and general use to provide a natural listening experience with an expansive soundstage. The drivers are modelled after those used in the original ATH-R70x but tweaked to support more powerful bass and accurate upper midrange for better vocal and instrument clarity while maintaining a good overall tonal balance.

The ATH-R50x headphones are designed to support dynamic, detailed audio, with powerful sub-bass and a realistic soundstage directly from the drivers without any additional acoustic tuning. The fully open earcups also provide greater comfort than closed-back models – additionally supported by a new headband and durable, yet lightweight construction.

Great for mixing, mastering, or creating, the ATH-R50x provides precise, reliable reference across stereo, surround, and immersive formats. ATH-R50x comes with two detachable cables (3.0 m [9.8-inch] and 1.2 m [3.9-inch]), each with a 2.5 mm twist-lock connector at the left earcup and a 3.5 (1/8-inch) gold-plated stereo mini-plug.

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Audio Technica ATH-R70x, R70xa, R50x Open-back Headphones

Comparison

ATH-R70x (2015)ATH-R70xa (2025)ATH-R50x (2025)
Price$349$349$159
Headphone TypeOpen-back Open-back Open-back
Driver Diameter45 mm45 mm45 mm
Frequency Response5 – 40,000 Hz5 to 40,000 Hz5 to 40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power1,000 mW at 1 kHz1,000 mW1,600 mW
Sensitivity98 dB97 dB/mW93.3 dB/mW
Impedance470 ohms470 ohms50 ohms
Weight210 g
(7.4 oz), without cable and connector
199 g (7.0 oz), without cable207 g
(7.3 oz), without cable
Connector3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack
Accessories IncludedDetachable cable (3.0 m (9.8’) / 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug), 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo adapter

Protective carrying pouch
Detachable cable (3.0 m (9.8’) / 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug), 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo adapter

Protective carrying pouch
Detachable cable (1.2 m (3.9’) / 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug), 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo adapter

Detachable cable (3.0 m (9.8’) / 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug) 

Protective carrying pouch
Replacements/separately sold itemsNot IndicatedEarpads
Head pad
Detachable cable, 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo adapter
Pouch
Earpads
Head pad Detachable cable
6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo adapter
Pouch
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa and ATH-R50x Headphones

The Bottom Line

When it comes to amateur or professional studio production, headphones are a critical element. The Audio Technica R-Series is designed to meet that need at a very low price. 

The ATH-R70xa and R50x might be very attractive options, especially since they undercut the slightly higher-priced, but well-received, beyerdynamic DT-1770 (closed back) and 1990 Pro MkII (open back) headphones, as well as the beyerdynamic DT Series IEMs all of which hover around the 500 to 600 dollar range. On the other hand, the Dolby Atmos-compatible Audeze Maxwell might provide some competition within the same price range ($299). 

Pro Tip: Both new Audio Technical R-Series entries and Beyerdynamic DT Series IEMs were shown at NAMM 2025, a significant event for music professionals. 

Pricing & Availability

The Audio Technica AT ATH-R70xa and ATH-R50x are available at the following price points:

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