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)
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)
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.
Comparison
| ATH-R70x (2015) | ATH-R70xa (2025) | ATH-R50x (2025) | |
| Price | $349 | $349 | $159 |
| Headphone Type | Open-back | Open-back | Open-back |
| Driver Diameter | 45 mm | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Frequency Response | 5 – 40,000 Hz | 5 to 40,000 Hz | 5 to 40,000 Hz |
| Maximum Input Power | 1,000 mW at 1 kHz | 1,000 mW | 1,600 mW |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB | 97 dB/mW | 93.3 dB/mW |
| Impedance | 470 ohms | 470 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Weight | 210 g (7.4 oz), without cable and connector | 199 g (7.0 oz), without cable | 207 g (7.3 oz), without cable |
| Connector | 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack | 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack | 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo headphone jack |
| Accessories Included | 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 (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 items | Not Indicated | Earpads 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 |
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:
- ATH-R70xa: $349 at Amazon
- ATH-R50x: $159 at Amazon
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