This was posted 3 years 7 months 13 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Audio Technica ATH-R70X Professional Open Back Reference Headphones $389 + Delivery @ UMart

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Audio Technica ATH-R70X Professional Open Back Reference Headphones $389 + Delivery @ UMart
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jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 08:36 umart.com.au (856 clicks)

Delivery costs range from $6-$12 in capital cities. If you've thought about the Sennheiser HD600 or 650/6XX but were worried about positional cues for gaming/movies/music, look no further. Similar deals are also available from CameraPro and on pre-order from PC Case Gear.

Warm tilt up from neutral, with very closed back-esque bass while having a flat sound signature most of the way through, just a sometimes notable cut just before 3kHz. Where as the 6XX are magical with vocals, the R70X is a more robust all-rounder, that can bring studio and live recordings to life in a way you'd rarely get out of the 6XX, all with a magical treble range.

Acoustically, this headphone is a homage to the 600 and the 650 while retaining the imaging and female vocal strengths that Audio Technica are well regarded for. I feel like a lot of people would be happy with this headphone for a long time, and the design choices (dual stereo cables instead of L/R, weight of 210g) make for a headphone you can just sit back and enjoy.

Despite the high impedence, these have a good enough sensitivity that you can start off without an amp, and build your setup up for that. I'd imagine they'd pair well with a tube amp similar to the 600/650/6XX,as well.

Enjoy!

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closed Comments

  • OfTheOverflow on 09/05/2021 - 08:52
    +15

    +1 for description. No idea if bargain lol

    • Noobist45 on 09/05/2021 - 09:39
      +1

      5 different stores selling for $389, looks like normal price.

      • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 09:49
        +6

        Normal price is $449-$469, original MSRP is $549. This is about $10 off the regular promotional prices. It has been as low as $349, but would rarely dip below $369 if you're waiting for a deeper discount. Sells in the US for an equivalent to $500 AUD (GST inc).

        This is amazing headphone at all of those prices, but sub-$400 it's genuinely an instant buy if you can afford to. You won't find anything really outpointing this until you go to $1000, and even then it would be subjective until you hit $1500.

        Rather than changing headphones every couple of years, you just buy headphones like these and change the pads every couple of years until it dies.

        BTW, what are the 5 stores? I only see 3, and one of them is on pre-order. MWave regularly offer promotional price too, but they're out of stock (and I think they have been for a while). I can see Kogan at $408 too, but that's it.

        • Noobist45 on 09/05/2021 - 13:02

          I listed the 5 stores currently selling this for $389 but it got removed as an affiliate link.

          • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 13:04

            @Noobist45: Clean the affiliate codes out of the link. I'm aware of 2 other stores offering this price, but this was the best deal for most people. If you have one that offers it for $389 with free delivery, pelase post a deal.

            This is a promotional price, likely from Audio Technica themselves. It's not a regular price.

          • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 14:59
            +1

            @Noobist45: Sold out now, here's your chance!

            • Noobist45 on 09/05/2021 - 15:02
              +2

              @jasswolf: PC Case Gear
              Catch.com
              Camera Pro
              JW Computers

              • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 15:14

                @Noobist45: JW would normally pop up on staticice, but you're right… and they have free shipping! Post that dude, you've got my upvote.

                The Catch deal is also via JW Computers, and the CameraPro seem to suggest they had limited stock.

                • Rajserp on 09/05/2021 - 15:52

                  @jasswolf: With free shipping JW is a great deal.

                • Noobist45 on 09/05/2021 - 17:48

                  @jasswolf: I feel JW is a very under appreciated store.

                  • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 17:55

                    @Noobist45: They redesigned their website, so it's probably not getting scraped any more.

                    Post the deal already! :)

  • G-rig on 09/05/2021 - 08:54

    I enjoyed my AT900 back in the day, pretty airy but love the brand.

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 09:54

      The ATH-R70X stands apart from the rest of their consumer line-up. Bar some similarities with female vocals, and below 75Hz, this is a completely different beast.

      • G-rig on 09/05/2021 - 10:11

        Cool. Haven't tested, use Beyerdynamics, sounds promising though

        • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 10:13
          +1

          Definitely give these a demo when you get the chance, though I should note my comparison there was against the ATH-A900X.

  • seerious on 09/05/2021 - 10:06
    +3

    Ha, I said it in your last post, but it goes double here. Please try these on before buying! They sound absolutely wonderful, but the earpads on these are notoriously tiny. Probably the smallest of all the mid-tier audiophile stuff out there.

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 10:11
      +1

      Yup, true but you can afford a little bit of a push underneath ear lobe if it's a tight squeeze. I would consider myself as having above average ears without being huge, and I'm not running into any issues. I'd imagine the average person would only run into issues if they have large piercings that have stretched their ear over time.

      Biggest drama with these pads is that currently Audio Technica don't advertise selling replacements, but I'd imagine they'd organise something via their support teams. I've no doubt in 2-3 years there'll be heaps of competent third party pads too.

  • TRANCE on 09/05/2021 - 10:31
    +1

    I own these, use them for gaming as well as music. Brilliant sound and sound positioning, paid $377 for mine, ebay coupon.

    These don't have much colour to their sound, not exciting or remarkable, they just strike a perfect balance between bass, mids, treble. I prefer them to any Beyerdynamic I've heard (DT770, 990, T5P, T70, all have shrill treble to my ears), also prefer them to AKG K7XX/K702 (thin sounding or lacking body). I don't have any experience with Sennheiser apart from the PC37X. I've never been a fan of Audio Technica's sound, a lot of them have shrill treble or sibilance, but the R70X are a home run, have a sort of "radio broadcast" sound to them, nothing sticks out but you hear everything.

  • snep on 09/05/2021 - 10:46
    +2

    https://crinacle.com/graphs/headphones/audio-technica-ath-r7…

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/audi…

    FR measurements look really nice. Distortion and CSD not bad. I'm sure this is a good sounding headphone, though at the same time if it was me buying I'd be taking a long hard look at the HD58X/HD6XX, especially when the former occasionally drops down to around $150 US.

    If you know you want a 'cooler' sound, with a more neutral upper mids and treble response and better imaging this looks like a good option.

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 15:12
      +1

      Keep in mind those SBAF measurements are from 2015. The bass distortion charactersitics weren't well regarded at the time from a lot of reviewers, but some of that seems to have been down to most amps being used at the time, I think?

      It's not planar clean, but it sounds natural, which is something you can say of the entire signature. Also keep in mind the sound is not cool, it's about in line with the 650, just the vocals sound more like the 600, in the sense that they are crisp rather than smooth. Vocal timbre is better on the 650, but the 600 with fresh pads probably beats it too.

      Great post though! :)

      • snep on 09/05/2021 - 15:45
        +1

        Keep in mind those SBAF measurements are from 2015. The bass distortion charactersitics weren't well regarded at the time from a lot of reviewers, but some of that seems to have been down to most amps being used at the time, I think?

        Maybe. Marv's measurements of the HD650 from the same period seem to have been made with a high end tube amp (Eddie Current Zana Deux Super), which might not be as perfectly clean as modern solid state stuff. Despite this, the HD650 still measures as having lower distortion than the R70, and the 650 itself isn't exactly known as a champion of low distortion.

        It's all probably somewhat a moot point though, I'm not convinced the difference would be that audible anyway.

        Also keep in mind the sound is not cool, it's about in line with the 650

        Good to know, I must've been over-exaggerating the FR differences in my head :)

  • Charlie Dont Surf on 09/05/2021 - 10:46

    I'd love these, but my budget can really only go to a ATH-R40X price point. Lots of choices, hard to gauge. Relying a bit (too much?) on YouTube reviewers.

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 11:15
      +2

      You mean the M40X? I posted some AKG K361 deals last night as well, which is an upgrade on the M40X sound, certainly in terms of listening fatigue and spatial cues.

      That being said, if you're driving for maximising your budget I would focus on the AKG K371 sub $150, the Sennheiser HD 560S below $200, and the Sennheiser HD 6XX below $250. Some of those would be record lows, but each one punches well above the price point.

      I also posted a deal for the AKG K612 Pro for $219 if you can splurge now, but they'd arugably have less of a drawcard in terms of one thing they do great. Fantastic headphones at that price, though.

      • Charlie Dont Surf on 09/05/2021 - 11:26
        +1

        Thanks, yes I meant the M40X. I'll take a look at the other deals you posted.

  • taothony on 09/05/2021 - 11:03

    I own these plus the ATH AD900. The sound is great (see other posts for detailed review) but don't buy if you have a big head, they are smaller and nowhere near as comfortable compared to the AD900s. I can only wear for 15 minutes before i need to change.

    • G-rig on 09/05/2021 - 11:11

      Have av look at DT990, 250 Pros, comfortable all day

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 11:16

      I use these all day. The pads need a little wearing in because they can feel a little coarse at first.

      I take it you had limited success with reshaping the headband? It's fairly pliable.

  • LordNoon6 on 09/05/2021 - 12:14

    Anyone with Sennheisier experience own these? Would love to hear a comparision as thats where most of my experience lies, though I did have a pair of m40x that I used on adn off for awhile, been too long and my memory fails me!

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 12:46
      +1

      I've compared them with the HD 600 and the HD 650. Their sound resembles the 600 more, but they have some of the warmth that exists in the 650.

      Spatially (imaging and soundstaging width) they destroy the 650, and their bass extension is generally superior and better delivered, as well as the treble being amazing. Where the 650 excels (and why the 6XX is a huge seller today) is that their vocal timbre is legendary, but it comes at the expense of the positional cues you'd like in an open back.

      Comparing these to the rest of the Audio Technica line-up isn't worth doing, because they're basically AT's tribute to the 600 and 650.

  • vinschki on 09/05/2021 - 14:14
    +1

    Been looking at the Phillips X2HR. Any recommendations around that price point?

    Primarily will be used for gaming and some casual music

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 14:22

      Near to $210? The AKG K371 if you want bass, is below that on Amazon. I would never recommend the Phillips though, it compromises frequency response, sound quality and resolution to deliver more powerful bass.

      Other options:
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/622102
      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08Z2SK5C4/
      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08HNFV61M/ <—- when it drops back to $240 ish
      https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/headphones/produc… <—- if you're keen to mod things a bit to bring the bass back in and improve comfort (look into Argon mods)

      Sennheiser HD58X would be a weaker recommendation, but only if it drops to USD $130-$140 from Drop, which probably won't happen until November. Likewise, the HD6XX would be good if it drops to around $180 USD, and would be my preferred recommendation alongside the AKG K371, the K612 Pro and the Sennheiser HD 560S.

      Most of these will sound quiet and/or a touch dull without an amplifier though, in which case stick with the HD 560S and the K371.

      EDIT: Takstar HF-580 (budget derivative of the Sendy Aiva and Blon B20) with a pad change (Sendy Aiva v2 pads, $20 on Taobao) and mods (memory foam in the enclosure to increase dampening) might be up your ally too, but you'll need some nice discount codes and cashbacks from AliExpress to secure that one anywhere near $200 total.

      • vinschki on 09/05/2021 - 14:34

        Total budget is around $450 with a cheap(ish) DAC

        Edit:

        K371 seem like a pretty good option. Was preferring open back though

        • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 14:58

          You mean a DAC/amp combo? I'm not sure that even quite rules out the ATH-R70X.

          • vinschki on 09/05/2021 - 15:17

            @jasswolf: Yep. Wow, I didn't realise that. Can you point me towards some specs/brands I should look into for the DAC/amp?

            • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 15:37

              @vinschki: I'm more familiar with standalone amps and DACs. You could honestly start with the Apple 3.5mm to USB-C dongle and work up from there.

              I'd recommend taking a little bit of a look at AudioScienceReview to figure out current recommendations for combined devices, but they tend to be few and far between due to the inherent electrical concerns that crop up as you move up to higher and higher fidelity speakers/headphones.

              If you want a split recommendation: the Khadas Tone Board (now sometimes called the Tone:1) for around $100 ish in sales from AliE, and the Schiit Magni 3+ direct from Schiit in the US ($150-$180 AUD, subject to precise shipping and GST costs). There are better amps and DACs in existence, but those are super hard to beat at the stated prices.

            • G-rig on 09/05/2021 - 17:19

              @vinschki: I'd look at the iFi Zen Dac if you're kidding at a PC as source setup and a separate headphone amp (could even add later). It's a pretty tidy little unit which can decode MQA which sounds pretty impressive with Tidal music. I'm using a Matrix M stage with it.

      • captaincabinets on 09/05/2021 - 15:47
        -1

        I have recently purchased the X2HR and I love it. Much preferred to my previous Beyer DT990 and AT M50X. I am a similar user to you also.

        https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-usage/crit…

  • mickeyjuiceman on 09/05/2021 - 15:59

    Just waiting for the next deal on the M50x for mixing cans

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 16:29
      +1

      Take a look at the AKG K371 as arguably a better alternative.

      • mickeyjuiceman on 09/05/2021 - 17:12
        +1

        You may well be right, but everyone in the mixing/producing community knows what you mean when you reference the M50x, makes life easier.

  • CyrusL on 09/05/2021 - 19:07

    I cant decide a headset to work with my new GSX 1000…
    Senny HD600 / HD598 or
    EPOS GSP 600 or
    this one??

    Playing competitive fps regularly, and want perfect experience, but not too serious

    • jasswolf on 09/05/2021 - 19:58
      +1

      Assuming you're working within a budget of $400 for the headphone:

      Sennheiser HD 560S
      Audio Technica ATH-R70X
      AKG K612 Pro

      Are all in good value spots these days.

      If money is no object, look into the Sennheiser HD 800S new or used, or if you can return your new amp/dac, the Sennheiser HD 8XX from Drop, which you get enough bonus credit with to buy a high quality amp.

      Personally I prefer the R70X because it offers a great all-round experience, but perhaps the 560S might present the best purely for gaming.

      • CyrusL on 09/05/2021 - 20:46
        +1

        Thanks mate!
        I haven't touch the real one of these before, but the HD598 in my friend's place.
        The soundstage of it was quite impressive for me
        (possibly due to the first time listening to the open one instead of a closed one I have, MH752)

        Definitely wanna check out and see if i get the HD560S or R70X suggested.

        for the 800, i guess i would only get if i won the powerball, lol

  • haru on 09/05/2021 - 19:16
    +1

    I got a pair for $250 three years ago and they’re still going strong.

    These are the lightest full-sized cans AFAIK.

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