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Author Topic: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x  (Read 3414 times)

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lachlanlikesathing

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #20 on: May 09, 2015, 11:14:46 PM »
Quote from: OJneg on May 09, 2015, 05:43:09 PM
I would equate the effect to a woofer running out of steam.

That almost seems to me like what I would describe as "Japanese open can syndrome", where there's severe bass roll off on a lot of open cans (like say the Sony MDR-SA5000 or the Audio Technica AD series) resulting in kind of flabby upper bass with no slam or rumble to back it up, unlike say the DT880 or the HD650. I'm pretty sure the R70x is better than other AT cans in this respect but I still can't put my finger on whether it has more or less bass slam than the K712. I suspect at this point less.
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OJneg

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #21 on: May 10, 2015, 12:54:08 AM »
When I use the woofer analogy I'm trying to say it's more than just a bass roll-off or bass distortion...it affects the rest of the spectrum (midrange and treble) with a similar sort of non-linearity. Very pervasive in the way it starts to lose composure and, again, sound lo-fi. Shame we couldn't send you the AD2Kx; it has the same sort of problem I feel.

For the price I see on Amazon I'd find it hard to recommend. HD600 or HD650 are obvious solutions at that price which are higher fidelity and will scale better. If someone really likes the comfort or aesthetic (or the sound I guess) of the AT's then I know the AD2Kx (or an original AD2K) can be found for under $500 which isn't much more to ask.
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lachlanlikesathing

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #22 on: May 10, 2015, 11:46:12 PM »
Quote from: OJneg on May 10, 2015, 12:54:08 AM
When I use the woofer analogy I'm trying to say it's more than just a bass roll-off or bass distortion...it affects the rest of the spectrum (midrange and treble) with a similar sort of non-linearity. Very pervasive in the way it starts to lose composure and, again, sound lo-fi. Shame we couldn't send you the AD2Kx; it has the same sort of problem I feel.

For the price I see on Amazon I'd find it hard to recommend. HD600 or HD650 are obvious solutions at that price which are higher fidelity and will scale better. If someone really likes the comfort or aesthetic (or the sound I guess) of the AT's then I know the AD2Kx (or an original AD2K) can be found for under $500 which isn't much more to ask.

Hmm, well I have the AD1000x. They don't sound tremendously alike. In terms of comfort they are quite different from the ADx designs as well, since they have higher clamping force, lighter weight and smaller earpads. Personally I find them a lot more comfortable and secure than the other ADx series cans, which can feel a bit like they are sliding down my head. I couldn't really recommend one in place of the other; they're quite different. As I said, the R70x is probably the most un-AT like AT can I've heard.
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jennyphaseme

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #23 on: May 15, 2015, 02:13:45 AM »
I've had a chance to use them for a couple of hours. In my opinion, the R70x's sound great and they're comfortable... but they're nothing spectacular and I could think of a few other products I would gladly purchase first.  :)
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I like music, I like headphones, I like long walks on the beach. Currently employed by Headphones Appraisal, Inc. and the leading in-ear headphones review contributor at PricenFees.com

donunus

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #24 on: May 15, 2015, 02:24:32 AM »
What other products do you think sound better at their price range? Just asking since I haven't heard these yet
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mickeyvortex

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #25 on: May 21, 2015, 10:12:08 PM »
Hello folks. I am a headphone newbie so forgive me if i step on anyone's 'toe'. So I am currently comparing the HE-400i with the ATH-R70x and they couldn't be more different. The HE-400i seems to be much better built than the AT which is not what i would call acceptable for $350. But who knows..... What they do have in common is comfort. They're both awesome.
   Sound wise, The HE-400i is bright, perhaps too bright. Its fairly sibilant and the vocalist always seems separated from the rest of the music and really distant (like he/she was recording in another room). But sometimes, the high vocal can seem 'shouty'. Would a tube amp help here? Any opinions?
   The AT on the other hand is darker and mellower and if my memory serves me correctly, they are apparently brighter than Senn's HD6XX series. I am wondering if AT is trying to attract some of Senn's HD series customers who may feel that the HD6XX is aging and/or veiled. I think I like the AT more for long-term listening but still could do with a bit of sparkle, just not to the extent that the HE-400i currently delivers. I should also add that I couldn't detect any distortion on the R70x. I know this because my current phones, Philips Fidelio L1s do distort somewhat.   
   Regarding gear, I had them streaming TiDAL through a PC with JRiver MC20 and via the Emotiva DC-1 DAC/amp.
   FWIW, level matching with dual mono pink noise seemed to show that the ATs are 1.9-2 dB less sensitive than the HE-400i (eg, -20 (400i)/-18 (R70x)= ~57 dB SPL/channel). The drivers are matched to within 0.2 dB on the R70X and <0.1 dB on the 400i.     
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lachlanlikesathing

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #26 on: May 22, 2015, 12:14:12 AM »
After some more time with both headphones, I think the K712 is the more impressive of the two in terms of clarity and definition. That said, The R70x has a signature that is just immensely well suited for long listening times. I've been using it for my (amateur) monitoring needs as well, where it doesn't have that slight upper mid emphasis of the K712.
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donunus

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #27 on: May 22, 2015, 01:23:56 AM »
I wonder how these would compare to the Sony 7520 since they are pegged as monitors. I dont really care if one is open or closed and just want to know about how they compare sonically in case anyone has heard both.
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Musical_Element

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #28 on: June 27, 2015, 10:49:38 AM »
Arghh These headphones have been in my mind for a while. I've had about 3 good offers to buy these and I've almost pressed that buy button! Going off topic slightly I've basically come down from high-end phones like the HE-500. HD800 and the Audeze range and the most fun seems to be mid-fi. crazy isn't it?! all those flavours!

I've always loved the HD650 and Audio technica range for those stunning vocals! The Philips X2 with the right setup is also a star.  The R70x seem to be consistent in peoples impressions that they are mellow, fairly balanced. The HD650 with the Mullard M8161 and M8100 tubes have the best vocals I've heard; better than the LCD-2, better than any AT I've heard(Have not tried the AD2000X or a decent period of time) The AKG Annies had good vocals but not HD650 good.

If the R70x can close the gap to the HD650 with more sub bass then they for sure could be my fav headphone. The HD650 though sounds a different beast with tube amps and mullard tubes. Hhmm decisions decisions!


Oh yeah, to answer someone's question above the K7XX is smoother than the K712 pro. It's still that K712, 65th Annie sound with differences. Tthe Annie is also a bit smoother and thicker sounding than the K712. I think the K712 is technically the best AKG they have made in the past few years. The K7XX IMO is for those that want a slightly warmer sound.
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mikoss

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Re: Has anyone had a chance to listen/demo the new Audio Technica ATH-R70x
« Reply #29 on: June 27, 2015, 11:41:22 PM »
I am a big fan of the 650's and was not impressed with the R70x cans. They have more deeper reach for bass and treble, but nowhere near the resolution of the 650's to me. The mids sounded seriously flawed to me as well. Just not good. I know I sound like a hater, but I honestly don't understand the reviewers who preferred them. Give them a listen and see...
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