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Audio-Technica ATH-R70xA

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70xA is an open-back reference headphone assembled in Audio-Technica's Tokyo factory, weighing 199g with a metal-reinforced headband, replaceable velour earpads, and a detachable 3.0m dual-sided locking cable. It carries a 2-year manufacturer's warranty and is priced at $464.63 CAD.

14 mentions · 4 threadslast mention Oct 2025
7.1/ 10
ClearPick Score
Mixed Reviews
Sound Signature
7.5
Comfort & Build
7.5
Bass Response
6.5
Value
7.5
Score informed by 14 owner mentions across 4 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
8 positive5 mixed1 negative
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Audio-Technica ATH-R70xA product photo
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xA
$464.63 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
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✅ Ships to Canada
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Every mention, sourced

Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.

r/headphones185Sep 2024
This is my first pair of AT headphones and wow have I slept on these hard. I think I prefer these to my HD 6xx. The soundstage is so much better and that’s really what sets it apart. I think the sound signature of the refine is like having a more open and ever so slightly brighter HD 660s2. These things rock at $299. Has good bass impact and slam with a similar sub bass roll off to the 660s2. The mids are clean and clinical but plentiful, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything in the mids but it’s very neutral. Symbols are nicely bright, splashy, and has enough sparkle to make me happy. I feel like the treble is perfect for presentation without being fatiguing, sibilance is not an issue. As already stated the soundstage is really good, these feel very open. Imaging is good, no complaints. Detail retrieval and separation is what I would expect at this price point, quite good but it’s not an Arya. Overall these might be my favorite set of open backs under $300.
Praise
r/headphones40May 2021
HAVE TO SAY ,I AM SURPRISED HOW THEY SOUND!!EVERYTHING SOUNDS SO NATURAL ,AT THIS MOMENT PAIRED WITH IFI HP DAC AND SOUNDS PRETTY WELL,THEY ARE COMFORTABLE TOO!!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!
Praise
r/headphones27May 2021
I would say the most noticeable difference for me is the little bit of extra bass extension that you get out of the R70x. Especially if you're familiar with the typical bass roll off around 50Hz HD600 series has. I wouldn't say the bass hits harder but it reaches a little lower. The mid bass sounds a little more elevated on the HD660 to me making some tracks feel a little more full bodied. In comparison the mid bass on the R70x sounds a bit more lean to my ear. The treble on the HD660 is great but I feel like it can sound a little more brittle on certain tracks depending on the type of music. Whereas, the R70x treble is a little darker sounding but not veiled like a 650/6XX.
Comparison
r/headphones25Sep 2024
Hey I just got mine too, they're great cans. Look and feel great. ... They sip power like crazy though haha, I have a Topping D70 Pro SABRE + A70 Pro Amp that can power them well. ... The pads are so much more plush and soft than the stock R70X.
Praise
r/headphones20May 2021
Wouldn't quite call the R70x an *upgrade* as such, but definitely a really good pairing to a 6XX. Looks so clean
Comparison
r/headphones13May 2021
I love the R70X! The tonality is next level on that thing! And it's noticeably lighter than most other full size headphones. Definitely a good choice of headphones!
Praise
r/headphones11Sep 2024
I have been absolutely loving these headphones. Going in, I was very skeptical about 1), the treble, because I am not a fan of the HD650's darker high end, and 2), the wings, because they look f*****g ridiculous. But I've gotta say, I've been pleasantly surprised on both fronts. The wings are super comfy and fit my head very well, and I found the tuning very balanced as well. They have just enough treble for my taste, I don't hear any dips in the mids, and the bass is full and rich. These are probably going to become my primary "general use" headphone for a while, I think.
Praise
r/headphones10May 2021
I really love my R70X's, I put something on the left can for ease of side orientation. Yeah there is some lacking in the bass, and it is an issue of upgrade fever; I want something that fills that bass desires when I'm feeling stinky.
Complaint
r/headphones9May 2021
Absolutely love these headphones. Was deciding between these and 660s' a few months ago and got these. The comfort alone is a game-changer for me. I also got to compare my friends 6xx's to these the other day and I think they really are a sizeable upgrade.
Praise
r/headphones8Oct 2025
The R70x Refines with the matching stack are the definition of synergy though. I use the Refines more than the other headphone.
Praise
r/headphones8Jan 2025
they seem just as thin as the original, sad the Apos Refine was a limited run. Wish they'd sell those pads.
Complaint
r/headphones8Jan 2025
I absolutely love them for gaming but had to replace the pads already, My ears are resting on the speaker! the pads have 0 depht. Im a gamer and so far I can say it has taken over the hd490pro and Edition XS. I absolutely love them but I wish they came with better pads! the Cable is absolute trash too! ... sound is great for gaming soundstage is wide but not too wide and it has incredible imaging!
Complaint
r/headphones7May 2021
I don’t see anyway that the ATH R70X could be considered an upgrade over the 6XX. Side-grade for sure.
Comparison
r/headphones6Jan 2025
But the xa are a marked improvement to me, especially in the treble.
Comparison

✅ What Works

  • Neutral, open tonality with a soundstage that reviewers call a clear step up (sound quality, tonality and design themes, 4+ mentions)
  • Featherlight 199g build with plush replaceable velour pads praised as noticeably softer than the original R70X (2 mentions)
  • Seen as a strong pairing alongside HD 6XX-series headphones rather than a straight replacement, giving a different tonal flavor in the same collection (2 mentions)
  • Reported as a marked improvement over the original R70X in fit and tuning

⚠️ Worth Knowing

  • Stock pads called thin by at least one reviewer, who wished Audio-Technica sold a limited-run aftermarket pad more widely (thin pads complaint, 8 upvotes)
  • Bass described as lacking weight or fullness by more than one listener, more a case of 'upgrade fever' than a dealbreaker
  • Power-hungry design reported to need a capable amp (e.g. paired with a Topping stack) to drive properly
  • Framed by some as a side-grade rather than a clear upgrade when compared directly to the HD 6XX/650
ClearPick Verdict

Listeners **report a neutral, open-sounding tuning with a soundstage that repeatedly gets singled out as the standout trait**, often described alongside comparisons to Sennheiser's HD 6XX/650 line. The tension here is real: several reviewers call it a strong complement to a 6XX rather than a clean upgrade, and more than one flags the stock pads as thin and the bass as light on weight, even as others praise the plush comfort of the redesigned earpads and featherlight 199g build. It's also reported to be power-hungry, wanting a proper amp to sound its best rather than running well off a phone or laptop dongle. Buyers chasing a neutral, detail-forward open-back for mixing or long sessions, and who already have amping sorted, are the reported fit; **those wanting deep, impactful bass or an out-of-the-box upgrade over a 6XX-series headphone are the ones flagged as likely disappointed**.