Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Open backed Hi-Fi headphones

Product Information

Very balanced, almost ruler flat tonality, makes ATH-R70x very useful for tonality observation & equalizer adjustment. Loudness Comparisons Loudness comparison showing the approximate requirement of output voltage for the headphones to produce equal loudness. I use 85 dB pink noise (0 dBFS) generated using Audacity, to compare loudness between the headphones. I use AudioTool app on my Samsung Galasy S4 with Dayton Audio iMM-6 calibrated measurement microphone (with the calibration file from Dayton Audio). Setup shown previously on White Noise measurement.

Now here is where I began a serie of mistakes. So be aware of what I did. At first I wanted to keep the original wires, but removing this huge sheat was difficult. My wire stripper didn't even cut it for the job (lame word joke), so I open the sheat with an exacto and damage the wires at the same time unfortunately, making them shorter in usable length. Moreover, the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro sounds a little better than the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X for lows. However, the latter is slightly better in terms of mids and highs. The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X features a 53mm driver unit responsible for moving the air and creating sound. To estimate the frequency response, I did White Noise measurement using AudioTool application and Dayton Audio iMM-6 calibrated measurement microphone. It’s not an accurate measurement, only for estimation. White Noise file was generated by Audacity, played through Yulong DA8. Dayton iMM-6 microphone was positioned at my ear, as shown on the following picture: Forza Claire Hybrid RCA (8 inch) (loan from @igndenny - Thanks a lot! Very nice sounding RCA cable!)

dual-sided detachable cable that automatically maintains proper stereo orientation (no matter how it’s attached)" The audio wire on both pairs of headphones is 300cm long, which might be an advantage or disadvantage at the same time. AD700X model can be folded while AD500X cannot, so that makes AD700X a better choice between these two. In addition to that, none of these headphones arrive with a carrying case. Conclusion: ATH AD500X vs ATH AD700X [2023 Review] That treble can sound just a little harsh at times though, despite a couple of days’ running in. It’s not enough to make you wince, but there is an edge that stops us from truly relaxing and simply enjoying the music. DIY Desktop PC: Gigabyte GA-H77-D3H-MVP motherboard, Intel i7-3770, 16 GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit SP1. To me, the colourless tonality of ATH-R70x is quite amazing. Just from the tonality alone, in my opinion, ATH-R70x deserves the title of 'Professional Reference Headphone'. It doesn't really excel in detail and dynamic as compared to other flagships, but it really does well in tonality. I will use ATH-R70x for observing tonality and equalizer adjustment, while I will still need my T1 for other things such as clean up, applying de-esser, compressor, and reverb. That's the reason in the beginning I said that ATH-R70x is complementing those mentioned flagships professional headphones. But that's my opinion, and I'm really curious to see the result of ATH-R70x frequency response measurement. I hope Audio-Technica will send @Tyll Hertsens a set of ATH-R70x to be measured and reviewed.

Comparison with Philips Fidelio X1 There are some similarities on the tonality. When compared to ATH-R70x, Fidelio X1 sounds mildly V shape in tonality, more bass, slightly more treble, and slightly leaner midrange. Main difference is on the bass. Personally I like X1 bass, it has better low bass extension and bass punch. While ATH-R70x bass level would be more suitable for the purists. Fidelio X1 treble level is slightly more sparkling. ATH-R70x wins around the midrange area, vocal sounds better and fuller on ATH-R70x. When looking for flat and balanced tonality, to my ears ATH-R70x tonality is slightly flatter than Fidelio X1, while Fidelio X1 is more fun sounding. Fidelio X1 has a tad better dynamic and sounds livelier. Probably due to better bass. Fidelio X1 also slightly sounds more spacious, probably due to slightly larger and more spacious ear cups. Level of detail is quite comparable between the two.The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones have an excellent, sturdy build quality that makes them feel solid and ready for use. They also seem like they could take some damage without having any long-term issues. This headphone set also features high-quality neodymium magnet systems that provide precise treble frequencies without being too sharp or piercing while offering a solid bass response as well. Frequency Response

When comparing their technical specifications, you will see that AD700X has a somewhat wider frequency response. The frequency range of these headphones is 5 Hz to 30 kHz, which is extremely outstanding if you ask us. Both headphones offer great comfort and durability, but they also have slight differences in weight and size, making one more preferable over the other depending on personal preferences. The bottom line is that both sets provide an excellent gaming experience while delivering top-notch sound performance. These headphones are very comfortable to wear, even for long periods, without causing any ear fatigue or discomfort whatsoever. Those who like transparent sound will prefer DT 880 Pro over ATH-R70x, while those who have high treble sensitivity will most probably prefer ATH-R70x over DT 880 Pro. Both are equally good, just a matter of individual preferences on tonal balance.

Mids are smooth with an appropriate amount of presence. Depending on your preference, they are not too forward or recessed, which can sound good or bad. The mids have great detail and clarity without being harsh or fatiguing to listen to for long periods.

The pounding piano keys in Regina Spektor’s Flowers are laden with subtlety, and you can hear the rasp in her melodic voice. These headphones are made from high-quality materials, including aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy components, to make sure the design is both lightweight and durable at the same time. However, Audio-Technica could have made this headphone more durable at this price range.Beside comfort, HD 800 is probably one of the most spacious sounding professional reference headphone I've ever heard. HD 800 is simply the best when big and spacious soundstage is the highest priority. Most probably due to the large ear cups that give more distant between the drivers and the ears. ATH-R70x imaging is smaller and more intimate, probably due to the very close distant of the drivers to the ears. ATH-R70x doesn't sound congested, but I cannot say it sounds spacious, especially when compared to HD 800. ATH-AD700X features the Double Air Damping System which is also featured across the full range of Audio-Technica Art Monitor Headphones, to improve bass reproduction. “3D wing headband structure” Comparing T1 and ATH-R70x, both sounds relatively linear in tonality, with T1 emphasizes more on the treble region, and ATH-R70x emphasize more on the bass to low mid region. For listening to classical, I prefer T1. While for pop and jazz, I prefer the ATH-R70x tonality. Overall T1 excels on clarity, detail, and speed. And ATH-R70x sounds more pleasing for long sessions.