Audio-Technica x APOS STRIKES GOLD with NEW HEADPHONE COLLAB： ATH-R70x Refine!
United States of Analog | November 6, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This is a review of the Audio-Technica ATH-R70X Refine headphones, which is a special collaboration between Audio-Technica and APOS (an online retailer). The host Bob is covering design and build quality in this opening portion and plans to discuss sound quality, value, studio use applications, and comparisons.
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- Audio-Technica ATH-R70X Refine [00:00:18] – Collaboration model with APOS, features golden finish grills vs standard black, 210 grams weight, 45mm drivers, carbon composite frame, open-back design, 6+ foot rubberized cable
- Standard Audio-Technica ATH-R70X [00:03:30] – Regular version with black grills instead of golden
- Sennheiser 600 series [00:03:36] – Mentioned as design comparison point, noted as having more oval-shaped cups vs the circular R70X
Host’s main opinions or takes so far:
- [00:01:28] Emphasizes these are extremely lightweight at 210 grams – “Maybe the lightest full-size over-the-ear headphones I’ve ever worn”
- [00:02:04] Very positive on comfort – “They feel like they’re barely there. You’re going to forget they’re on”
- [00:02:44] Appreciates the ear cup design – “Big and plushy, just like I like my ear cups”
- [00:02:48] Notes good breathability – “don’t feel like sweaty head saunas on your ears”
Funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes:
- [00:00:45] Compares the headphones to “that mysterious dude at work that doesn’t talk much but everyone’s talking about him at happy hour”
- [00:01:49] Uses quirky weight comparison: “weigh just the same as a small jar of Nutella and two fun-size bags of M&Ms, peanut M&Ms that is”
- [00:02:34] Self-deprecating humor about the unique wing design: “And if I’m wrong, make me look more like an idiot in the comments below”
Summary:
Bob opens his review of the Audio-Technica ATH-R70X Refine headphones, a special collaboration between Audio-Technica and online retailer APOS. He positions this as a mysterious product that’s generating buzz in audiophile circles and aims to determine whether it lives up to the hype. As someone who wears headphones 4-6 hours daily for radio work, he brings practical experience to the review and plans to cover design, sound quality, value, and studio applications.
The standout feature Bob immediately highlights is the exceptional lightweight design at just 210 grams, which he claims might be the lightest full-size over-ear headphones he’s experienced. He uses colorful analogies, comparing the weight to a jar of Nutella plus two bags of M&Ms, and emphasizes how the comfort factor makes them feel like “they’re barely there.” The unique 3D wing support system with spring-loaded paddles particularly catches his attention as a design element he hasn’t seen before.
From a build perspective, Bob appreciates the modern lightweight metal frame, the 45mm drivers in carbon composite housing, and the distinctive golden grills that differentiate this APOS collaboration from the standard black-grilled version. He draws comparisons to the Sennheiser 600 series in terms of the transparent, open design philosophy while noting the different form factors. The combination of comfort features – including thick, breathable ear cups and good head clearance – suggests these are designed for extended listening sessions without fatigue.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Refine headphones (collaboration with APOS)
- Gold-plated 3.5mm connector and quarter-inch adapter
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones
- Soft carrying pouch
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:05:14] The R70X Refine is “all about balance and accuracy”
- [00:05:50] Overall assessment: “a very pleasing wear and a very, very satisfying listening experience”
- [00:05:56] “I like the sound very much”
- [00:06:11] Challenges Audio-Technica’s studio marketing claims for the R70X
- [00:07:27] Concerns about the R70X’s “lightweight construction that may not tolerate studio abuses over the long haul”
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- [00:05:15] Open-back design creates an “expansive” soundstage
- [00:05:21] Sound described as spreading around you “like sitting in a smoky jazz club”
- [00:05:29] Bass described as not overpowering, “more accurate, more tolerable over long listening sessions”
- [00:05:41] “Mids and highs crystal clear” with “lovely detail without your ears feeling like they’re under attack”
- [00:05:58] Comfortable for extended listening: “You can listen for hours on end, no problemo”
Comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- [00:06:20] Host uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50X as his daily studio reference
- [00:06:37] M50X advantages for studio use: closed-back design, comes with both straight and coiled cables, proven durability
- [00:06:45] Closed-back design preferred for “broadcast situations, like recording slash mixing” to eliminate external noise
- [00:07:03] Coiled cables preferred in studio to prevent stepping on or rolling chairs over cables
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:04:52] On the 5-40,000 Hz frequency response: “Alright, that’s a flex. It’s cool.”
- [00:05:29] Describing the bass: “The bass isn’t overpowering like those teen-friendly, those teeny-bopper beats”
- [00:06:16] “as someone who wears headphones on the daily in the studio, maybe more than Benny Blanco himself, I want to challenge that just a little bit today”
Summary
This portion of the review covers the technical specifications and sound quality assessment of the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Refine headphones. The host notes some design quirks, particularly confusion about the left/right channel designation on the cable connectors, and highlights the impressive 5-40,000 Hz frequency response range. The included accessories are basic, consisting of gold-plated connectors and a soft carrying pouch.
The sound quality evaluation is overwhelmingly positive, with the host praising the headphones’ balanced and accurate presentation. He describes an expansive soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience, comparing it to sitting in a jazz club. The bass response is noted as being well-controlled rather than overpowering, while the mids and highs provide clear detail without fatigue. The overall comfort allows for extended listening sessions without discomfort.
However, the host challenges Audio-Technica’s marketing of these as studio headphones, drawing from his professional experience using ATH-M50X headphones daily in broadcast work. He argues that the R70X’s open-back design, straight cable only, and lightweight construction make them less suitable for professional studio environments compared to the closed-back M50X with its coiled cable options and proven durability. While not dismissing their studio potential entirely, he suggests they may be better suited for critical listening rather than daily professional use.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Audio-Technica ATH-50s ($149) [00:07:39]
- Audio-Technica R-70X / R-70X Refined ($349) [00:07:47]
- Sennheiser HD-600, 650, 6XX [00:08:13]
- Sennheiser 650s (specifically mentioned as owned by host) [00:08:32]
- Varum 1 planers (owned by host) [00:08:51]
- Beyer Dynamics 900 Pro X (owned by host’s son) [00:08:55]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:07:53] The host endorses the R-70X for home use, audiophile use, and studio use with caveats. [00:08:20] He concludes the R-70X Refined leans toward precision with extended frequency range compared to competitors. [00:09:19-00:09:38] For detail-oriented listeners who want to hear “every strum, every breath, every bit of space between the notes,” these headphones are recommended.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
- Buy/Consider: [00:09:19-00:09:38] Recommended for detail lovers and analytical listeners
- Buy/Consider: [00:09:39] Recommended for extended listening sessions due to comfort
- Skip: [00:09:19] Not recommended for casual listeners who want bass-heavy sound
- Consider: [00:09:54] Described as “pretty tempting addition to your headphone collection”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [00:08:04] Make sure the headphones will work for your specific studio application before purchasing
- [00:10:01] Consider them carefully for studio use, especially if you’re lucky enough to have one
How did the video wrap up?
[00:10:17] The host wrapped up by asking viewers to comment about whether they’re tempted by the headphones or sticking with their current setup. [00:10:28] He followed with standard YouTube engagement requests (like, subscribe) and [00:10:40] encouraged viewers to watch another video to keep both “analog dreams alive and YouTube dreams alive.”
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions
- [00:08:43] “If you love to pick apart every single detail in your tracks, these might become your new best friend”
- [00:09:29] “If you’re a detail hog, a detail lover, someone who wants to hear every strum, every breath, every bit of space between the notes, all of the air in the studio space, these are for you”
- [00:10:40] “Keep your analog dreams alive and keep my YouTube dreams alive”
Summary
In the final portion of this review, the host provides his definitive recommendation for the Audio-Technica R-70X Refined headphones. He positions them as precision-focused headphones at $349, comparing them favorably to competitors like the Sennheiser HD-600 series, which he feels prioritize warmth over detail. The host emphasizes that these Audio-Technicas excel at analytical listening, offering exceptional clarity and detail retrieval that rivals his own Varum 1 planar headphones.
The host’s recommendation comes with clear targeting: these headphones are ideal for detail-oriented listeners, audiophiles, and potentially studio users, but not for casual listeners seeking bass-heavy sound. He praises their comfort for extended listening sessions and describes them as a “tempting addition” to any headphone collection, though he notes the price is on the higher side of reasonable. The golden color gets a brief mention as making them feel special.
The video concludes with typical YouTube engagement requests and a playful extended outro where the host encourages viewers to watch another video. His closing sentiment emphasizes keeping both “analog dreams” and his “YouTube dreams” alive, maintaining the channel’s focus on audiophile content while acknowledging the realities of content creation. Throughout the conclusion, his tone remains enthusiastic but honest about the headphones’ strengths and limitations.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
