This Classic Japanese Audio Brand’s New Hi-Fi Headphones Are Shockingly Affordable

The iconic brand has introduced new hi-fi headphones that cost less than $100.

Published April 9, 2025

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For the first time in years, Audio-Technica has updated its R-Series, a line of reference-quality open-back headphones designed for musicians, sound engineers and other audio professionals.

The Japanese audio brand has introduced the ATH-R70xa, which are new-and-improved versions of its previous flagships, the ATH-R70x, which were originally released in 2015.

Additionally, for the first time, Audio-Technica has introduced two more affordable models, the midrange ATH-R50x and entry-level ATH-R30x, making the R-Series more accessible than ever.

Both the ATH-R70xa and ATH-R50x cans were released earlier this year, while the entry-level model, the ATH-R30x, hasn’t been available — but that just changed.

Audio-Technica R-Series (2025)

Meet the new flagships

Audio-Technica describes the new flagships as “enhanced” versions of the original ATH-R70x. The new ATH-R70xa cans have similar 45mm drivers and an extended frequency range of 5Hz — 40kHz. And, according to the brand, they deliver the same natural and balanced sound as their predecessor but with “refined accuracy and detail.”

The new ATH-R70xa headphones promise to be more comfortable, too, thanks to an updated headband design and replaceable velour earpads. They are also slightly lighter, weighing 199 grams versus the 210 grams of their predecessors.

The new cans feature the same dual-sided detachable locking cable that is L/R signal-independent to “ensure proper stereo orientation.”

According to Audio-Technica, each pair of ATH-R70x is handcrafted and tested in the company’s Tokyo factory.

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X headphones — The Audio-Technica ATH-R50X are the brand’s new midrange headphones in its revamped R-Series.

A new entry point

As mentioned, Audio-Technica has added two other models to the R-Series, both of which are significantly more affordable than the flagship ATH-R70x.

First, there’s the midrange ATH-R50x, which are the next step below the ATH-R70xa. They feature similar 45mm drivers and the same frequency response range (5Hz — 40kHz) but are significantly easier to drive (with a 50-ohm impedance). They’re also less than half the price.

And secondly, there’s the entry-level ATH-R30x, which cost just under $100. They have smaller 40mm drivers and a less expansive 15Hz to 25kHz frequency response range. They also have a low impedance (36 ohms) and promise to work with most audio sources.

Audio-Technica ATH-R30x open-back headphones — The Audio-Techica ATH-R30x is the most affordable of the brand’s new open-back headphones. They cost $99.

Price and availability

As of April 2025, all three of Audio-Technica’s new R-Series of headphones are finally available.

The flagship ATH-R70xa models cost $349, the same price as their predecessors, while the midrange ATH-R50x and entry-level ATH-R30x headphones cost $159 and $99, respectively.

All three are available on Amazon or the company’s website.