Note: The R70x Refine is sold out. Thank you to the Audio community for their support. We'll work on more interesting products for the community and will keep everyone updated. If you want to be part of the list to hear from us if or when the R70x Refine is back, please email our Support Team at contact@apos.audio.

A Classic, Refined

Introducing the Apos x Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Refine Open-Back Headphones. A limited edition of only 1000 units, this Apos exclusive is a refined version of the original ATH-R70x that "redefined the price bracket" featuring enhanced comfort, design, performance, and price.

Nothing gold can stay

The ATH-R70x Refine debuts in an all-new black and gold color configuration. They make a statement whether you're pairing them with streetwear, gaming at home, or displaying them next to your desktop rig.

Newly-designed ear pads

Developed internally by Audio-Technica engineers, the thicker velour pads enhance both comfort and the original ATH-R70x sound signature. They open the door for marathon listening sessions, letting you stay immersed in your music for hours on end without discomfort.

Sound refinements

The Refine offers a slightly warmer, deeper, and fuller sound compared to the original. This added layer of naturalism enhances the listening experience without sacrificing the detailed resolution or massive sound stage the ATH-R70x is known for.

Tangled up in you (no more)

We've shortened the cable down to a more-manageable 6 feet (1.8m). This length is ideal for most listening setups, reducing tangles and providing just enough reach for comfortable movement.

Easier on the wallet

We've collaborated with Audio-Technica to offer the R70x Refine for $50 less than the original R70x. Enjoy the newly-designed ear pads and other refinements at a better price.

Product highlights

All-new black and gold color configuration
Thicker, more comfortable velour ear pads internally developed by Audio-Technica
Warmer, deeper, and fuller sound without sacrificing detail
Shorter, more manageable 6-foot (1.8m) cable
Negotiated price for better value
Part of a future ecosystem of related products

Specs

Type: Open-back reference
Driver Diameter: 45 mm
Frequency Response: 5 - 40,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power: 1,000mW at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW
Impedance: 470Ω
Weight: 7.4oz without cable and connector
Box dimensions:
10 1/4" (width) x 11 1/4" (height) x 4 3/4" (depth)
Note: The headphones are designed so that the stock unbalanced cable will always play the correct audio channel, regardless of how it is plugged in.
The warranty covers all purchases made in the US and Canada
Ear pads

Internally designed by Audio-Technica engineers
Fabric: velour
Dimensions: 175 mm (width) x 95 mm (depth) x 215 mm (height)

What's included

Apos x Audio-Technica R70x Refine Heapdhones
Manual Booklet
Stock cable with 3.5mm termination

An Apos 𝒙 product

Apos 𝒙 is the next generation of grassroots products. This headphone is the result of aligning Audio-Technica engineers with community input to create a novel yet customer-focused design.

Meet the designers

Hiromichi Ozawa is the lead engineer for the ATH-R70x Refine headphones. With over 30 years of experience in product development, he’s played a direct role in helping Audio-Technica become Japan’s biggest designer and seller of headphones. “With all Audio-Technica headphones, we aim for a pure sound that allows the character of the original recording to come through,” he said. “This was especially important with the ATH-R70x. Our goal was to create a pair of perfectly balanced reference headphones that would reveal the true nature of the source material.”

Kazuyuki Iwanaga provided acoustic engineering assistance for the R70x Refine. “The [original] ATH-R70x has set a new standard for open-back reference headphones,” he said. “We are very proud of our success in combining innovative audio technology with features that enhance usability. That focus on fidelity and functionality makes the R70x an ideal pair of headphones.”

Hiroyasu Suzuki is the product planner behind the Apos x Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Refine headphones. With a background in designing both consumer and professional audio gear, including the popular ATH-M50x, Suzuki aimed to create open-back headphones that deliver a natural, speaker-like sound.

Apos 𝒙 credits

Audio-Technica Team

Hiromichi Ozawa, Lead Engineer

Kazuyuki Iwanaga, Acoustic Engineer

Hiroyasu Suzuki, Product Planner

John Tarulli, Hi-Fi Sales Manager

Pat Ritter, Product Manager

Apos Team

Community Participants

These affiliates, influencers, and audiophiles gave us early feedback that helped refine the final version of the product. If you’d like to participate in future launches, fill out our form.

Dave the Honest Audiophile

Gadgetry Tech

Wave Theory

Troy Walker

Christian Tanimoto, III

Brendyn Chao

Nick Hutchins

Special Thanks

Head-Fi Forum

Batch shipping schedule

We have a total of 1,000 units from Audio-Technica, which we'll receive and ship in batches. All orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. The schedule below is our best estimate with buffers. There may be delays, which we'll communicate with those affected.

Batch 1: 250 units, Expected Ship Date from Apos Warehouse - October 2024
Batch 2: 250 units, Expected Ship Date from Apos Warehouse - December 2024
Batch 3: 250 units, Expected Ship Date from Apos Warehouse - March 2025
Batch 4: 250 units, Expected Ship Date from Apos Warehouse - May 2025

After placing your order, you can contact us at contact@apos.audio to find out which batch your order is part of.

Featured reviews

"One of the best-performing gaming headphones on the market." -Joshua Valour

"From the moment I plugged these in, they've never failed to impress (at their price). The sound is balanced and natural. They're easily one of the most spacious and best-imaging $300 headphones I've tried. At their price, they're absolutely phenomenal." -Passion for Sound

"One of my favorite headphones at $300 already. My favorite Audio-Technica headphones so far." -Joshua Valour

“The note separation, the sound stage, the depth, the midrange purity, the tone and timbre, the easy-going nature, the affordable price point…there’s a lot of value here.” -SoundNews

"The Refine really shines in the midrange, with a full sound that instantly hooked me. I was skipping from track to track, trying to find a song where these headphones would let me down and they just never did." -Forever Analog

"Being pleased is rare. These please me....They're so lightweight. You could take these into space because they wouldn't even notice these on the space shuttle....the sound is light but heavy, everything about it is warm, smooth. There's no shrillness to anything....they're a warm pot of soup....it's a nice place to be." -Z Reviews

"This is a nice place to be! I'm super impressed." -Master Marslander

“The Refine lives up to its name. It has a more refined, complete, and overall convincing sound than original model. If I had to pick between the two, I’d take the Refine no question.” -Wave Theory Reviews

"9/10! With the new R70X Refine & ModMic 2 bundle, Apos and Antlion Audio showcase why a DIY gaming headset might be exactly what you’re looking for. Like always, cable management is a pain but the end result is one of the best gaming headsets you can buy." -IGN

"This is quite honestly one of my favorite headphones I've ever reviewed. I'd take this over headphones costing a lot more. This is one of those headphones that makes me want to listen to all of my favorite music again. Solid. Amazing. You're going to be seeing these on my desk a lot. " -BadSeed Tech

"Expansive soundstage, accurate bass, crystal clear mids and highs with lovely detail without making your ears feel like they're under attack. Overall, a very pleasing wear and a very, very satisfying listening experience. I like the sound very much." -United States of Analog

"A king in the staging domain. The frequency response is great. It sounds much more lively and engaging than the 6XX. On a lot of songs, the R70x Refine is preferable to way more expensive headphones like the Susvara Unveiled." -GadgetryTech

One of Joshua Valour's favorite headphones at or below $300.

"S++. This might be the most perfectly-balanced headphone I've used." -DrogoDGN

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