Okay, so after another day with these I've decided that I enjoy them and will be keeping them. I'll address a few new issues and revisit a few old ones for a wrap up of sorts.
Build-some people have called out AT on the build quality for this headphone, but I'll call it better than average, somewhat rugged even. The metal headband and industrial grills inspire confidence. The plastics used are high grade and suggest good durability. The hinges are beefy and sturdy. So even though the r70x is in the "feather-light" category I find it's build quality to be quite good and detracts in no way from it's overall build quality. I'll give it
9/10.
Design-I'm not a real fan of the pads. I'll go on record to say that AT cheaped out on these to a degree. A plush velour memory foam pad would go a long way to make the r70x more comfortable. If AT could design such a pad and keep the sonics the same that would really raise the enjoyment factor for me. Despite this, for the record, the r70x is still the most comfortable headphone that I own.
I'm also not a huge fan of the cable. It's also what I'd call a cheap solution. BUT it doesn't seem to hamper the performance. And I'll say it's a fitting choice given the price of the headphone. The locking clips make aftermarket cable options more difficult. Personally I wish that they hadn't opted for locking clips. The design of the cable is reminiscent of the hd600.
The fitment system with the 3d wings works flawlessly for my medium sized head. This is my first experience with this type of design and I have to say that I love it. I have a few headphones that I'd like to transplant the transducers into this design for better comfort.
I like the fact that this is a higher impedance headphone. It lends itself to better synergy with the amps that I own. I don't typically enjoy headphones that don't need an amp (I use iems for that), at least for full sized open back products. This headphone does not work well and achieve it's potential from a smart phone. If that's what you're looking for you'll need to look elsewhere. But it performs nicely when you add something like a Dragonfly to your smart phone.
8/10
Sonics-I really like how the r70x sounds. Although it might be a departure from the super airy, female vocal oriented offering of the past from AT, it still borrows very much from that linage. The overall presentation still focuses on an airy refined presentation. Bass extension is there but has less impact than say 600/650 and certainly something like the Nighthawk. I'll call it a bit of an acquired taste but it's one that I enjoy very much. It offers a difference approach to other headphones that I own and complements them well. This makes it a keeper for me.
Compared to hd6x0, the r70x does not have the same weight to the presentation especially in the bass. It has more air as well as more separation around voices and instruments. Some will prefer one over the other. I happen to like them both. One characteristic of the sound of the r70x is speed/decay. The decay of the notes seems lightening quick. The effect is particularly apparent (and enjoyable) with stringed instruments in jazz and classical pieces.
The r70x is overall fairly neutral. They aren't any significant peaks to speak of. Which is to say that it doesn't do much to offend the listener or get in the way of the recording. Non fatiguing, cohesive and approachable seem like good descriptors for the signature of the rx70.
9/10
Value-this may be the most interesting consideration. I picked the r70x for $225 with a $25 gift card on Newegg.com. I have no hesitation calling the r70x a class leader in the value category. If not for the recent Massdrop hd6xx offering, I would have a tough time conjuring another headphone that delivers this kind of overall package at it's price point. At the end of the day, I appreciate that I'm getting a quality product, with very good build quality and sophisticated sonics at a very accessible price point.
10/10
Job well done on the r70x!!
yes, that's a win32 vst plugin running. magic]
