Build Your Own R70x Refine – Apos x Audio-Technica Refine Pads Now Available

[Apos Audio]

Hi all,

Ever since we sold out of the Apos x Audio-Technica R70x Refine, we’ve received an overwhelming amount of requests not only for the Refine headphones but also for their pads. Why the pads? Well, they were specially developed by Audio-Technica engineers—they’re the secret sauce that gives the Refine their now-classic sound. In fact, you can slip a pair of them onto an original set of Audio-Technica R70x headphones and create the beloved sound signature that made the Refine a collector’s headphone.
Like the R70x Refine, the Apos x Audio-Technica Refine Pads are limited. We only have 1,100 pairs, and Audio-Technica will not make any more. During the pre-order phase from now until May 20th, we’re selling the pads for $59; after the pre-order phase we’ll sell them for $69. They’re limited for sale in North America.

The pads are compatible with all R70 series headphones from Audio-Technica, including the R70x Refine, R70x, and R70xa. If you own an original R70x, just slip these onto them and voila! You’ve refined them.

Here's the product page for more compatibility options: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-audio-technica-refine-pads

 

[earmonger]

I'm sorry -- $59? and then $69?

That's fully twice the price of OEM ATH-R70X pads, which are $30 from A-T?

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/service-parts/headphones/svp-r70x-ep

Seems a little greedy. Honestly IDGAF about rarity/exclusivity/collector mentality. YMMV.

 

[JML]

Anyone listen to the pads on the R70xa?

 

[klardotsh]

They're... pads. Why do pads need to be such rarities? Pads should be something that can be cranked out by the dozens or hundreds at a time (at Audio-Technica's scale especially). This was the first I'd even heard of the Refine, and of course I go to that product page and see that it's sold out with no particular plans to do another run - is this some weird crossover from the mechanical keyboards space maybe, where keycap runs work in that "it's rare because it's rare" way? It's one thing when the whole headphone is using a boutique wood there's only so much of in-stock and so it rightfully gets a LTD label slapped on it; it's a complete other thing to artificially limit fabric and leather and foam just because.

 

[FlacPak]

I own a refine and I feel bad for all the people who begged apos for a rerun just to get this info. Its ridiculous not only is this a slap in the face to people who wanted the “exclusive” gold spray painted grills and thick pads but also to owners of the refine like myself who after some time will likely need a new pair of pads only to realize they made replacements a limited run and the original pads are your only option now and FYI the refine pads are more cheaply made than the stock pads seriously they feel like they are stiff 3rd party pads from Amazon you get for $10, also still North America only?? I kinda understand the actual headphone being region specific but Apos can’t ship ear pads to fans outside NA c’mon.

Apos is taking advantage of r70x fans
and it’s not right, Audio Technica should know better and cut off future collaborations with this brand before more of their fans get pissed off with this scummy behavior Apos is pulling.

 

[earmonger]

it's a complete other thing to artificially limit fabric and leather and foam just because.

Couldn't agree more. After the Apos exclusive is sold out -- which may take a while given the inflated price -- Audio-Technica could simply add the new pads to its product line at a more reasonable price. R&D and manufacturing startup should be amortised already.

But I'm not holding my breath.

I have been a big booster of the ATH-R70X ever since I got mine. This does not increase my goodwill.

The stock pads on mine have lasted for years of daily use, and the inner "leather" has just started to flake off. But I'm gonna try some Aliexpress knockoffs (got them pre-tariff) before I get A-T replacements.

 

[evanft]

This is dumb and overpriced. The ZMF pads I just bought for my HD650s, which are made by a boutique company out of Chicago, cost the same and aren't limited.

No reason for this to be limited. They should just be available for anyone who wants them for as long as they're wanted. Do better.

 

[PopZeus]

Not complaining about the price since there are a half a dozen reasons why they cost more. I just don't see the upside to making this a limited run product. Pads are a consumable item. If most folks in the community end up preferring the refine pads, discontinuing them may cause he market for the R70x to bottom out in a few years. Or, maybe A-T are ok with letting 3rd party pad makers fill the gap.

 

[evanft]

asons why they cost more. I just don't see the upside to making this a limited run product. Pads are a consumable item. If most folks in the community end up preferring the refine pads, discontinuing them may cause he market for the R70x to bottom out in a few years. Or, maybe A-T are ok with letting 3rd party pad makers fill the gap.

Bingo. AT is leaving money on the table by not making these available permanently. Shoot, they should pull a Sennheiser and just include both in the box. The consensus on the Refine was that it was an upgrade over the standard version of the headphone. AT should be striking while the iron is hot.

 

[Apos Audio]

Anyone listen to the pads on the R70xa?

Hi there,

Tom tried the R70xA with the Refine Pads and shared some great feedback. He noticed significantly more bass impact, better comfort (thanks to the thicker pads that prevent your ears from nearly touching the drivers), and an overall richer and fuller sound. He also noted a bit more sparkle and presence, making for a noticeably improved listening experience.

 

[Apos Audio]

Hi!

I want to provide some context here based on the discussion on this thread that will help the community.

The R70x Refine headphone was designed to be a limited edition headphone. This was the way we could bring the R70x Refine into existence and more specifically highlight one of the great products AT has made (the R70x), but one that might be underserved in marketing. The initial plan was to make 2000 headphones, which were reduced to 1000 units at the last minute.

These pads have been made available to the community after there were numerous requests made to us on Head-Fi, Reddit, and our support channels. We snagged this batch before it was sent to disposal. These are the remaining pads from the manufacturing batch that was created for the 2000 headphones order that was eventually reduced to 1000 units. To be clear, when we say they are limited, we are simply trying to let the community know that these are first come, first serve. It is our way to give the community enough heads up and clarity of the situation. We’ve had folks being disappointed that the R70x Refine was limited and we wanted to preempt that situation. It is in no way meant to create an "artificial" rarity of this product.

Regarding the North America restriction, this has to do with how AT is structured internally. The R70x Refine was a product made in conjunction with AT North America, hence the availability of the headphones and now the pads to only North America. AT does this to be fair to their partners across the world who are associated with specific markets.

Regarding the pricing, Apos has internal procedures on how to price products. We admire specific companies and one of them is Costco. Our pricing strategy is based much on how Costco operates. There are upper bounds to how much we will charge. This is also clear in products like the Gremlin. In this case, the pricing is a function of the cost of the pads to us.

We hear you on the frustration of the limitedness of the pads both in quantity and markets where they can be sold. We have similar thoughts, but we think it is better to give the community what they have requested and hope to slowly make the case so that AT opens this product up more widely.

@evanft @earmonger @FlacPak @klardotsh

- Kunal

 

[earmonger]

Hi there,

Tom tried the R70xA with the Refine Pads and shared some great feedback. He noticed significantly more bass impact, better comfort (thanks to the thicker pads that prevent your ears from nearly touching the drivers), and an overall richer and fuller sound. He also noted a bit more sparkle and presence, making for a noticeably improved listening experience.

If the Refine pads improve the R70xa that much, Audio-Technica should continue to produce them and achieve some economies of scale. And since the pads were the big advance for the Refine, those who grabbed the Refine shouldn't be stuck with an eventual downgrade because there are no replacement pads.

This may be on Audio-Technica and not Apos; the blame game doesn't matter to me. But...make it make sense.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

If the Refine pads improve the R70xa that much, Audio-Technica should continue to produce them and achieve some economies of scale. And since the pads were the big advance for the Refine, those who grabbed the Refine shouldn't be stuck with an eventual downgrade because there are no replacement pads.

This may be on Audio-Technica and not Apos; the blame game doesn't matter to me. But...make it make sense.

No one forced anyone to buy the Refine. It was announced as a limited run right from the beginning. You’re lashing out at companies that decided to do a cool collaboration for the audiophile community.

How about show some appreciation and stop being so negative.

 

[earmonger]

You’re lashing out at companies that decided to do a cool collaboration for the audiophile community.

How about show some appreciation and stop being so negative.

Hey, we found a way to improve one of our signature products! Lots of people liked it! So we're not making it! And the people who bought it won't always have the improvement! Wow! How cool is that?

 

[FlacPak]

So let me get this straight Apos you’re saying you collaborated with a million dollar company but “only” their NA side and then they “gave” you (Apos) permission to make this upgraded version but decided you have to manufacture the whole headphone from scratch and after a last minute conference call you guys decided to make 1000 throw away and waste material used for ear pads until you got messages from audiophiles who were interested after all the hype you started with all the units Apos sent to youtube reviewers despite the fact that the plan was never to go mainstream because you don’t want to make more.

This is just speculation and my own opinion but I believe Audio Technica sent you fresh pairs of r70x’s from the factory without the outer box sleeves or stock ear pads and you guys just contributed new pads, gold spray paint and a printed paper sleeve for the box, the original plan was to provide a enthusiast upgrade for small audiophile circles but someone in marketing became greedy and decided to send units to headphone reviewers who they know will push this headphone to regular mainstream buyers and then the marketing department plastered their reviews on your website slashed the production to 1000 for artificial rarity and when people ask for a rerun or just the pads marketing pulls this out in the conference call “1100 limited edition pads”. And the cherry on top is that you answer serious criticism and dissatisfaction from customers by saying it’s not are fault we can’t make more even though we are a thousand dollar company blame Audio Technica or yourself for being ill informed and you should be grateful we didn’t throw away these pads that were being sent to disposal.

Apos has no excuse you don’t market a product you plan on making a small batch for small enthusiast circles to everyone on youtube with the hype you produce with the headphones you sent to reviewers than deny customers access to the product and increase the price and decrease the quantity and when consumers show their dissatisfaction the representatives start a blame game and act as if Apos is a tiny beautique that crafted an already existing headphone with “rare” materials and that we should be grateful for the refines existence APOS you should be grateful with us for buying your products and still being in business because of are hard earned money.

I regret buying the refine and giving Apos my money I don’t care what this brand does anymore and I’ll be letting people know that this company doesn’t care or respect it’s consumers.