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Overview
The ATH-R50x professional open-back reference headphones are designed to provide a natural listening experience with an expansive soundstage that’s ideal for all manner of critical-listening tasks. The headphones’ drivers are modelled after those used in the original ATH-R70x, now re-engineered to deliver bass that’s surprisingly powerful for an open-back model, plus an accurate upper midrange to ensure the clarity of vocals and lead instruments without sacrificing overall balance.
Key to delivering this natural, full-spectrum sound is the headphones’ pure open-back design, which doesn’t embellish the sound coming from the drivers. The ATH-R50x headphones are engineered to deliver dynamic, detailed audio, with powerful sub-bass and a realistic soundstage, directly from the drivers without any additional acoustic tuning. The fully open earcups also provide greater comfort than closed-back models – comfort enhanced by the newly designed headband and durable, lightweight construction.
Perfect for mixing, mastering, or creating, the ATH-R50x provides precise, reliable reference across stereo, surround, and immersive formats, making it a versatile choice for any professional or home studio.
Features
• Professional open-back reference headphones with extended bass and accurate midrange provide exceptional all-around performance for demanding audio production
• Fully open-back design allows unrestricted airflow to eliminate internal resonance and provide extremely quick transient response
• Wide, realistic soundstage provides an immersive listening experience
• Durable, lightweight (207 g) construction and a new headband design ensure long-lasting comfort
• Comes with two detachable cables (3.0 m (9.8') and 1.2 m (3.9')) each with a 2.5 mm twist-lock connector at the left earcup and a 3.5 (1/8") gold-plated stereo mini-plug
• Includes a 6.3 mm (1/4") adapter and a carrying pouch
Generating expert take…
Founded in 1962 in Tokyo's Shinjuku district by Hideo Matsushita, Audio-Technica began as a phonograph cartridge specialist, launching the innovative AT-1 moving-magnet model with a diamond-tipped cantilever that revolutionized affordable high-fidelity playback. Starting with just three employees in a rented house and one million yen in capital, the company quickly expanded, supplying cartridges to Japanese audio manufacturers and relocating as demand surged. This heritage of precision engineering and democratic access to superior sound defines its enduring Japanese craftsmanship.
Audio-Technica has broadened far beyond cartridges into a comprehensive lineup of hi-fi essentials, excelling in headphones, professional microphones, turntables, and phonographic styli. While not heavily focused on amplifiers, speakers, or DACs, it produces elite receivers, wireless systems, and cables, alongside OEM transducers and sensors for pro audio. Its turntables and headphones span entry-level to audiophile grades, with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling models bridging consumer and studio needs.
Renowned for delivering exceptional value through durable, innovative design, Audio-Technica occupies a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, prized by enthusiasts for reliability without extravagant pricing. It garners consistent awards for performance and builds trust via Olympic-grade microphones and global subsidiaries, appealing to discerning buyers seeking proven engineering over boutique exclusivity.
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