Audio-Technica’s New Open-Back Headphones Are Budget Friendly

Audio-Technica (A-T) has made studio-quality open-back wired headphones accessible with its latest product, the ATH-R30x. Priced at just $99, these headphones are a more budget-friendly option compared to similar models from competitors like Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic, providing creators and music enthusiasts with a cost-effective way to enjoy the advantages of open-back designs. You can purchase them now directly from Audio-Technica or on Amazon.com.

Open-back headphones are favored for their authentic sound reproduction, enhanced spatial awareness, and overall comfort. Unlike their closed-back counterparts, these headphones allow air to flow in and out of the earcups, which creates the impression that the sound is emanating from the room rather than from inside the wearer’s head. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy immersive spatial audio experiences. However, it also means that users can hear external noises, making them ideal for quieter environments.

The ATH-R30x features 40mm dynamic drivers, which A-T claims are designed to “eliminate internal resonances and offer a rapid transient response for an authentic open-air listening experience with minimal distortion.”

The company attributes the reduction in distortion to the use of high-efficiency magnets along with a pure alloy magnetic circuit design.

The specifications look promising as well. A-T boasts a frequency response range of 15 – 25,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 92 dB, and an impedance of 36 ohms, making these headphones easy to drive without the need for an external amplifier.

A-T’s closed-back wired monitors like the ATH-M Series are commonly found in studios, but the R30x may be preferable for extended listening sessions due to their larger, adjustable headpad. The ear cushions are crafted from velour and are replaceable once they wear out. Weighing in at just 7.4 ounces, they are lighter than the $99 ATH-M40x, which tips the scales at 8.5 ounces.

While a travel case isn’t included at this price point, Audio-Technica does provide a screw-on 6.3 mm (1/4-inch) adapter, allowing users to connect the hard-wired 3.5mm cable to various audio devices.

Currently, the leading alternative to the ATH-R30x in the open-back category is Grado’s SR-60x, which is also available for $99.