Audio-Technica Offers Not One But Two New Professional Open-Back Headphones

Unveiled during the NAMM Show 2025 and already available in stores, the two new premium headphones from Audio-Technica create a new R-Series line of professional open-back models. Particularly because the new ATH-R70xa is an update to the successful flagship ATH-R70x, praised for its natural response and comfort, and which wouldn't be surprising to see becoming another favorite among headphone enthusiasts. But now the ATH-R70xa is also joined by the new ATH-R50x.

Dekoni Audio, the headphone earpads replacement specialists, announced the launch of a new range of Vegan earpads for the popular range of LCD planar magnetic headphones. Dekoni has always taken a passionate and careful approach to earpad development, making sure to honor the qualities of the intended headphones while also adding value with carefully selected materials and expertly tuned, subtle sound improvements.

I tested the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and I'm Keeping Them. They sound great and allow listening at safe levels while being aware of what other people say. These make a great case for Open Ears and that's the topic of this article where I have inserted my review of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and I provide examples of how the industry has been exploring alternative designs that avoid in-ear occlusion, from loose-fit earbud shapes to the recent air conduction craze.

Qualcomm just published its 2023 State of Sound report. The focus for this year's survey is on evolving consumer uses of wireless audio devices, from traditional use cases like music listening, voice calls and watching video, to the more complex use of devices in the workplace, for gaming and hearing enhancement. As usage increases, highlights indicate new consumer priorities from their audio devices.

Predicting what trends we’ll see in hearables in 2023 seems like a fool’s errand. With the release of the OTC hearing aid rule in the United States, these are predicated on devices that can be comfortably worn for long stretches of the day in a form factor that people are willing to wear in social settings. Without that foundation, these interesting and useful applications will not achieve mass-adoption. Anticipating CES 2023, Andrew Bellavia looks for the Next Big Thing in Hearables and the Multiple Sides of Comfort.