If you want an open-back headphone built around a bio-cellulose driver and included 4.4mm balanced cable, choose iBasso SR3; if you need a light reference design for long studio sessions, choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa. For jogging, though, neither is a practical fit: both are wired, open-back, over-ear headphones with no noise control.
If you want an open-back headphone built around a bio-cellulose driver and included 4.4mm balanced cable, choose iBasso SR3; if you need a light reference design for long studio sessions, choose Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa. For jogging, though, neither is a practical fit: both are wired, open-back, over-ear headphones with no noise control.
The SR3 is the more compelling pick for listeners who want its specific driver design and included accessories. The ATH-R70Xa makes a stronger case for extended desk or studio use with its stated 199 g weight, replaceable velour earpads, and locking cable. Neither is an active-noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphone, a fast-charging over-ear model, or an in-ear earbud.
iBasso SR3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa at a Glance
• iBasso SR3 strength: Bio-cellulose diaphragm with Tesla flux technology and silicone suspension; includes a 4.4mm balanced cable, 6.3mm adapter, protective case, and spare perforated pads.
• iBasso SR3 trade-off: Wired, open-back, and rated at 150 ohms, so it is not a self-contained wireless option for moving around.
• Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa strength: A 199 g open-back reference headphone with replaceable velour earpads and a detachable locking cable.
• Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa trade-off: Its 470-ohm impedance and 3 m cable make it a more considered fit for a listening or work setup than casual, untethered use.
• Who should choose which: Pick the SR3 for its driver construction and bundled accessories; pick the ATH-R70Xa for its light design and studio-oriented details.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-22 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The iBasso SR3 is an over-ear, open-back dynamic headphone with a bio-cellulose diaphragm, Tesla flux technology, and silicone suspension. The listed frequency response is 3Hz–40kHz, sensitivity is 106dB at 1kHz, and impedance is 150 ohms. Those specifications make it worth considering for a stationary listening setup where an open-back design and wired connection suit the way you listen.
The included 4.4mm balanced cable and 6.3mm adapter give the SR3 useful connection options, while the protective case and spare perforated pads add practical value to the package. I’d consider it if those included accessories and its driver construction matter to you. The 150-ohm rating is also worth checking against the source you plan to use rather than assuming every device will be an ideal match.
I would skip the SR3 for jogging or any activity where you need a secure, cable-free headphone. Its open-back design has no noise control, and it is wired. It also is not a substitute for the best in ear earbuds for jogging: this is an over-ear headphone intended for listening, not a compact sports earbud.
The ATH-R70Xa is an open-back, over-ear reference headphone designed with studio work and long listening sessions in mind. Its stated weight is 199 g, and it has metal-reinforced construction, a reworked headband, and replaceable velour earpads. Audio-Technica lists a 45mm dynamic driver, a 5Hz frequency-response figure, 97dB sensitivity, and 470-ohm impedance.
Its cable is detachable, dual-sided, approximately 3 m long, and uses a locking connection. The package also includes a 6.3mm stereo adapter and carrying pouch. That combination points toward a desk, studio, or other settled listening position where the longer cable is manageable and the headphones can stay connected to an appropriate source.
The high 470-ohm impedance is a notable consideration when choosing what to plug it into. I’d shortlist the ATH-R70Xa if the lightweight construction, replaceable pads, and locking cable fit your listening routine. I would pass if you want Bluetooth, noise control, or headphones specifically suited to jogging. Like the SR3, it is open-back and wired, so it does not meet the needs behind searches for active noise cancelling bluetooth headphones for jogging or fast charging over ear headphones for jogging.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for the included balanced cable and 6.3mm adapter → iBasso SR3. Those accessories come with the SR3, along with a protective case and spare perforated pads.
• Best for a lower listed impedance → iBasso SR3. It is rated at 150 ohms, compared with 470 ohms for the ATH-R70Xa. Check your source equipment before choosing either.
• Best for a detachable locking cable → Audio-Technica ATH-R70Xa. Its cable is dual-sided, approximately 3 m long, and locking.
• Best for the specified diaphragm and suspension design → iBasso SR3. Its listed construction combines a bio-cellulose diaphragm, Tesla flux technology, and silicone suspension.
• Best for jogging → neither. Both are open-back, wired, over-ear models, with no listed noise-control feature.
• Best for someone who wants a carrying case or pouch included → either, with different accessories. The SR3 includes a protective case; the ATH-R70Xa includes a carrying pouch.
These aren’t interchangeable picks for every situation. The SR3’s clearest distinction is its driver description and accessory bundle. The ATH-R70Xa’s appeal is its lightweight reference design and studio-friendly cable and earpad details. For either one, think first about where you’ll listen and what source you’ll connect it to.
Open-back construction is especially important for the jogging question. Neither model lists noise control, and neither is wireless. That means neither provides the features a shopper seeking a Bluetooth sports option or active noise cancelling should be looking for. Their open-back design also makes them a poor match when you need listening to stay contained in a noisy or shared environment.
The cables point to different kinds of stationary use. The SR3 includes a 4.4mm balanced cable plus a 6.3mm adapter, while the ATH-R70Xa has a detachable locking cable about 3 m long and its own 6.3mm adapter. Those are useful details if your listening setup already has a compatible connection. They are not reasons to treat either headphone as convenient for an active outing.
I would choose the iBasso SR3 if I wanted the included 4.4mm balanced cable, spare perforated pads, protective case, and its specified driver design. I’d choose the ATH-R70Xa instead if its 199 g weight, replaceable velour earpads, and locking cable better suited my long listening sessions. For jogging, my recommendation is neither: both are wired and open-back, so I’d look for a purpose-built wireless sports option instead.
Neither is a practical jogging choice based on the listed features. Both are wired, open-back, over-ear headphones, and neither lists noise control or wireless connectivity.
The SR3 is rated at 150 ohms, while the ATH-R70Xa is rated at 470 ohms. Check the output specifications of your intended source before choosing; the listed figures alone do not establish how either will perform with a particular device.
The SR3 includes a 4.4mm balanced cable and a 6.3mm adapter. The ATH-R70Xa uses a detachable, dual-sided locking cable about 3 m long and includes a 6.3mm stereo adapter.
The ATH-R70Xa is described as a lightweight design at 199 g and has replaceable velour earpads. The SR3 includes spare perforated pads and a protective case. Which set of details matters more depends on your preferences and listening setup.
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