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Astell & Kern AK T5p 2nd Generation
Beyerdynamic x Astell&kern
AK T5p 2nd Generation is the latest collaboration between beyerdynamic – the renowned German manufacturer with almost 100 years of headphone-making heritage – and Astell&Kern, market leader in premium portable music players.
A closed-back design, the AK T5p 2nd Generation is tuned for optimal audio performance with Astell&Kern’s portable players, providing peerless clarity across all frequencies, plus excellent bass reinforcement. It uses high-efficiency Tesla Technology, and comes with an audiophile-grade 2.5mm 99.8% pure silver and OCC hybrid detachable balanced headphone cable. The headphones, which are handmade in Germany, also feature high-quality ear pads, to provide excellent comfort- even for long listening sessions. We increased the perfection of the product with black metal faceplate.
About Beyerdynamic
Established 90 years ago, 1924, in Berlin, Germany by Eugen Beyer, Beyerdynamic is the essence of audio technology. Beyerdynamic is the leading audio equipment worthy of its name that has developed controller-mounted wireless conference system starting with the world’s first dynamic headphone--the DT 48, which is available even today. As the inheritor of the Eugen Beyer brand, Beyerdynamic maintains the leading corporate image, vision and role put in place by the founder. The technological advancements, continuous innovation and the world’s best quality have made Beyerdynamic the undisputed industry-standard and sound technology market leader.
TESLA TECHNOLOGY
Thanks to Tesla technology, the cutting-edge innovation from beyerdynamic, our hi-fi headphones are equipped with new sound transducers that have the power of more than one Tesla. Due to the higher efficiency, the low-impedance sound transducers of the T 5 p reach the full sound potential, even with low-output devices such as smartphones, tablets, and high- resolution players. Additionally, the tilted shape of the sound transducers produces a fascinatingly spatial and transparent sound – for a dynamic and authentic musical experience.
Tesla Transducer
4N pure silver and 7N OCC copper hybrid 2.5mm 4-pole cable
Cable Included with - and designed and tuned especially for – the Astell&Kern AK T5p 2nd Generation is a very special headphone cable – an 8 conductor wire
of awesome sound. It’s made with 4N pure silver with silver plated 7N OCC to deliver the high in this combination; and the 7N OCC to bring the low.
This hybrid construction of pure silver, silver OCC and OCC litz creates a unique harmony and is the finishing
touch to the AK T5p’s excellence. No more sharp highs or too much bass: bring perfect balance to your music with this unique cable.
Handcrafted and Made in Germany
With our premium products, we satisfy every wish of the hi-fi superclass. The headphones, which are manufactured by hand in Germany, satisfy the highest standards. From exceptionally precise sound, which ensures individual music pleasure, to the utilization of the highest quality materials to provide incomparable comfort, our headphones offer the optimal listening experience.
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Professional Reviews 82/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
83/100
Comfort Fit
87/100
Build Quality
75/100
Features Usability
83/100
Value for Money
80/100
The AK T5p 2nd Generation brings an unusually expansive soundstage to closed-back listening, pairing wide, out-of-head imaging with muscular bass, warm midrange detail and smooth treble. HomeTheaterHifi admired its immersive scale and long-session comfort, while the low-impedance design and balanced cable make this a compelling portable-friendly listen for listeners who enjoy weight, drive and atmosphere.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally spacious, immersive imaging for a closed-back headphone, extending convincingly beyond the earcups.
Powerful, weighty bass and strong macro-dynamic slam add impact to rock, electronic and large-scale music.
Comfortable over extended listening, with soft enclosing cups, a padded headband and effective isolation.
Clean treble and clear, gently warm midrange shine when bass is not dominating the mix.
&
Cons
Bass tuning can sound overbearing or boomy on bass-heavy recordings, reducing subtlety and fine detail.
Midrange can seem somewhat recessed and laid-back, while rivals offer greater microdetail and dynamic insight.
The headphones do not fold for travel, and the supplied accessories omit a 5-pin XLR adapter.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 83/100
The AK T5p 2nd Generation offers a spacious, forceful and generally clean presentation, with particularly strong scale for a closed-back design. Its bass-heavy balance is divisive: one reviewer praised its punch and depth, while another found it boomy, short on subtlety and detrimental to detail and engagement.
Bass
80/100
HomeTheaterHifi heard potent, deep bass with strong punch, weight and audible string reverberation, describing it as powerful without overwhelming the rest of the mix. What Hi-Fi found the low end big and boomy instead, with lumpen, lifeless notes and reduced subtlety in bass-heavy material.
Midrange
84/100
Reviewers describe the midrange as clear, detailed and touched by a pleasant warmth. Audiophilepure also found it somewhat recessed and laid-back, though it praised the lush, tactile texture of lower-midrange instruments.
Treble
86/100
The top end is consistently described as smooth and clean rather than aggressive. HomeTheaterHifi heard detailed cymbal sheen and clear drum-skin texture, while What Hi-Fi noted clean treble when the bass is less dominant.
Resolution Detail
80/100
There is evidence of good low-level detail, including audible bass-string reverberation and clearly separated instrumental sections in quieter passages. However, What Hi-Fi considered the AK T5p less insightful than competing Beyerdynamic and Audio-Technica models, especially with complex strings and percussion.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
This is a clear strength. HomeTheaterHifi praised an exceptionally large, immersive stage extending beyond the earcups, while Audiophilepure enjoyed an impressive out-of-head effect; What Hi-Fi also found enough space for intimate vocals and large choral passages.
Dynamics
82/100
The headphones can deliver substantial kick-drum weight, slam and macro-dynamic punch. Yet Audiophilepure wanted more drama at higher volumes, and What Hi-Fi found rivals more dynamically revealing and engaging despite the AK T5p's scale and power.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
87/100
HomeTheaterHifi reports that the AK T5p 2nd Generation remains very comfortable over hours of listening. The available reviews offer little further discussion of clamp, heat or fit across different listeners.
Build Quality
75/100
The reviews provided say little about construction quality, long-term durability or the execution of the headband, cups and connectors. Its detachable cable is a practical inclusion, but there is not enough reviewer commentary to make stronger claims about craftsmanship.
Features Usability
83/100
The AK T5p is reported to be easy to drive, an important advantage for use with portable players and modest amplification. Its detachable hybrid cable, balanced 2.5mm termination, 3.5mm plug and 6.35mm adapter provide sensible wired-listening flexibility.
Value for Money
80/100
At around $1,100, HomeTheaterHifi considered the headphones worth the money for listeners who want strong bass. What Hi-Fi was less convinced in this competitive premium segment, arguing that more affordable Beyerdynamic T1 Generation 2 and Audio-Technica ATH-A2000Z alternatives offer greater detail and dynamics.
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