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Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000
ATH-ADX5000
The result of Japanese craftsmanship and expert engineering, the ATH-ADX5000 Hi-Res Audio headphones set a new standard in open-back headphone performance. The headphones utilize newly developed Core Mount Technology that optimally positions the driver unit within the housing to improve airflow efficiency. The efficient airflow helps the headphones reproduce highly transparent mid and high frequencies and rich, precise bass sound. The 58 mm integrated driver units combine a tungsten-coated diaphragm, baffle and Permendur magnetic circuit in a single unit to reduce unwanted vibration and, since no screw clamps are required, decrease the weight. The baffle is made of a highly-rigid polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/glass fiber composite to provide stable diaphragm movement.
The result of Japanese craftsmanship and expert engineering, the ATH-ADX5000 Hi-Res Audio headphones set a new standard in open-back headphone performance. The headphones utilize newly developed Core Mount Technology that optimally positions the driver unit within the housing to improve airflow efficiency. The efficient airflow helps the headphones reproduce highly transparent mid and high frequencies and rich, precise bass sound. The 58 mm integrated driver units combine a tungsten-coated diaphragm, baffle and Permendur magnetic circuit in a single unit to reduce unwanted vibration and, since no screw clamps are required, decrease the weight. The baffle is made of a highly-rigid polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/glass fiber composite to provide stable diaphragm movement.
The housings of the ATH-ADX5000 have a honeycomb-punched design that keeps the housing face open to ventilation, while closing off the sides. This design delivers an accurate, natural sound, but prevents air pressure loss that can negatively affect sound quality. The frame is constructed of strong, lightweight magnesium; the earpads and headband are fashioned from Alcantara, a material known for its extreme durability and comfort.
The ATH-ADX5000 headphones come with a detachable 3.0 m (9.8') cable with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones and a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for connecting to devices. Each pair of headphones is individually identified by a laser etched serial number and comes with a specially designed hard carrying case.
About High-Resolution Audio
In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio
While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics.
ATH-ADX5000
The result of Japanese craftsmanship and expert engineering, the ATH-ADX5000 Hi-Res Audio headphones set a new standard in open-back headphone performance. The headphones utilize newly developed Core Mount Technology that optimally positions the driver unit within the housing to improve airflow efficiency. The efficient airflow helps the headphones reproduce highly transparent mid and high frequencies and rich, precise bass sound. The 58 mm integrated driver units combine a tungsten-coated diaphragm, baffle and Permendur magnetic circuit in a single unit to reduce unwanted vibration and, since no screw clamps are required, decrease the weight. The baffle is made of a highly-rigid polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/glass fiber composite to provide stable diaphragm movement.
The housings of the ATH-ADX5000 have a honeycomb-punched design that keeps the housing face open to ventilation, while closing off the sides. This design delivers an accurate, natural sound, but prevents air pressure loss that can negatively affect sound quality. The frame is constructed of strong, lightweight magnesium; the earpads and headband are fashioned from Alcantara, a material known for its extreme durability and comfort.
The ATH-ADX5000 headphones come with a detachable 3.0 m (9.8') cable with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones and a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for connecting to devices. Each pair of headphones is individually identified by a laser etched serial number and comes with a specially designed hard carrying case.
About High-Resolution Audio
In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio
While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics.
A Sound Connection
Since 2015, Audio-Technica has used the specially designed A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connector on all of our in-ear headphones and select over-ear headphones with detachable cables. But why did we develop this connector and what makes it perform better than existing connectors in audio applications?
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Comfort Fit
94/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Usability
82/100
Value for Money
84/100
The ATH-ADX5000 pairs reference-grade resolution with an airy, fast and precisely organised open-back presentation. Its 58mm drivers reveal micro-detail, crisp transients and cleanly separated instrumental lines, while the 270g magnesium build keeps long sessions remarkably easy. The Ear and SoundStage Solo found its spatial precision and vivid clarity genuinely flagship-calibre.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional micro-detail retrieval exposes subtle textures, room cues and low-level recording information.
Precise imaging, layering and instrument separation create a spacious, clearly organised soundstage.
Extremely light 270g construction and Alcantara pads support excellent long-session comfort.
&
Cons
Bright, analytical tuning can sound lean or sharp on difficult recordings, especially for treble-sensitive listeners.
Sub-bass rumble and ultimate bass weight trail leading planar rivals.
The 420-ohm load benefits from a capable headphone amplifier, while proprietary A2DC connections and the supplied cable are less convenient than standard alternatives.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The ATH-ADX5000 is widely praised for its exceptionally revealing, open and fast presentation, with particularly strong clarity, image placement and transient response. Its neutral-to-bright balance brings impressive air and precision, though several reviewers note limited sub-bass weight, a leaner lower midrange and occasional sharpness on difficult recordings.
Bass
88/100
Reviewers consistently find the low end fast, clean and articulate, with strong separation between bass instruments and satisfying punch. Deep hits can sound tight and substantial, but several comparisons note a gentle bass roll-off and less sub-bass rumble or weight than leading planar and flagship rivals.
Midrange
88/100
Vocals and instruments are commonly described as clear, natural and highly resolved, with especially impressive upper-midrange openness for strings and female voices. The trade-off is a slightly lean or cool lower-midrange character; some listeners found vocals lacking body or noted a touch of upper-midrange aggression.
Treble
87/100
The treble delivers abundant air, extension and finely rendered cymbal decay without the overtly piercing character of many bright headphones. However, the elevated upper range can add bite, occasional sibilance or a brittle edge, particularly for listeners sensitive to brightness or with challenging recordings.
Resolution Detail
95/100
Fine-detail retrieval is a defining strength. Multiple reviewers describe exceptional resolution, clarity, texture and separation, reporting that low-level instrumental details, room effects and recording nuances are exposed with remarkable ease. One reviewer found this insight somewhat uneven across the frequency range, but the broader verdict is firmly outstanding.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Reviews praise precise localization, strong layering and a natural sense of space, with instruments clearly mapped across the stage. It is not consistently as wide or deep as the Sennheiser HD800S, and HiFi News found the image somewhat constricted, but most reviewers consider its spatial precision and realistic scale major assets.
Dynamics
90/100
The ADX5000 is regularly described as quick, punchy and energetic, with crisp transients and convincing impact even at lower listening levels. Its low-end slam is not the biggest in its class because of the reduced sub-bass weight, yet reviewers still find macro punch and rhythmic drive highly satisfying.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
94/100
Comfort is one of the most consistently celebrated aspects of the ATH-ADX5000. At 270g, it is repeatedly described as exceptionally light, well balanced and almost invisible on the head, while its soft pads resist heat buildup. A few large-headed reviewers mention minor pad contact or extra clamp, and one reviewer preferred Audio-Technica's older wing system, but these are limited reservations.
Build Quality
87/100
Long-term impressions from Audiophile Style call the construction superb, noting no creaks or flex after months of use despite the very low weight. Other reviewers find the magnesium-based frame sturdy and practical, although some feel the lightweight construction does not look or feel especially premium, and one reviewer questioned the thin metal elements.
Features Usability
82/100
The package includes a hard carrying case and a detachable 3m cable, making this a straightforward and practical wired flagship. The high 420-ohm impedance benefits from a capable amplifier, and the proprietary A2DC connectors are less convenient than widely available alternatives; some reviewers also wished a balanced cable were included.
Value for Money
84/100
At roughly $2,000, opinion on value is divided. The Ear calls it strong value and a disruptive contender in the high-end market, while more recent reviewers argue it would be easier to recommend closer to $1,100-$1,700 given current alternatives. Its exceptional resolving ability supports the premium, but its bright tuning and selective fit make it less universally compelling at full price.
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