Review: Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000

Author: Roderick

Information:

• Price: 2190 €
• Driver diameter: 58 mm
• Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
• Impedance: 420 ohm
• Weight: 270 g, without cable
• Cable: 3.0 m
• Connector: A2DC
• Cable: 6NOFC cable with 6.35 mm connector

Review sample: Self-purchased product

Released in 2017 ADX5000 is Audio-Technica's current flagship model from Japan, priced at a hefty 2190 euros. In my opinion, the ADX5000 has not received much attention. More affordable alternatives, such as Sennheiser HD800s (1369 €), Focal Clear (1499 €), Hedd HEDDphones (1699 €), and Hifiman Arya (1799 €) have been more prominent, and those willing to invest over a couple of grand in headphones seem to be looking more towards, for example, the ZMF Verite (2799 €) or Meze Empyrean (2999 €). Is the ADX5000 perhaps too expensive or too cheap compared to other options, or has Audio-Technica failed in its marketing?

Of course, it can be a bit difficult to sell headphones made with a traditional (boring) dynamic driver for over 2000 euros, especially when the headphones do not use exotic materials or special technical solutions that would make for a good sales pitch. For me, Audio-Technica has not been the first manufacturer whose headphones I look at when I am acquiring more expensive headphones. On the other hand, it must be said that Audio-Technica has generally been a very safe choice, and even if audio nirvana has not been achieved, Audio-Technica headphones have never disappointed. I cannot say the same for any other manufacturer that offers such a wide range of different headphones.

Structure and comfort

I rarely talk much about headphone packaging, but here the ADX5000 deserves a special mention. The headphones are delivered in a rather nice case, which is hard and feels sturdy. The hinges are metal and the stitching is fine. The case is made of synthetic material that does not try to imitate leather. An Audeze/ZMF-style plastic case is more practical because a few scratches don't bother them as much. With the ADX5000's case, however, one has to be a bit more careful if one wants to keep the surface looking nice.

When you get the headphones out of the case and into your hands to examine them, a slight disappointment takes over. For their price, the headphones look and feel quite cheap. However, the first impression is incorrect – what was first thought to be plastic turns out to be metal, more precisely magnesium. This also explains the lightness of the headphones. The headphones weigh only an astonishing 270 grams. For comparison, the Sennheiser HD800s, mainly made of plastic and known for its lightness, weighs 330 grams. Magnesium is indeed a great material! Some may remember the Sony MDR-SA5000 headphones from several years ago, which were also made of magnesium and extremely light. Sony's and Audio-Technica's designs also have some similarities, such as the two-pronged headband structure and the implementation of height adjustment.

The ADX5000's ear pads are thin and look ordinary, especially for those accustomed to fine leather pads. The material is Alcantara, which many may be familiar with from Sennheiser HD800 headphones. The headband also appears to be covered with the same material. The padding is thin – in fact, the entire headband looks as if there should be a strap hanging below it, against which the head would rest.

The headphone cables attach to the cups with an A2DC connector, which is a connector type developed by Audio-Technica itself. I suppose there's some point to it, but to me, it just looks like a larger MMCX connector, which is usually used in in-ear headphones. The connectors click into place nicely and detach without any excessive tugging. I wish manufacturers would stick to more common connectors (3.5 mm, mini-XLR), but the A2DC connector is still more pleasant to use than the silly LEMO connectors of the Sennheiser HD800 and Focal Utopia or Dan Clark Audio's Hirose connectors.

The cable itself, however, is absolutely terrible. It's not as bad as Hifiman's Christmas light cable, but the cable is quite stiff, easily kinks, and tends to bend unpleasantly on its own. At least Fostex and Denon have tended to use a similar type of cable, but in the ADX5000's price range, that's quite sad. Even more dismal is that Audio-Technica seems to use the same cable in its L5000 model (limited edition/RRP around 4000 €). The ADX5000 also does not come with a balanced cable, for which Audio-Technica must be given a big minus.

The headphones are not particularly striking in appearance, but very minimalist in design – depending on the user, this is either a good or a bad thing. Apart from the cable, however, the basics are in order and the quality of the materials can only be praised. The simplified exterior is enlivened by the Audio-Technica logo on the connector (which remains inside the mesh) and the ”Japan made” text and serial number on the magnets of the drivers.

When the headphones are placed on the head, they greet the user with a rather firm clamp. Fortunately, the feeling of pressure disappears quite quickly. The ear pads offer enough space for the ears, even though they are thin. Alcantara feels pleasant against the skin. Nothing is felt on the top of the head, even though there is hardly any padding there. After a while, the headphones ”melt” onto the head. The ratio of clamping force to the weight on the top of the head is perfect, and the negligible weight further enhances comfort. These are definitely the most comfortable high-end headphones I have used, and I would say, perhaps even TOP-3 of all the headphones I have tried. Just by looking at the headphones, I would never have believed they could be this good on the head!

Sound quality

Sonically, the ADX5000 is clearly a bright-leaning headphone, which in terms of sound compares to headphones like the Sennheiser HD800s and Focal Clear. The best part of the ADX5000's reproduction are the mid-range frequencies, especially vocal performances – one pays more attention to the lyrics than usual. This works in Finnish too, but is even more emphasized in English, as when listening one notices understanding sentences that previously went unnoticed.

The reproduction is precise and detailed. While listening, I found myself discovering new things in a similar way to listening to the Focal Utopia. These are small things, such as the band fading out slightly faster than the vocalist at the end of a song.

The soundstage of the headphones is well-proportioned and the placement of sound sources is precise. I was initially concerned about this, as the drivers or pads are not angled, which is quite unusual in today's high-end headphones. The soundstage is rather medium-sized, meaning not large like the HD800-style, but by no means small, like the Focal Clear. In terms of soundstage size, the ADX5000s also lose to the Hifiman Ananda, and thus presumably also to the Arya, which I have never had the chance to test myself.

To my ears, there is enough bass in the headphones – I would say, more than measurements might suggest. Of course, a clear lack of sub-bass cannot be overlooked. At least in theory, a large 58 mm driver should be able to move enough air without having to work at its extremes. Although there is nothing to complain about in the quality of the bass itself, there is nothing particularly spectacular about Audio-Technica's bass – I cannot say that ”this is exactly how bass reproduction should sound in €2200 headphones”. For example, the Focal Clear is clearly better in terms of impact, and planar headphones, in turn, have their advantages in bass extension and speed.

The treble in the ADX5000 is a bit tricky. At the highest volume, the 9–10 kHz region plays, the problematic nature of which depends heavily on the listener – some find it irritating, others do not. After 10 kHz, there is little else but the upper harmonics of cymbals, which mainly cause extra light sibilance. Of course, if you are a fan of hardcore piccolo music, problems might arise.

Even more polarizing is the emphasis in the 5 kHz region. I myself am almost immune to that, but other people's ears are so sensitive to that region that the ADX5000 can be very close to unlistenable. For example, the Hifiman HE5XX headphones have a roughly similar emphasis in the 5 kHz region. If you are familiar with the HE5XX and it didn't cause problems, the ADX5000 should also suit your ears.

The ADX5000 is undeniably interesting to listen to, because I am not bothered by the 9–10 kHz emphasis, nor the corresponding peak in the 5 kHz region. I know and in a way hear that the headphones are bright, but on the other hand, nothing is piercing or unnaturally prominent. I recall that a review on headphones.com also wondered how the headphones could be so bright at the same time, yet not sound like it.

For me, the ADX5000s are above all pleasant to listen to. There is enough resolution to keep listening interesting. Nothing is fatiguing or irritating while listening either – this is quite rare, especially with more expensive headphones, as I tend to listen to them quite critically. It would have been interesting to compare these headphones to the Focal Clear, as they are in many respects some of the finest headphones I've heard costing under two thousand. This time, the matter remained unresolved, but it is very possible that I would rank the Audio-Technicas higher than the Focal.

However, I compared these to a few other open-back dynamic headphones I had available: the original Sennheiser HD800, Beyerdynamic T1 Gen1, and Focal Utopia. Originally, I intended to compare these using a tube amplifier, but I couldn't acquire one in time. Because of this, I had to settle for the tube hybrid Liquid Platinum. It's a shame, as high-impedance headphones like the Sennheisers, Beyers, and ADX5000 would certainly have performed best with a good tube device.

Comparison to other headphones

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All headphones were measured with miniDSP Ears, using HEQ compensation, with 1/12 octave smoothing setting using REW software. It is good to remember that MiniDSP Ears is very inaccurate in measuring higher frequencies. I try to position the headphones as well as possible on the measurement device, take measurements by slightly varying the position of the headphones, and average them from both channels. However, I do not strive for perfection, and for example, I do not have any enclosure that would perfectly isolate the measurement device from external sounds. For these reasons, the measurements are only indicative. The uncertainty of the measurements is especially visible with the Focal Utopia in the 5–7 kHz region, as that dip does not actually exist there. Although the volume was set the same for all at the 300 Hz region during measurement (manufacturer's recommendation), it is advisable to compare, for example, treble emphases to the 1 kHz region. Read that way, the results, in my opinion, best correspond to what I heard.

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ADX5000 vs. Beyerdynamic T1 (gen 1)

Prices: 2200 € vs. 350 € (used, as manufacturing has ceased. The price of new ones was 1295 €)

The first generation T1 was already released in 2009. I've had them in rotation for the third time, so there's something about them that attracts me, even though I always end up selling them quite quickly. I particularly like Beyer's build quality. While there can be many opinions about the sound, hardly anyone can say that the manufacturer doesn't know how to build durable and fine headphones. The cable on the T1 is fixed, but that can't be considered a major drawback, as in 2009 a detachable cable was not yet standard. In terms of feel, the T1 compared to the ADX5000 perhaps feels a bit more like a premium product, but that too is largely a matter of preference. Neither has any significant flaws. Beyerdynamics are very comfortable on the head, but as I've already declared, the ADX5000 is indeed the new king of high-end headphones in terms of comfort.

At its best, the T1 still sounds really good even today. At its worst…at its worst, Beyerdynamic's treble and sibilance are something utterly incomprehensible. I have never compared the T1 and Beyerdynamic's DT1990 model side-by-side, but I recall the DT1990 being more balanced, though it too is an overly bright headphone. In defense of the T1, it must be said that the T5p (gen1) and T70 are an order of magnitude more terrible ear murderers.

Audio-Technica's ADX5000 sounds fuller, but at the same time also more resolving and cleaner. It is often said that emphasized treble brings out details in music. To a certain extent, that works, but in Beyerdynamic's case, it already eats up information from other frequency bands.

With Audio-Technica, the bass comes alive in a completely different way. The sound has body and that ”slam.” In its presentation, Audio-Technica is also more ”in your face,” or at least that's how it sounds. Partially, it might also be because the T1 is often listened to a bit quieter, as Beyerdynamic's treble is so grating in places.

Although the T1 has its moments, it quite clearly falls short against its newer competitor. In terms of soundstage and ”imaging” aspects, the headphones are quite equal, but otherwise, the ADX5000 is clearly better in everything. Of course, it's good to consider the price difference between the headphones. For the price of one used Audio-Technica, one could buy three or four used Beyerdynamics. If one likes the Beyer sound, they certainly get a lot of value for their money. I've even considered keeping them myself this time and modifying the treble to be a bit more moderate.

ADX5000 vs. Sennheiser HD800

Prices: 2200 € vs. 600 € (used, as manufacturing has ceased. Original price 1300 €)

The Sennheiser HD800 needs no introduction. Like the Beyerdynamic T1, the HD800s were released in 2009, but even today they are used as a general reference when talking about +1000 € headphones. Subsequently, the HD800 was updated to the HD800S model, but some still consider the original version to be better. In terms of construction, the HD800 is plastic, but not at all cheap-feeling. I have always liked the look of the HD800 – it is distinctive and recognizable, but it has not been shaped at the expense of usability. The everyday ADX5000 is admittedly dull-looking when compared side-by-side. On the head, the Sennheisers are very comfortable, but as has been stated many times, the ADX5000 is exceptionally comfortable to use. The HD800 still comes very close.

Sennheiser's soundstage size is legendary, and for good reason. Some even consider it unnaturally wide. The vastness doesn't bother me personally, but I'm not particularly fond of the emptiness left in the space. This space feels a bit fake compared to, for example, the Focal Utopia, which utilizes every inch of the soundstage. Compared to Audio-Technica, Sennheiser's soundstage is clearly wider, but there isn't a big difference in depth. In my opinion, Audio-Technica has more precise sound localization, whereas the HD800 plays more broadly but less focused. Overall, the HD800 clearly offers more momentary space-related ”wow” effects. Both are similar in how "quickly" sounds appear from somewhere.

Although the ADX5000 is bright, it is not so (for me) in an annoying way, like the HD800, which reminds you of its treble peak almost constantly. Even if the Sennheisers' treble doesn't always hurt the ears, it is so detached from the rest of the reproduction that it irritates and breaks the listening experience.

The ADX5000 puts more punch behind the notes. While it's no Utopia, it can hit quite convincingly when needed, compared to the HD800, which is more of a stealthy type that doesn't quite convey the impact of, for example, a piano.

In its mid-range, the HD800 is a tad more veiled than the ADX5000. In my opinion, the ADX5000's background is also blacker, making it easier to spot small nuances within the music. Beating the HD800 in the presentation of such small details is no small feat. If spatial effects are not important, I can't think of any reason to choose the Sennheiser besides the price.

ADX5000 vs. Focal Utopia

Prices: 2200 € vs. 4000 €

Some have described Audio-Technica as a microscope, which is not badly put. Still, Focal Utopia takes things a step further by dissecting all sounds into very small parts when necessary. Utopia can distinguish more small details because nothing goes ”on top of each other,” but EVERYTHING is laid bare before the listener. At times, the sound of the ADX5000 even has a slight veil, which is mainly noticed when quickly switching from Utopia back to Audio-Technica.

With Utopia, one notices subtle tempo changes better. The difference is, of course, negligibly small and certainly within the bounds of imagination, but it feels to me that when music accelerates its pace very slowly, it is easier to notice with Utopia. Utopia cannot really be listened to as background music, because it forcibly demands the listener's attention. The ADX5000, on the other hand, can be forgotten in the background, and music can also be listened to ”without listening.”.

Utopia's ability for analytical reproduction does not, however, mean that it is unmusical. Utopia is a very rhythmic and flowing headphone – for me, the ”most fun” headphone. Audio-Technica emphasizes the vocalist more, whereas the focus of Utopia's sound lives more with the music. Utopia tends to momentarily bring individual elements into focus and thereby create ”I haven't noticed before how good that sounds” feelings.

In the end, comparing headphones is really difficult, because no matter which headphones you put on, the reaction is ”damn, that sounds good.” Musical enjoyment unfortunately gets in the way when one should be focusing on finding flaws.

Perhaps the most critical difference between these two is in dynamics and the general sense of power. The ADX5000 is characterized by beautifully spreading music for the listener's enjoyment. Utopia can do that too, but it pushes with greater pressure when needed. This difference does not surface with all music, but when it is found in the recording, the difference is quite noticeable.

If Audio-Technica had, for example, a clearly wider soundstage to offer in return, one would truly have to weigh between the two, which one to put their money into. As it stands, Audio-Technica is unfortunately only better in terms of comfort. Although the ADX5000 generally gets surprisingly close to the Focal in almost everything, the difference in dynamics is still so significant that the scales begin to clearly tip towards Utopia. If the aforementioned things are secondary to the listener, I would say that the ADX5000 is a good enough alternative if one wants to get by with headphones cheaper than Utopia. For someone who already owns Utopia, the ADX5000 is not, in my opinion, suitable as a complementary headphone, because it does not actually offer anything better or sufficiently different in terms of its sound.

Summary

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000s are great-sounding and very comfortable headphones. If the ADX5000 cost, say, €1600, I could recommend them almost unreservedly to anyone who prefers a slightly bright sound. However, talking about price-quality ratio for headphones costing several thousand euros is a bit fruitless. The more expensive the headphone, the smaller the improvements relative to the price.

The Sennheiser HD800s is €800 cheaper, and they are also equipped with a balanced cable as standard. On the other hand, the ADX5000 closes the gap to Utopia, whereas the HD800 is, in my opinion, clearly an inferior headphone to Utopia. If one likes Audio-Technica as much as, say, Hifiman Arya, it might even be sensible to pay an extra €500 for a ”made in Japan” product instead of Hifiman's notoriously questionable quality. The situation is somewhat similar with Hedd HEDDphones, because if the sound of both is pleasing, it might be more comfortable in the long run to own the almost half a kilo lighter Audio-Technicas (AT / 270 g vs. Hedd / 718 g). However, the final valuation of the ADX5000 is left to each enthusiast to make themselves. In my opinion, they should definitely be auditioned, if possible!

Pros and cons:

+ Transparent and airy sound with top-class resolution
+ Light weight and excellent wearing comfort
+ Nice case

– No balanced cable as standard equipment
– The cable is stiff, microphonic, and easily tangled
– A 5 kHz emphasis might be too much for some
– Lack of lowest bass frequencies
– Warranty only 2 years
– High price