Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000
High fidelity open dynamic headphones. ¿End Game level?
Remember the Godfather movie, when Don Corleone tells Johnny Fontane that he will make the head of the studio an offer that he can't refuse? Something similar, without the macabre implications of the Don, happened to me recently. Specifically, when I was offered the opportunity to test Audio-Technica's ADX5000 headphones.
For these purposes, Audio-Technica Iberia, distributors of the brand in Spain, did the enormous favor of sending me some demo headphones of the house's most famous open model. The time between the offer and arrival was long but, believe me, it was worth the wait.
Construction.
The ADX5000 headphones are reference open headphones and their flagship in the Air Dynamic line. They are the top-of-the-range open headphones for Audio-Technica and recognized among "Head-Fi" fans as a reference in terms of features and performance.
Being "open back" headphones refers to the fact that the back of the driver that generates the sound in the headphone is not completely closed. This, in turn, has its advantages and limitations, inherent to the implementation of said configuration.
Among the most notable advantages, we find the ability to produce a wide and dynamic scene, as well as a distinctive ability to generate highly realistic sounds, and a significant sense of presence. Their main disadvantage is the lower degree of isolation they generate from outside noise, as well as the projection of sound to the outside, although it is minimal in the case of the ADX5000.
Audio-Technica designates the ADX5000 as reference headphones, as they contain some of the brand's most advanced technological elements, especially in relation to the manufacture of the 58mm diameter transducers and tungsten-coated diaphragms.
The presence of the ADX5000 is imposing. At the outset, they are presented to the customer in a large box, containing a rigid briefcase, filled with protective foam and covered by a soft fabric. In the center of it, the ADX5000 are displayed accompanied by the very high quality cable they use for their connection.
The feel of both the case, the fabric insert, and of course the headphones and cable themselves, is high-end. A 10 for Audio-Technica in presentation.
When removing the ADX from its enclosure, the first thing we notice is its solidity. A very firm construction, what is surprising is the weight, not in accordance with the dimension and quality of the product. But the latter has an explanation, you see, the material used for the metal components is magnesium, which has superior rigidity, while reducing weight. This consideration makes it evident that, in its solid construction, top-level materials have been used. We will immediately notice the transducer pads and the headband, covered in Alcantara fabric. Used in this application for its comfort and resistance. It is worth mentioning that it is the same material that is used in the seats of high-performance sports cars.
Another definitive element of the design of the ADX5000 is the honeycomb-type exterior grille, which serves not only as a decorative element, but also serves to protect the acoustic elements of the headphones.
Finally we will notice, at the bottom of each earphone, the connector for Audio-Technica's proprietary cable, the A2DC connector.
Once placed on the head, the weight of the set is almost imperceptible, due to the use of the materials mentioned, which not only provide rigidity and comfort, but also help keep the weight within an optimal limit. The comfort of the headband and pads is more than correct, allowing the headphones to be used for prolonged periods without causing discomfort.
How do they sound?
For this test I have used several sources and different equipment to know the results of the ADX5000 in various environments. Initially, I used a MacBook Pro computer as a source, connected via USB to a Lehmann Audio Linear USB II. The music source was Apple Music, in Hi-Res Lossless format (ALAC 24bit/192kHz). Later I used an IFI Zen Air DAC + CAN combo, with the same Apple Music source and, finally, I connected them to the headphone output of both my Sony CDP-338 ESD, and that of my McIntosh MC502, in the latter 2 cases, using the CD player itself and a turntable as a source.
With the Audio-Technica I have realized that the quality of the source counts and counts a lot but, also, that the more power I could send to them, the better they responded.
First I connected them to the Lehmann Audio. The Lehmann Audio is an excellent option for anyone looking for a good DAC/AMP set to drive headphones like the Audio Technica. It is a set that integrates, in a single chassis, both components and offers excellent performance.
Paul McCartney & Wings - Band on the Run. This album is very well done. The sound quality is magnificent, even more so when enjoyed through Hi-Res Lossless and even more so with the Lehmann Audio and Audio-Technica ADX5000 combo. Band on the Run has never sounded so spectacular. The clarity and realism with which the music is transmitted is surprising. The stage is very wide and the resolution is sharp, crystal clear. It becomes possible to capture each and every one of the details of the various parts of the song, greatly appreciating McCartney's experience in musical production. Jet, on the other hand, with its more aggressive and rock sound made the ADX commit to delivering a sound full of textures and dynamism, a commitment that the headphones more than fulfilled. By the way, the 50th anniversary edition is now available, the comments I have received are positive, although I have not been able to listen to it for myself.
Unable to resist Apple Music's progressive rock suggestions, I fell into the hands of
Rush, with their 2112 (Remastered), getting lost in the 20 minutes of the Overture in its various parts. The crystalline resolution of the Lossless recording was brought to its maximum expression thanks to the Lehmann's DAC component and the Audio-Technica's ability to convey unprecedented realism were essential to getting lost in this spectacular musical number. I promise you that they are 20 minutes that have been greatly enjoyed.
Closing with alternative rock,
Emerson Lake & Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery in its remastered version from 2014, again in lossless format. Still... you turn me on, with the tone of power ballad it is, truly, an explosion of color and textures once we reach the middle of the song. Toccata, in the alternative version, once again showed the resolution of the headphones, testing the treble tone that was accurate without excessive brilliance.
When connecting them to the Ifi Air set (a set below the price range of the Audio-Technica) I noticed again, the very high capacity of the ADX to adapt to the source that handles them, without losing their definitive characteristics in terms of projection capacity and resolution. You might be wondering, why connect these €2000 headphones to a €200 DAC/AMP set? There are 2 reasons. The first is that it is possible that someone who has started their journey in the world of Head-fi and has reached the ADX5000 has or has had these components that stand out for their quality/price ratio. The second reason is the so-called 80/20 rule, in relation to the expenditure between the headphones and the source and amplification chain. This proposal, although not completely widespread, has some followers and, hey, we may not be completely lost.
With the IFI set I had no problems enjoying
Legend - Bob Marley & The Wailers (2002 Edition). This posthumous edition of the Reggae great was rendered with masterful clarity and presentation. The bass line, a defining element of the genre, solid and well represented in terms of depth. Marley's unmistakable voice was clearly cut out from the sound of the instruments and was almost palpable. The percussive details in the treble range were well rescued by the ADX5000, presenting them in their correct dimension without exaggerating the brightness.
With the Sony CDP-338 ESD live, using its excellent headphone output the sound was very clear. This team, although many years old, was truly exceptional for its time. It has a fairly respectable DAC system and, in particular, a headphone output capable of moving the 420 ohms of the Audio-Technica without using the entire line output dial on the headphone jack. The sound was quite clear, with impressive detail. It was almost as if we could listen, live and without intermediaries, to the sound recorded on the CD. For this test I used the album
Riding with the King - B.B. King and Eric Clapton (Reprise 9362-47612-2, 2000). This album is about guitars. Well, the ADX5000 presented the stage as if we had been in the front row when it was recorded. Again, unprecedented setting and definition. The depth of the sound has been spectacular.
When connecting them to the headphone output of the MC502 we find a much warmer presentation. Likewise, the amplifier was able to drive the ADX5000 without problems, barely needing a small stretch of the volume control to reach a pleasant sound level. With the warmth provided by the McIntosh, warmer textures were appreciated in the voice, particularly with the recording of
Macy Gray - Rock n' Roll Suicide. Not only was the texture in the singer's voice clearly transmitted, in addition, the definition, precision and speed with which the low frequencies were resolved in this single really left a positive impact in my review of the ADX5000's.
In general, I will say that the sound I have appreciated from the ADX5000 has been quite pleasant. The breadth and clarity with which they represent the musical scene, the very high resolution that allows each of the instruments to be placed in the mix and the transparency that they provide to the detail of each of the sounds make them, beyond a doubt, headphones. very high performance.
With well-recorded music, it's easy to get lost in the trance that accompanies it. My recommendation, if you'll allow me, is to invest almost as much (I'm not just talking about money, but quality) in the playback chain as in the headphones. We must consider what I said at the beginning. The more care was taken of the source and amplification, as well as the musical material that was provided to the Audio-Technica, the better they responded, without being able to reach, with my limited means, their upper limit.
Conclusions.
One of the things I like most about Audio-Technica is their attention to detail. It is one of the companies that, without a doubt, pay a lot of attention to each and every one of the elements that make up their products. Whether it's a €60 pair of headphones like the ATH-M20X or a €2000 pair like the ADX5000, Audio-Technica gives us everything we can for our money. This does not mean that there are no elements that, in my personal opinion, I would change with respect to the ADX5000, but I will express myself about this later.
I am actually very surprised and satisfied with the ADX, they present a wide stage, very high sound quality and surprising comfort. They are, without a doubt, "end game" headphones, that is, the end of the road, of course, for those looking for a sound signature like the one they provide.
Regarding what, in my opinion, can be improved, I will say the following. Instead of the carrying and storage case or even in addition to it, it would include a headphone holder. Realistically, someone who uses them constantly will probably use the briefcase a couple of times in their life, while a quality stand would be used daily. On the other hand, the cable, although of good quality and more than enough, is single ended. For this level of headphones, many amplification equipment in the price range use or have a balanced output option. If I worked at Audio-Technica, I would propose including as an option for the customer to choose between the normal cable or a balanced one, or I would even additionally package an AT-B1XA-3.0 cable.
As for the headphones, I wouldn't do anything. It seems to me that they are very close to what any Head-fi fan might look for if the hearing profile is to their liking. On this particular point, I will say that it seemed to me, from the beginning, that the ADX5000 would pair excellently with a tube amplifier. It's a shame that I haven't been able to test this pairing. Hopefully in the future it will be possible.
