[iponderous]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welly Wu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do my impressions closely mirror your impressions of the ATH-W5000?

Yes, very much, which is unusual and reassuring.

 

[iponderous]

Quote:

Originally Posted by suikodenii /img/forum/go_quote.gif And you haven't even mentioned the phenomenal soundstaging yet. Which is one of the best, if not the best I have heard in a headphone

This is referred to in the opening post.

 

[Aethelred]

I would say using AT Amp is safe and final bet. You buy this baby and your done. With tube amp you'll find the whole new world for trying different tubes.
What I'm trying to say - tubes will give you a bit more versatility but you need more time to find the right combination. AT amp is final solution if you like W5000. I'm enjoying both of them ( AT and WA2)
Oh and AT amp is a real beauty.

 

[TheOtus]

WHAT? W5000 is shiny? From other pictures I´ve always thought that it has sort of matte finish. Sure looks great in the picture above. =D

 

[iponderous]

That just leapt off the page at me too. Mine have a satin lacquer finish, which I prefer.

 

[David.M]

the ATH-W5000 are so beautifully crafted

 

[Aethelred]

I like glossy more so I made it glossy and it had a small nick that happened during shipment ( cardboard scratching slightly the amp) so when made it shiny it is almost invisible. And this is how it looked as matte, You compare yourself.

 

[iponderous]

^ Oh I see. I'm afraid that I really do prefer the understated appearance of the original finish. To each his own. Just as long as the sound hasn't been affected in any way; that's the most important thing.

 

[Aethelred]

Internally unit is stock both amp and headphone. I just love W5000 so much that both headphones and amp are staying with me for quite a time either as main rig or office/bedroom.

 

[Amarphael]

As was alreasy said here, I envy you for the sheer stunning match which the duo boasts. Soundwise i think i can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Welly Wu]

I simply must have that AT-HA5000 headphone amplifier for myself someday soon.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welly Wu /img/forum/go_quote.gif I simply must have that AT-HA5000 headphone amplifier for myself someday soon.

That would take them to another level.. Check out headphonereviews.org. One member scores the W5000 with & without the amp. To him it made a world of difference, & easily worth the money for any serious W5000 fan. & the W5000 ranks within the top 15 of highest scores.. & the reviewers are really picky.. Just shows how great the W5000 really are..

 

[tomk]

Anyone heard these phones with the Vincent KHV-1pre? Would very much like to hear these phones with my amp.

 

[Welly Wu]

Audio Technica ATH-W5000 Review


The Audio Technica ATH-W5000 “Raffinato” are the current top of the line pair of closed headphones within the company's headphone portfolio. The MSRP is $1669.95, but the street price is approximately $650 - $700 USD.


Features:

1. Striped ebony housing provides superb acoustic characteristics
2. Ear pads cushioned in leather feature A-T’s ultra-comfortable total ear fitting design
3. 53 mm drivers (equipped with neodymium magnet systems) designed exclusively for the W5000
4. Driver unit incorporates a Permendur magnetic circuit with exceptional magnetic characteristics
5. High-quality 8N-OFC (oxygen free copper) voice coils for ultra-efficient signal transfer
6. Lightweight magnesium alloy frame
7. Double Air Damping System for deep bass reproduction
8. 3D Wing Support provides stable, comfortable fit
9. Y-cable features an elastomer sheath that helps prevent tangles
10. Includes padded, protective hard-shell case for safe, convenient storage
11. Gold-plated ¼” (6.3 mm) stereo connector provides exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity, low noise

Fit and Finish:
I had no problems with the fit of the ATH-W5000 “Raffinato” headphones and there are no sound leakage or slippage issues. Others have reported fitting issues due to the 3D Wing Support upon the shapes of their head.


Sound Quality:
These headphones exhibit an accurate timbre reproduction compared to live music. For example, keystrokes upon pianos have a percussive sound while cymbals have enough shimmer without sounding splashy. On Diana Krall's The Very Best of Diana Krall CD, the piano that she plays sounds realistic and her sultry voice comes through with luscious warmth. They possess a very high degree of transparency to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of any style of music. In terms of overall presentation, the ATH-W5000 sounds neither overly warm or neutral: they just sound open and natural except in the upper mid-range which sounds slightly warm especially when reproducing female vocals. The “Raffinato” possesses a very high degree of resolution; overall, resolution and detail retrieval are top drawer compared to the AKG K 701 headphones. Renee Fleming's Sacred Songs CD showcases her majestic vocal range and she sounds silky smooth and refined while effortlessly filling the sound stage with glorious music. On the matter of sound stage, the ATH-W5000 paint a very wide, tall, and deep canvas to showcase the musicians. Within that expansive sound stage comes precise imaging that is spot on. Each musician and instrument occupies its own airy space. On one hand, Ms. Fleming's is a soprano and trebles sound smooth, well extended, and airy with just a touch of warmth in the uppermost echelons. On the other hand, bass notes come through clearly with a very high degree of textured resolution and speed. However, they lack weight and slam compared to other headphones and there is some roll-off on the deepest bass notes. Macro-dynamics are hyper fast so as to keep tempo with the music. Finally, listeners need not turn up the volume by much to hear their music at comfortably safe levels. The ATH-W5000 “Raffinato” are easily the very best pair of cans that I have had the pleasure of ownership.

 

[iponderous]

Nice review Welly Wu (and the rhyme isn't intentional). $749.00 USD was the lowest price that I could find for the ATH-W5000.