Audio Technica the master of WOOD
Jul 19, 2021 at 5:52 AM Post #121 of 479
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Aug 25, 2021 at 11:22 PM Post #122 of 479
@CD44hi

You can always make a 'Wanted" post.

How's that W100? Its such a unique Woodie. Out of all the woodies that oval/dome shape is interesting. And the new AWAS/AWKT went back to that shape, with refinements.
what I mean is that the sound did nothing for me, I.e. Did not get their sound. Owned them and sold them around ‘08
@CD44hi

You can always make a 'Wanted" post.

How's that W100? Its such a unique Woodie. Out of all the woodies that oval/dome shape is interesting. And the new AWAS/AWKT went back to that shape, with refinements.
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No
 
Aug 27, 2021 at 5:18 AM Post #124 of 479
I still own my ESW9-LTD. I feel this portable on-ears has been been best wooden headphone they ever released.

That out-resolves my iems.
 
Sep 13, 2021 at 5:50 PM Post #125 of 479
*Bonus 4

Audio-Technica ATH-L3000 aka Leatherhead

2003, Audio Technica created a limited production model of 500 units with the help of Connolly UK leather company to create a statement product.
The design consist of exquisite materials. The earpads are made out of Luxury lambskin from Italy.
The housing shell is made out of Asada Sakura wood only found in Japan.
And finally the leather, which is used on the entire surface of the item, consist of semi-aniline leather made by British Connolly.


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Main specifications:
Released Date: November 21, 2003
Unit Manufactured: 500 units
Generation: 8th
Driver: 53mm, super high-class OFC - 8 N bobbin rolled voice coil
Sensitivity: 104db
Frequency: 5 to 45,000 Hz
Mass: 380g
Impedance: 48u
Overhead: sealed type (closed)
Drive method: Dynamic type reproduction
Weight: 380g
Released date Price tag: $2,500.00
Current status: Discontinued

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Semi-aniline leather made by British Connolly. Perfectly stitched and crafted.

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The L3000 uses the same Asada cherry heartwood found in the W2002. The L3000 is technically the W2002 with leather wrapped around it. But of course theres more to it than that.

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The left and right with a small metal plaque on top written 'limited edition.'
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The cable is split into two. It is braided and long. Its much more premium than all the previous woodies. The plug dose not indicated L3000 on it. That's a shame. Overall, i am not a big fan of this attached cable.

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The L3000 has the same wing system. The 3D wings are cushion with leather pads. I am a fan of this. The leather wraps around the headband. So, much leather its amazing! The earpads are lambskin.

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The drivers are design and position like all the rest of the woodies.

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Sound:

This headphone is warm, dark and full bodied. It is intimate and musical.
The biggest disadvantage of this headphone is you are always tempted to raise the volume. :L3000::L3000::L3000::L3000::L3000:

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Conclusion, this is not only the best Woodie but one of the greatest headphone that was ever created.

9.6/10
 
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Sep 23, 2021 at 7:47 PM Post #126 of 479
*Bonus 5

Audio-Technica ATH-L5000 aka Leatherhead II

The leatherhead is back! With new leather coating, color and materials. It brings on a new personality with refine characteristics.


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Headphone : L5000
Release Date: 2018
Type Closed-back Dynamic
Driver Diameter 58 mm
Frequency Response 5 – 50,000 Hz
Maximum Input Power 1,000 mW
Sensitivity 100 dB/mW
Impedance 45 ohms
Weight 480 g
Cable 3.0 m (dual-sided), 4-core parallel cable/OFC6N + OFC/Elastomer sheath
Connector 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated plug
Accessories Included Padded, hard-shell case
Shell: Sycamore wood
Leather: British Connolly aniline leather covering
Units: #500
Retail: $4000
Current status: Discontinued

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The L5000 has the same stitching and design look of the L3000. But the leather used on the L5000 feels, looks and constructed soo much better.

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The L5000 has the same 3D wing-pad design. The padding is leather. Sadly its not memory foam. The headband is cover with leather.

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Cables:

The cables are some of the worst cables in headphone history. Its microphonic and just bad. I am just impress how audio companies can not make good cables. The only thing 'AT' did right here was to have it detachable.

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The left and right.

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Drivers are the same AT design.
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Sound:

These are bass light. I am surprise myself. They are tuned differently compare to the L3000.
The L5000 has a unique sound signature. Bright and warmish. Neutral sounding. Vocals are pronounced. Its hard to say its a warm headphone. its not trebly or show any signs of sibilance. Maybe, I can say its pronounce in the Mids. The bass is light as I mention, its there and punchy but subdue. Probably the greatest strength for this headphone is the vocal reproduction.


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L3000 VS L5000

I consider the L3000 a balance headphone. Its smooth and plays music perfectly. Its detail and intimate.
The L5000 is very similar to the l3000. It emphasize the vocals a bit more and is punchy. I find the L5000 bass light compare to the L3000. Maybe after twenty years the bass might reach the same levels as the L3000. It is hard to say.

It is hard to say which one I like more. I am really digging the L5000. It is not a all rounder headphone.
I don't think this headphone is for everyone. Its not a picky amp/dac headphone. I think its picky in sound for people to like.

But the sound is not bad. Not for the price though.

Highlight: Vocals, punchy and bass light.

Both headphones are audiophile collector items. Both of them can easily challenge any modern and old closed-back headphones. They have all the detail, frequency to match them plus specialize in certain areas that others can not come close to.

If we judge these headphones on looks and design. These two leatherheads will win the trophy. No competition.


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Conclusion

The L5000 is one of the greatest closed backs out there. Sadly, its limited, discontinued and hidden from the masses. It can easily go toe to toe with any other close-back flagships. It is a unique headphone. Almost a specialist in certain part of the frequency.

I think its best to call the L5000 the "Specialist"

After hearing them all. I change my order of rank for woodies a lot. The W11R is still untouchable. The L3000 is amazing. The W2002 is also there. And the original Vintage is leaps and bounds unique. The L5000 is not the greatest Woodie but is tied in the top spots of legends.

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9.6/10

-
if I have to pick this or the L3000? I will say the L5000 is the better pick.
 
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Nov 27, 2021 at 1:03 AM Post #128 of 479
@Tchu1337

I would rank the L5000 an 8.5/10 in the vocal department.

Grouping the woodies in a similar sound signature, I will place them like this;

W10LTD, W100, W1000, W5000 and L5000 and AWKT belong in the same camp – This camp is great for female vocals.

W10VTG, W11JPN, W2002, W3000ANV and AWAS belong in the same camp – This camp has a warm, lush, unique sound.

W11R and L3000 these two have a balanced sound.

Amplifiers vary; I like old schiit—the golden era of CD-players and amps of the 80s and 90s but it does not mean I have not tried it with the GSX-mini, Burson, topping, or Singxer amps. I notice bright amps make them brighter and warm amps make them lusher. It’s a trial and error, but I notice that Audio technica own amplifiers are perfect for their own products. I posted all the amplifiers audio techinca made in the last page.

All the woodies are excellent in the vocal reproduction department—almost every single woodie. Closed-back, in general, is the best choice to pick for vocal signatures. All the woodies do not disappoint. Some are lusher, and others have an interesting flavor to the vocals. None of them has a soundstage of an HD800, or a LCD4 bass or speed like STAX.

To continue to an alternate question. What is considered the ultimate sound? This is a challenging and philosophical question by nature. I see audio techinca trying to achieve something. Something in the realm of what is the ultimate sound? Moreover, I am afraid I probably have to disagree at the end thou.

I do not believe that vocal reproduction is the ultimate sound. It is fascinating that ‘AT’ woodies somewhat specialize in the vocal departments. This makes me curious if they are on to something?

Nevertheless, I already have discovered my ultimate personal sound, and that is the fire sound. A euphoric tube signature that excels in all departments with the biggest sound stage.
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Dec 27, 2021 at 2:15 AM Post #130 of 479
I love my esw9ltd the most out of them. Has extension in both ends bass and treble.
 
Jan 19, 2022 at 9:51 AM Post #132 of 479
What's your opinion on the wp900? Been wanting to get the 900 but being that I have the awkt and awas, in which I prefer the awkt more, I've been holding out to pull the trigger on the wp900.
I had all the current gen at one point - AWKT/AWAS/WP900, I only kept the WP900. WP900 has totally different tuning to the others; it's "fun," not especially refined, great for rock/metal, mids are ok, but nothing like the textured mids on AWAS. Imaging isn't awful, and technical performance is pretty good. I have a very long comparative review somewhere on the closed-back thread if of interest. I can't say I miss the AWKT much because I feel the HD800s does all that but much better, but I could easily have the AWAS back in my collection for smooth listening.
 
Jan 19, 2022 at 9:52 AM Post #133 of 479
@Tchu1337

I would rank the L5000 an 8.5/10 in the vocal department.

Grouping the woodies in a similar sound signature, I will place them like this;

W10LTD, W100, W1000, W5000 and L5000 and AWKT belong in the same camp – This camp is great for female vocals.

W10VTG, W11JPN, W2002, W3000ANV and AWAS belong in the same camp – This camp has a warm, lush, unique sound.

W11R and L3000 these two have a balanced sound.

Amplifiers vary; I like old schiit—the golden era of CD-players and amps of the 80s and 90s but it does not mean I have not tried it with the GSX-mini, Burson, topping, or Singxer amps. I notice bright amps make them brighter and warm amps make them lusher. It’s a trial and error, but I notice that Audio technica own amplifiers are perfect for their own products. I posted all the amplifiers audio techinca made in the last page.

All the woodies are excellent in the vocal reproduction department—almost every single woodie. Closed-back, in general, is the best choice to pick for vocal signatures. All the woodies do not disappoint. Some are lusher, and others have an interesting flavor to the vocals. None of them has a soundstage of an HD800, or a LCD4 bass or speed like STAX.

To continue to an alternate question. What is considered the ultimate sound? This is a challenging and philosophical question by nature. I see audio techinca trying to achieve something. Something in the realm of what is the ultimate sound? Moreover, I am afraid I probably have to disagree at the end thou.

I do not believe that vocal reproduction is the ultimate sound. It is fascinating that ‘AT’ woodies somewhat specialize in the vocal departments. This makes me curious if they are on to something?

Nevertheless, I already have discovered my ultimate personal sound, and that is the fire sound. A euphoric tube signature that excels in all departments with the biggest sound stage.
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Good to see Hegel in some good company!
 
Jan 22, 2022 at 8:36 PM Post #134 of 479
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A look at how many units for each edition.

Audio Technica ATH-W10VTG - #3000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W100 - #3000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W1000 - #3000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W5000 - #3000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W1000Z - #3000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W1000X - #3000 units

Audio Technica ATH-W10LTD - #2000 units
Audio Technica ATH- W11JPN - #2000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W11R - #800 units
Audio Technica ATH-W2002 - #1000 units
Audio Technica ATH-W3000ANV - #2000 units
Audio Technica ATH-L3000 - #500 units
Audio Technica ATH-L3000G - #50 units
Audio Technica ATH-L5000 - #500 units

From this list, non-limited edition headphones roughly around 3000 units each.
Limited editions started off with 2000 units and afterwards drastically drop to 1000 units to 500 units. But the Audio Technica ATH-W3000ANV has #2000 units.
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Earpad models
W10vtg and w10ltd shares the same pads
W11j and w11r share pads
W100 and W1000 pads share pads
W2002 only pads
L3000 only pads
W5000 only pads
W3000anv only pads (probably its the w5000)
W1000x and w1000z share pads.
Hi, W1000X and W1000Z do not share same pads, I have W1000Z pads and my w1000x pads are fu cked, They are not the same.
W1000z pads are the biggest of all the AT I have seen.
AD2000X, AD2000 A2000Z A2000X A1000Z W1000Z W1000X R70X AD900X AD900 from the wing systems lol
 
Jan 22, 2022 at 8:53 PM Post #135 of 479
The W2002 has the nicest lacquer finish so far. I really miss my one of a kind W2002 with L3000 drivers that I sold shortly after I got the HD800. I didn’t even get to try them with a balanced amp when I sold it.
 

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