*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.
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
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.
The L5000 has the same 3D wing-pad design. The padding is leather. Sadly its not memory foam. The headband is cover with leather.
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.
The left and right.
Drivers are the same AT design.
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.
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.
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.
9.6/10
-if I have to pick this or the L3000? I will say the L5000 is the better pick.