Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Generation)

Mar 29, 2025 at 4:32 AM Post #796 of 814
Have Anyone compared t5 3rd gen with zmf bokeh?
I've had both. I'd say Bokeh if you want timbre in your instruments (guitar for example). T5 if you want a slightly fuller sound and crisper notes. I'd say the T5 has slightly better soundstage and definitely better imaging due to the crisper sound. It's a pick your flavour scenario.

They're both general use headphones in my opinion, neither are genre masters but both are good all-rounders.

Comfort is something to consider, the Bokeh has a more comfortable pad with more diameter for your ears. The T5 pad has a very small diameter that will likely rub on the bottom of your earlobe (I've got small ears and it rubbed). I've had the T5p.2 and the T5, I used Dekoni pads on both, but that of course means a slight change to the tuning. The Bokeh is heavier but not to the point I found it an issue.

From a sound perspective you can't go wrong with either, but if you're purchasing used the T5 is far more affordable. Without doubt you pay a premium with ZMF for the extremely beautiful build.

On a side note, I've also had the Atticus and Verite Closed. I had a Manchurian Ash Atticus and found it sounded very good, I also tried a stock Atticus and found it uncomfortably peaky in the treble. The wood made a big difference. The Verite Closed was close to being a genre master. Acoustic tracks with male vocals were insanely good. I rate both of those headphones (Ash Atticus and VC) above the Bokeh. Ash Atticus only just above...I think it pays to have a harder wood edition.

Apologies for the lengthy response.
 
Mar 29, 2025 at 4:40 AM Post #797 of 814
I have both too. They are both very good headphones. I use the t5 more though as they are lighter to wear. That's something to take into account too
 
Mar 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM Post #798 of 814
I had Bokeh for a while but it didn't work for me. Like all ZMFs, it's gorgeous to look at, but there are problems when you actually want to use it.

Headphone is really heavy, earpads are shallow and for me, even the headband strap wasn't very comfortable. I highly recommend trying it out before buying - if you don't feel any discomfort after half an hour of listening, it might work you.

Soundwise it was fine - as I remember, with stock pads (hybrid) compared to T5 with Choice Suede pads, it had a bit smaller soundstage and sounded more compressed, midrange was more forward and present, bass was very similar, good quantity and fullness. Nothing else stood out for me.
 
Mar 29, 2025 at 2:31 PM Post #800 of 814
Which closed back headphones are better than t5.3 in your opinion? From 500 to 1500$
I can't really tell you - to my ears, T5 with Choice Suede pads is pretty much as good as it gets.

I used have dozens of closed-back headphones, but over time I sold all of them and recently I purchased my third T5, so I guess that says all about what I think of this headphone.
 
Mar 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM Post #801 of 814
I can't really tell you - to my ears, T5 with Choice Suede pads is pretty much as good as it gets.

I used have dozens of closed-back headphones, but over time I sold all of them and recently I purchased my third T5, so I guess that says all about what I think of this headphone.
Im getting open box for 380$
 
Mar 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM Post #802 of 814
I had Bokeh for a while but it didn't work for me. Like all ZMFs, it's gorgeous to look at, but there are problems when you actually want to use it.

Headphone is really heavy, earpads are shallow and for me, even the headband strap wasn't very comfortable. I highly recommend trying it out before buying - if you don't feel any discomfort after half an hour of listening, it might work you.

Soundwise it was fine - as I remember, with stock pads (hybrid) compared to T5 with Choice Suede pads, it had a bit smaller soundstage and sounded more compressed, midrange was more forward and present, bass was very similar, good quantity and fullness. Nothing else stood out for me.
The weight are a big issue for me too. I had to sell the verite closed because and I hardly use the bokeh. I mostly use the t5, t1 and hd650 as they don't give me neck ache
 
Mar 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM Post #803 of 814
Which closed back headphones are better than t5.3 in your opinion? From 500 to 1500$
Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Generation) - great headphones!

Тhe only thing I would like is the comfort level of the ear pads, like the Meze Empyrean or HIFIMAN HE1000.

Otherwise, these are some of the best universal all-genre closed headphones, they are not demanding in terms of amplification and are scalable with good audio equipment, have a smooth tonal balance and excellent timbre fidelity, micro and macro dynamics are implemented at a high level, as is the spatial presentation (scene), for closed headphones, to the characteristics listed above add also excellent musicality.
Based on their price and the ability of these headphones to present high sound quality at the level of headphones whose price is 3-4 times more expensive, their real value immediately becomes clear.

Below are headphones, not better than Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Generation), but they are worth listening to.
HIFIMAN HE-R10 Planar Version-Stealth Magnet (open-box)
Dali iO-12 (in active mode)
 
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Mar 30, 2025 at 4:17 AM Post #805 of 814
The weight are a big issue for me too. I had to sell the verite closed because and I hardly use the bokeh. I mostly use the t5, t1 and hd650 as they don't give me neck ache
As the headphone hobby years go by I do find myself focusing on comfort more and more.

My main closed back is the Sony MDR Z1R now as it's deceivingly light and super comfortable. Even beats out the Audioquest Nightowl on comfort...just. Helps that it sounds nice as well.
 
Mar 30, 2025 at 4:24 AM Post #806 of 814
As the headphone hobby years go by I do find myself focusing on comfort more and more.

My main closed back is the Sony MDR Z1R now as it's deceivingly light and super comfortable. Even beats out the Audioquest Nightowl on comfort...just. Helps that it sounds nice as well.
Comfort is the most important thing for me these days with both iems and headphones. I'm thinking of getting the mdr z1r too
 
Mar 30, 2025 at 3:53 PM Post #808 of 814
How do t5.3 compares to z1r in sound?
The Z1R is bigger and bolder in sound. It has larger cups and 70mm drivers. On the wrong amp pairing it can sound a bit harsh on the highs and lows. But with a good pairing it's pretty sublime. It's warmer than the T5. Overall it's a step up, but it costs a whole lot more.
 
Apr 22, 2025 at 4:59 AM Post #809 of 814
Hello guys, I'm currently looking into upgrading my headphones and I'm really interested in both the Denon AH-D9200 and Beyerdynamic T5 / T1 (3rd generation). I’ve seen some great feedback on both, but I haven’t had the chance to hear them side-by-side myself. How do they compare in sound andd comfort? Thx.
 
Apr 22, 2025 at 8:33 AM Post #810 of 814
Hello guys, I'm currently looking into upgrading my headphones and I'm really interested in both the Denon AH-D9200 and Beyerdynamic T5 / T1 (3rd generation). I’ve seen some great feedback on both, but I haven’t had the chance to hear them side-by-side myself. How do they compare in sound andd comfort? Thx.
Below is a brief description of the Denon AH-D9200 and Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd generation), taking into account my preferences in audio sound, of course.

Denon AH-D9200 - the sound signature is neutral and a little light, closer to monitor (sterile) sound. I lacked the main thing in them - musicality, everything sounds rather bland, not engaging. Although there are people for whom such a sound signature of headphones suits. Comfort is average, my ear pads do not completely cover the ear, like the Meze Empyrean or HIFIMAN HE1000, for me, the last mentioned headphones have the best comfort.

Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd generation) - the sound signature is neutral with a slight hint of warmth. These headphones are a hybrid of technicality and musicality. Everything sounds balanced, musically engaging with details. You will find more information above. Comfort is also average, their ear pads, like those of the Denon AH-D9200, do not completely cover my ear, but the passive sound insulation is better in the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd generation). I also think that Beyerdynamic has optimized their cable and ear pads well for the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd generation). In my opinion, their signature elements (cable and ear pads) provide synergy and better sound quality. This means that you will not have to spend additional funds to improve the sound. The price of the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd generation) is lower than that of the Denon AH-D9200.

My recommendations: connect the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd generation) via a balanced Beyerdynamic cable and to good audio equipment, because when connected to a computer, they sound like mid-range headphones. Listen to them in a quiet environment for at least 30 minutes and you will understand how cool they sound.

Of course, I always recommend listening to these headphones yourself before buying.

Good luck!
 

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