[yellafella321]

Why did they ever stop using the laquer finish from the w2002/w11/w10, even the w1000 in favor of the plain wooden finish of the w5000?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Beats me, but I actually prefer the look of the W5000 (part of why I bought it). I always found the W2002 look a bit pompous and overdone (not to mention more prone to damage).

 

[sonic32]

Not sure if you have seen them in person, but they look very nice and the satin finish is quite understated, which I like.

 

[mulveling]

I like the w2002/w11 finish much better

I don't see what's special about the w10vtg & w1000 finish - looks pretty plain to me, though the w5000 is even more dull. Keep in mind the w2002/w11 were limited edition items - the w5000 is "regular" production. Consequences being that not only does AT pull out all the stops for their LE items, but the delicacy of the finish is more acceptable there as well.

There's no indication that the L3000 was AT's last LE full sized audiophile headphone, so let's just wait and see before deciding they've given up on that finish.

 

[Carl]

The W5000 is suitably pretty in the flesh. Too much laquer hides the woodgrain.

 

[tom2517]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulveling I like the w2002/w11 finish much better I don't see what's special about the w10vtg & w1000 finish - looks pretty plain to me, though the w5000 is even more dull. Keep in mind the w2002/w11 were limited edition items - the w5000 is "regular" production. Consequences being that not only does AT pull out all the stops for their LE items, but the delicacy of the finish is more acceptable there as well. There's no indication that the L3000 was AT's last LE full sized audiophile headphone, so let's just wait and see before deciding they've given up on that finish.

AT's people came to Taiwan and indicated that while AT has no special headphones for the 45th anniversary, they will have something for the 50th anniversary. So there will be a headphone that will should top the L3000.

 

[Kees]

W100 don't have glossy finish. They seem to have the same finish as the W5000, although different wood.

 

[mattigol]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom2517 AT's people came to Taiwan and indicated that while AT has no special headphones for the 45th anniversary, they will have something for the 50th anniversary. So there will be a headphone that will should top the L3000.

Seems like the first bit of reliable information that contests the head-fi rumour that there will be a 45th anniversary limited ed. AT can.

 

[overlunge]

Ah... it's been a while.

The only ATH-Ws that has Echizan laquer finish are the W11JPN and W2002 to be exact. The W10 you mentioned was probably the W10VTG which might come across as having a lacquer finish but in reality they have a painted finish a lot like W1000 but with a bit more gloss.

The Echizan laquer, from what I have read up on is a traditional craft in Japan and it is often used in bowls or containers alike. And because the difficult manufacturing process, the end product could be expensive.

I have no idea as to why audio technica ended producing these beautiful headphones which carries the excellent Japanese traditional craftsmanship. Maybe it's just not feasible to mass produce them.

 

[overlunge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattigol Seems like the first bit of reliable information that contests the head-fi rumour that there will be a 45th anniversary limited ed. AT can.

I have also read the same information on www.hifi.com.tw

Based on the discussion with a few representatives from audo technica Japan, there seems to be NO 45th anniversary headphone planned. However there will be a phono-cartridge produced for this occasion. (for those like their vinyls)

Just for those who's interested.

 

[Mercuttio]

I too like the look of the W5000 over the older glossier headphones.

 

[mulveling]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom2517 AT's people came to Taiwan and indicated that while AT has no special headphones for the 45th anniversary, they will have something for the 50th anniversary. So there will be a headphone that will should top the L3000.

That's cool. I didn't expect them to try and top the L3000 so soon. Thanks for the info.

 

[Mercuttio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulveling That's cool. I didn't expect them to try and top the L3000 so soon. Thanks for the info.

The big secret:

The L4000 will use human flesh for leather. Like the Necronomicon.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercuttio The big secret: The L4000 will use human flesh for leather. Like the Necronomicon.

I'm guessing they will sound dark then.

 

[Mercuttio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl I'm guessing they will sound dark then.

It will be only the most supple of skin from sinners and people who like Sennheiser. So yes.