True audiophiles are often willing to plunk down serious coinage for what they might consider to be the best audio enjoyment out there to pick up small nuances in music. Headphones as a form of music gear certainly fall under this category and Audio-Technica thinks they may have an audiophile’s dream in the ATH-W5000 Dynamic Headphones ($1,700).
The ATH-W5000 Dynamic Headphones are made from Japanese cherry wood and feature a striped ebony wood housing to provide what Audio-Technica says is superb audio characteristics. These headphones are the flagship model of the company’s Import Line of high-end headphones, which were previously available only in Japan, and with materials like ebony wood we can certainly see why they charge such a pretty penny for them.
Image Courtesy of Audio-Technica
In designing the ATH-W5000, Audio-Technica equipped these audiophile headphones with large aperture 53mm neodymium drivers which are exclusive to this model. For those that are interested, the driver units incorporate a Permendur magnetic circuit for reportedly better magnetic characteristics. These drivers are joined by other features such as the Double Air Damping System, designed to offer deeper bass reproduction, and 8N-OFC (oxygen free copper) voice coils for better signal transfers.
As part of the ATH-W5000’s design, a lightweight magnesium alloy frame attaches to cushioned leather ear pads which Audio-Technica says provide a high-degree of comfort. This design incorporates a feature called 3D Wing Support Housing, which offers a reported stable, comfortable fit and is vibration proof. These touches are joined by a Y-cable which has an elastomer sheath to help prevent tangles and a gold-plated 1/4” stereo connector.
More information on the Audio-Technica ATH-W5000, which comes with a cable storage bag as well as a padded, protective hard-shell case, can be found at Audio-Technica’s Web site.
