Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Adx5000
82Great
$2,200
Full review dataAudio-Technica Adx5000 vs HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr - Outstanding overall at around $4000.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr
88Outstanding
$4,000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Adx5000
Sound8.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr
Sound9.5
Value4.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Adx5000 | HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2,200 | $4,000 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 58 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 50 kHz | 7 Hz - 120 kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 420 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 270 g | 374 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Adx5000
The Audio-Technica ADX5000 is a high-end open-back flagship that pairs an ultra-light frame with a large 58mm dynamic driver, delivering an airy, transparent sound with strong resolution and an immersive stage. Its demanding 420-ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity require quality amplification to shine, and while its tuning has strong subjective appeal, it comes with a few practical compromises. Overall, it's a serious all-rounder for listeners who can match it with the right gear and appreciate its distinctive character.
- Pro:Exceptionally light and comfortable for a flagship
- Pro:Transparent, airy sound with excellent detail retrieval
- Pro:Immersive soundstage and strong midrange technicalities
- Con:Requires powerful, high-quality amplification
- Con:Stock cable is stiff and microphonic
- Con:No balanced cable included
HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr
The HiFiMAN Shangri-La Jr is a premium electrostatic headphone that delivers an exceptionally detailed and transparent sound, leaning towards a bright-neutral tuning that emphasizes precision over warmth. Its lightweight build and high-frequency extension make it a technical powerhouse, though its performance demands a capable amplifier and may not suit listeners sensitive to treble energy.
- Pro:Outstanding technical performance and clarity
- Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic design
- Pro:Extensive frequency response with airy highs
- Con:Very expensive price point
- Con:Bright tuning may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Requires dedicated electrostatic amplifier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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