Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Adx5000
82Great
$2199
Full review dataAudio-Technica Adx5000 vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
88Outstanding
$2500
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
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Adx5000 | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2199 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 58 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 420 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 270 g | 570 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
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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