Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
70Good
$1,000
Full review dataBeyerdynamic T5 3rd vs STAX SPIRIT S5: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SPIRIT S5 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SPIRIT S5 - Outstanding overall at around $500.
Over-Ear
STAX SPIRIT S5
84Outstanding
$500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
STAX SPIRIT S5 leads on 7 of 7 measures.
- Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
- STAX SPIRIT S5
HearWiki score
70
84
Sound
8.3
9.5
Noise cancelling
-
0.0
Battery
-
10.0
Calls
-
6.5
Value
5.8
8.0
Price (USD)
$1,000
$500
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The STAX SPIRIT S5 is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the STAX SPIRIT S5 adds USB-C. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- T5 3rd2020
- SPIRIT S520244 yr newer
What differsT5 3rdSPIRIT S5
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
T5 3rdSPIRIT S5
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,000
- $500
- HearWiki score
- 70
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- dynamic
- planar magnetic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- planar
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 100 dB/mW
- -
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.4
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, LHDC, LDAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Battery life
- -
- 80 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Controls
- -
- both
- Weight
- 360 g
- 347 g
- Foldable
- -
- Yes
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Pad material
- protein-leather
- leather
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- USB-C
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 2
- Microphone type
- -
- MEMS
- Call noise reduction
- -
- Yes
- Call NR technology
- -
- cVc 8.0
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
The Beyerdynamic T5 3rd Generation is a premium closed-back headphone that combines a lightweight, comfortable design with high-end technical performance. Its low impedance and high sensitivity make it easy to drive from portable sources, while the wide frequency response supports hi-res audio. Praised for its solid build and balanced sound, it stands out as a top-tier option in its class, though it offers little for those with dedicated amplifiers.
- Pro:Effortless to drive from low-power devices
- Pro:Excellent comfort for extended listening sessions
- Pro:High-quality build with premium materials
- Con:Limited benefit from high-end dedicated amplifiers
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Protein leather pads may wear over time
STAX SPIRIT S5
The STAX Spirit S5 is a premium wireless planar magnetic headphone that prioritizes audio fidelity with support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX Lossless, plus an impressive 80-hour battery. Its detailed, balanced sound and solid build make it a strong choice for home listening, though the lack of active noise cancellation and a somewhat heavy, less comfortable fit limit its portability. It's a niche pick for audiophiles who value sound quality over noise isolation.
- Pro:Excellent planar magnetic sound detail and balance
- Pro:Very long 80-hour battery life
- Pro:Broad codec support including aptX Lossless and LDAC
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Average comfort due to narrow headband and weight
- Con:High price for the feature set
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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