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Image © AmazonAudio-Technica Adx5000
67/ 100
Good
HearWiki score
Pricey for what it is
$2,200
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated 
At a glance
- Brand
- Audio-Technica
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- open
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2017
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound8.4
Value5.1
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Audio-Technica ADX5000 is a flagship open-back dynamic headphone built around a 58mm driver, delivering a transparent, airy, and highly resolving sound. Its ultra-light 270g frame offers exceptional comfort, though its 420-ohm impedance demands a powerful, high-quality amplifier to perform at its best. While its tuning may not suit everyone, it rewards patient listeners with an immersive stage and excellent midrange detail.
What works
- Excellent resolution and airy treble
- Very lightweight and comfortable (270g)
- Immersive, spacious soundstage
- Detachable cable with balanced support
- Premium build and engineering
What doesn't
- Requires powerful amplification due to 420-ohm impedance
- Stock cable is stiff and microphonic
- Limited low-bass presence
- Uncommon A2DC connectors may limit cable options
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 58 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 58 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 50 kHz |
| Impedance | 420 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 58 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 58 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 50 kHz |
| Impedance | 420 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
Design
| Weight | 270 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | No |
| Connector | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced connection | Yes |
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 5 videosReviewers consistently praise the ADX5000 for its exceptional detail retrieval, imaging, and lightweight, comfortable design, with several calling it a strong competitor to other flagships like the HD800S and Focal Clear.
Reviewers liked
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Bright, well-executed treble with good extension
Reviewers flagged
- Proprietary, stiff, or fragile cable and connectors
- Bass lacks texture, impact, and tightness
- High price and requires a powerful, warm-sounding amp
23:36Audio-Technica ADX5000 Flagships _(Z Reviews)_ Neutrality Gods
The reviewer finds the ADX5000 to be an extremely neutral, detailed, and lightweight flagship headphone, but criticizes its stiff, proprietary cable and connectors, and notes that it sounds analytical and work-like unless paired with a tube amplifier. He respects its neutrality but doesn't find it fun without tubes.
MixedWatch on YouTube
11:03Audio-Technica ADX5000 Review - An Unexpected Flagship
The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the ADX5000, finding it a strong flagship dynamic headphone that competes well with the HD800S and Focal Clear. It has a bright but well-executed treble, excellent technical performance, and outstanding comfort, though the bass lacks some tightness and the included cable is microphonic. Overall, it receives a strong recommendation for those who enjoy a brighter sound signature.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
10:52Review: Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 Headphones
The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 to be a highly resolving and analytical headphone with excellent detail retrieval and imaging, particularly suited for jazz, classical, and well-recorded tracks. However, they criticize its bass performance as lacking texture, impact, and dynamics, and note an uncomfortable headband fit. Overall, they see it as a specialized 'flavor can' rather than a versatile daily driver, especially when compared to the Focal Utopia.
MixedWatch on YouTube
4:31Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 Headphones - Hands On Review
The reviewer praises the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 as a flagship audiophile headphone that excels in detail, dynamics, and soundstage, while being extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. However, they note the high $2,000 price, the need for a powerful and warm-sounding amp due to its 420-ohm impedance, and a fragile cable connection as drawbacks. Overall, they recommend it for those seeking a unique high-end wired experience.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
17:41Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 review
The reviewer is highly impressed with the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000, praising its build quality, comfort, and especially its treble and imaging, but notes a few drawbacks like creaking in the frame, proprietary cables, and a smaller-than-expected soundstage. Overall, they consider it a significant improvement over previous Audio-Technica flagships, though they find the price and some design choices hard to justify against competitors like the Sennheiser HD 800 S.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
What owners say
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