Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Remarkably spacious presentation for a closed-back design, with a three-dimensional soundstage
- Known for delivering a smooth, rich, and seductive listening experience that is relaxing and engaging
- Excellent engineering and sound quality
- Comfortable and durable design, with plush earpads and a padded headband
- Easy to drive with a low impedance of 32 Ohms, making them suitable for use with portable devices
Product Considerations
- Stock cable produces microphonic sound and may need to be replaced
- Some users may find the sound signature to be too warm and lush
- Some reviewers experienced a hotspot on top of their head after extended use
- The design looks similar to cheaper models in the beyerdynamic line, lacking distinctiveness
- Some might find the elevated bass a bit too full
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- T5 has a significantly larger soundstage than AudioQuest Night Owl, and is smoother and warmer
- T5 offers a uniquely well-crafted soundstage with pinpoint accuracy compared to beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Gen), with more impact and presence in the bass
Takeaway: The beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Generation) are comfortable, closed-back headphones offering a smooth and enjoyable listening experience with a spacious soundstage. They are easy to drive and offer great value.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
T5
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Wearing Style: Over-ear
- Operating principle: Closed
- Transmission Type: Wired
- Earpad material: Protein leatherette cover, memory foam filling
- Remote: Without Remote
- Nominal impedance headphones: 32 ohms
- Weight headphones without cable: 360 g
- Headphone frequency response: 5 - 50,000 Hz
- Nominal sound pressure level: 100 dB (1mW)
- Sound coupling to the ear: Circumaural (around the ear)
- Cable & Plug: 1.40 straight cable (double-sided), OCC 7N copper, textile braided, 3.5 mm jack plug with 6.35 mm jack adapter
- Article No.: 717789
- EAN: 4010118717789
Description
The new T5 marks a new milestone in beyerdynamic's flagship model. Now in its third generation, we have raised the bar once again in both standards of sound and design. Handmade by beyerdynamic in Heilbronn, Germany, the T5 looks, feels and sounds one step closer to perfection.
T5 High-endTesla HeadphonesWhatever we do at beyerdynamic, we continue to focus on doing it better with only the highest standards inspiring our strive for perfection. The new T5 marks a new milestone in beyerdynamic's flagship model. Now in its third generation, we have raised the bar once again in both standards of sound and design. Handmade by beyerdynamic in Heilbronn, Germany, the T5 looks, feels and sounds one step closer to perfection.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Beyerdynamic emphasizes durable, high-quality construction in its products, with replaceable parts ensuring a long product lifespan that stands out from competitors.
- The brand's open-back headphones are known for their exceptional spatial audio, creating a realistic and immersive soundstage prized for single-player gaming and critical listening.
- Comfort is a key focus, with Beyerdynamic utilizing plush velour earpads and padded headbands designed for extended listening sessions, making them a top choice for those prioritizing comfort.
- They often provide a neutral and analytical sound signature, prized by audio professionals for mixing and mastering, though this can sometimes result in a more clinical or less "fun" listening experience compared to some consumer headphones.
Select products
Select product comparisons
T5
- Positioning: The entry-level model designed for mobility and affordability in the Beyerdynamic lineup.
- Description: Offers a compact design with balanced sound that works well in everyday environments, making it a sensible option for casual use in small rooms. Compared to the premium Amiron and flagship T1 models, it delivers essential performance without extra advanced features, suiting budget-conscious users with basic functionality.
Amiron Home
- Positioning: A home-focused model engineered for comfortable, high-quality listening in dedicated spaces.
- Description: Provides excellent sound clarity and an expansive soundstage which enhances home audio experiences with detailed mids and a natural tonal balance. Unlike the wireless Amiron models that add connectivity features and slight design variations, it emphasizes a tuned acoustic environment over wireless convenience while still offering a noticeable upgrade over the T5.
Amiron Wireless
- Positioning: A wireless model aimed at users seeking freedom from cables while retaining high sound quality.
- Description: Delivers clear audio performance with refined drivers and wireless technology that maintain a precise sound signature ideal for varied use cases. When compared to the T5 and Amiron Home, it adds the benefit of wireless connectivity yet remains similar in tonal quality to the Amiron series, though it does not include the design enhancements found in the Copper version.
Amiron Wireless Copper
- Positioning: A premium wireless variant that stands out with a unique copper finish and enhanced build aesthetics.
- Description: Features the same high-quality wireless sound as its standard counterpart while offering subtle tuning tweaks and a refined design for users looking for added visual appeal. Relative to the standard Amiron Wireless, it provides an extra level of craft and slight sonic modifications, though it still sits below the flagship T1 in overall technical sophistication.
T1
- Positioning: The flagship model that represents the pinnacle of Beyerdynamic's engineering and sonic performance.
- Description: Uses advanced driver technology and precise engineering to offer an expansive soundstage with exceptional detail and dynamic range. Compared to the T5 and Amiron series, the T1 commands a higher budget due to its build quality and cutting-edge acoustic performance tailored for critical listening setups.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
7
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
38
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
32
Founding Year
1924
Our take on the brand
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
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Used
beyerdynamic
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What if you spend more?
Dali
IO-12
1300
1300
/
21
Reviews
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Product Strengths
- Incredible sound quality, with neutrality, detail, and balance across the frequency range
- Excellent build quality with premium materials and comfortable, luxurious design, making them suitable for extended listening sessions
- Adequate battery life, with reviewers reporting around 35 hours of wireless playback with ANC
- Effective active noise cancellation reduces low-frequency sounds without significantly impacting sound quality
- Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB-C for high-resolution audio, and a 3.5mm analog input that can be used passively
Product Considerations
- High price point puts them out of reach for many consumers
- Lack of a companion app limits customization options like EQ settings, firmware updates via mobile, and custom control settings
- Large earcups and overall weight may not be suitable for those with smaller heads, and the headband may slip
- Included travel case is large
- Some reviewers found the dark chocolate color scheme unappealing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DALI IO-12 has better ANC than the Focal Bathys
- The IO-12 is similar in sound signature to the Mark Levinson No. 5909
Takeaway: The DALI IO-12 is a high-end wireless headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and versatility, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want a premium listening experience on the go. Its blend of wired and wireless capabilities, combined with a mature design, makes it an excellent all-around performer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Product Page
T+A
Solitaire T
1700
1700
/
17
Reviews
From the first day the Solitaire T was developed with a single goal in mind: to blur the distinctions between audiophile, working and travel headphones by making the values and convictions which are the hallmark of every T+A product accessible in almost every situation in life.
Their transducer system is a completely new development, capable of reproducing the most subtle nuances in audiophile quality in active and passive mode alike, while the passive insulation on its own is sufficient to push the outside world into the background. When combined with active background noise suppression, which can be switched on as required, unwanted sounds disappear completely behind the music.
The pearl-blasted aluminium components are machined from solid, and are much more than a design statement: they are so robust and durable that they ensure the headphones will remain their owner's companion for years. At the same time they emphasise in a subtle but distinctive manner the product's close relationship with our Solitaire P reference headphones.
Like its physical design, the Solitaire T's inputs are designed with one aspect in mind: versatility. The Solitaire T places no restrictions on its user, as they feature signal transfer via totally symmetrical passive and active analogue inputs as well as USB C and the very highest-quality wireless Bluetooth standards; the design maximises the potential of every imaginable music source.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Product Strengths
- Impressive sound quality bridges the gap between wired and wireless performance
- It is a versatile product that can be used as a passive headphone, a USB DAC, or a Bluetooth headphone
- High build quality, with premium materials like milled aluminum contributing to a robust and luxurious feel
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Long battery life, especially in standard mode—up to 70 hours
Product Considerations
- The fit may not be ideal for those with wider heads
- The treble response could be sweeter
- The active noise cancellation may not be class-leading compared to some competitors
- The volume in wireless mode may not be loud enough for some listeners
- Soundstage presentation feels intimate compared to full-sized reference headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mark Levinson No.5909: The Solitaire T has more detail and better organization, though the No. 5909 has a bigger, more spacious presentation
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The noise cancelling of the PX8 is better
- Vs Focal Celestee: The Solitaire T is comparable when used as a passive wired headphone
Takeaway: The T+A Solitaire T is a versatile and well-built headphone that offers high-quality sound in both wired and wireless modes, making it a great choice for audiophiles on the go or those who want one set of headphones for all situations. Listeners can enjoy music in a lot of different ways with these, and they sound very good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Campfire Audio
Astrolith
2199
2199
/
13
Reviews
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
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Product Strengths
- Impressive technical performance, clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution due to its planar magnetic drivers.
- Features a new, comfortable, and ergonomic shell design that's also lightweight and durable.
- Includes two upgraded Time Stream Metal cables, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
- Delivers a strong, extended bass response, with texture and speed, plus a nimble, airy top-end.
- Exhibits a spacious, wide, and holographic soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.
Product Considerations
- Lower sensitivity might require a dedicated DAP or amplifier for optimal performance, and can sound anemic when paired with just a phone.
- Can be sensitive to source pairings, warmer DACs might wash out the mids and some pairings may bring out sibilance.
- Stock tips might not provide the best seal for everyone, and the stock tip selection is poor.
- Silicone eartips can make the treble sound harsh.
- The mirror-finished stainless steel faceplate is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Campfire Audio Bonneville: Astrolith has superior mids, clarity, detail and transparency, and better treble extension, articulation, and overall resolution.
- Vs 64 Audio Volür: Astrolith offers bigger bass and a more exciting presentation, as well as faster and more resolving sound, but Volür is more accurate overall.
- Vs. Oriolus Monachaa: Astrolith has a faster and more controlled bass with better texture, a more natural and realistic midrange with a fabulous timbre.
- Vs. Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator: Astrolith delivers a more robust and organic mid-range with realistic and natural timbre and more defined lower mids.
Takeaway: The Astrolith is a technically impressive IEM with a comfortable design that delivers a powerful and detailed sound. It could be a great pick for listeners who want high-end sound that can play all kinds of music well.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
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HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
1999
/
13
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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Product Strengths
- Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
- Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
- Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
- Very light and comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and usability
Product Considerations
- LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
- ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
- Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
- High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
- Hiss is also present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
- The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
- The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
- The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
- The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
- The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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What competes at this price?
beyerdynamic
DT 1990 Pro MKII
599
/
Released
2024
The DT 1990 PRO MKII open-back studio headphones are the second generation of the popular premium model. They boast improved sound, increased comfort and industry-leading workmanship made in Germany. At the heart is the newly developed TESLA.45 driver technology. Suitable for mixing, mastering and editing, they are the perfect choice for discerning users who want to take their tracks to the next level.
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features the Tesla .45 drivers, providing crisp and precise sound
- The soundstage is spacious and precise, making it easier to localize individual sound elements
- Has a dynamic bass response that is balanced and realistic
- Offers vibrant details and clarity in the midrange
- Low impedance makes it easier to drive with various devices
Product Considerations
- The treble can be bright, and may cause sibilance
- Some may find the mid-range needs some tweaks
- An older review mentioned that some users may find it too bright
- Not ideal for noisy environments due to open-back design
- Might sound slightly muffled due to thicker foam inserts in the earpads, compared to version one
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the Original DT 1990 Pro: DT has reduced sharpness in the 8kHz range and improved vocals
- Vs the beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X: DT has more treble
- Vs the Sennheiser HD 600: DT has stronger bass
- Vs the Focal Clear: Focal Clear may be better for hifi listening
- Vs the beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro: DT offers a more natural sound
Takeaway: The DT is a studio-quality headphone with precise sound and a spacious soundstage, making it a strong choice for audio professionals. Despite some considerations, its detailed sound and comfortable design make it an enjoyable experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
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beyerdynamic
DT 1770 Pro MKII
599
/
Released
2024
Take your recordings and tracks to the next level thanks to improved sound, enhanced comfort and industry-leading workmanship. The German-made DT 1770 PRO MKII is our new flagship of closed-back studio headphones. The premium model features the newly developed TESLA.45 driver technology. Suitable for recording, monitoring and editing, they are the first choice for discerning users who do not wish to compromise in their day-to-day work.
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tesla.45 dynamic drivers provide detailed sound with extended frequency response and impressive dynamics
- Good sound isolation due to closed-back design
- Upgraded sound with the driver giving low distortion
- Easy to drive with 30 ohms impedance
- Comfortable with soft padding
Product Considerations
- The included travel case is quite large
- Some users may not like the 'pinch' of the earcups
- The midrange could potentially be tweaked for an even flatter sound profile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Geared more towards professional studio applications, particularly for mixing and mastering, compared to DT 700 Pro X
- There are subtle differences in earcup logo design that make the headphones slightly sleeker, compared to the original DT 1770
- Has an expanded soundstage providing more height and circumaural dimension, compared to the original DT 1770
Takeaway: The Beyerdynamic DT is a great choice for high-quality sound reproduction whether as a studio professional or for general enjoyment. It is built with quality materials and is designed for comfortable, long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
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Bowers & Wilkins
Px8
699
/
Released
2022
Px8 is our flagship wireless headphone. It's the ultimate combination of exceptional performance, premium materials, intelligent technology, and smart features. Available in a range of elegant finishes, including our classic Tan and Black models, as well as the striking Royal Burgundy and all-new Dark Forest, Px8 offers luxury that complements exquisite sound quality.
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium build quality and materials with luxurious Nappa leather detailing and a cast aluminum yoke
- Comfortable for long listening sessions with soft earcups and a headband that provides even pressure distribution
- Excellent sound quality with 40mm carbon cone drivers delivering ultra-fast response, low distortion, and a clean, smooth sound signature
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces low-frequency sounds and midrange chatter, with the Nappa leather providing a tighter seal
- Realistic soundstage scale with tight, well-defined imaging, with the sound feeling more live and in front of the listener
Product Considerations
- Multipoint pairing is not always seamless, and there might be occasional wind noise from the earcup due to software glitches, with wear detection being inconsistent and inaccurate
- Limited app customization with only bass and treble adjustments, lacking a fully customizable EQ
- Microphone pickup is good in quiet environments, but can be affected by heavy noise gating in noisy conditions, causing voice fade-in/out
- Some emphasis on bass response, which may not appeal to everyone
- There is concern about the Nappa leather being easily scratched
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the PX7 S2, the PX8 offers better sound quality with greater instrument separation and realism due to the carbon fiber drivers, and also features more premium materials
- While the PX8 active noise cancelling does well, Sony still has better mic pickup
- The PX8 provides a good alternative to the Airpods Max
- The PX8 stacks up among some of the best wireless headphones along with the Focal Bathys
Takeaway: The Px8 is a premium wireless headphone with outstanding build quality and sound performance, which is perfect for audiophiles seeking a luxurious listening experience. It combines comfort, effective noise cancellation, and detailed audio reproduction, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing sound quality and high-end materials.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Mark Levinson
№ 5909
999
/
Released
2022
Introducing the № 5909 Lose yourself in your music with the first-ever headphones from Mark Levinson, a pioneer in high-fidelity audio for the past 50 years. Reference-quality sound meets luxurious comfort in a lightweight and durable set of headphones featuring Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that's perfect for travel.
Well-known in hifi for decades, Mark Levinson produces high-end solid-state amplifiers that rank among the best. They pioneered high-end audio with their LNP-2 preamplifier, proving that solid-state circuits could outperform tube electronics, and their ML-2 monaural power amplifier became a reference standard for its unparalleled sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and refined signature, detailed mids, and smooth treble
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient aware mode
- Premium build quality with high-quality materials such as leather, anodized aluminum, and metallic paint
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft leather ear cushions and a well-designed headband
- Comprehensive codec support (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC) for high-resolution wireless audio
Product Considerations
- High price point, making them inaccessible for many consumers
- App is lacking in some features, such as fully customizable EQ and customizable ANC modes
- On-cup controls are described as basic and not very intuitive to use
- Some reviewers feel the design does not fully convey a sense of luxury for the price
- Occasional reports of issues with the 'on-head detection' feature—causing connection problems
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Bathys: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers a cleaner and more natural tonality with a smoother, more consistent, and detailed treble response than the Focal Bathys
- Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers better sound quality, particularly in the bass frequencies, and is more comfortable than the AirPods Max
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The Mark Levinson 5909 measures better in audio quality
Takeaway: The Mark Levinson № 5909 headphones offer excellent sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, making them a top-tier choice for those seeking a premium listening experience. With their high-end sound quality and comprehensive feature set, these headphones are a great option for audiophiles wanting the best wireless experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Well-known in hifi for decades, Mark Levinson produces high-end solid-state amplifiers that rank among the best. They pioneered high-end audio with their LNP-2 preamplifier, proving that solid-state circuits could outperform tube electronics, and their ML-2 monaural power amplifier became a reference standard for its unparalleled sound quality.
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Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
/
Released
2023
At their times, the original Monarch and the Monarch MKII set new standards for best-in-class performance in the global IEM industry. Not only did it redefine the price-to-performance bracket, but it forever changed how IEM manufacturers engineer and tune IEM's. Keeping with the times, the Monarch has undergone another revision to revamp its technical and tonal performance.
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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