Audio-Technica ADX 5000 open-back reference headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 headphones arrive impeccably packed in a heavy-duty case. Something special from the longtime headphone masters Refreshing. Perhaps that doesn't sound like the most lofty superlative for a luxury piece of personal audio gear. But it is the first word that came to mind when I listened to Audio Technica's new flagship ATH-ADX5000 headphones. And I use that word with the highest of praise - these headphones manage to sound both revealing and musical at the same time. The ATH-ADX5000 'phones were designed and fastidiously crafted in Audio Technica's Tokyo headquarters. They're built from precious materials and succeed from a technical standpoint and in terms of grace and soul. You get clean, pure sound across a wide frequency range. Appearance matters, too I can tell you first hand just how special it feels to have these headphones delivered to you. They arrived at my office inside in a large, important-looking shipping box that I thought must contain more than one pair of headphones. Nope. Audio Technica - a company notorious for their no-frills, let-the-product-do-the-talking packaging - pulled out all the stops. They packed the ATH-ADX5000s inside an extra-large, stitched-leather carrying case. It unlatched with a satisfying snap, and I found the oversized headphones neatly nestled in pillow-soft velvet. The honeycombed design of the open-air earcups give you a glimpse of the driver unit Lightweight and luxurious It seems obvious, but some companies forget: comfort can make or break the headphone experience. Audio Technica's engineers did not overlook this key fact. As large and substantial as the headphones are, they feel extremely light. Every inch is well-built and pleasant to the touch. I felt it as I held the smooth, strong magnesium alloy frame, and when I slipped the generous alacantra ear pads over my ears. Uniquely designed driver system There's a lot going on under the hood of these headphones, and Audio-Technica isn't