Audio-Technica ATH-W5000

Frequency Response (2.69)

The ATH-W5000s had a bit of an issue with high-frequency sounds, which we thought was a bit odd since our initial impression was they focused too much on mid-to-high-end frequencies. We ran this test multiple times, but that downward spike towards 7kHz was always present. Other than this spike, the ATH-W5000s did a good job. We’re guessing that hump in the middle is indicative of our initial impression, and bass isn’t bumped up as much as you’d see on typical headphones.

Overall, it’s a bit wonky of a frequency response, especially for a set of high-end headphones. We ran this test multiple times, and found the issues towards the high end varied a bit in their severity, but were constant in their appearance.

One theory we came up with is that a lot of this de-emphasis comes from sound leaking out of the headphones, due to the poor seal. If that is the case, then the ATH-W5000s would actually have done very well on this test.

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Distortion (6.37)

What we found on the ATH-W5000s was very little distortion, except for a bit in that area of mysterious weirdness towards 7kHz. In general, the W5000s did well on this test.

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Tracking (4.41)

The ATH-W5000s had some issues with tracking, towards the lower end and towards the high end (the aforementioned enigmatic spot of ‘seriously, what’s going on here, W5000s?’). That spot towards the high end is where they lost a majority of their points.

If you have a head that’s perfectly shaped to accept the W5000s, or if you mod them in some way to get a good fit, they’ll probably suffer less from the issues detailed in this section.

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.