Seeing as we've had a pretty good run of some fabulous headphones lately and finding that Audio-Technica had a model at nearly twice the price, we were more than merely curious. On arrival, the W5000 turned out to be one of the most glamorously packaged bits of hi-fi around.

The ATH-W5000 headphones are endowed with exceptional sound characteristics and stylish, cutting-edge design which earns them recognition as some of the best-sounding headphones available today.

Clear sound with low distortion; Sturdy build quality; Attractive striped-ebony hardwood earcups; Rugged; red velour-lined storage case

Difficult to fit on your head; Bass response is weak by some standards; No accessories

Audio Technica ATH-W5000 Review The Audio Technica ATH-W5000 "Raffinato" are the current top of the line pair of closed headphones within the company's headphone portfolio. The MSRP is $1669.95, but the street price is approximately $650 - $700 USD.

I bought these headphones and I cannot belive what i'm hearing so crisp and natural sound, my friend heared it and said wow! Audio Technica rules!!!! i use them with my xtreme music card of CREATIVE and my PRO-JECT Head Box amplifier on Windows Media Center on Windows Vista the best program of audio...

Audio Technica's ATH-W5000 closed-back headphones are extremely high-end, reference-grade headphones for the truly discerning audiophile. These well-built, comfortable cans could be excellent for the studio, providing potent detail and clarity for many genres of music

Accurate sound quality; Super-detailed high-end; Ideal as reference headphones for mixing; Excellent cabling

Bass isn't too powerful; No 6.5mm-3.5mm adaptor in the box

If you're looking for cheap headphones to use on the go, this review won't help you. Audio Technica's ￡700 ATH-W5000s are extremely high-end, closed-back, reference-grade headphones for the truly discerning audiophile.

Accurate sound quality; super-detailed high-end; ideal as reference headphones for mixing; excellent cabling

Bass isn't too powerful; no 6.5mm-3.5mm adaptor in the box

If you're looking for cheap headphones to use on the go, this review won't help you. Audio Technica's AU$1,449 ATH-W5000s are extremely high-end, closed-back, reference-grade headphones for the truly discerning audiophile.

Accurate sound quality; Super-detailed high-end; Ideal as reference headphones for mixing; Excellent cabling

Bass isn't too powerful; No 6.5mm-3.5mm adaptor in the box

If you're looking for cheap headphones to use on the go, this review won't help you. Audio Technica's AU$1,449 ATH-W5000s are extremely high-end, closed-back, reference-grade headphones for the truly discerning audiophile.

Accurate sound quality; Super-detailed high-end; Ideal as reference headphones for mixing; Excellent cabling

Bass isn't too powerful; No 6.5mm-3.5mm adaptor in the box

Here at the G-Lab, we expect a luxury item to do three things: work real good, look real good, and cost real good. Audio-Technica's ATH-W5000 Dynamic Headphones fit the bill with a capital "Bling.

Excellent, precise sound; Enticing craftsmanship; Thoughtful weight-saving measures (like a magnesium alloy frame) keep the headphones at just 340g despite dense ebony backs; Light and soft-one of the most comfortable closed-back, full-size phones we've ever used

Exotic materials require special care; Headphones cost as much as a diamond tennis bracelet; Let's be honest-these are too nice to ever leave the sound room

In a few words: if you like classical music (or any music where a big, boomy bass is not too important and where detail and clarity are essential), do yourself a favor and buy these.

Accuracy; Comfortable; Detail retrieval; Great Sound; Stylish

A little leaky