Audio-Technica's ATH-W5000s are a set of super high-end over-ear headphones that cost approximately $1000 (though they can be found for under $700). These are the sort of headphones you can tell are expensive just by looking at them. The ear cups are actually crafted from striped ebony wood, and the cup padding is lined with lambskin. The headphones also come in an over-the-top decadent case, the inside of which is lined with soft, bright red fabric.
The ATH-W5000s certainly have the look of a pair of expensive headphones, but we were less impressed with the fit. Just about everyone in the office thought they were a bit too big, meaning the ear cups naturally sat a bit lower than was comfortable. The downside of this fit issue was that there was a gap between the top of the ear cups and the wearer's head. This poor seal can set the stage for bad acoustics. Even with this fit issue, we still thought the ATH-W5000s were comfortable.
Performance (read the full lab performance results at HeadphoneInfo.com)
The ATH-W5000s didn't do well on our performance tests. They had an interesting frequency response, which was essentially the opposite to what we typically see: it had low levels of bass and emphasized mids. The headphones also had a significantly underemphasized high-end as well. The headphones did have a good, but not great distortion level. There was a small peak in distortion right around the same area that the frequency response fell off. Tracking was also an issue at that same spot. We theorize these problems stem from the aforementioned fit issues.
Comparisons (read more in-depth comparisons at HeadphoneInfo.com)
So, the thousand dollar question remains: are the ATH-W5000s' worth their price? The answer is highly dependent on the consumer involved. For the average consumer, no, the ATH-W5000s aren't worth the money. For true blue audiophiles, the answer is a bit fuzzier. If you're the type of audiophile that appreciates headphones like individual pieces of fine art, savoring the unique sound they give to your playback, then yes, the ATH-W5000s might be a good option.
For those who are simply looking for a great set of headphones, we'd recommend something like the Beyerdynamic 990 PROs. They recreate playback very well, have minimal distortion, and create a nice, open soundstage. If you like Audio-Technica, or are looking for something high-class, try their ATH-ESW9s instead. If you want a good set of versatile headphones, Denon's AH-NC732s offer very low distortion and have optional active noise cancellation for listening on the go.
For a more in-depth review, visit the Audio-Technica ATH-W5000 Review at our partner HeadphoneInfo.com
