Disclaimer
- The reviewed Aune AR5000 is a personal unit. Thus, all opinions are original ideas and there is zero influence from any 3rd party or external opinion.
- No EQ or filter presets were used during the entire review period.
- Sound evaluations are strictly conducted under neutral and does not include 3rd party accessories (ie; eartips/earpads, cable, reversible mods).
Introduction
Aune is a brand that has been in the Chi-Fi market for as long as one could remember back when one first began foraying into this hobby, having own their X7s which I had use as a reference amplifier back then. Known vastly for their desktop headphone amplifiers and DACs, Aune has made some top quality bangers such as the S7 Pro, X8 Magic DAC and much more. That being said, in recent times Aune has once again stepped their foot as an active player once again with some of their new releases such as the AUNE Yuki dongle DAC/AMP, X1s GT DAC, and X8 XVIII BT Magic DAC.
However, with me in this review is the recently released and Aune’s first-ever venture into full-sized headphone segment, which is the AR5000. Priced at $299 on their store and Amazon, the AR5000 features a fully open-back structure with dual detachable cable design and at the heart of this headphone is equipped with a large 50mm dynamic driver alongside a newly developed MLD (Multi-Layer Distributed) diaphragm, tilted driver placement and plenty more features which can be found on their official website.
Unboxing Experience
Simplicity and elegance, are the words best to describe the whole unboxing experience of the AR5000. To start off, the headphone came in a fairly large and heavy box with the outer layer is a piece of cardboard that slides outward revealing the actual packaging which stores the headphone itself.
But first, let us view at the outer packaging itself that can be seen has an embossed printing of the actual headphone. While on the sides and back, can be found the lists of specifications, including all of the branding, technologies and marketing details for the headphone. Now, moving to what is inside the box is the gem itself, the AR5000 resting elegantly and snug in its heavily padded throne covered with high quality golden satin fabric. Aune definitely has thrown everything all out through the roof, in terms of presentation for the AR5000.
Additionally, there is a dual 3.5mm terminated to a single-ended 3.5mm jack cable included as well. Which can be found inside a cardboard box compartment below the headphone that also features an embossed printing of the AR5000 model.
Specifications
- Driver: 50mm dynamic driver, MLD (Multi-Layer Distributed) diaphragm
- Impedance: 28 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 5-41800hz
- Cable: 4 core, OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper), dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm, 1.5m length cable
- Weight: 350g
Purchasing Links and Where to Get
Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/Aune-Full-Size-Headphones-Detachable-Audiophile/dp/B0CLPC7Q2S
Aune Store:
https://www.aune-store.com/en/aune-ar5000-open-ear-headphone_110208_1240/
Build and Comfort
Featuring a open-back and bulky design yet weighing at just 350 grams, the AR5000 somewhat still manages to place itself within the lightweight category thanks to its build. Aune mostly utilizes high-grade plastic components as what you would find in similarly priced headphones for majority of the parts such as the earcups, headband adjustment mechanism. Aune also has opted for metal on the headband structure, yoke and grills which protects the driver housing. Despite that being the case, the finishing on metal parts mainly are finished poorly and rough, which potentially might cut through your skin if its not handled cautiously. Each respective side of the yoke has an indicator, written “L” and ”R” for users to recognize the appropriate direction for use and plugging In the cable.
Additionally, the headband itself is made out of polyurethane (PU) leather which distributes the weight of the headphone exceptionally well. The pre-attached angled hybrid earpads are easily replaceable without any sort of proprietary locking mechanism. The earpads are made with fenestrated PU leather on the outer wall and mesh interior. It is fairly thick and has a large cavity which can fit four knuckles quite easily, the angled driver design also ensure most ears does not come in contact directly with the driver housing.
Clamping force is fairly secure and snug, although the AR5000 presence is noticeable throughout the whole usage. Its overall weight distribution and comfortable earpads provides a superbly pleasant experience. Likewise with many other headphone that shares similar design, the AR5000 does not isolate external noise. Due to its open-back design as well, this headphones leak sound fairly easy, hence its best to keep this headphone indoors to fully appreciate the sound quality that this headphone has.
Cable
Apart from the original stock, AUNE was generous enough to include their recommended upgrade balanced cable for the AR5000 as a free gift, which is the Aune AR3. Regardless, straight out of the package users will get a dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm single-ended termination. AUNE does not specify what kind of material they have used for the stock cable in the specification sheet. Nonetheless, it features a two-braid cable, covered in fabric insulation, measured at 1.5 meter in length which is standard. Each end of the connectors including the Y-splitter are made out of metal with a brushed matte finish. Plus, each side of the jacks are also indicated “L” and ”R” on each side of the connector housing. Overall, it is a good quality, lightweight and beautifully made cable, although that being said it is slightly microphonic when in contact with fabric.
Next, onto the Aune AR3 cable which is sold separately that can be found on their website, selling for a reasonable price of $80. According to their website, this cable features a heavier four-braid, 6N OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) with Litz Type 2 copper cable. Again, dual 3.5mm connectors both indicated for each side but only this time it is terminated to a 4.4mm Pentaconn plug. Other than that, the overall finish on the connectors and Y-splitter is decorated with a shinier stainless steel housing which looks gorgeous under the lights. The AR3 eliminates all of the microphonic problem that the stock cable has, since it is insulated with soft TPEE material that feels a tad tacky to the touch.
For those who might question about sonic differences or cable geeks, on multiple listening test conducted, switching back and forth between the cables. The AR3 provides better resolution and looser mid-bass impact compared to the stock cable by a small margin.
Test Equipment
- Local Hi-Res files > Astell & Kern SE100 M.Chat (Linear Phase Fast Roll-off Filter > 2.5mm balanced output)
- Tidal (Master) + Local Hi-Res files via Sony Music Centre > Sony Xperia 1 V (DSEE Ultimate + Dolby Atmos – OFF)
- Lenovo Legion 5 (Nahimic – OFF) > foobar2000 > Chord Mojo 2
Power Requirements
Despite its large drivers and beefy appearance, the AR5000 is in fact a superbly efficient pair of headphones which can be driven optimally through most devices including the Sony Xperia 1 V which has a considerably underpowered amplifier for most full-sized headphones.
Driving it through the A&K SE100 on 2.5mm balanced connection which has a decent 4.1 Vrms of output power, the AR5000 sounds loud and crystal clear at 35-40/150 on the volume wheel for my personal listening. Thus, most modern dongles should have absolutely no problem to provide enough juice to make this headphone really sing its heart out.
Initial Impression
“Wait, this sounds oddly familiar?”
That was the question I asked myself first time hearing the AR5000. Wacky as it seem, it reminds me so much to the legendary Sennheiser HD600 series which has been the gold standard, for audiophiles of all extend. Glad that I finally have tried all models in the series not too long ago, during my recent visit to the store.
Unfortunately, I could not propose a direct, true comparison between the HD600 and AR5000 in this review since impressions based on memory muscles will affect the reliability of my evaluations.
Before someone would make any dubious speculation, it does not mean Aune was trying to imitate the HD600 series. Perhaps, one can say it is inspired by the veteran because despite the similarities, the AR5000 has a character of its own especially in the upper-mids and treble range which made this pair distinctively different. The overall sound signature is reference neutral and tuned as flat as it can be. Sub-bass roll-off has a slightly early roll-off yet at the same time still warm and lush, reminiscent to the HD600 series except the AR5000 does not sound neither velvety or as smooth as its counterpart. It sounded a tad more gritty, somewhat emphasized not deliberately yet still creates an over-sharpened image within the 2.5k-5kHz region.
Low Frequency (Bass)
Reference tuning often prioritize neutrality and the importance of unaltered reproduction of sound as minimal as it can, especially within the low frequency region. This applies towards the overall bass for the AR5000, it has a flat, reference-like sounding bass with minimal colouration which is perfect for monitoring and mixing use. Do not be mistaken reference neutral to be sterile or cold, because the AR5000 is clearly none of those. The overall timbre and tonality is surprisingly warm, natural and lifelike.
Due to the aforementioned early sub-bass roll-off, the AR5000 does definitely struggles to deliver satisfying level of thick rumbling low-bass performance. Regardless, the gentle rumbling effect that this headphone could do has good amount of definition and texture at macro and micro levels. For example, during the first 30-seconds entering the track Hollow (16 bit Remix) – Björk, the AR5000 renders the deep rumbling sub-bass effect pristine, as the large 50mm dynamic drivers deliver macro details and texture competently.
Furthermore, shifting slightly higher into the mid and upper-bass region, the AR5000 has more than sufficient energy to present tight and controlled bass impact which resembled in a polite “thud”. Since this headphone fell short in terms of bass extension as well, this indirectly affect the overall dynamics and depth. 7 rings – Ariana Grande, is an exemplary example to test the capability on bass slam and delivery. In this song, bass transients for this headphone which is the length of reverberation from loudest to quietest was short, tactile with average layering.
Middle Frequency (Mid)
Midrange is the key strength on this pair, whereby tonal balance or colouration in the mids were mainly on the warmer side. Vocals are superbly articulated, natural sounding and detailed. Similarly for string instruments and percussion, timbre was accurate with instruments are easily distinguishable and note weight were also above my expectations, harmoniously balance between organically warm and reference flat. Listening to First Love – Hikaru Utada and Kokoroe (FROM THE FIRST TAKE) – Uru was an absolute bliss and thoroughly impressed by how the vocals are separated with forward warm presentation and pristine. However, due to the upper-mid boost the AR5000 it may sound a tad too forward and not as velvety which can be solved through EQ by lowering frequencies between 2.5k-5kHz.
High Frequency (Treble)
Overall, as per said in the initial impression the top-end on AR5000 does sound similar of the Sennheiser HD600, but not entirely the same either. The AR5000 has a pleasant lively treble, fairly crisp with good treble energy. Detail is astoundingly good and forgiving even with poorly recorded tracks, plus devoid from any sibilant within the 5k-8kHz region. Sound of crashes, hi-hats in such tracks like Anesthetize – Porcupine Tree and violins in Underground – Lindsey Stirling reproduced by the AR5000 has good energy and a tad edgy texture, which one does not see as any sort of negativity as it aids to highlight contour of note weight and timbre of those elements.
Furthermore, treble extension is marginally lacking resulting shorter and faster roll-off in the upper-treble range but still maintains good level of airiness, keeping the ambience natural and roomy.
Technicality
AUNE AR5000 achieves balance harmony between pleasure and competent level of technical prowess. When it comes to detail retrieval, the AR5000 provides it so effortlessly without being too clinical, like squinting into a magnifying glass. Macro and microdetails are in every song are audible, although that being said the overall resolution this headphone produce was average at best. Soundstaging and spatial imaging were average at best, yet natural thanks to the fully-open back design, nevertheless the width of the soundstage generated by this pair is greater compared to it’s depth. Rhythm – Jamey Haddad; Lenny White; Mark Sherman is a regular track to test these criteria, the AR5000 was able to present high and low levels of details in this binaural recording. Entering midway into the track, the AR5000 renders the movement of cowbell, castanets and maracas being hit while moving were accurate but not at pinpoint level of resolution.
Additionally, the AR5000 possesses very good separation capability elements are all neatly presented and cohesive hindered from any melding. In Aquatic Mouth Dance – Red Hot Chili Peppers to test the separation that the AR5000 could produce, every elements in this track are audible and separated from each other from the start till the closing stages of the track which is the bussiest part, the AR5000 shows no sign of melding. Lastly, the dynamic range test for the AUNE AR5000 is rated at average. Utilizing the Ultimate Headphone Test – ABYSS Headphone dynamic range test as a reference. In which explained in short, a sample sound of a drum and a bell are played simultaneously as much as 7 counts, but only the sound of the bells will become quieter. Hence, from a scale of 7 counts, the AR5000 was able to produce an audible 5 out of 7 counts.
Comparison
AKG K550 MKI ($300)
AR5000 relishes a much reference flat tuning compared to the K550, which has an emphasized bass and heavier bass slam. Sub-bass texture is much more complex with greater resolution on the K550, but the AR5000 in the other hand present tighter and faster bass transient.
Due to the bassier approach, midrange on the K550 sounded a tad recessed and less forward but positively this old yet still competent performer from 14 years ago, has a much velvety upper-midrange. Both headphones handles vocal very well, detailed and clean, but AR5000 has a warmer, richer tonal balance compared to the K550.
Treble is noticeably much brighter and sparkly with greater extension and dynamic range on the K550. Despite being a closed-back headphone, the K550 has a wider width and deeper depth in terms of soundstaging but not at natural sounding likewise with the AR5000. Additionally, the K550 has better detail resolution whereas the AR5000 has a much superior detail retrieval capability. Overall, its fascinating to see how much the AKG still fares head-to-head against a technologically advanced headphone such as the AR5000.
Conclusion
Aune has ventured into unscathed segment with a strong statement with the AR5000. Although, this pair is regarded as a neutral, reference tuned headphone. It can certainly blend with most genres and apparently versatile for both reference task and for pure music enjoyment. I can imagine that the AR5000 would pair very well with OTL tubes amplifiers, while tuning into some warm, comforting all-time favourite tunes for hours without feeling any discomfort.
That being said, perhaps Aune could place a bit more emphasis on improvising and refine the overall finish of their future product. Despite this being their first ever foray into the headphone market, one could not help but thoroughly impressed with the overall quality from the presentation, material chosen for the build and tuning itself at an affordable price. Thus, that wraps up my review this time, hope it helps and see you all in my next review.
Additional Test Tracks
A Poem Titled You – Taeyeon 44.1kHz
Anesthetize (Live) – Porcupine Tree – DSD256
Hunter – Björk – 44.1kHz
La vaguelette (Original Game Soundtrack) – HOYO-MiX – 48kHz
Kimigatame – Suara – DSD11.2MHz
Furiko – Uru – 44.1kHz
Automatic – Hikaru Utada – 44.1kHz
Artemis – Lindsey Stirling – 44.1kHz
Timbres – Yosi Horikawa – 44.1kHz
Poster Child – Red Hot Chilli Peppers – 192kHz
