Sony MDR-SA5000 DJ Stereo Headphones

 (26 customer reviews)

I've owned quite a few high-end headphones over the last few years, but this new model from Sony take a page from Metallica, and kills 'em all. The comfort and design are unparalleled, and the materials used are top-notch, outclassing similarly priced and even more expensive cans. The sound is unprecedented, certainly among sub-$1000 dynamic headphones. The frequency spectrum is amazingly well balanced, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, with no readily apparent gaps or peaks. The frequencies transition very smoothly, which results in virtually no listener fatigue. Detail is excellent, surpassing all other dynamic headphones I've heard, rivaling that of the expensive, esoteric electrostatic models. Individual instruments and sounds are rendered wonderfully, each with it's own distinct static place in the spectrum, and are placed with pinpoint precision around your head.

If you listen to a lower-quality source or amp, the SA5000 might not be for you, as it...Read more

I have been a serious audiophile for 5 years now, always specializing in headphones. I have auditioned a great many headphones over the years and have become a fairly discerning listener when it comes to audio quality.

SYSTEM:

-Harmonix Reimyo CDP-777 CD Player (w/mod by Upgrade Company)
-SinglePower SDS-XLR Balanced Headphone Amplifier
-Over 200 NOS tubes
-Sony MDR-R10s, Sennheiser HD650, Grado RS-1, AKG K701
-Grand Prix Monaco Modular Isolation System
-Virtual Dynamics Genesis Interconnects
-Virtual Dynamics Master Power Cords

REVIEW:

Tone: The SA5Ks lean towards the treble, and are a little bright. Neither the mids or bass seem more/less pronounced than the other, but the treble is definitely front and center for these phones. This is likely a bi-product of these phone's emphasis on speed, detail, and clean representation.

Bass: The bass is a weak point for this headphone. Extension isn't terrible,...Read more

Review system:
Cd Transport: Spectral SDR-3000
DAC: Spectral SDR-2000 Rev C
Headphone amps: Krell KSA-5V, Ray Samuels Emmeline XP-7
Cables: Spectral Spectralink, Omega Mikro Planar Ebony Active RCA, Nordost Vishnu power cords
A/C: Furman IT Reference, #10g 20 Amp dedicated line

These headphones need very good upstream gear- I would suggest a source and that can deliver a full range sound, from the deepest bass to extended highs.
A dedicated amp is required for the 5000's to perform at their best. Transient attacks, treble extension, and detail are hallmarks of the design. A microscope on the recording with tremendous resolving power, but this headphone requires careful attention to setup. It is very easy for them to become bright and sibilant if connected to pedestrian equipment.
I use both a small battery powered amp as well as a pure class A power headphone amp with the Sony's, and there is to say the least a huge difference in the...Read more