Yamaha’s new headphones promise ultra-clear sound (for a mind-blowing price)
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Yamaha returns to its high-end headphone roots after announcing a new set of top-of-the-line headphones with planar magnetic technology.
The new YH-5000SE is the Japanese brand’s first set of cans to feature orthodynamic drivers (Yamaha’s take on planar magnetic technology) in over 30 years.
The premium over-ears also feature a magnesium body, with Yamaha claiming the YH-5000SE are “one of the lightest, high-end headphones in the world” at just 320 grams.
As the SE suggests in its name, the YH-5000SE is being released as a ‘special edition’ and comes with an eye-popping asking price of $5,700 / £4,799 / AU$7,499,
A slightly cheaper version looks set to follow, with Australian dealers already stocking a non-special edition variant without some of the accessories that come with the limited edition YH-5000SE, which is priced at a still prohibitively expensive AU$5,999 .
Those added extras in the box include synthetic leather and suede earpads, two types of silver-plated cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), plus a handy kickstand.
An optional XLR cable (the HXC-SC020) which isn’t included, meanwhile, will set you back a hefty $900 / £749 / AU$1350.
Orthodynamic or planar magnetic headphones work in a similar way to the more common dynamic driver headphones that dominate the market today by using the interaction of two magnetic fields to induce motion.
Where they defer is that instead of having drivers “driven” by a voice coil connected to a shaped diaphragm, the diaphragm is driven all over the area. This reduces the effect of momentum and vibration on the diaphragm, giving the headphones more control over the final sound.
This setup means the size of the can is usually larger and heavier than what you’d find on regular headphones, but the benefit is that distortion is reduced to almost nothing, with flat magnetic cans usually giving a clearer, more controlled sound.
Analysis: A welcome return for distortion-free headphone technology
Audiophiles rejoice! While brands like Audeze and HiFiMAN have kept the flame burning for Planar magnetic driver headphones, there’s a growing call for Yamaha to return to making its orthodynamic cans.
The Japanese manufacturer used the technology all too briefly between 1975 and 1990, but over time they’ve gained a growing reputation in hi-fi forums for their superior distortion-free sound compared to most dynamic headphones.
Where once you could buy a vintage pair of HP-1 headphones for less than $20, prices have skyrocketed over the past decade with a pair in good condition sometimes changing hands for hundreds of dollars.
The YH-5000SE’s worrying price tag means the average audiophile on a budget will still be scouring eBay for more examples of vintage orthodynamic headphones. more affordable new models, which could be serious contenders for our list of the best headphones.
In the market for more affordable new cans? Check out our guide to Black Friday headphones deals, which we’ll be constantly updating over the period.