AuneAR5000 Full-Size Open-Back Headphones with MLD Driver, Dynamic Driver, Detachable Cable, Over-Ear HiFi Hi-Res Audiophile Headphones for HiFi System, Home Audio, DAP

First off, I'm not a crazy audiophile but I have been into audio and recording for 30 years. I own Hifiman Ananda, Sennheiser HD6xx, Sony MDR-7506, Moondrop Kato IEMs, and now these. I listen through a fully balanced setup starting from my desktop gaming PC into an Aune S9c DAC/Amp and an Xduoo MT-604 tube amp. I just received these in the mail today and just got done with about a 2 hour listening session including the entire 50th Anniversary remastered Dark Side of the Moon album. My brief impressions so far will be focused on how these compare to the HD6xx...First off, unboxing them feels like a premium experience, much more so than HD 6xx or than the price would suggest. The headphone itself also looks and feels premium. Its light, but not as light as the HD6xx. They are also extremely comfortable, however be warned that if you have a small head, you might have a problem with these. My hat size is 7.25 (I think) and these are on the smallest setting on my head. On top of that, there is very little clamp force. The 6xx have FAR more clamp. This adds to the overall comfort but truth be told I would prefer a little more clamp, any sudden head movements do cause these to shift and may even fall off. Maybe I have a narrow head but I don't think so. Still, they feel very nice on my head, the pads are great too.There have been a lot of comparisons to the HD6xx and I see why. Aune engineers CLEARLY used the 6xx as a baseline for tuning the frequency response of these. They are so similar that I am using almost identical EQ settings for these as I do for my 6xx. However, there are differences that are immediately noticeable. First of all, I actually think these are more well tuned out of the box than the 6xx, at least to my preference. These without question have more low end than the 6xx (bass). They also accept more low end boost via EQ than the 6xx, although I didn't find it necessary to boost more than 4 db under 100 Hz. As far as mids and highs go, they are spectacular, and very similar to the 6xx. I actually cut a few frequencies out of the lower mids and boosted them a little around 12 kHz, neither of which I do with the 6xx, but thats just what I felt suited these. These EQ corrections are all very small, less than 1 db. Truthfully, the out of the box tuning of these is pretty much spot on.The biggest difference between these and the 6xx, and biggest reason to buy them over the 6xx, is without question the soundstage and imaging. They are flat out better, no question about it. The stage isn't as expansive as my Hifimans, but it really doesn't need to be. I find them to be a great middle ground between the 6xx and Ananda. I haven't spent any real time gaming with them yet, but I tried them briefly and could tell immediately that I'm going to prefer them for gaming. I can't really get more specific than that right now.So far I'm happy with these and I think anyone would be hard pressed to find something to complain about, especially at the price point. I wouldn't say I find these "mind blowing", but I do agree with a lot of other reviewers in that they are a very good "upgrade" from the 6xx, and without costing that much more. If you love the 6xx as I do, these are a really safe bet. All in all another winner from Aune.

Incredibly comfortable - they fit well on any headsize without excessive clamp that can cause discomfort.Sound is warm-neutral, almost akin to the HD6X0 series, but with much better bass extension.Build quality is top notch - a step above anything else in the price range. Very lightweight construction so they can be worn all day without issue.Bass is well extended with decent clarity - it does lack a touch of impact compared to the Sennheiser HD6X0 series due to a more flat mid-bass tuning but a slight EQ in that region brings the impact right back.Mids are full and clean with vocals sounding natural and instruments sounding correct.Treble is a little bit brighter than the HD6X0 but not overly bright which adds a bit of clarity and definition, especially to the leading edge of sounds. This helps with imaging and separation. Soundstage is slightly better than the HD6X0 series as well but not overly wide - it is sufficient.These are a bit more expensive than a lot of the competition (namely the Sennheiser HD6X0 series and the Hifiman Sundara/XS) but the value proposition here is in the build quality that is a step above the competition, and the all-rounder tuning - these are arguably the best all-around headphones for the price - the Hifimans are more resolving but can be too bright for some (this can cause fatigue with highly energetic music) while the HD6X0 series might not be as resolving and lack in bass extension (which is necessary for certain genres) - the AR5000 has great extension on both ends and never seem to lack for anything across all genres.If anyone is looking to buy one and only one pair of headphones in 2025 and is looking for one at or below $300 (or even $500), the AR5000 should be on the short list to consider.