Yamaha YH-5000SE: the return of the orthodynamic king

The Yamaha YH-5000SE hi-fi headphones are the manufacturer’s most prestigious model and return to the brand’s origins with the orthodynamic technology that contributed to Yamaha’s reputation in the 70s and 80s. Over 30 years later, the manufacturer has combined the latest acoustic innovations and its unique expertise in Planar Magnetic transducer design to create an exceptional model with a price tag of €5,499. Will it manage to overthrow the best Planar headphones, notably the HiFiMAN Susvara, Meze Empyrean Elite and Audeze LCD-4z?

Yamaha YH-5000SE: packaging & accessories

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones come with a dedicated base in aluminum and two pairs of ear pads: one leather and one suede. They are also accompanied by an unbalanced 3.5mm mini-jack cable (with a 6.35mm screw-on adapter), as well as a balanced 4.4mm jack cable, making them easy to pair with many different sources.

Yamaha YH-5000SE: a long heritage

In the 1970s, Yamaha revolutionized headphone listening by adopting orthodynamic technology, which was formerly reserved for microphones, to design transducers offering unprecedented performance. This new technology was first introduced in 1975 with the Yamaha HP-1 headphones. More models followed suit: seven in the HP series (HP-2, HP-3, HP-1000, HP-50, HP-50S, HP-50A, HP-50M), six in the YH range (YH-1000, YH-1, YH-2, YH-3, YH-5M, YH-100), three in the YHD series (YHD-1, YHD-2, YHD-3) and two in the YHE range (YHE-50A, YHE-50S). These models were released from 1975 to 1989 and remain, to this day, true references in the audiophile sphere. 

From the 1990s, Yamaha concentrated on electrodynamic headphones, which were easier to manufacture. However, orthodynamic technology remained at the heart of some competing high-end models, such as those from Fostex. This technology has evolved considerably and is now better known as planar magnetic. Manufacturers such as Meze, Audeze and HiFiMAN have made this type of transducer their specialty. Yamaha is also keen to participate in this trend by reviving its roots and demonstrating that it is definitively the master of this technology. 

Yamaha YH-5000SE: presentation

Orthodynamic transducers

Although no Yamaha orthodynamic headphones had been released since the late 1980s, the Japanese manufacturer continued to manufacture planar transducers for rival models such as the Final Audio D8000. The new Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones therefore take advantage of a rich heritage and a technology perfected over the years by the company’s engineers. 

The circular 2″ transducers now feature an extremely thin diaphragm. The metal coil on either side of the latter features new patterns to drive the transducer more easily and ensure minimal undulation. In addition to its lightness, this configuration provides excellent responsiveness, which results in the reproduction of every nuance, even the most subtle. 

To get the best performance from the planar transducers, the Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones feature several innovations, including the elimination of the fixed central structure at the rear of the earcups. This atypical design ensures free movement of the diaphragm for remarkable responsiveness and flexibility. In addition, micro-perforated, high-permeability air vents on either side ensure that the diaphragm moves correctly, allowing a precisely controlled reproduction without compromising the dynamics of the music. 

The Japanese manufacturer also optimizes airflow to enhance the acoustic image and eliminate sources of distortion. This is achieved through the use of a woven stainless steel filter to regulate acoustic pressure and ensure smooth air evacuation. What’s more, the open-back structure prevents sound reflections inside the housing, eliminating unwanted resonance.

Thanks to their many innovative technologies, the Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones have a frequency response of 5Hz to 70kHz. They have an impedance of 34 ohms and a high sensitivity of 98 dB. However, it is essential to use a powerful headphone amplifier to fully enjoy their musicality and move the orthodynamic transducers efficiently.

High-quality materials

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones are entirely hand-assembled by the craftsmen in Yamaha’s Kakegawa factory, which is also where the brand’s prestigious pianos are made. These headphones use premium materials selected for their aesthetic and mechanical characteristics. The structure is made of magnesium, which ideally combines robustness, lightness and excellent vibration damping. The back of the earcups is very striking, with a spiderweb chassis that allows the transducers to breathe without compromising sturdiness. All the parts are assembled with surgical precision and screwed together by hand, making the Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones a true work of art. 

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones’ earcups are mounted onto a swivel mechanism that allows them to be rotated to almost 180°. As a result, it fits snugly around the face. The headphones’ ability to provide a good fit for all users is also due to the double headband system. The arm is made of magnesium and connects the structure of the headphones. The wide head pad is made of soft leather. The height of the headband can be precisely adjusted to find the ideal fit. Moreover, its relatively large contact surface ensures that the weight is evenly distributed, with uniform support. The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones offer optimal comfort for many hours. In addition, their weight of just 320g makes them one of the lightest models in their category. 

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones’ earcups are excessively wide, or too small. They surround the ears perfectly and, unlike certain models from competitors, don’t press against the temples. The memory foam padding is soft to the touch, making the headphones feel like they’re floating around your head.

The Yamaha YH-5000SE come with two sets of ear pads. The first pair is covered with sheepskin leather and features a perforated leatherette rim to perfect the sonic image. The second set of pads features a finish in Toray Ultrasuede, a non-woven material with a suede-like texture usually used in the fashion industry. The pads are changed by rotating them counter-clockwise. It’s less intuitive than the Meze Empyrean Elite‘s magnetic system, but still easy to do.

Two detachable cables

Each earcup on the Yamaha YH-5000SE high-end headphones features a 3.5 mm mini-jack mono connector for the two included detachable cables: a 3-pin 3.5mm cable with 6.35mm screw-on adapter, and a 5-pin 4.4mm balanced cable. These high-quality cables use silver-plated OFC copper to reproduce the source’s entire sound spectrum. The braiding of the different conductors ensures interference-free transmission. 

Measurements

With their large isodynamic transducers, the Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones have a wide frequency response of 5hz to 70kHz. They have a high sensitivity of 98 dB and an impedance of 34 ohms. Despite these figures, which lead one to believe these headphones are easy to power, they require a high-quality source such as a DAP or a dedicated headphone amplifier with a good current reserve to reveal their full potential. 

Yamaha YH-5000SE: key specifications

• Type: open-back, over-ear
• Transducers: orthodynamic (Planar Magnetci)
• Frequency response: 5Hz to 70kHz
• Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW (at 1kHz)
• Impedance: 34 ohms (at 1kHz)
• Weight: 320g

Yamaha YH-5000SE: listening conditions

We tested the Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones with the Cayin N8 II and FiiO M17 DAPs, as well as the Shanling M30 and Cayin HA-1A MK2 headphone amps. We listened to DSD and 24-bit/192kHz tracks, as well as Hi-Res music streamed via Qobuz. 

Yamaha YH-5000SE: listening impressions

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones impressed us with their soft, uniform and warm sound. With jazz tracks by the duo Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto, they displayed impressive richness in the mids, unveiling a myriad of textures and details. The saxophone came to life with remarkable deftness, and seemed to materialize in front of us, in the saxophonist’s hands. The harmonics were transcribed with fullness and accuracy. Every note caressed our ears. The singer’s voice was suave, sweet and natural.

Like a microscope, the Yamaha YH-5000SE analyzed the most minute musical details, effectively revealing them while maintaining a uniform, well-balanced sound. Subtleties that are often lost in recording and reproduction were brought to light. Their analytical capacity was such that the slightest imperfection or anomaly in the recording became immediately perceptible.

The ability of the Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones to bring out unsuspected details was impressive. Listening to London Grammar’s Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me was like discovering the song from a whole new angle. The percussion instruments had an unprecedented presence, while every pluck of the guitar strings could be heard with crystal clarity. The singer’s voice unfolded with uncommon grandeur. Every inflection, every nuance of her rich, soulful voice was captured with impressive accuracy. Once again, we had the impression that she was there, singing in front us.

Like a microscope, the Yamaha YH-5000SE analyzed the most minute musical details, effectively revealing them while maintaining a uniform, well-balanced sound. Subtleties that are often lost in recording and reproduction were brought to light. Their analytical capacity was such that the slightest imperfection or anomaly in the recording became immediately perceptible. 

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones also displayed excellent dynamic performance, enabling them to keep pace with the music. They responded instantly to orchestral attacks with such realism that we could even distinguish the sound of the keys on certain wind instruments. They were able to follow each instrument individually, while preserving the overall harmony. With pop music, the reproduction was captivating and beautifully balanced. Bass was nuanced, with plenty of substance and richness. They were perfectly structured, ensuring the reproduction of a wide harmonic palette. The depth was pleasant, without ever becoming excessive. 

Yamaha YH-5000SE: compared to… 

Focal Utopia 2022: sold for €5000, the Focal Utopia 2022 headphones provide an even more dynamic and punchy sound, with deeper bass. These Focal headphones have a more transparent and brighter sound signature, especially in the highs. The Yamaha YH-5000SE stand out for their warmer, softer sound. They offer richer, more nuanced mids and provide a sense of closeness to the artists like no other headphones.

Audeze LCD-5: available for €5,999, the Audeze LCD-5 headphones feature 3.5” Planar Magnetic transducers. They provide a similar sound to the Yamaha model, but don’t reach the same level of refinement or their ability to extract the slightest micro-details. Moreover, the Audeze LCD-5 are heavier and more imposing. They can exert pressure on the head during long listening sessions, while the Yamaha YH-5000SE are always comfortable.

Yamaha YH-5000SE: who are they for?

The Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones are designed for the most exacting audiophiles who not only want to listen to music, but also want to feel every single note and nuance deeply and emotionally. Thanks to their ability to reveal every sonic detail, these headphones are the perfect choice for Hi-Res sources and files, to which they will bring a certain freshness. However, to fully benefit from their potential, investment in a top-of-the-range headphone amplifier such as the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition or a DAP such as the Cayin N8 II is recommended.

Yamaha YH-5000SE: conclusion

Over thirty years after the introduction of their predecessor, the Japanese manufacturer reaffirms its supremacy in the world of orthodynamic headphones with the Yamaha YH-5000SE. This model transcends all other Planar Magnetic headphones, and stand out with their light, airy design and unrivalled comfort. The Yamaha YH-5000SE redefine the standards expected of high-end headphones. They offer an incredibly realistic and intimist listening experience, bringing artists and accompaniments to life with extreme precision and a real sense of detail. The listener is invited to get closer to the music than ever before, to experience a true sonic odyssey.

We liked:

• The luxurious and robust design
• The excellent comfort
• The smooth reproduction
• Their ability to extract every single sonic detail

We would have liked:

• A broader soundstage
• More aerial highs