Well, on your (plus many other reviewers ') recommendations i finally took the plunge and bought a pair of Levinson 5909s. Wow! These headphones are incredible. Stylish, comfortable and...yes, they sound incredible!
As a Mark Levinson equipment owner, I was surprised they are “only” $999. Respective to the market, I would think these would be $2-3K. The new Audio Tecnica Anniversary Bluetooth headphones are $3K. My ML amp from back in 1998 was $6K. In today’s money that’s almost $11K. Still have the amp and it’s still amazing.
It is just a brand name who has been sold to Harmann. They never could ask this money for a JBL product. Mark Levinson is 77, so probably not involved in this project.
Or this just all means that Mark Levinson plays in a market of "overpriced" high-end equipment. It doesn't mean that the pricing of 5909 is a bargain. Besides, even by ML standards, this is "just" a headphone, compared to how much product comprises a Levinson amplifier, for example.
This is the best, the pinnacle, the top of top review I’ve seen yet where the focus is on the product than someone’s face on the screen during the whole review!! You are an outstanding expert in this! Please make more!!
Thanks. Unfortunately I can't recommend a best eq. Most smartphones have a built in eq for different genres, check if yours has an eq for pop in general sound settings . If not try a third party app
I have been reviewing the top 3 closed back BT headphones for under $1000. I was close to a decision. Once I listened to your post my mind was set on the Mark Levinson. Thanks for your time and research on these headphones. Going to order mine now! Peace Bryson
I was looking for a review of the 5909 v the dali io8 as theyre closer in price than the io12. Whats your verdict on them compared to the the Levinsons if you've tried them?
ABT Customer Appreciation Sale In Store Only! $748. I went there to buy Focals because they were less expensive and to my surprise the 5909 was cheaper on sale. Purchased 5909…
UPDATE: I bought a pair of these over Christmas, to go with my A&K DAP... OMG!!!! The sound alone that these things produce should have a street value!!! They're that good!!!!!!
@@opaz. That's listening. through Tidal hi fi masters. They do drop out occasionally due to the wi fi here, but so do my B&W's... So I listen n passive mode. 👍
I'm really confused between these two as well. I listened to the b&w px7 s2 yesterday and I found that the sound is definitely clear with wide sound stage and good instruments seperation, but little boosted in the upper frequency range which sometimes sounds sharp/edgy when listening to certain recordings in high volume level, the sound in general isn't in the neutral side I'm not sure what frequency curve they use but definitely not harman curve plus the noise cancelling is not par with its price tag. On the other hand I just listened to the b&o h95 and the difference is huge ,It's just much better in all categories comfort, noise cancelling, frequency response, it's simply the best sounding pair of wireless headphones I've ever listened to. Unfortunately I can't find any harman dealer that have mark levinson in the country I'm living in. We will really appreciate if you can compare the ML with B&o. And thank you for the nice review
You know what Michel, I will. I am extremely busy at this moment but as soon as I've got through all of these weddings, I shall compare the two. Please do nudge me for this comparison if I haven't done it by the end of the year I would imagine that b&o will have the noise cancelling down to a tee as they have racked up many more years of history and expertise in the production audio and especially headphones. As for audio quality between the two, that will be interesting Stay tuned!
Firstly, what a brilliant review! You sound poetic, contemporary, not to mention enthusiastic! Now, onto my question; I'm seriously thinking of investing in a pair of these. Obviously, the headphones aren't the be-all and end-all of hi fi quality song. the quality of the music files play a major part, so what streaming service do you use? also, what size/compression are you at?
The difference in quality between Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon music, Spotify, Apple music etc is extremely minimal and any quality differences could not be successfully noticed in a blind test. Many services are chosen just for their user interface. I use Spotify for its convenience. Any file stored source music or CD will obviously sound much better than these streamed services The LDAC on the ML takes listening experience beyond that of the Bathys or any of the other recent bluetooth headphones
@@opaz.i have the Bathys and Levinsons but now think i will sell both to finance a pair of the Dali’s. A couple more reviews like yours with such enthusiasm for the Dalis will seal the deal i think 😀
There are a good few high end Bluetooth phones that I’ve considered at or over $1k. Levinson has always been associated with quality. I wanted to know how close do they perform in BT vs. wired w/DAC and amp using MQA, ALAC, FLAC, files. I understand BT has limited bandwidth which is why as an audiophile like you, I wanted to determine if the 5909’s were crushing it in BT mode at wireless bandwidth’s limits. Thanks for this helpful review. Sub’d
I bought a pair of these after watching your two review videos on them. I don't know if I clap harder than you but I certainly can hear myself clap with these in full ANC mode, In fact I think the Noise Cancelling isn't so great with these. The do sound beautiful, built and packaged to a very high standard, very comfortable just was a little disappointed with ANC.
Noise cancellation is not intended to block or dampen short sound peaks. It is mainly intended to cancel out continuous noise like airplane engines, trains tracks, car engine and winds... I immediately believe you (not opaz) when you state it doesn't block clapping, but how does it do in the categories I mentioned?
Hi, I just bought the 5909 and noticed that whilst playing music with anc on that the sound tone/phasing changes when I move or walk around. Is this a trait of the 5909 or do I need to return them to the dealer? Thanks.
@opaz. Thanks for your reply. I reached out to harman and they said to get them exchanged. Apart from that they are a great pair of headphones. Cheers.
It's said some items have had issues with the headband. The leather lower cover fell apart. Probably that was the issue of the first batch. I bought mine recently but have seen no issues yet. Has anybody experienced this issue?
I have been wearing mine exclusively now for the past three weeks as a daily driver headphone. By choice. First off they are supremely comfortable to wear for long stretches. Anything not comfortable and we're no longer discussing a headphone, it just makes no sense. It's got to be like cramming a size 12 in a size 8 shoe at that point. This is a FUN headphone, it's a V-shape signature that does noise control very well but is much better with a wired connection. If I connect directly to my laptop I get very little volume, wired or otherwise. If connected to my Cobalt, or at my desktop, I don't have such a problem. I just have to ask WHY would one spend this kind of cash on a headphone and introduce such a limitation as a wireless connection to it. It's kind of like spending big money on wall treatments in your listening room and then opening up all of your windows while living in a big city environment. Otherwise it checks all the boxes of a terrific headphone. It won't scramble your brain with a ridiculous level of bass but will impress in the low end register by delivering a substantial impact when called upon by the recording engineer, let us hope that person isn't giving us an overly HOT or compressed, BS recording. The midrange is well done here and I especially love the high end and it's elevated level. I'm 61 years ole and don't hear as I did when I was a youngster. My third $1000. pair of headphones and I won't even consider feeling bad about spending the dough. The No. 5909 is an excellent pair of headphones.
Tom, thanks for your reply. Makes sense to question the use of $1k phones using a BT connection. That’s why I did an AB of BT use vs. a wired setup to external DAC/Amp. Using my entry level XM3’s, I connected them to my DAC’s balanced 3.5mm jack and sound was compressed and crackly (staticky). BT blew it away. I switched to DACs 4.5mm balanced out, and it woke up. Much better but it benefited from an amp which amplified the signal more than BT. BT sound is improving every year and your trained ear can detect it. Wired is cumbersome. I have to carry a Fanny pack for the gear which won’t fit in a shorts or jeans pocket. I use only HiDef files (FLAC) 16/44 or better. MP3 sucks. My hearing recently declined and I’m not able to hear certain frequencies. I can still hear the difference between compressed and FLAC. 24/192 is my goal and streaming companies are providing more but files are enormous and eat data and speed.
Sorry to hear about the hearing issues, hope they aren't long term or can be managed. I do most of my listening at my desktop usually, though I do have a main stereo system. My situation is complex I guess. My wife and I live in a small place not of our choosing. We were placed here by an agency which took us into their assistance program and found us a place to live after I took a fall down some concrete stairs. We have an autistic son who lives with us and loud noise can be overwhelming to him. I got into headphones and have a decent desktop system and several pair of headphones. I bought the 9505 pretty much for the ANC because while MY noise bothers my son he sure can make a ton of it for me! It's nice to have this feature when I want it. I have 2 others with ANC, the KEF/Porsche Design Space One which uses batteries and Sony's XB950BT which really hurt my head after about 30-40 minutes. The 9505 is much finer headphone. I look forward to getting them connected to both the Solid State Burson and the Woo Audio WA6 in the near future.
A great review. Thanks, I'm stuck between this or the Focal Bathys especially since I own the Clear and Utopia. The Utopia r the best headphones I've ever heard. Also count me as a new subscriber. .
@@opaz. nah bro. I'll have to buy them both and return the one I don't like. I'm not one to go in stores even before the virus ,no fan of crowds or people in general. Leaning toward the Mark Levinson, especially if it's a different but clean n detail sound. Since, I have two Focals already. Not sure.... also, hearing great things about the Bowers & Wilkins PX8.
The Bathys have a more detailed app with room for a lot of sound tailoring. Think it has a slightly longer battery life too. Being a Focal owner, the Bathys just might be the choice for you
@@morespinach9832 A waste of money is subjective . Focal said it may add LDAC in the future ,for whatever that's worth. Also, it supports Apt x and Apt x Adaptive.
So, when the battery dies, you fork out another $1000 for a replacement pair? What is the life expectancy of the battery ? At least with the focal Bathys, the battery can be replaced, though at an estimated cost of $200 ($100-battery, $100-tech to install). B&W PX8 battery also not replaceable. What are your thoughts?
Rod, glad you mentioned that. You need to fork out $200 to replace dead batteries in the Focal Bathys, yes? You cannot replace batteries on the 5909 I know Have you noticed that almost everybody asks "how do the Focal Bathys sound in DAC mode when wired. They constantly want to know how they sound wired, maybe with the hope of them sounding even better, yes? People tend to forget that the Focal Bathys need to be switched/powered on to work in bluetooth or wired or DAC mode, yes? The 5909 do not need to be switched on when wired, yes? In this situation, all electronics; Bluetooth, internal amplification, and DSP are turned off and you are in a true passive mode. The 5909 sound much better wired, that I can absolutely confirm (even although in bluetooth they have the LDAC advantage) When the battery dies on the 5909 you still have a fantastic sounding pair of closed back headphones (without ANC). When the battery dies on the Focal Bathys you really do have a pair of dead headphones that will not work and an expensive bill.
@@opaz. yes, and in addition, people should accept the fact that Bluetooth headphones have a finite lifetime, much like expensive laptops like Macbooks, or flagship cellphones. In these types of tech devices, battery is the least of concerns for obsolescence, the tech itself would be obsolete after some time. Who knows if 5 years from now, wireless headphones would still use Bluetooth as we know it. Just like there's a reason why people still buy expensive laptops and flagship phones despite their finite lifespan, buying high-end BT headphones that sound great for you is as valid a decision. If battery lifespan is really a concern, there's always the option to go with wired headphones.
I'm keen to know if you ever consider the T+A Solitaire T, and if so to compare against the ML 5909. I consider both to be TOTL (even over the more expensive Audio Technica AH-WB2022), and in my case, I recently bought the Solitaire T in white/silver. It has single handedly made me reconsider my other headphones and gear, especially in one specific area: Solitaire T (as well as 5909) offer true passive wired connections! Solitaire T is gorgeous, and I love how it sounds both wirelessly and wired. I'll be pairing my Solitaire T with balanced cables and a great DAP in due course (such as FiiO M17), and trade or sell my Focal Elear, Audeze EL8 Ti, and AKG K 712's. I've heard much good things with the 5909, and Solitaire T seems to be going down well with owners sonically; both owners are doing similar to me, condense down to build around these phenomenal wireless/wired cans. However, like you with the 5909, wireless is how I'll be using my Solitaire T's most of the time! And neither are voiced MAINSTREAM, but treated as passive so tuned and as such, voiced similar between wireless and wired modes, but to compete against wired-only £1000 cans (give or take a few hundred). I will add that Solitaire T's 70 hours battery life (35 in Bluetooth HQ mode), and two hour fast charge to full, are crazy cool for long play times! Let's hope more companies follow this trend set by the new benchmarks: Mark Levinson 5909 and T+A Solitaire T!
Yes there is a faint hiss. I have also tested my H95 and they have a faint hiss and my Focal Bathys also have a hiss when the ANC is on. Hope this helps
@@opaz. wow thank you very much. nobody else mentioned that all these top headphones have a faint hiss. i've only heard about 5909 having a hiss/hum. nonetheless, i've ordered a 5909 hoping for the sound quality.
To be honest, if you hadn't mentioned it I'd never had realised a hum/hiss. It is extremely faint. If you play a vinyl record on any hifi there is usually an audible tone/mains hum before the music plays. If you listen to a powered speaker (putting your ear close up to it, before music is playing) a hiss can also be heard. Once music is playing from the 5909, any faint hiss/hum is impossible to detect through whatever you are listening to. Just to add, during passive operation the 5909 are totally silent The 5909 today is still judged as the best sounding Bluetooth headphone by a majority of serious unbiased sources. It is a bit of a struggle wading through honest advice online and in stores where commission is involved for a sale, which is why I upload my unpaid opinion. I'm here to help anybody absolutely free
My other headphones are used for analytical use and none of them are priced as high as these. The 5909 sound as good as many similar priced wired high end headphones With these on you would believe you had wired headphones on. They perform better than many wired headphones
received today - the sound is amazing but the connectivity is driving me mad. I can connect to my macbook and it remembers the device but then trying to reconnect to my iphone takes forever, and that if it works at all....anyone here know why this is happening?
I bought, excellent sound except that the product is full of faults: Crackling when no sound in bluetooth. Problem with sound cutting in aptx HD if the environment is not free of any interference. Headphone head detection function malfunctions, headphones close randomly.If you connect it to two Bluetooth devices, in my case they connect almost at the same time and when the music start, an unpleasant sound occurs and the headphones close. Finally, the headphones are heavy to wear over a long period of time. Customer and tecnical service is not very good. So invest your $1000 on another more successful product!!!!
ML 5909 just sound Magical. Trust Me. Best Review on these of You Tube. Thanks Opaz.
Appreciate that, thanks
I cannot appreciate enough to hear quality reviews from someone who knows their stuff....so rare on youtube...
Well, on your (plus many other reviewers ') recommendations i finally took the plunge and bought a pair of Levinson 5909s.
Wow! These headphones are incredible. Stylish, comfortable and...yes, they sound incredible!
As a Mark Levinson equipment owner, I was surprised they are “only” $999. Respective to the market, I would think these would be $2-3K. The new Audio Tecnica Anniversary Bluetooth headphones are $3K.
My ML amp from back in 1998 was $6K. In today’s money that’s almost $11K. Still have the amp and it’s still amazing.
I was going to mention in the upload that these headphones are a bargain at $999. I would still pay $2K for them
@@opaz. they should give you a cut of sales because you just convinced me to purchase these things 😂
Yeah 😆 a cut would be nice. As Bluetooth or wired, they really are that good, you won't be disappointed
It is just a brand name who has been sold to Harmann. They never could ask this money for a JBL product. Mark Levinson is 77, so probably not involved in this project.
Or this just all means that Mark Levinson plays in a market of "overpriced" high-end equipment. It doesn't mean that the pricing of 5909 is a bargain. Besides, even by ML standards, this is "just" a headphone, compared to how much product comprises a Levinson amplifier, for example.
This is the best, the pinnacle, the top of top review I’ve seen yet where the focus is on the product than someone’s face on the screen during the whole review!! You are an outstanding expert in this! Please make more!!
Thank you so much! 👍🏼
Excellent review - thank you for putting going into the sound quality and not focusing primarily on the anc!
Glad it was helpful!
ruclips.net/video/CHwbs5UgJ00/видео.html
Nice review en extra information. I have a couple of weeks ago focal baths headphones. Like Mark levinson headphone they sound amazing!
Dear Opaz ... this is one of the best 5909 review. I just bought one. What is the best EQ setting according to your experiences? Mainly i listen pop
Thanks. Unfortunately I can't recommend a best eq. Most smartphones have a built in eq for different genres, check if yours has an eq for pop in general sound settings . If not try a third party app
I have been reviewing the top 3 closed back BT headphones for under $1000. I was close to a decision. Once I listened to your post my mind was set on the Mark Levinson. Thanks for your time and research on these headphones. Going to order mine now!
Peace
Bryson
Cheers Bryson
I was looking for a review of the 5909 v the dali io8 as theyre closer in price than the io12. Whats your verdict on them compared to the the Levinsons if you've tried them?
ABT Customer Appreciation Sale In Store Only! $748. I went there to buy Focals because they were less expensive and to my surprise the 5909 was cheaper on sale. Purchased 5909…
Yes, the 5909 can be had at great discounts now.
UPDATE: I bought a pair of these over Christmas, to go with my A&K DAP... OMG!!!! The sound alone that these things produce should have a street value!!! They're that good!!!!!!
Great news Clive 👍🏼
@@opaz. That's listening. through Tidal hi fi masters. They do drop out occasionally due to the wi fi here, but so do my B&W's... So I listen n passive mode. 👍
😆
Great salesman 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
😆
I wish you would have compared them to the wireless ANC B&O Beoplay H95 headphones while you were at the store.
I only listened to them for 3 minutes max. The store is not a place to thoroughly compare.
I'm really confused between these two as well. I listened to the b&w px7 s2 yesterday and I found that the sound is definitely clear with wide sound stage and good instruments seperation, but little boosted in the upper frequency range which sometimes sounds sharp/edgy when listening to certain recordings in high volume level, the sound in general isn't in the neutral side I'm not sure what frequency curve they use but definitely not harman curve plus the noise cancelling is not par with its price tag. On the other hand I just listened to the b&o h95 and the difference is huge ,It's just much better in all categories comfort, noise cancelling, frequency response, it's simply the best sounding pair of wireless headphones I've ever listened to. Unfortunately I can't find any harman dealer that have mark levinson in the country I'm living in. We will really appreciate if you can compare the ML with B&o. And thank you for the nice review
You know what Michel,
I will. I am extremely busy at this moment but as soon as I've got through all of these weddings, I shall compare the two. Please do nudge me for this comparison if I haven't done it by the end of the year
I would imagine that b&o will have the noise cancelling down to a tee as they have racked up many more years of history and expertise in the production audio and especially headphones. As for audio quality between the two, that will be interesting
Stay tuned!
@@opaz. thank you very much for your reply. I'm definitely subscribed to your channel. Keep up the great work!
Nowhere near the same league. B&O is a V shaped sound popular sound. It’s horrendous for anyone who has heard better earphones or speakers.
Firstly, what a brilliant review! You sound poetic, contemporary, not to mention enthusiastic! Now, onto my question; I'm seriously thinking of investing in a pair of these. Obviously, the headphones aren't the be-all and end-all of hi fi quality song. the quality of the music files play a major part, so what streaming service do you use? also, what size/compression are you at?
The difference in quality between Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon music, Spotify, Apple music etc is extremely minimal and any quality differences could not be successfully noticed in a blind test.
Many services are chosen just for their user interface. I use Spotify for its convenience. Any file stored source music or CD will obviously sound much better than these streamed services
The LDAC on the ML takes listening experience beyond that of the Bathys or any of the other recent bluetooth headphones
And then came along the Dali IO12 😀
😆
@@opaz.i have the Bathys and Levinsons but now think i will sell both to finance a pair of the Dali’s. A couple more reviews like yours with such enthusiasm for the Dalis will seal the deal i think 😀
@@stephenwest673buy it 😄
@@Mogyipapazuglo imminent purchase 😃
@@stephenwest673wich one do you prefer?
There are a good few high end Bluetooth phones that I’ve considered at or over $1k. Levinson has always been associated with quality. I wanted to know how close do they perform in BT vs. wired w/DAC and amp using MQA, ALAC, FLAC, files. I understand BT has limited bandwidth which is why as an audiophile like you, I wanted to determine if the 5909’s were crushing it in BT mode at wireless bandwidth’s limits. Thanks for this helpful review. Sub’d
Thanks, I shall put them to the test. Stay tuned
@@opaz. in love test in a store with a dad and wired 5909 it was highly unimpressive sort from highly refined top end.
I Subscribed!! Also I’m buying them!!! 😂 Thank you 🙏🏽
Cheers Dale
Enjoy 👍🏼
I bought a pair of these after watching your two review videos on them. I don't know if I clap harder than you but I certainly can hear myself clap with these in full ANC mode, In fact I think the Noise Cancelling isn't so great with these. The do sound beautiful, built and packaged to a very high standard, very comfortable just was a little disappointed with ANC.
Noise cancellation is not intended to block or dampen short sound peaks. It is mainly intended to cancel out continuous noise like airplane engines, trains tracks, car engine and winds... I immediately believe you (not opaz) when you state it doesn't block clapping, but how does it do in the categories I mentioned?
Hi, I just bought the 5909 and noticed that whilst playing music with anc on that the sound tone/phasing changes when I move or walk around. Is this a trait of the 5909 or do I need to return them to the dealer? Thanks.
A snug fit shouldn't alter any audio
@opaz. Thanks for your reply. I reached out to harman and they said to get them exchanged. Apart from that they are a great pair of headphones. Cheers.
When your tired of using them. Ill take them off your hands. Been drooling for a pair since your video.
😆
It's said some items have had issues with the headband. The leather lower cover fell apart. Probably that was the issue of the first batch. I bought mine recently but have seen no issues yet. Has anybody experienced this issue?
Wich color do you have
I have been wearing mine exclusively now for the past three weeks as a daily driver headphone. By choice. First off they are supremely comfortable to wear for long stretches. Anything not comfortable and we're no longer discussing a headphone, it just makes no sense. It's got to be like cramming a size 12 in a size 8 shoe at that point. This is a FUN headphone, it's a V-shape signature that does noise control very well but is much better with a wired connection. If I connect directly to my laptop I get very little volume, wired or otherwise. If connected to my Cobalt, or at my desktop, I don't have such a problem. I just have to ask WHY would one spend this kind of cash on a headphone and introduce such a limitation as a wireless connection to it. It's kind of like spending big money on wall treatments in your listening room and then opening up all of your windows while living in a big city environment.
Otherwise it checks all the boxes of a terrific headphone. It won't scramble your brain with a ridiculous level of bass but will impress in the low end register by delivering a substantial impact when called upon by the recording engineer, let us hope that person isn't giving us an overly HOT or compressed, BS recording. The midrange is well done here and I especially love the high end and it's elevated level. I'm 61 years ole and don't hear as I did when I was a youngster.
My third $1000. pair of headphones and I won't even consider feeling bad about spending the dough. The No. 5909 is an excellent pair of headphones.
Tom, thanks for your reply. Makes sense to question the use of $1k phones using a BT connection. That’s why I did an AB of BT use vs. a wired setup to external DAC/Amp. Using my entry level XM3’s, I connected them to my DAC’s balanced 3.5mm jack and sound was compressed and crackly (staticky). BT blew it away. I switched to DACs 4.5mm balanced out, and it woke up. Much better but it benefited from an amp which amplified the signal more than BT. BT sound is improving every year and your trained ear can detect it. Wired is cumbersome. I have to carry a Fanny pack for the gear which won’t fit in a shorts or jeans pocket. I use only HiDef files (FLAC) 16/44 or better. MP3 sucks. My hearing recently declined and I’m not able to hear certain frequencies. I can still hear the difference between compressed and FLAC. 24/192 is my goal and streaming companies are providing more but files are enormous and eat data and speed.
Sorry to hear about the hearing issues, hope they aren't long term or can be managed. I do most of my listening at my desktop usually, though I do have a main stereo system. My situation is complex I guess. My wife and I live in a small place not of our choosing. We were placed here by an agency which took us into their assistance program and found us a place to live after I took a fall down some concrete stairs. We have an autistic son who lives with us and loud noise can be overwhelming to him. I got into headphones and have a decent desktop system and several pair of headphones. I bought the 9505 pretty much for the ANC because while MY noise bothers my son he sure can make a ton of it for me! It's nice to have this feature when I want it. I have 2 others with ANC, the KEF/Porsche Design Space One which uses batteries and Sony's XB950BT which really hurt my head after about 30-40 minutes. The 9505 is much finer headphone. I look forward to getting them connected to both the Solid State Burson and the Woo Audio WA6 in the near future.
A great review. Thanks, I'm stuck between this or the Focal Bathys especially since I own the Clear and Utopia. The Utopia r the best headphones I've ever heard.
Also count me as a new subscriber. .
Thanks so much RON
Have you listened to the 5909?
@@opaz. nah bro. I'll have to buy them both and return the one I don't like. I'm not one to go in stores even before the virus ,no fan of crowds or people in general.
Leaning toward the Mark Levinson, especially if it's a different but clean n detail sound. Since, I have two Focals already. Not sure.... also, hearing great things about the Bowers & Wilkins PX8.
The Bathys have a more detailed app with room for a lot of sound tailoring. Think it has a slightly longer battery life too. Being a Focal owner, the Bathys just might be the choice for you
Bathys doesn’t have LDAC or AptX. Silly waste of money esp with the quality issues. Try Reddit for unhappy customers.
@@morespinach9832 A waste of money is subjective . Focal said it may add LDAC in the future ,for whatever that's worth. Also, it supports Apt x and Apt x Adaptive.
So, when the battery dies, you fork out another $1000 for a replacement pair? What is the life expectancy of the battery ? At least with the focal Bathys, the battery can be replaced, though at an estimated cost of $200 ($100-battery, $100-tech to install).
B&W PX8 battery also not replaceable.
What are your thoughts?
Rod, glad you mentioned that.
You need to fork out $200 to replace dead batteries in the Focal Bathys, yes?
You cannot replace batteries on the 5909 I know
Have you noticed that almost everybody asks "how do the Focal Bathys sound in DAC mode when wired. They constantly want to know how they sound wired, maybe with the hope of them sounding even better, yes?
People tend to forget that the Focal Bathys need to be switched/powered on to work in bluetooth or wired or DAC mode, yes?
The 5909 do not need to be switched on when wired, yes?
In this situation, all electronics; Bluetooth, internal amplification, and DSP are turned off and you are in a true passive mode.
The 5909 sound much better wired, that I can absolutely confirm (even although in bluetooth they have the LDAC advantage)
When the battery dies on the 5909 you still have a fantastic sounding pair of closed back headphones (without ANC). When the battery dies on the Focal Bathys you really do have a pair of dead headphones that will not work and an expensive bill.
@@opaz. Thank you for your very thoughtful response.
Love your channel.
👍🏻
@@opaz. yes, and in addition, people should accept the fact that Bluetooth headphones have a finite lifetime, much like expensive laptops like Macbooks, or flagship cellphones. In these types of tech devices, battery is the least of concerns for obsolescence, the tech itself would be obsolete after some time. Who knows if 5 years from now, wireless headphones would still use Bluetooth as we know it.
Just like there's a reason why people still buy expensive laptops and flagship phones despite their finite lifespan, buying high-end BT headphones that sound great for you is as valid a decision. If battery lifespan is really a concern, there's always the option to go with wired headphones.
Thank you! Appreciate the review.
👍🏼
I’ve got to get me some of these!!!!
I'm keen to know if you ever consider the T+A Solitaire T, and if so to compare against the ML 5909.
I consider both to be TOTL (even over the more expensive Audio Technica AH-WB2022), and in my case, I recently bought the Solitaire T in white/silver.
It has single handedly made me reconsider my other headphones and gear, especially in one specific area: Solitaire T (as well as 5909) offer true passive wired connections!
Solitaire T is gorgeous, and I love how it sounds both wirelessly and wired. I'll be pairing my Solitaire T with balanced cables and a great DAP in due course (such as FiiO M17), and trade or sell my Focal Elear, Audeze EL8 Ti, and AKG K 712's.
I've heard much good things with the 5909, and Solitaire T seems to be going down well with owners sonically; both owners are doing similar to me, condense down to build around these phenomenal wireless/wired cans.
However, like you with the 5909, wireless is how I'll be using my Solitaire T's most of the time!
And neither are voiced MAINSTREAM, but treated as passive so tuned and as such, voiced similar between wireless and wired modes, but to compete against wired-only £1000 cans (give or take a few hundred).
I will add that Solitaire T's 70 hours battery life (35 in Bluetooth HQ mode), and two hour fast charge to full, are crazy cool for long play times!
Let's hope more companies follow this trend set by the new benchmarks: Mark Levinson 5909 and T+A Solitaire T!
I too am intrigued what the T+A sound like. My Solitare T is on order and due to reach me in the new year
I shall let you know all about both
is there a very faint hiss/hum when ANC is on for the 5909?
USB-C to USC-C cable connected, I notice a faint hiss but USB-C to 3.5mm cable connected is silent
@@opaz. ty. how about hiss while bluetooth ANC on/off?
Yes there is a faint hiss. I have also tested my H95 and they have a faint hiss and my Focal Bathys also have a hiss when the ANC is on.
Hope this helps
@@opaz. wow thank you very much. nobody else mentioned that all these top headphones have a faint hiss. i've only heard about 5909 having a hiss/hum. nonetheless, i've ordered a 5909 hoping for the sound quality.
To be honest, if you hadn't mentioned it I'd never had realised a hum/hiss. It is extremely faint.
If you play a vinyl record on any hifi there is usually an audible tone/mains hum before the music plays. If you listen to a powered speaker (putting your ear close up to it, before music is playing) a hiss can also be heard.
Once music is playing from the 5909, any faint hiss/hum is impossible to detect through whatever you are listening to. Just to add, during passive operation the 5909 are totally silent
The 5909 today is still judged as the best sounding Bluetooth headphone by a majority of serious unbiased sources. It is a bit of a struggle wading through honest advice online and in stores where commission is involved for a sale, which is why I upload my unpaid opinion.
I'm here to help anybody absolutely free
how do you compare these with some wired headphones? thank you in advance for your time and reply
My other headphones are used for analytical use and none of them are priced as high as these. The 5909 sound as good as many similar priced wired high end headphones
With these on you would believe you had wired headphones on. They perform better than many wired headphones
£1000! Jeeze!
Worth every penny!
received today - the sound is amazing but the connectivity is driving me mad. I can connect to my macbook and it remembers the device but then trying to reconnect to my iphone takes forever, and that if it works at all....anyone here know why this is happening?
Managed to sort the issue out - my fault for not reading the instructions properly. They work flawlessly now!
Excellent
Weight?
340g
Nice headphones but way too big to go outside.
Try some Between Pro wireless buds amazing
And a whole lot cheaper!
Already have 2 pairs of buds, don't really get on with earbuds
A big square dangling from both ears. With mediocre sound 😇😂
I bought, excellent sound except that the product is full of faults: Crackling when no sound in bluetooth. Problem with sound cutting in aptx HD if the environment is not free of any interference. Headphone head detection function malfunctions, headphones close randomly.If you connect it to two Bluetooth devices, in my case they connect almost at the same time and when the music start, an unpleasant sound occurs and the headphones close. Finally, the headphones are heavy to wear over a long period of time. Customer and tecnical service is not very good. So invest your $1000 on another more successful product!!!!
WOW, I'm glad that after 8 months I've never had any of the problems that you've had