The YH-5000SE is a spectacular return to the high-end headphone arena for one of the pioneers of planar-magnetic technology, and with a lineage that goes back to Yamaha’s famed HP-1 of the 1970s. The modern design and build of these ultralight over-ear headphones is stunning, from the pressure-controlled open-back housings to the choice of two premium earpad materials, but it’s the dynamic performance and the sense of detail and intimacy that will take your breath away. There are many challengers for the apex of headphone performance, but Yamaha’s new flagship is without doubt a force to be reckoned with.
