Aune AR5000 20th Anniversary Edition Set : AR5000 Headphones, Headphones Stand, AUR1 USB-C Headphone Cable with DAC, AR3 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Cable

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.

Equipped with only a recommendation I purchase this headphone over the Equipped with only a recommendation I purchase this headphone over the HD 490 Pro plus for COD competitiveness. Not only for its appearance, durability and quality but for performance. However this did not translate to gaming. Until I tried it for myself.After using these headphones for a few days I noticed a dramatic improvement in sound quality in cod: mw3. Not only was I able to hear the direction of opponent's footsteps I was able to hear them reloading and firing when hidden in a corner. Opponent audio cues are slightly different from your teammates. Something I didnt know until I used the AR5000! I did not hear this difference in other iems like the Tea 2, Orchestra Lite, Hype 4 and other headphones like the Sennheiser 598se, 560, etc.Be mindful that the orchestra lite is one of the most recommended iems for gaming.VERTICALITY:Although not as prevalent in 6v6 Versus Warzone I was able to know when enemies were in a room through an open window.SEPARATION:One of the best I've heard so far. In 6 V6 you can hear gunshots of multiple people, streaks going off, people talking in chat. I can still tell the direction of opponent's audio cue in a 6v6 maps. Something that I could not do with other iems and headphones that I've tried.RESOLUTION:Clarity is exceptional for the ar5000. Even when there's other audio clutter (ambient noise, etc). What I want to hear I can hear it. Like opponent audio cues. From my experience the orchestra lite's are the most muddy when it comes to resolution in cod.IMAGING:Simply the best. No if ands or buts. I've tried other iems and headphones that I didn't own and do own. The ar5000 differentiate opponent gunshots, reloading, foosteps, etc. Everything else I've tried so far only seems to do well with just footstep audio. For example I can hear two gunshots. With the ar5000 I know one is my opponent to the left and my team rate to the right. I instinctually know to go to the left to take out the opponent.SOUND STAGE:Is one of the best that I've heard so far. And compared to the tea 2, Orchestra lite, hype 4, 598 se, 560, etc they are the most accurate. Some of the others are either accurate but muddy. Although it's pinpoint the resolution is bad. Or too forward. Which means that it makes the opponent audio sound closer then they actually are.I did not realize how bad a forward sound stage versus having a soundstage that is too wide. Too wide means that opponent audio is simply further away than they actually are. But in this case being too forward means that they have yet to come. It makes opponent audio sound like they're right around the corner. But when you get the jump on them they're visually 5-10 steps further away from the door, corner, window, steps, etc then you initially heard through positional audio. This makes the ar5000 very accurate, sharp and clear for positional audio cues.CAVEATS:I do this with all other headphones and iem's I've tried. I use GT's audio profile EQ and AiW Warzone Audio Setup on PC. Using either Home Theater or Cinematic in COD Audio Section. All using a DAC/AMP combo.The Headphone, HP Boost, PC Speaker Options in COD doesn't have enough separation between the gun shoots and foosteps versus all other audio cues in the match.HIGHLY IMPORTANT WAY TO WEAR THE AR5000:There is a particular way that you have to put these headphones on. Once the ear cups are over your ears slide the ear cups forward until it stops or you meet resistance. Which is towards your nose or mouth area. Due to the angle of the drivers this provides optimum soundstage.FINAL CONCLUSION:Overall the AR5000 is very comfortable. However it's questionable about the ear cup modability. It is the only detractor versus the HD 490 Pro Plus that I found so far. However, I have not found a reason to change the ear cups on this headphone. I have not found a need to adjust it yet. Out the box they fit me just fine. So adjustability is a plus for me.However, It's ability to allow you to hear the audio cues that you need to hear in a competitive first person shooter like COD is phenomenally exceptional. For the price point versus other MORE EXSPENSIVE iems and headphones that can do similarly. I cannot recommend this ar5000 enough.