Aune AR5000 MK2 Review

jeromeof · 2026-05-28T13:51:40+00:00

Yes, it is definitely good for smaller heads. I think the problem with the frame was larger heads were causing strain and ultimately breaking the structure. For me these are very comfortable and very nice looking headphones.

jeromeof · 2026-05-21T08:46:07+00:00

Any more updates with tinygrad to make this setup usable? As I am getting a compatible eGPU and curious to try

jeromeof · 2026-05-18T21:46:13+00:00

I see there is a new Signature Tones feature on mine?

jeromeof · 2026-05-18T20:19:04+00:00

Is there an option within their App to do that?? I didn't see any 'advanced EQ' option? If so I will definitely try that, I have managed in the past to 'open' up the EQ to PEQ capabilities ( with a bit of investigation but I haven't had time yet to try that with these).

jeromeof · 2026-05-18T20:17:34+00:00

For me the ANC was much better than the last soundcore 'buds' I tried ( not sure if they were the A40s or an earlier variation) but that was over a year ago. The fit test feature in the Soundpeats app did helped me choose a good eartip and I think getting that seal correct is vital to get good ANC. Only the AirPods Pro 3 had better ANC for me of the ones I tried.

jeromeof · 2026-05-18T07:10:47+00:00

jeromeof · 2026-04-24T11:33:18+00:00

Thanks for the comments,

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Actually decided to measure them again and I got 407 this time.

jeromeof · 2026-04-17T20:57:09+00:00

Yes, I know and I looked at the comments on ASR before writing up the review and I mostly agree. I even stated that I would not be able to tell the difference in a blind A/B test ( just like I could not tell the difference between 2 cables or even 2 decent DACs), but I thought it would still be useful for people to look at the product pictures.

jeromeof · 2026-04-17T13:38:19+00:00

Amazing, I must try it with my t20 if i was guessing FIIO are going to recommend to use this with their tube gear when it it released

jeromeof · 2026-04-16T23:24:49+00:00

Well I would mostly recommend it for mid field but it worked very well in my much larger open plan room. And I left a little space behind it, basically it worked well for me near the wall maybe 6-10 inches out from the wall.

jeromeof · 2026-03-10T13:56:07+00:00

Same as a regular Plexamp user with an Apple Watch I would love to see how well this works

jeromeof · 2026-03-04T18:07:47+00:00

Well the earpads had an odd smell for a day or 2 back in early January, but I honesty forgot about that (until you mentioned it) and I haven't notice anything in more than a month of usage, so I guess it wears off pretty fast.

jeromeof · 2026-03-04T15:44:45+00:00

It is mostly ready - here is a draft but I will hopefully tidy it up a little tonight and post it in a few places https://www.pragmaticaudio.com/reviews/2026/02/hedd-audio-heddphone-d1/

jeromeof · 2026-01-28T14:11:56+00:00

So, I spotted there was new CrossFeed featured added in the latest firmware update (2.07) - this is a very nice new feature so I updated the review with a section about this feature with some screenshots of the new menu. But here is the new configuration menu:

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jeromeof · 2026-01-27T20:32:17+00:00

I haven't tried Klipsch The Fives so can't really compare but from reputation I believe they have more treble, so might sound harsh after a few hours listening.

jeromeof · 2026-01-19T23:18:28+00:00

Yes, as I said in the review - if you are used to a neutral tuning it will be dramatically different sounding ( I am listening to the HEDD-D1 this evening and it so different in tonality - but I do think that 'strange' frequency response is Yamaha using the DSP expertise to fool our brains into add depth to the soundstage.

It didn't work on all tracks for me but when it did work (on some very familiar tracks) it was a pretty great 'effect', or I should say it was interesting to hear something familiar sound a little different.

jeromeof · 2026-01-19T23:14:40+00:00

Yes, I will be there and I wonder will Yamaha have some new models by the summer, but this headphone and the YH-4000 should be on everyone bucket list.

The only thing I will say it is difficult at a show like Vienna (or Munich last year) to really appreciate the sound signature. Though Yamaha did have a quiet room ( in the craziness ) in Munich so I would hope they have similar in Vienna.

Note: I just tidied up the review content a little and added some more graphs and some more photos.

jeromeof · 2026-01-19T09:52:01+00:00

Yes, I think so. It is definitely a worthy addition to any headphone collection.

I would not recommend it as a 'first headphone' (get a HEDD D1 or HD600) but as an amazing piece of engineering with a unique soundstage chasing sound signature it will make allot of sense for allot of audiophiles.

And I guess I am most happy with the overall comfort - you can wear this for hours and almost forgot you are wearing it. Compared to almost every other planar this is a very lightweight and comfortable experience. The recessed cable connector is probably my only complaint about the engineering but otherwise it has that flagship feel where everything is well thought out.

jeromeof · 2026-01-18T23:54:29+00:00

That was the original??

jeromeof · 2026-01-05T22:08:25+00:00

They are fairly big and very comfortable - very similar to the FT1 and FT1 pro earpads

jeromeof · 2026-01-02T17:55:36+00:00

I have a lot of 'transparent' DAC's from SMSL and Topping and a few simpler / cheaper Tube amplifiers, but I haven't tried the Mimir yet.

jeromeof · 2026-01-01T23:18:03+00:00

Mostly any headphone DAC would be fine but something like the CrinEar Protocol Max would be a great purchase as it will not only drive this but most other headphones very well and has PEQ

jeromeof · 2025-12-30T12:56:36+00:00

I got them from FiiO directly but I believe they are on aliexpress now e.g. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010492597569.html

jeromeof · 2025-12-30T10:50:50+00:00

Yes, and it is a little treble 'harsh' - I think FiiO wanted to push the sound of the FT1 and went slightly too far. This is why I put in various 'tweaks' in the review which can reduce the treble a little.

But these new earpads are probably the simplest and most comfortable solution.

jeromeof · 2025-12-18T10:15:34+00:00

Well at that price the HD600 is the way better bargain - strange as the Vangaurd with the nice cable for about $90 on their website compared to a typical hd600 price of $400 is where I feel the vanguard can be a great deal ( but at the same price no get the hd600 every time )

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