Mark Levinson N. 5909: bluetooth & wired headphones delight!

[@MrSatanicGoat]

Just subscribed. Purely for the little dance at the beginning, really made me smile. Really needed it today. My 5909’s are on the way.

[@anadialog]

Why thank you so much! These comments and openness really keeps me going!

[@kevinperlmutter5074]

They haven’t updated the buggy app for two years. When I asked their support team, they didn’t seem at all concerned that they hadn’t bothered to update it. And when I complained about the random pauses, they said just to turn off the on-head detect function - one of the reasons I bought them. Mark Levinson is a complete shambles. Harman CEO, Michael Mauser needs to sort them out, and quickly.

[@anadialog]

We miss the real Mark!

[@stimpy1226]

In the early 2000s, Mark Levinson came into my retail store needing help and it started us on a three month friendship relationship which I needed to put to an end because he so overbearing. On the other hand he was unbelievably charming and he treated me like a real friend. We all know that Mark sold his name to the Harmon group many many years ago. He is still a tremendous innovator and does custom work for very wealthy people all around the world.

[@anadialog]

Cool! So he really is your friend!

[@sgroadie6367]

Mark is a truly gifted audio designer, and his work in the early ML brand pre Harman was exceptional. As is his work done with Cello later. Harman also continued to make excellent audio products. Would be interesting to see a comparison to the Focal Bathys and iPods Max.

[@alexkorff6479]

two things are surprising, this is Mark Levinson without the person Mark Levinson, and, the Mark Levinson company did not follow the path of a no less famous company that does not put additional and necessary items in factory packaging under the pretext of fighting for a clean environment, but in theory they could do so ) ... excellent review, thank you👍

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, those chargers and cables are really extraneous. Don't compare that to a niche product that only audiophiles know about. The total number of products sold by ML won't even put a dent on the environment even if they included the kitchen sink in the box.

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

You're throwing some nice dance shapes at the start! 😉🙂

[@anadialog]

😆

[@Shaken_AND_Stirred]

I’m on the fence with these headphones, because no one knows how long the battery will last before it no longer takes a charge. Mark Levinson will replace the headphones for up to two years, but the battery is not replaceable/repairable, even by them. This battery information is from them BTW. The good side, is that these headphones are truly passive when wired. Meaning that they do not have to be powered on to operate with the cord like the Focal Bathys and so many others. In addition, should the battery quit taking a charge outside of the two year warranty (remember, they cannot be replaced outside of two years and cannot be repaired at all.) they will still operate as wired headphones. I don’t know, even at the $800 that I have seen them for, it’s a lot of money to all of a sudden have headphones with all of their capabilities that will no longer work when the batter quits taking a charge. I’m still undecided. I forgot to mention that the downside of the Focal Bathys and other bluetooth headphones that require power to operate, even when listening as a wired headphone, will cease to operate at all should the battery quit accepting a charge. In other words, they become “bricks”. However, the Focal Bathys can be repaired, for a price, should they be outside of the warranty. $200 is what I have heard the cost is.

[@anadialog]

True, but at that point youvare probably going to look for a new pair since technology will go ahead and new high-res codes will be released and, as you said, at least these are also fully passive (and better sounding in that mode).

[@benpit2762]

Good review thanks! I’ve purchased these a while ago now and they’re a fantastic pair of Bluetooth headphones! I had the Momentum Wireless from Sennheiser for a very long time and was looking for my next headphones. I am very pleased and the battery life, sound quality is amazing too. Is it expensive? Yeah sure, would I recommend it? That’s up to you to decide, please try before your buy, I did and never looked back :-) One more thing, using these wired didn’t bring much love to these so exclusively use these on public transports and at home, cheers!

[@jyexe525]

Hi ! One thing I don’t understand is do you think with an iPhone 13 I can deliver hi res audio ? Or its maximum of AAC. I plan to buy this headphones but I don’t want to buy a portable dac and I want a good sound so if I buy this one will I see a difference compare to a Sony XM5 for example ? Thank you for your help

[@swifty1969]

as far as BT headphones go, the Sony XM4 sounds fantastic. Not only do the Bass and Highs sound fantastic but also the mids. Yes! I do use a bit of eq for the bass. I purchased mine from eBay used in brand spanking new condition for $169.

[@JustDestiny260]

Bass is super muddy and the highs have no real clarity. They are fine and really are banger at noise cancelling but people need to stop overhyping them

[@sogon78]

you sir do not know sound

[@jyexe525]

Hi ! One thing I don’t understand is do you think with an iPhone 13 I can deliver hi res audio ? Or its maximum of AAC. I plan to buy this headphones but I don’t want to buy a portable dac and I want a good sound so if I buy this one will I see a difference compare to a Sony XM5 for example ? Thank you for your help

[@anadialog]

If you are using Bluetooth unfortunately iPhone does not allow to use the high-res LDAC codec that is instead present in Android phones etc. if you use a cable, no problem.

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

A really amazing pair of headphones but its a bit too good for critical listening and therefore lacks a bit of liveliness for my taste. I went with the focal bathys instead. They got DAC mode as well and have some more bass punch. Both great options and audiophile friendly.

[@Goran_8_December]

Charging the baby 🤣🤣🤣 You should be an actor 💪💪💪

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

Thank you very much as always good thorough review and explaining this. If I may ask, how would you compare sound quality of this pair headphones to the Focal Bathys?

[@anadialog]

I can make a quick comparison with my Focal Clear. The Clear is better in every segment but not as much one would suspect if we are talking wired. The Focal are open back so that helps a LOT.

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

@@anadialog Thank you. That’s clarity. What I understand you are saying is Once it’s open back it is already so much more (usually).

[@MohsinWadee]

Anadigi, if you'll be using the pair mainly via Bluetooth, why did you buy such an expensive model? Why did you not go for a Sennheiser Momentum, for example?

[@anadialog]

I am using both! But for bluetooth it should be among the best...

[@ChadAlexander-g9b]

I have a Android phone, how do you go in & set the headphones to get the most out of them?

[@anadialog]

I posted the wrong link. This is the correct one to check/activate LDAC (the best bluetooth codec and only available for Android): www.headphonezone.in/blogs/audiophile-101/how-to-activate-ldac-on-your-smartphone-in-5-easy-steps

[@MrJ.31]

Has anybody noticed any weakening or peeling in the leather headband? I've only had my unit for a few weeks now and I've noticed that the adhesive in the headband isn't holding up too well. Was just curious if anyone else had this issue or if I just have a little bit of a defective unit

[@anadialog]

I didn't experience that and I use it almost everyday for 5 months now. Ask for a replacement!

[@raymonddsouza8948]

I have had the same issue, after 4-5 months. It'a not just you. Once it starts, it keeps peeling, definitely get them changed over.

[@vinstyles]

I have just bought the 5909's and to be honest I am disappointed by them. They seem to lack volume and no matter what I do I can't improve them. Is the volume restricted ny my I{hone? I just don't know. I have my Sony MX4's and Dr Dre's to fall back on.

[@anadialog]

Sorry to hear that, but if you are talking volume then there must be a limitation or problem. That can’t be an issue. Try it with multiple sources.

[@frankster35]

I tested the 5909s two days ago in a local store. Bluetooth with my iPhone 15 Pro. Went through a wide range of music for an hour and needed the volume towards max, maybe 80% plus. I liked them but agree the volume was lacking. They were loud enough, but felt like I’d want more available at certain times. Some people disagree and say plenty of volume. Not sure what to think.

[@jyexe525]

@@frankster35 Hi ! One thing I don’t understand is do you think with an iPhone 13 I can deliver hi res audio ? Or its maximum of AAC. I plan to buy this headphones but I don’t want to buy a portable dac and I want a good sound so if I buy this one will I see a difference compare to a Sony XM5 for example ? Thank you for your help

[@PowerrayX]

where did you get them ???

[@anadialog]

Ex-demo from an online store here in Italy

[@TheSoundrookie]

Hi Guido. This is a product I would expect from manufactures like Bose and B&O - Not Mark Levinson. But as they say: A new day - A new surprise. They do look comfortable though, and the battery time is pretty nice, so I believe they are good on the go where compromise is a factor in most cases, and if they fit your needs. I personally wouldn't use bluetooth headphones due to the limited range, and the limitations to sound quality. I use corded headphones on the go, and RF when doing stuff around the house. On the go you have both the player and the headphones on you and for that reason I see no need for cordless headphones or the compromise to sound quality it entails. When doing stuff around the house or outside in the garden the limited range of bluetooth would drive me nuts pretty fast. The RF signal reaches much further and allows me to move around freely up to a 100 meters away from the transmitter. I can mow the lawn, take down the trash or what ever, without coming out of range. Corded and RF is my thing, but besides not having use for bluetooth headphones, this was still an entertaining review to watch. Stay awesome Mate.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for your interesting and correct input!

[@redstarwraith]

Mark Levinson, the man - has nothing to do with Mark Levinson the company - nor has he for 30-some years now.

[@anadialog]

Who said the opposite? 🤷‍♂️

[@redstarwraith]

@@anadialog "He is the maker, the producer, the manufacturer of these babies." - your words right at the beginning!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

GUIDO …🤗😎💚💚💚

[@anadialog]

Hey there!

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

wow after all this time jump to wireless 😊

[@anadialog]

Just for my home-work route. Plus, it also has a cable mode so it's hybrid.

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

@@anadialog over ears wireless headphone usually come with cable too, maybe not all of them.

[@abhtv1297]

Wish i owned a pair. Anyone want to donate a pair

[@Dan-pi6dx]

Imma be honest I didn't enjoy these headphones much at all i liked many more consumery bt headphones more

[@anadialog]

All opinions are welcome!

[@giancarlopanzani8759]

Prova una Spirittorino...

[@anadialog]

Mi attirano assai!

[@Shrebina-kq4cs]

Mark is Not the maker or designer of those headphones (or anything else with a mark levinson badge) since 1984. He would have never put his name on plastic bluetooth harman junk like this.

[@anadialog]

Nobody said the opposite but that is how it is branded and Mark sold it for good old money so that is how it is.

[@tobykay5749]

@@anadialog Actually he incorporated his company to scale up and than was immediately voted out by the board… It’s one of the most messed up stories in the industry

[@GEFELICITEERD45]

Looks liks a 300 dollar headphone

[@anadialog]

I agree, it’s ugly!

[@kevinberman9749]

17 minutes of my life I won't get back. You spent zero time talking about sound quality. That's kind of the most important aspect. First and last time on your channel.

[@anadialog]

I am afraid you didn't watch ALL the video because I discussed about tye general aspects of sound around 14:15 and then I put up a detailed written comment of the sonic characteristics at 16:10. Before judging please be informed.

[@elsamariasorforger5788]

FAKE

[@anadialog]

What's fake?