Mark Levinson No. 5909 Headphone Review

The 5909!! Really Nice 😁
#5909 #headphones #audiophile
Click ❤️ Thanks above ☝🏾to highlight your question and show support to the channel🙏🏾
--------------------------------------------
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Design
2:08 Buttons and Cables
4:23 Mark Levinson App
5:41 Battery Life
6:43 Call Quality
6:58 Sound Design Harman Curve
8:18 Sound Quality
9:24 My Issue
10:45 My Recommendation
--------------------------------------------
If you want to purchase anything else use these links:
No. 5909 - bit.ly/41aJD6Y
No. 5101 (Network Streamer) - bit.ly/3KvcMTD
No. 5802 (Integrated Amp) - bit.ly/3KR64IE
No. 515 (Turntable) - bit.ly/3mpoo2k
Focal Bathys - bit.ly/3n91TPc
Focal Clear MG Open Back - bit.ly/3FV48NB
------------------------------------------------------
Harman Curve References
Harman Curve - seanolive.blogspot.com/2013/0...
Harman Curve - jazztimes.com/reviews/product...
------------------------------------------------------
Links to my home theater setup
Front Left/Right: 1723 Monitor S - bit.ly/3RWNRKG
Center: 1723 Center S - bit.ly/3eSxDUG
Surrounds: 1723 Surround S - bit.ly/3BHHaGY
Atmos Speakers: Energy Take Classics 5.1 - Purchase amzn.to/2l0ubbs
Subwoofer: 1723 2V Subwoofer - bit.ly/3Lfcnof
Speaker Wire: Monoprice Access Series 12 AWG CL2 Rated 2 Conductor - amzn.to/2y4btcT
AV Receiver: Denon AVR-X4400H - amzn.to/2JuznyM
External Amplifier: Monoprice Monolith 7 - amzn.to/2ZXrTvu
4K UHD BluRay Player Panasonic UB820 - amzn.to/3bGwOcc
Television: LG C1 77" - amzn.to/3O8ZVqe
TCL 55" 6 Series - 55 Inch: amzn.to/2QUvKsN
Projector Screen: Elite Screens Yard Master 2 -amzn.to/3iObztN
Valencia Theater Seats- us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
Television Stand: Salamander Design AV Cabinets - bit.ly/3I8OLjv
--------------------------------------------
Contact the Home Theater Hobbyist
Email: [e-mail]
Disclaimer: This description contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link you will be taken to our affiliate and I'll receive a small commission. This commission supports this channel and allows us to bring you more videos like this.

[@AudioAdvice]

Great review! Love it! 😁

[@KrisBaca]

One of the best 5909 reviews, great job!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

O wow! Thank you!

[@tomdavis6371]

New subscriber. Very nice review! I haven't heard the Bathys. I own the 5909 and in fact purchased them from Audio Advice. I own the Focal Elex so I'd have to think I know how the Bathys would at least feel on my head, and while the Elex is comfortable, the 5909 is even more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I love the 5909 for comfort, but also for it's sound quality both wireless and even more importantly to me, wired, where it's even better sounding. The 5909 isn't my only wireless noise cancelling headphone but it is the best of them. You're right on the price difference but while so, I chose the 5909 because of the fact that when the battery does eventually die, it will still work as a terrific sounding wired headphone whereas the same can not be said for the Bathys. Neither headphone has a battery replacement available at this time though perhaps in the future, it has been mentioned. My understanding is that it would likely be a matter of having the headphone serviced at a charge of between $100-300.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for sharing and subscribing! I agree with your point about being about to use the headphones after the battery dies is definitely a win for ML.

[@rayowen3528]

I stream alot of movies on my tablet during airplane travel, which headphones have the best opportunity and create a more surround sound impact while streaming movies?

[@Viewer13128]

Great review. I was struggling between the Bathys and ML 5909 for a long time. I almost pulled the trigger for the Bathys, but got the 5909 in the end and I'm glad I did. At first, I regretted my purchase due to it having less sub-bass than my main headgears and the treble peak was annoying me. I don't know if burn-in is real or not, but now (much later), the 5909 has the best treble out of every headgear I've tried. Looking at the frequency response, I cannot imagine the Bathys able to do anything similar (but I can imagine the Bathys sounding more emotional with more bass). However, the ML 5909 is 1 of 2 headphones I've ever heard in my life that I would categorize as special now, because the upper-mids and treble presentation is next level. Cymbals on certain tracks have insane imaging because of this. The only other headphone that sounded truly special in memory was one that I don't know the name of, and was probably plugged into the most expensive tube amp in the store. The ML 5909 was plugged into my DAP (DX320). I wear the ML 5909 to relax, and some of my other headgear fatigue me and doesn't work for this, but the ML 5909 actually works despite the stellar treble emphasis. As for comfort, out of the ones with no mods, this is the #1 or #2 most comfortable headphone I've worn unmodded. sweat is significantly less on the ML 5909 than on other wireless headphones. Passive isolation (meaning no ANC at all) is much better (significantly better) than other wireless closed back headphones. All the other ones have sound leaking in unless ANC is on, but the 5909 has better isolation than even my more expensive wired closed back headphone. I never turn on ANC when using the 5909 (note I don't use it on trains/busses/planes) and that is the best sound quality. On battery, I only turn on "enhance bass" and nothing else is touched - no ANC. And ofc, the best thing is that the ML 5909 has highest fidelity in wired mode, which means no battery, which means this actually makes it my favorite wired headphone when I don't need sub-bass. However, there is a track with the deep rumbling, grand-sounding percussion drums (timpani or kettledrums), and they sounded the best on the ML 5909, so the only weak area I can say the ML 5909 has is maybe below 30Hz, where it does extend there, but is barely passable quantity wise. However, keep in mind that on battery mode with "enhance bass", this increases the sub-bass quantity to be satisfactory for me. Going from bassy headgear or mainstream headgear, the ML 5909 sounded thin. But now it's a truly unique experience and I would say if I needed to pick end-game headphones for different sound sigs, the ML 5909 is definitely one of them. Overall, it is possible the ML 5909 is the best sounding wired/wireless closed back headphone (for me).

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Wow! Thanks for sharing! 😁

[@MrJ.31]

I agree. The 5909 are just fantastic headphones both wireless and plugged in. This was a comment I left someone else: It's a really hard question to answer since sound is so subjective but for me the best sounding were the ML 5909. I did a long comparison between the 5909, Bathys, H95, and the B&O PX8 to see the differences before and after a short burn in period (only about 80 hours or so). The PX8 has the most energetic sound, not too bright and bass heavy that really helps get you into the music and also has the most forward soundstage. I would say it's probably best suited for stuff like dance/techno/electronica. The Bathys has the widest soundstage with an audiophile sound focus that lets you disappear into the music, very clear vocal detailing, bass is decent, not a very energetic sound but definitely an exact one and shines with classical/choral/orchestral music. The H95 is also very bass heavy but it differs from the PX8 in that the bass is deep-seated instead of thumping. It has an almost cinematic sound to it, slightly soft but dark at the same time, everything comes through clear and very enjoyable. Not as energetic as the PX8 but very fun to listen to and really shines with movies and hip-hop/rap. The ML 5909 is interesting cause it doesn't seem to be the absolute best at any one thing but is fantastic at alot of different things. It had the 2nd widest soundstage, a thick guttural bass that seemed like a mix between the PX8 and H95, incredibly clear vocals, mids and highs were warm and slightly bright but not fatiguing at all, it offered the most detail, and for me was the most emotional. It really seemed to take what the other 3 headphones were great at and mix them into one unit. It was my favorite of the bunch but in all honesty you can't go wrong with any of them. If I were to go out and do a random blind buy I would be super happy with any of the 4 headsets mentioned. I will also add that for me the Bathys was most comfortable (big head) followed by the 5909 and H95. The H95 and Bathys had the best transparency. The 5909 and H95 probably had the best call quality. The H95 and 5909 had the best ANC. The 5909 and H95 were the least sonically fatiguing after long listening sessions (90+minutes). The H95 and Bathys have the best apps. The H95 has the best on-board controls. The 5909 and H95 have the best cases and presentations. The 5909 has the best accessories and is the only set out of the 4 that can be used passively without any battery. I love talking about this stuff so I apologize if I bombarded you with too much info lol but I hope it helps. More than happy to answer any other questions you might have

[@samuelsong342]

​@@MrJ.31 how do you feel with marxwell it just 299. and has the most good reputations even be called the best bluetooth headphones.

[@jyexe525]

Hi ! Do you think it worth to buy the ML 5909 of listen my music on Spotify premium with an iPhone ?

[@mikecampbell5856]

I really enjoyed your video, even though I only listen to headphones two or three times a year.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for watching! This was a hard one for me to determine just because the Focals are so good but less comfortable.

[@Shaken_AND_Stirred]

Cody, thanks for this review, especially including the Focal’s,, because I had been considering them as well. The weakest link in all bluetooth headphones is the battery. The great thing about the Mark Levinson’s, is that when you are listening with the cable instead of bluetooth, the headphones themselves do not need to be powered on. They are completely passive. With the Focal’s and many others, they must be powered on when using the cable to listen instead of bluetooth. In other words, if the battery goes out on the Focal’s, they cannot be used anymore, unless you have them repaired, since they are dependent upon the battery, even while using a cable to listen with. The Mark Levinson’s can continue to be used as wired headphones even if the battery dies. If I get a set, I’m pretty sure that I’ll be getting the ML 5909’s because of this. I’m so tired of buying consumer electronics with so much of them becoming “bricks” later on. Great review! Bless you, Brother!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

This is a really great point, I wish I would have made it myself!! 😁😁😁 May God bless you and your family!

[@Shaken_AND_Stirred]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Cody, One other thing I just found out. Master & Dynamic MW75 is the same headphone set as the ML 5909. They are made in the same factory. Of course, the 5909’s have a few more bells and whistles for their prices, such as LDAC, but for $400 less, I’m going to get the M&D MW75’s. How do I know this? The FCC filings for the drivers are identical and were filed at the same time. In addition, Mark Levinson has confirmed that both headphones are manufactured by the same original equipment design manufacturer. And, in addition to that, if you read the user manuals for both headphones, they are almost verbatim in their instructions. Take a close look at the headbands and shapes of the ear cups on each unit. Other than a few less “bells and whistles”, the M&D MW75’s are the same headphones. You can even listen to them 100% passive (no power required) when listening with a cable. May the Lord bless you and your family, Sir!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Wow!!! That is very interesting!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@sammartinez4244]

Hi, what head phones do you recommend for highs and artist singing and still a have a mild bottom end bass? Do you know any that would be preferred for using while doing yard work and could help to block out power lawn equipment?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Great question, my first thought is the Focal Bathys. But honestly those may be a little too nice to GE outside doing yard work. Another good option maybe the Technics EAH-A800. I haven’t tried these exact headphones but I have tried the earbuds (EAH-AZ60) and they are now my personal favorite earbuds for sound quality and noise reduction. I reviewed them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3uTgpV4btmCl80

[@MrJ.31]

What kind of phone do you use?

[@PowerrayX]

great review ! what would you recommend for heavy metal ? Bathys or 5909 ?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Bathys. Their a bit more forward so I think they will work better.

[@A7Reece]

For heavy metal 100% the Bathys. They have a larger soundstage.

[@MrJ.31]

For me it's the 5909. The Bathys sounds awesome but the 5909 is more analytical and lets me hear subtle nuances and chord changes that the Bathys wasn't able to pick up. For example when I listened to Iron Man from Sabbath the 5909 was able to clearly get those low registers that the Bathys slightly struggled with and Rise by Extreme gave me a clearer picture of Nuno's solo on the 5909 than the Bathys did

[@toaletttbord]

I can't decide between the Bang & Olufsen H95, Focal Bathys and the Mark Levinson, anyone's opinion is welcome. I listen to a good variety of music, I love Iron Maiden and Taylor Swift, Five Finger Death Punch and Billie Eilish, Jazz and some mainstream pop songs. Orchestra music is also amazing. For me the sound quality is the most important, more so than comfort or ANC. Now which one do I choose? Please I've been struggling for weeks now and there is no local store that has all three to test.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I haven't heard the B&Os so I can't say but as you saw in the video I do like the Bathys a little more than the 5909 in the sound quality department.

[@MrJ.31]

It's a really hard question to answer since sound is so subjective but for me the best sounding were the ML 5909. I did a long comparison between the 5909, Bathys, H95, and the B&O PX8 to see the differences before and after a short burn in period (only about 80 hours or so). The PX8 has the most energetic sound, not too bright and bass heavy that really helps get you into the music and also has the most forward soundstage. I would say it's probably best suited for stuff like dance/techno/electronica. The Bathys has the widest soundstage with an audiophile sound focus that lets you disappear into the music, very clear vocal detailing, bass is decent, not a very energetic sound but definitely an exact one and shines with classical/choral/orchestral music. The H95 is also very bass heavy but it differs from the PX8 in that the bass is deep-seated instead of thumping. It has an almost cinematic sound to it, slightly soft but dark at the same time, everything comes through clear and very enjoyable. Not as energetic as the PX8 but very fun to listen to and really shines with movies and hip-hop/rap. The ML 5909 is interesting cause it doesn't seem to be the absolute best at any one thing but is fantastic at alot of different things. It had the 2nd widest soundstage, a thick guttural bass that seemed like a mix between the PX8 and H95, incredibly clear vocals, mids and highs were warm and slightly bright but not fatiguing at all, it offered the most detail, and for me was the most emotional. It really seemed to take what the other 3 headphones were great at and mix them into one unit. It was my favorite of the bunch but in all honesty you can't go wrong with any of them. If I were to go out and do a random blind buy I would be super happy with any of the 4 headsets mentioned. I will also add that for me the Bathys was most comfortable (big head) followed by the 5909 and H95. The H95 and Bathys had the best transparency. The 5909 and H95 probably had the best call quality. The H95 and 5909 had the best ANC. The 5909 and H95 were the least sonically fatiguing after long listening sessions (90+minutes). The H95 and Bathys have the best apps. The H95 has the best on-board controls. The 5909 and H95 have the best cases and presentations. The 5909 has the best accessories and is the only set out of the 4 that can be used passively without any battery. I love talking about this stuff so I apologize if I bombarded you with too much info lol but I hope it helps. More than happy to answer any other questions you might have

[@toaletttbord]

@@MrJ.31 Thank you this was 👍 still can't quite decide between them, leaning towards the 5909, time will tell

[@MrJ.31]

​@Wanna Know If I were you I'd probably take the H95 off the list to narrow it down at least a little bit. They're really great headphones but most likely B&O is gonna release a new one for their 100 year anniversary in 2025. I'd rather wait for that over the 95

[@toaletttbord]

@@MrJ.31 I have decided to go for the Bathys, in my area (Norway) they are about 400$ less. Will probably change my mind tomorrow but for now it's the Bathys

[@davidacabrera]

How do they compared to the AirPods Pro Max?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I actually haven’t tried the Pro Max so I can’t say.

[@MrJ.31]

The Pro Max are really good sounding headphones (as long as you're an Iphone user) but the 5909 sound cleaner, more exact (kinda like reference headphones), has a meatier bass, and a wider soundstage. Everything on it (especially on an android phone) just sounds better. The Airpods Max sounds closer to the B&W PX7 S2 but a little more airy, while the 5909 sounds like a wired closed back headphone

[@davidacabrera]

@@MrJ.31 thank you!

[@MrJ.31]

@@davidacabrera anytime DC

[@rajendrabiswas]

are these better than AirPods max?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I haven't tried the AirPods Max so I can't say, sorry.

[@jimdiet8534]

Sorry, I have these headphones and they are not worth a grand. They sound ok but nothing special.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Really? What don't you like about them?

[@jimdiet8534]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist The clamp force is too tight, They get hot on the head, The band digs into the top of my head, the ear cups are too small for my ears and the sound quality is mediocre because of Bluetooth limitations. If you are going to use a cable, buy a cabled unit because you will get a lot more bang for the dollar.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Agreed, if the fit is bad then you’re going to have a poor experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-li5ls3rv7d]

Right.. I bought a pair, & returned them.... I like how they look & built, but didn't sound too good nor they wasn't loud enough for a 1000 & 76 dollars

[@evilvirtuoso9408]

They look extremely goofy on the head, and look cheap because of that shiny plastic.

[@GEFELICITEERD45]

👍 the focal bathys looks better and sounds better butt looks Bulky