Ultrasone Edition 5 Review | 93 Data compared

The Ultrasone Edition 5 over-ear closed-back headphones are highlighted as a luxurious, highly portable, and remarkably lightweight option tailored for on-the-go audiophiles. A major pro of these headphones is their extreme comfort and premium build, featuring exceptionally soft Ethiopian long-haired sheep leather on the earpads/headband, an ultra-lightweight design, and unique ruthenium-coated ear cups. Additionally, they offer excellent versatility and accessories, packing three detachable OFC copper cables (including a 1.2-meter mobile cable with a mic/remote) and a low 32-ohm impedance that makes them incredibly easy to drive directly from a smartphone. Sonically, the reviewer praises the proprietary "S-LogicEX" technology for creating a spacious soundstage with precise imaging and highly transparent, spotless midrange details that elevate critical listening. On the downside, the review notes several distinct cons, starting with the exorbitant and pricey cost of the headphones, which positions them as an investment piece. Performance-wise, the sound isolation is described as not spectacular, forcing a physical compromise for their lightweight comfort. The sound signature also leans heavily on the brighter side, which causes percussion in the high frequencies to border on a...

The Ultrasone Edition 5 is an ultra-limited, closed-back dynamic headphone restricted to 555 units globally. It is constructed using premium materials, including hundreds-of-years-old bog oak ear cups, Ethiopian long-haired sheep leather, and titanium-coated 40mm diaphragms. It stands out technically by incorporating a "MU-metal" screen that blocks 98% of electromagnetic radiation. Additionally, it introduces S-Logic EX technology, which uses a downward, funnel-shaped arrangement to enhance spatial imaging and reduce eardrum pressure by 40%. The primary strengths of the Edition 5 lie in its exceptional transparency, velvet-like smoothness, and unparalleled resolution, rivaling high-end electrostatic and magnetostatic designs. The S-Logic EX technology successfully delivers a massive, natural soundstage that positions musical images convincingly in front of the listener rather than inside their head. It is also remarkably lightweight (280g) and comfortable for long listening sessions. Conversely, the reviewer notes distinct sonic trade-offs: the tonal balance is noticeably shifted upward, resulting in a lighter overall sound signature that lacks a meaty or strongly saturated lower bass response. Beyond sonics, its extreme price tag of 14,900 PLN and highly restricted availability make it an item...

The Ultrasone Edition 5 Unlimited is lauded in the Head-Fi review as a top-tier closed-back headphone, praised for its exceptional soundstage, high transparency, and lightweight, comfortable design suitable for travel. It is noted for superior instrument separation and a smoother treble compared to earlier, harsher Ultrasone models. However, the reviewer highlights significant drawbacks, including a very high price point and a slightly bright sound signature. Durability concerns arise from the fragile MMCX cable connectors, and the aesthetic is criticized due to the design of the logo on the earcups.

The Ultrasone Edition 5 ‘Limited’ is a highly exclusive, hand-crafted closed-back dynamic headphone that delivers an exceptionally realistic, loudspeaker-like soundstage through its unique S-Logic EX driver placement. Built in Germany to celebrate ten years of the Edition series, only 555 pairs were manufactured, featuring ultra-luxurious materials including seven-layer varnished "moor oak" ear cups and buttery soft Ethiopian sheep leather pads. Reviewer Nicholas Ripley hails it as the best headphone he has ever heard, praising its crystalline detail, immense harmonic richness, flawless tonal balance, and superb instrument articulation. Mechanically, it is equipped with heavily shielded neodymium magnets utilizing ULE technology to reduce electromagnetic radiation and lower listener fatigue, while its off-center titanium-coated 40mm drivers naturally encourage listening at lower, safer volumes. Despite the glowing praise, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks, most notably its extreme retail price of £2,995 and its severe scarcity due to the strict 555-unit production limit. Additionally, the headphones require an extraordinarily long and unprecedented break-in period of 700 hours before reaching their optimal acoustic performance. They also require a high-quality external headphone amplifier to be fully...

Review Summary The Ultrasone Edition 5 is an ultra-limited, closed-back dynamic headphone limited to 555 units that delivers an exceptionally transparent and high-resolving sound. It features premium craftsmanship, utilizing hundreds-of-years-old bog oak ear cups, a durable anodized aluminium headband, and plush Ethiopian sheep leather padding. Weighing only 280 grams, it is highly praised for being remarkably lightweight and comfortable, offering a low-fatigue fit compared to heavier planar rivals. Acoustically, the headphones stand out for their patented S-Logic EX technology, which uses a funnel-like driver arrangement to project a wide, natural soundstage with precise spatial positioning that simulates a live concert and keeps audio from feeling trapped inside the listener's head. Additional pros include its ULE radiation-shielding technology and generous premium accessories, such as multiple detachable Neutrik cables, a storage box, a steel stand, and a dust pouch. However, the Edition 5 comes with notable drawbacks, chief among them being its exorbitant price tag (14,900 PLN / roughly three times the cost of the original Edition 7), making them an investment primarily for wealthy collectors. Sonically, the tonal balance is evidently...

The Ultrasone Edition 5 UnlimitedGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. is characterized as a flagship portable headphone featuring exceptional soundstage, detailed retrieval, and superior comfort compared to heavier rivals. Unlike previous, harsher Ultrasone models, this unit offers a more transparent sound, though it requires a significant 30-to-40-hour burn-in to reach its full potential, featuring deep bass and natural vocals. Major drawbacks include the high price point, fragile MMCX cable connectors, and an overall bright sound signature that, while refined, may still feel sharp to some users. The review also notes aesthetic criticisms, specifically regarding the logo design, and warns of poor out-of-the-box performance before a lengthy break-in period.