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YH-5000SE

Driver
Planar magnetic
Enclosure
Open-back
Weight
320 g
List
$4,999.95
Loading the model

Yamaha revived its Orthodynamic planar driver for this one: a thin film with the coil etched on both sides and no fixed centre. At 320 g on a magnesium frame, it is light for a flagship planar.

Where to buy

List $4,999.95

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

Title block

Maker
Yamaha
Model
YH-5000SE
Made in
Japan
Released
2023
Transducer
Planar magnetic
Enclosure
Open-back
Driver
Not published
Weight
320 g
Impedance
34 ohms
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW at 1 kHz
Frequency response
5 Hz – 70 kHz
List price
$4,999.95 USD

Drive requirements

Match an amplifier in the synergy calculator
LevelPowerVoltageCurrent
100 dB1.58 mW0.23 V6.83 mA
110 dB15.8 mW0.73 V21.6 mA
120 dB158 mW2.32 V68.3 mA

Most headroom at 110 dB

Rated 98 dB/mW into 34 ohms. Estimated from published amplifier output.

Assembly drawing

123456

Parts

  1. 1HeadbandTwo-layer headband, stainless steel arm, stepless slider, 3D-sewn pad
  2. 2GrilleTriaxial mesh housing covering
  3. 3Ear cupMagnesium housing frame
  4. 4Magnet arrayNot published
  5. 5DiaphragmThin film with etched coil on both sides, concentric corrugation, outer-edge mount
  6. 6EarpadsSheepskin/PU leather or Ultrasuede suede (both included)

Schematic planar magnetic assembly, annotated with the Yamaha YH-5000SE’s published materials. Not to scale.

Engineering notes

  • Revived Orthodynamic planar driver: thin-film diaphragm with voice coil etched on both sides and no fixed central structure
  • Micro-perforated air dampers on both sides of the diaphragm
  • Rolled plain Dutch weave stainless steel filter controls internal air pressure
  • Inclined swivel mechanism stabilises earpad surface pressure

Design language

Japanese restraint: a magnesium frame, triaxial woven mesh and a 3D-sewn headband pad, each part doing one job.

Build the listening station

Desktop sanctuary

Related architecture

Sources