Aune AR5000 MKII

Pros

• Parent context: I looked into these as an upgrade (more base, bigger soundstage) from the 6XX... I ended up going with the AR5000 mk2 (for now!), which it seems like you’d say is better (for most people)? Reply: I’d say if the AR5000 MK2...
• The midrange of the A/550 reminds me of the new Aune AR5000 MKII. ... I find the 105 AER and AR5000 MK2 better in that regard [soundstage].
• The midrange of the A/550 reminds me of the new Aune AR5000 MKII. Neither of these headphones have the clarity of the 6xx (it’s defining characteristic), but I would say they still sound great and nothing comes across wrong
• The midrange of the A/550 reminds me of the new Aune AR5000 MKII. ... I would say they still sound great and nothing comes across wrong - nothing sounds unnatural, and voices sit perfectly in the mix without overpowering any other part o...
• Currently the AR5000 MKII. It fits my preferred sound signature with zero EQ, easy to drive, and a fantastic modular cable.

Cons

• much of the outer construction is still the same plastic, and the same vulnerabilities reported from the previous AR5000 are bound to eventually happen here too. Whatever plastic they use for the yoke in particular seems almost destined...
• They claim the headband assembly was changed to all metal, but it seems like this primarily refers to the [inner construction's parts being changed to metal over plastic](https://www.hifihub.com.br/en/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aune-AR50...
• I think Ar5000 mkii is great and very good value, but very V shaped and lack midrange. It also do not have the same physicality and texture to the bass, even though it has great quantity.
• Parent context: As someone who owns an AR5000 where the plastic broke twice and is now mended with a 3d printed piece with zip ties.... Reply: that MKII plastic does not seem to be an improvement.