https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/25/16201460/audio-technica-5000x-headphones-price-release-date-ifa-2017

When we talk about headphone cases, we usually mean some sort of box or pouch that keeps them safe from harm and dust, not an actual piece of luggage. But Audio-Technica has gone literal with the case for its new flagship headphones, the ATH-ADX5000, giving you a fancy briefcase to tote your $1,999 headphones in. And, oh yes, these open-back headphones do cost an order of magnitude more than Audio-Technica’s most popular models, with the Japanese company aiming to do battle with the likes of the Sennheiser HD 800 S, Audeze LCD-X, Focal Utopia, and the MrSpeakers Ether Flow models.

Having listened to much of Audio-Technica’s incredibly expansive portfolio of headphones, I have no problem with the company moving upmarket and trying to prove its credentials among the most committed audiophiles. The previous entries in its so-called Air Dynamic series of cans, such as the ATH-AD2000Xs, have earned a lot of plaudits for their wide soundstage, precise imaging, and vocal-friendly tuning. The new 5000 model (which weirdly flips the position of the X in the name) will look to build on that heritage and crank it up in the way that’s hinted at by the excessively luxurious case.