About the Mark Levinson No. 5909

Mark Levinson style and performance, everywhere you go

The Mark Levinson No. 5909 noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones are unlike any model we’ve ever carried. They are at once super-premium wireless work/travel headphones, as well as bona fide audiophile wired headphones for focused at-home listening. During a brief audition, I learned that their deluxe build and high-grade beryllium drivers help them excel in both scenarios.

And they impressed from the moment I unboxed them. Right away I was struck by the industrial design — it captures that timeless vibe of classic Mark Levinson audio gear. I could see and feel the thoughtful detail in the strong aluminum frame, textured leather headband, and the polished, gloss-metallic earcup finish.

Noise cancellation that adapts in real time

Built-in adaptive noise canceling circuitry scans and monitors external sounds, then adjusts itself accordingly. It was certainly put to the test in my basement office! With noise cancellation “on,” these headphones quieted the constant low-frequency hum of my furnace, and also the — well, let’s just say more “staccato” — rhythm coming from my 9-year-old kid’s new keyboard piano.

While these headphones don’t offer the absolute best noise cancellation available, it is well above average. And based on my experience, I think the No. 5909 headphones are equipped to knock out the plane engine drone and other air travel distractions. And it sets a low noise floor for what separates these headphones from the pack: that lifelike, nuanced Mark Levinson sound.

Listen wirelessly or wired — without compromise

These are primarily wireless headphones, and the newer, more reliable Bluetooth 5.1 is on board. Premium Bluetooth formats aptX™ Adaptive and LDAC are also supported with compatible devices, helping retain more musical detail. And they offer extended wireless range, so I could keep my phone on my desk and travel down the hall and upstairs without audio dropout.

There are also several wired listening options, including traditional 3.5mm miniplug cables in two different lengths. So you can connect to a portable high-res player or dedicated headphone amp/DAC  with that or the included 1/4″ adapter. I found you can also make a digital connection and listen with the included USB-C charging cable (or USB-C to USB-A adapter).

Adaptive noise cancellation helps remove unwanted distractions. 

Secure, well-cushioned fit

The No. 5909s have a form-fitting design that helps keep them from slipping off as you move around. It’s snug for sure, but it doesn’t feel too “clamp-y” or like my head is in a vice. And the leather ear pads are soft, avoid pressure points well, and keep the drivers positioned properly toward the ears.

In my hands, they felt heavy for a set of Bluetooth headphones. But they are not nearly as heavy as the larger audiophile headphones out there. And the padded leather headband distributed the weight in a way that didn’t cause me great fatigue, even as I wore them through entire work shifts.

Influenced by decades of scientific research

It’s hard to believe, but these are the first headphones in the long, storied history of Mark Levinson. But think of the landscape back in the ’70s when the company first introduced their world-class amplifiers — loudspeakers were so much more sophisticated than headphones. That’s changed in the last decade, largely thanks to the advancements and scientific research of Harman, Mark Levinson’s parent company.

Expertly tuned high-performance drivers made of beryllium and other premium materials. 

Within their California labs, Harman’s audio experts — led by Dr. Sean Olive, former president of the Audio Engineering Society — developed a distinct sound signature, known within the high-end headphone scene as the “Harman curve.” This special sound profile has been honed over the years by exhaustive user testing and has been proven to satisfy most listeners. It has informed and improved the tuning of countless headphones from entry-level models on up to the rarified air of these No. 5909 headphones.

Quick-moving beryllium drivers

Of course with headphones, proper tuning is only one aspect of the overall performance. The No. 5909’s dynamic drivers are made of precious metals and other high-grade material for optimal detail retrieval and resolution. That includes beryllium, an incredibly light and rigid metal that can stop and start quickly for realistic dynamics.

Beryllium also has strong damping characteristics, which cuts down on reverberation and sound colorization that can especially muddy the midrange. I found that vocals, guitars, and other sounds in that area were very distinct and well-defined. In fact, I felt that way across all frequencies.