Mark Levinson No. 5909 Review: Are They Worth the Price?

Exploring if the Mark Levinson No. 5909 headphones deliver premium sound and luxury for the $999 price tag.

Stepping Into the World of Mark Levinson Headphones

If you've ever been curious about diving into the luxurious realm of Mark Levinson headphones, the No. 5909 model might just be your entry ticket. Known to audiophiles and premium Lexus car owners alike, Mark Levinson is a brand synonymous with high-end audio experiences — but for many, especially those eyeing Sony or Bose wireless headphones, the name might still be a mystery.

Of course, "affordable" is a relative term when we talk Mark Levinson. Even though the No. 5909 is the brand’s most budget-friendly offering, its price tag hovers near $1,000, a figure that might make any casual headphone shopper pause.

The Mark Levinson No. 5909 headphones are now available for purchase, retailing at a hefty $999.

Let's be real: that's a serious investment. Countless globally recognized brands offer wireless headphones that look and feel similar, pack comparable features, and provide similar comfort — all for a fraction of that price.

Availability and Pricing Insights

Though these headphones are aimed at the luxury audio market, their availability is quite limited. In specialized Hi-Fi showrooms, they can be found occasionally, but large electronics retailers rarely stock them. The average price range hovers between $1,300 and $2,000 in local markets, and often, customers must wait for restocks.

Navigating Challenges with Service and Use

Owning a premium product often comes with its quirks. Official service centers are rare or even non-existent locally, leaving warranty support largely dependent on the seller. The Mark Levinson Headphones app is available in app stores, which allows device customization, but regional restrictions might require some account juggling. Still, the headphones perform flawlessly regardless of location, maintaining excellent call quality and sound.

What’s New with Mark Levinson No. 5909?

So how exactly do these headphones justify their luxury price? The No. 5909 doesn’t reinvent the wheel — their features seem familiar compared to competitors — but within their class, they shine as a benchmark.

They boast Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and support popular codecs like SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC. Their drivers? 40mm dynamic units coated in beryllium, promising precise, rich sound.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) adapts seamlessly, offering around 30 hours of playtime with ANC on, and a remarkable 35 hours without it. Need a quick boost? Just 15 minutes of charging grants a solid 6 hours of playback.

Mark Levinson benefits from Harman’s famed “Harman Curve”— a sound profile designed to please the majority of listeners. The No. 5909 aims to match this curve more closely than any rival.

Sound Performance: A Sonic Treat for Audiophiles

One might expect that at this price point, skepticism is warranted — maybe they sound no better than headphones costing a quarter of the price. But that’s not the story here.

The Mark Levinson No. 5909 delivers an impressive audio experience. Sure, brands like Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Sennheiser, and Sony offer stiff competition — even Bang & Olufsen alternatives look tempting — but in most areas, No. 5909 stands tall, sometimes even outshining them.

Consider the soundstage: it’s vast, three-dimensional, and astonishingly realistic. Instruments are placed clearly in space, allowing complex recordings to breathe without muddiness. Each element stands out but never loses the cohesion of the full track.

When it comes to detail and transient response, these headphones act as a magnifying glass. Subtle sonic nuances and fleeting details emerge naturally — a hidden gem of information in any track is effortlessly revealed.

The sound control here is uncompromising — from deep, punchy bass to crisp, authoritative highs. Midrange flows naturally, giving vocals the room to express every emotion. The word “captivating” fits perfectly.

Dynamic range is vast, and rhythm remains flawless. Whether the music calls for serenity or excitement, these cans deliver, painting a rich audio portrait with every shade of sound.

However, a slight caveat on noise cancellation: while the ANC handles loud external noise without introducing artifacts, it’s not the best in class. You can find better noise cancellation for a lot less, especially if you lean towards Bose models.

Design and Comfort: Where Elegance Meets Functionality

Here’s where the saying “form follows function” gets a luxe upgrade. Mark Levinson took a classic design and elevated it to something genuinely prestigious.

The earcups use memory foam wrapped in leather that doesn’t just look expensive — it feels and even smells like it. The frame is built from anodized aluminum and high-grade plastics, common in wireless headphones, but executed here with exceptional finesse.

Every component fits perfectly; the clamping force is balanced just right. Compact enough not to overwhelm smaller heads, these headphones carry an aura of refined craftsmanship.

Inside the box, the presentation matches the price: a large, premium hard case, a USB-C charging cable, plus two wired options — USB-C to 3.5mm cables in lengths of 1.25m and 4m.

Controls are tactile: the right earcup features three buttons for volume, call/track management, and voice assistant activation. The left houses the power/pairing button and the ANC mode switch.

Noise cancellation levels can also be tailored via the Mark Levinson app (available for iOS and Android). You can toggle ANC between high, low, and adaptive modes or switch to transparency mode. An equalizer offers three presets (neutral, bass reduced, bass boosted), plus a sleep timer and wear sensor. The app is solid but doesn’t break new ground.

Final Verdict: To Splurge or Not?

These headphones aren’t made for the pragmatic bargain hunter. If saving money is your goal, Sony or Bose offer comparable features for much less.

But for those who appreciate exclusivity and have the means, Mark Levinson No. 5909 is not just a logo slapped on a headset. It’s a real treasure — a premium sound sanctuary wrapped in luxury.

Alternatives To Consider

If the hefty price gives you pause, there are plenty of worthy contenders:

• Sony WH-1000XM4 or WH-1000XM5: Master multitaskers that handle noise cancellation and sound like champs.
• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Best-in-class noise cancellation.
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2: Rich, detailed sound with a classy vibe.

All these options cost a fraction of the No. 5909 and cover the essentials — minus that exclusive luxury feel.

Mark Levinson claims the No. 5909 matches the Harman Curve more closely than any competitor — and the sound genuinely supports that bold statement.

FAQ

• Are Mark Levinson No. 5909 headphones worth their $999 price?
  They offer exceptional sound quality and luxurious build, but the premium price mainly reflects exclusivity rather than groundbreaking technology.
• How is the noise cancellation compared to other brands?
  ANC performs well but isn't the best available; brands like Bose offer stronger noise cancellation at lower prices.
• Can the headphones be used wired?
  Yes, the package includes USB-C to 3.5mm cables of different lengths for wired listening.
• Is the companion app necessary?
  The app lets you fine-tune ANC levels and EQ presets but isn’t required for basic use.
• How comfortable are the headphones for long listening sessions?
  They feature memory foam ear cushions wrapped in high-quality leather, providing comfort for extended wear.

If you’re enchanted by the elegant blend of sound and style, consider adding a Mark Levinson No. 5909 album cover poster to your space — shop your favorite music art at Architeg Prints for that perfect audio-vibe decor.