Headphones Open Yamaha YH-4000 Black

Yamaha YH-4000 – open-back headphones with the ORTHODYNAMIC planar magnetic driver, handcrafted in Kakegawa

The YH-4000 are high-end open-back headphones built around the ORTHODYNAMIC planar magnetic driver, a technology Yamaha has been developing since the 1970s, when it introduced the HP-1. Compared with the flagship YH-5000SE, the driver has been reworked and deliberately stripped of absorbing material, which — together with meticulous tuning — contributes to a fast, natural and accurate response. A frequency response of 5 Hz – 70 kHz, sensitivity of 97 dB/mW and an impedance of 34 Ω at 1 kHz make the YH-4000 a fine match for quality headphone amplifiers as well as more mobile setups.

At the heart of the transduction is an ultra-light thin-film diaphragm with conductive coils on both sides and a finely corrugated surface relief. Its mass is significantly lower than that of conventional dynamic drivers, so it responds with great precision to subtle dynamic shifts. Diaphragm movement is guided by micro-perforated air dampers on both sides, which curb distortion without sapping signal energy. Spacious open chambers increase the internal acoustic volume, optimise airflow and suppress resonances caused by reflections in the rear cavity.

Internal chamber pressure is regulated by a newly developed PET mesh filter, whose permeability was chosen after testing a range of finely woven materials. It is complemented by an arched protrusion acting as a reflector. The result is a dense midrange and a controlled, precisely shaped bass while retaining openness and spaciousness. Imaging of instruments and performers is stable, and the decay of notes remains legible from attack to the final fade, whether in a large concert hall or a small club.

The structure is based on a magnesium frame offering good vibration damping and high rigidity at a total weight of 320 g. The open gap in the chamber is protected by triaxially woven mesh of the kind used in the aerospace industry. Comfort comes from a two-layer headband with a steel arm and smooth stepless adjustment, a three-dimensionally woven head pad and an angled swivel mechanism that stabilises clamping force and prevents air leakage, thus protecting the bass performance. The earpads combine artificial suede on the inner surface with supple PU leather around the perimeter, finely perforated across the whole area. The headphones are handcrafted at the Kakegawa factory, home also to Yamaha's flagship concert grand pianos and audio components; the package includes a 3.5 mm unbalanced cable with a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter and a carrying case.

Key features

• Driver: ORTHODYNAMIC planar magnetic, 5 Hz – 70 kHz
• Diaphragm: Ultra-light thin-film with micro-perforated dampers
• Acoustics: Open chambers with a PET mesh filter
• Construction: Magnesium frame, weight 320 g
• Wearing comfort: Stepless adjustment and angled swivel mechanism
• Supplied: 3.5 mm cable with 6.3 mm adapter, carrying case