Think of Yamaha and what comes to mind? We suppose it depends on who you’re asking. Some might think of motorbikes. Music enthusiasts might think of Yamaha pianos, guitars, or drums. But if you’re an audiophile, Yamaha is synonymous with some of the best AV receivers and soundbars out there in the market today. But now, Yamaha is expanding its portfolio with the launch of two new audiophile headphones: the YH-C3000 and the YH-4000.
Meet the Yamaha YH-C3000, YH-4000 audiophile headphones
Yamaha is actually no stranger to the audiophile headphones game. Back in 2023, the company launched the high-end YH-5000SE headphones. But if those headphones were a little out of your price range, not to worry, the YH-C3000 and YH-4000 headphones are slightly more affordable alternatives (even then, we’re being generous with the term “affordable”).
The YH-C3000 is a pair of closed-back headphones and is priced at $1,699. The YH-4000, on the other hand, is a pair of open-back headphones, and it retails for $2,499.
The cheaper YH-C3000 might be the more interesting of the two. It features the company’s brand-new Armodynamic drivers. According to Yamaha, this uses a three-layer diaphragm combining paper, resin, and ZYLON (which is the same high-performance material found in Yamaha’s flagship speakers). The housings are crafted from beech wood. This is the same material used in Yamaha’s grand pianos. It is chosen for its lightweight and rigid properties that promote natural sound reproduction.
As for the pricier YH-4000, it borrows heavily from the YH-5000SE. It uses the same orthodynamic drivers and ultra-lightweight magnesium body. However, it isn’t an exact copy. Yamaha removed some sound-absorbing materials and fine-tuned the sound signature for what they call “a uniquely responsive, natural and precise sound.” It also resulted in a pair of much lighter headphones, weighing in at just 320 grams.
The YH-C3000 sports a frequency response from 5Hz to 55kHz with 34Ω impedance, while both models feature memory foam ear pads and stepless adjustment systems borrowed from the flagship YH-5000SE.
Both the YH-C3000 and YH-4000 are assembled at Yamaha’s Kakegawa factory in Japan. Fun fact: this is the same facility that builds the company’s flagship grand pianos.
Yamaha Expands Audiophile Lineup With YH-C3000 and YH-4000 Headphones
