Overview

The ATH-L3000 was released on November 21, 2003, in a limited run of 500 units[1]. It features British Connolly semi-aniline leather on the exterior, Japanese Asada-Sakura wood housings, and a 53 mm dynamic driver with an OFC-8N bobbin-wound voice coil and a Permendur-type magnetic circuit[1]. Nominal specs list 5 Hz–45 kHz bandwidth, 48 Ω impedance, 104 dB sensitivity, and ~380 g weight[1][2]. Original street price guidance was ~¥220,000[1]; today it appears only on the used market (e.g., ~USD 3,333 on Reverb[4], ¥398,000 sold in 2019 at HiFiDo[2]).

Scientific Validity

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As of this review there is a lack of standardized, lab-grade third-party measurements (eardrum FR/THD, etc.) for the L3000. Construction details and archived specs are well documented[1][2], but without modern target-referenced data, we assign a neutral 0.5 baseline.

Technology Level

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For its time, the L3000 showcased sophisticated engineering and materials (OFC-8N coil, Permendur circuit, wood cups, Connolly leather)[1]. Lacking evidence of target-optimized tuning by current criteria, we stop short of a perfect score.

Cost-Performance

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Using USD 3,333 as a representative current L3000 market price[4], the cheapest equal-or-better alternative we can verify is AKG K371, a closed-back with neutral-leaning measurements and low distortion[3], available as low as USD 119.95 (Klarna lowest offer)[5].
Computation: USD 119.95 ÷ USD 3,333 = 0.036 → 0.0.

Reliability & Support

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This was a 500-unit limited model from 2003[1]. It is long discontinued; official service paths and parts availability are effectively absent, and unit condition varies on the used market.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The L3000 emphasizes luxury materials and craftsmanship. Without independent transparency-grade measurements under modern protocols, the design’s fidelity rationale remains unproven; we therefore assign a neutral 0.5.

Advice

Treat the L3000 primarily as a collectible with unique aesthetics and tactility. For everyday listening under 2025 criteria, measurement-verified alternatives like AKG K371 offer superior value and predictability[3][5]. Consider used-market variability and the lack of manufacturer support.

References

[1] AV Watch. “Audio-Technica to release ATH-L3000 (limited 500).” https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20031021/autech.htm (2003-10-21)
[2] HiFiDo (sold archive). “ATH-L3000 specs and sale record.” https://www.hifido.co.jp/sold/19-24209-54947-00.html (2019-09-23)
[3] Rtings. “AKG K371 — review & measurements.” https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/akg/k371 (2019-12-18)
[4] Reverb listing. “Audio-Technica ATH-L3000 ‘Leatherhead’.” https://reverb.com/item/90254390-audio-technica-ath-l3000-leatherhead-pristine (May–Jun 2025)
[5] Klarna price comparison. “AKG K371 — Lowest price 119.95 USD.” https://www.klarna.com/us/shopping/pl/cl94/5034829/Headphones/AKG-K371/ (accessed 2025-08)

(2025.8.21)