Anyone take an successful steps to minimize the creaky sounds the W5000's unusual body/fit produces? They're starting to get on my nerves.

Astroglide.

Ok, serious answer, try some silicone lube on the moving parts, that should stop the creaks and squeeks.

No help, but I like your rhyme.

I had this problem too initially, but it hardly creaks now after I bent the metal bands to get a tighter fit.

I have only had this problem with Stax 404 and their brethren, alas none of my AT's have suffered this fate, so there's nothing I can recommend first-hand.

I can't figure out why AT hasn't fixed this yet. They do creak an excessive amount. I'd be wary of applying silicone, it's not exactly electrically or finish friendly.

Didn't you know? It's part of the AT sound signature. XD

Speaking of AT, I finally had a listen to a set of Art 900s today at work and they're a lot better than I was expecting. Don't creak as much as the 5000 either. I was pleasantly surprised. More bass and better comfort even though they're essentially the same design.

I think cheap ATs like my A700 (and probably the A900 as well) are great because their build quality is top notch and are pretty comfortable for me. Addtionally, the sound is pretty good. I got 3 pairs of AT and the only pair that actually squeaks a lot is my A700, but that has gone away with time.

do you wear glasses? With my hd650's I find that the pats against the arms of my glass causes a creaking sound that I thought was coming from the headphones themselves for the longest time.

i think the official way to fix it is "sell them and buy different headphones." sorry.

This is the correct answer.

I concur.