M-Audio Q40 Impressions (long w/pics) - Page 3

Originally Posted by warrior05

I used my Olive Symphony / Presonus Central Station set-up for comparing the Denons and M-Audios. The CS is terrific for comparos since it has two built-in identical headamps so you can just switch back and forth quickly. The two headphones are stock except for a pair of Beyer velour pads on the Q40s.

Let me first state that I really like the D1000s. They are small, sleek and sexy looking and offer up quite a nice sonic sig. But, alas, the Q40s bested the Denons just about across the board. In direct comparison, the Denons had a hollow somewhat cold sound in regards to the mids. They were also much more closed in sounding. I'm sure the larger ear chambers of the Q40s have a lot to do in offering a much richer sound. The bass signature of both headphones are similar. The Q40s reach lower in regards to bass and are a bit tighter but we're not talking a night/day difference here. They both have a similar elevated bass presence as well. The difference in highs are interesting. There's a bit of sharpness or bite to the Denons that lends itself to a slightly clearer sound compared to the Q40s. If someone has a penchant for highs I could see them probably lean in the direction of the Denons. In other words, the highs would come down to a matter of taste rather than quality.

The M-Audios provide a larger soundstage and does a much better job in providing a more 3 dimensional environment. Rather than Alison Krauss' voice equally mixed in with the band, on the Q40s it sounds more like she is singing in front of the band. A more real listening experience. Instrument placement and separation are better handled with the Q40s.

In summary, the Q40s offer a richer more sophisticated listening experience. I think if I tweaked the Denons I could improve them but I sincerely doubt I could get them to the Q40's level. It would be interesting to try the D2000 in comparison. From what I've read of them and having a brief listening session with the D5000s, the D2000s would be a closer match with the Q40s. The interesting question is would the D2000s sound twice as good since they are more than twice the price of the M-Audios. If someone wants to send me a pair to find out - I wouldn't refuse.

Originally Posted by warrior05

In summary, the Q40s offer a richer more sophisticated listening experience. I think if I tweaked the Denons I could improve them but I sincerely doubt I could get them to the Q40's level. It would be interesting to try the D2000 in comparison. From what I've read of them and having a brief listening session with the D5000s, the D2000s would be a closer match with the Q40s. The interesting question is would the D2000s sound twice as good since they are more than twice the price of the M-Audios. If someone wants to send me a pair to find out - I wouldn't refuse.

Originally Posted by nickchen

...I still wonder who has built them...I doubt that it was M-Audio themselves. Looks a bit ultrasonish, eh?!

Originally Posted by warrior05

Another comparo but I'll keep this short. I thought I would try the Q40s against my DT990/600 just for kicks. The Beyers are more open sounding (pretty much goes without saying), more soundstage, more detail and reach higher. The Q40s hold up surprisingly well in the bass department. I'm not saying they are on par with the 990s but they don't get blown out of the water either which I think is pretty impressive considering my 990s are about three times expensive.

Still very happy with my Q40s.

Originally Posted by warrior05

Well, you're a bit off topic but I'll answer you anyway because the answer is quite easy - DT990. Comparing the Beyers to the DR150 is really unfair. The DT990s are twice the price and there is a good reason for it.