D2000 vs. DT770/600

The D2000s don't seal well.  However, they are comfortable and fit loosely on your head.  The DT770 will clamp down and seal well, especially if you get the leather pads - which will also increase bass.  I've never heard the 600ohm version of the DT770 so I will not comment directly on it, but I do know firsthand that the 80ohm version of it is quite bassy.

 

The D2000 mids are a little bit recessed and the bass is a bit slow, but very smooth.  The higher treble is a bit sparkly but very refined. The markl mods help with the bass.  Now, having heard other Beyers and knowing the Beyer sound (DT770/880/990 are based on similar drivers), the highs are not as delicate and the midrange is brought out a bit compared to the D2000.

 

The D2000s sound full, lush, and delicate with a sparkly top end.  I would feel comfortable in saying that you would feel better impact or attack on the bass with more clarity across in the midrange on the Beyers.

Edited by purrin - 6/7/10 at 5:56pm

those are both splendid options, from all i've read. if you like how the denons are easily modded, then bear in mind that the beyers are also. while the mods don't necessarily have a name, like the markL mods do, there are tons of ways to tune the sound to your liking. pad rolling, damping, filtering, etc.

I did the markl mods myself on the D5000.  They are not difficult to do.  But the process is tedious and a pain in the ass. The mods help more if you listen at loud volumes with very bassy material.

 

As TheWuss said above, you can also modify the Beyers.  You can apply damping around and on the DT770 driver housing (don't block vents), on the plastic cups, and change the type and amount of stuffing in the enclosure.  Doing this really helps with the clarity of the sound.

 

I lived with my modded D5000 for over a year, but eventually got rid of them.  While I appreciated its good qualities (mentioned above), I wanted something with a little bit more clarity and resolving ability.  I'm actually considering getting the 600ohm DT770 and putting the drivers into my broken Darth Beyers cups to supplement my other 'phones.

Edited by purrin - 6/7/10 at 5:57pm

 

denons should be considered semi-open. except for the housing design it barely resembles any of the fully closed cans. but as for leaking concern, your parents shouldn't be able to hear anything. it leaks much less than HD555, but it does leaks more than DT770.

 

as for your headphone choice, wouldn't D2000 be a clear favorite? DT770/600 needs an amp. you'd be saving ton of money by choosing denon.
 

if you throw in build quality, that gives the beyers a slight edge. 

True. The Denons don't isolate nearly as well as the DT770. A lot of sound comes in from the pads and lack of tight seal. Strangly there is almost no sound (at moderate volumes) coming out of them. My wife had them on and I could hardly hear any sound at all.

 

The Beyers are extremely comfortable. There is a big difference in volume btwn the Denon and the Beyer. The Denon is easy to power, the Beyer... for me, only with an amp.

 

BTW, my DT770 / 600 ohm are for sale.

 

shane
 

the mids are unbearably recessed on the d2k, the 770/600 puts it to shame in pretty much all departments...especially w/ genuine leather earpads

 Must agree on that , didnt realise until I EQ-ed them , did A/B comparison , couldnt believe what was I missing. With games, movies, slower electronic music denons are real good......

 They have faults but at least you can EQ them

Edited by loopfreak - 6/7/10 at 2:45pm

True.  The Denons are fragile.  The Beyers feel indestructible - like I could throw them at people.

Agreed.  I tried to say the same thing, but with a less stronger assertion.  But agreed :-)

 

What is your liking for bass?

The Denon will have very robust bass, too much for some. The DT770 / 600 didn't have enough for me.

The Denon will have a warmer, richer overall tonality than the Beyer. The DT770 is more clinical, detailed and bright.

 

Hope that helps.

shane