Hello! I am having a hard time choosing between Denon 5k and 7k.

FWIR the step from a stock d2000 to d5000 is minimal but the step from d2000 to d7000 is large. 

If that makes any sense. 

It's different for everyone but I think most would agree that theres around a 15% increase in quality between the d5000 and the d7000.

So I guess its all up to how much the 15% is worth to you. 

I find it best to audition the headphones if at all possible.

I don't think so on the amp/dac, but honestly, I'm a rookie with amp/dacs.

I'd say look around head-fi via the search bar and see what you can find. Most would probably recommend spending something more to amp/source the d5000/d7000.

Maybe take a look at the Maverick d1 or maybe the Audio GD Fun for starter amp/dac combos. 

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/425071/denon-d5000-d7000-comments

Are you in the U.S.? If you have local guitar center you could call them and ask if they carry both. 

Some guitar centers allow you to audition and others don't. 

This thread also had a good discussion on the differences between the two headphones.  Overall they have very similar signatures, but I prefer the D7000 mostly for its more controlled bass and more forward mids.  However they brighter than the D5000 and I find myself taming their highs with certain tubes.

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/493039/should-i-downgrade-d7000-to-d5000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreisleriana 

Very interesting.

If one doesn't have a marginal difference, I might choose 5K and invest on a good amp.

Would NuForce Icon be a good choice for an amp?

But if you're like me, you'll be wondering a week after you get the D5000s: "Maybe I should have just got the D7000s?, I wonder what they sound like?, etc...". Then you will sell off your D5000s and upgrade. Personally I preferred the D7000s by enough of a margin to feel justified in spending the extra $$$.

BTW, I hope you're referring to the Icon HDP?

Exactly... if you are looking for an upgrade, just go straight to the top. This will save you money in the end.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacedonianHero 

But if you're like me, you'll be wondering a week after you get the D5000s: "Maybe I should have just got the D7000s?...

I never thought about the D5000 because of the issue with the cups. I bought the D7000 and have not regretted it. It is a very good closed can. The best I have heard and is very refined and a nice compliment to my  T1.