Audeze LCD-2, HE-500, or Anything else to replace Denon AH-D2000 - Page 2

Comfort wise I find them both equally comfortable. Heavy, sure, but after little bending of the headband and adjusting the earcups I don't find one to be more uncomfortable than the other.

$699 for an HE500 is a steal as mentioned above; it goes toe to toe against LCD-2 R2. That being said if you can swing the extra $300 and you're only going to have one phone; I would recommend the LCD-2. I find the mid-range tonal balance more natural, more realistic, not that the HE500 isn't realistic or pleasing to the ears... also find the PRaT factor better on the LCD-2 and thus more fun/enjoyable.

But yeah, you've picked two excellent phones and really can't go wrong with either one.

Oh yeah... I also own the D2000 and in terms of sonics... the LCD-2 and HE-500 are in another league. I know this sounds like BS Hyperbole, but honestly you have to hear it believe. The D2000 will all of a sudden sound muddy, slow, and veiled compared to either one, and that LCD-2 bass... wow... it's just as much quality/impact/even more extended/ with less fatigue.

Denon D2000 - 350 grams

HiFiMan He-500 - 500grams

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spandy87 

my god... they're way bigger/heavier. I don't know if I can handle that!

The HE-500's weigh more than the Denons. I have both and the Denon is noticeably lighter. But, I will say, the HE-500's are shaped and weighted in the right places to where you don't really care that they're heavier. But that's just me. Gotta try it yourself.

Very best,

How are the HE500 in the bass department? And how will they sound with genres like progressive rock/metal?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spandy87 

Yeah but its only 300 more for the LCD-2. How close are these two?

 

I also heard that the HE-500s have some issues with the cups falling off. Is this true?

It might only be $300 more, but orthodynamics need a lot of voltage and power, use that $300 towards a good amp. Like the EF5 or Schiit LYR. 

You should change your name from vampire to necromancer. :)

I would strongly consider the D7000 as a natural upgrade path to the D2000s.

I've owned the D2000s, auditioned the D5000s and the D7000s are considerably better. I actively dislike the D2000s and found the D5000s to be more of the same; congested, bass-heavy, mid-fi SQ. The D7000s share a similar sound signature but are much more refined, plenty of reviews on the board but ultimately you'll have to hear them for yourself.

I currently own STX and D7000 and they are excellent pairing for any music genre i listening to. Also D7000 are much more lighter and comfortable than HIFIMAN headphones, i can have D7000 on for several hours without noticing they are here but this will not happen with HIFIMAN. During recent NYC meet i heard HE-500 with EF-6 amp and the bass bleeding into other frequencies sounding bloated while with O2 and CTH amps i prefer deep tight punchy bass of D7000