What should be my next upgrade? (Denon AH-D5000's + Fiio E17)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man7rah 

Hi peeps, I'm a novice at this whole Hi-fi buisness. I have a pair of Denon AH-D5000's and a Fiio E17. And I was wondering what should be my next upgrade? Should I even upgrade? I don't know, which is why I ask you guys! Thanks in advance for any replies!

Heya,

You really are not going to "upgrade" from the Denon D5000 without spending serious money. The Fiio E17 is also an excellent entry level DAC/AMP and will not be easily replaced without spending more serious money. Honestly, unless you're ready to throw down about $1000~1200, you're not going to really get an "upgrade" and even then, we're talking about only a 5~10% upgrade at best. So if your budget isn't that high, then any purchase would merely be a side-grade, or simple sampling of a different house signature sound from another maker.

If you like what you hear, just enjoy it, and stop looking at all the "omg this is the best ever" threads.

If you do not like what you hear, then simply give us a description of what's going on and what you would like to hear, and a budget, and maybe we can fix it for free ( with equalization ), or simply recommend a headphone more suited to you.

Very best,

I had same setup before bought Hifiman HE-400. For me HE-400 was clear upgrade SQ wise but without spending that much extra. Actually I sold Denon and got more money than I spent on HE-400 ;)

+ better quality bass

+ better mids

+ less sibilant treble

- heavier

- need amp (although E17 is enough)

What source(s) are you plugging the E17 into?

Maybe try the NFB-12.1 ($250), it comes with two WM8741 DAC chips.

The Fiio E17 only comes with one WM8740 DAC chip.

How much will the NFB-12.1 improve the audio quality (if any), I have no idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man7rah 

Hmm I might consider saving up for a pair, but I'll save that for later (mayby christmas money who knows). I still want to have a pair of closed back headphones to listen to in public. But I must say after reading some reviews the HE-400's seem like an excellent pair of cans, any thoughts on those vs the Sennheiser HD 650's?. When I get time I think I'll go to the local Hi-Fi store to give the HE-400s a listen.

Heya,

For public use, closed back, here's some suggestions:

Beyer DT770 & T70P

Brainwavz HM5

Ultraone HFI 580, 780, PRO 750

Sony MDR1R

Sennheiser Momentum

AKG K267

The HE-400 is on the same level as the D5000. I consider them equivalents, simply different signatures with different properties. One is closed, one is open. The D5000 has much more sub-bass and treble. The HE-400 is darker, with better mids, and more sound stage (but only slightly). The D5000 is more comfortable. The HE-400 is a little more durable. The HE-400's cable is replaceable. Both are efficient. Both are relatively bassy headphones.

Very best,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man7rah 

Can you tell me a little more specifically about what separates tube amps from "regular" ones? 

Regular is Solid State.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man7rah 

What do you think about saving up for a pair of HE-500's and afterwards saving up for some SilverDragon cables? I've heard alot of great things about them vs stock cables.

Holy hell, please try the 400's first lol! I have mine recabled, but that money needs to be spend on a decent amp for them if you choose to go that route, they need it. The 400's have more laidback "fun" sound sig than the 500's and are half the price. I could have gotten then 500's, but then I wouldn't have my Lyr amp :P

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalVeauX 

The HE-400 is on the same level as the D5000. I consider them equivalents, simply different signatures with different properties. One is closed, one is open. The D5000 has much more sub-bass and treble. The HE-400 is darker, with better mids, and more sound stage (but only slightly). The D5000 is more comfortable. The HE-400 is a little more durable. The HE-400's cable is replaceable. Both are efficient. Both are relatively bassy headphones.

They are pretty close, but after months I don't think they are on quite the same level, even considering open VS closed. I would argue the HE-400 has nearly as much bass as the 5000's only it's presented completely differently and there are no cups to build up a resonate rumble in. The D5000's are WAY more comfy, and 400's are built like a tank like you said. In the long run the 5000's are much less hassle, but the 400's are more rewarding. If you don't care about isolation, 400 wins here.

Also of note, i've never heard denon x000 phones out of anything better than my Asgard, plenty of headroom.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalVeauX 

 

Heya,

 

For public use, closed back, here's some suggestions:

 

Beyer DT770 & T70P

Brainwavz HM5

Ultraone HFI 580, 780, PRO 750

Sony MDR1R

Sennheiser Momentum

AKG K267

 

The HE-400 is on the same level as the D5000. I consider them equivalents, simply different signatures with different properties. One is closed, one is open. The D5000 has much more sub-bass and treble. The HE-400 is darker, with better mids, and more sound stage (but only slightly). The D5000 is more comfortable. The HE-400 is a little more durable. The HE-400's cable is replaceable. Both are efficient. Both are relatively bassy headphones.

 

Very best,

How is the Momentum Mal?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalVeauX 

 

Heya,

 

For public use, closed back, here's some suggestions:

 

Beyer DT770 & T70P

Brainwavz HM5

Ultraone HFI 580, 780, PRO 750

Sony MDR1R

Sennheiser Momentum

AKG K267

 

The HE-400 is on the same level as the D5000. I consider them equivalents, simply different signatures with different properties. One is closed, one is open. The D5000 has much more sub-bass and treble. The HE-400 is darker, with better mids, and more sound stage (but only slightly). The D5000 is more comfortable. The HE-400 is a little more durable. The HE-400's cable is replaceable. Both are efficient. Both are relatively bassy headphones.

 

Very best,

as malveaux states...the he400 is almost on par with the 5000..only step up would maybe be the HE500 or the HD700..and amps for these..well..he500 pairs well with lots of amps..as long they have at least 1watts rms per channel.and the HD700 pairs well with some wellknown tube amps i understand.

Eh D5000 (both stock and Markl modded) sounded quite hollow and unrefined when I auditioned them, quite a ways off from HE400 or other planars IMO. If I recall correctly they were being driven out of a Bryston BHA1 for the comparisons at the meet..