If you ever came across the term ‘biodynamic’, you’ve probably heard of the famous Denon AH D-X000 series.
Driven by Foster drivers, they are known for their extended low-end and dynamic bass reproduction.
Unfortunately the X000 was discontinued in the end of 2012. That didn’t end the era of bio-cellulose diaphragms in headphones though.
Next to new models from Fostex, E-MU and several other brands, there is still a healthy used-market for the older D2000, 5000 and 7000.
While the D5k is a step up and the D7k even more expensive and rarer, the D2000 is not only very affordable, it’s also available in near mint conditions.
I paid 200€ / $220 for my used pair on ebay.
Design:
The chassis, mainly made out of metal, doesn’t only feel sturdy and solid, it also looks like it can last. Hinges are strong, head adjustment stays in place and clicks satisfyingly.
Not like the more expensive models, which are equipped with wood cups, the D2000 was only produced with plastic cups.
Despite being made in china, the plastics used on this model are very solid, thick and have a satin finish, which some (including me) prefer over the shiny wood cups of the D5k and 7k.
Comfort:
The angled earpads are made out of some sort of synthetic leather. They offer a relatively big enough opening for larger ears. The foam isn’t too stiff but offers no memorization either.
While the clamp is rather weak, the headband isn’t too noticeable and distracting, despite having not that much padding. At least for my head, the D2000 offers a pretty comfortable fit.
A little bit more space between the pads and driver would be a nice feature for my ears though.
Sound:
Coming to the hardest and most important section, i’m very impressed by the D2000s sound.
It delivers what people love about biodynamic headphones, which is its excellent extension in the low-end and the “bottomless” subbass.
I would describe the bass as slamming and powerful, but i wouldn’t call this headphone bass heavy. While the bass goes deep and down to the bottom of hearable frequencies, it isn’t as tight and controlled as its more expensive siblings.
In the low-end, detail faints but is far from a point where i would call it “farting”.
Comparing this straight to an HD600 (driven by Valhalla 2), the overall detail and clarity just doesn’t seem to be the D2000s strongest part. Although in the same comparison, the Denon shows where it shines the most, which surprisingly isn’t the bass.
Offering pretty natural vocals and instruments from the lower midrange up to beginning of female vocals, while providing a very satisfying bass, just wasn’t what i expected from this kind of headphone.
On albums like ‘Metallica - Metallica’, the recessed upper mids and treble certainly get absorbed by the strong guitars which push themselves in the foreground and the emphasized bass drum. Snare drum and hi-hat sound accurate and don’t really fall behind the bassier instruments. Even in the lowest frequencies, the guitars character is still recognizable.
Now to a little more disappointing part, which isn’t the treble as such, just the fact that it can (but doesn’t have to) get a little harsh in certain frequencies on certain songs.
The treble isn’t forward enough to call the D2000 fatiguing or unpleasant on longer runs.
Depending on what you listen to, the higher treble can get a little disturbing on higher volumes.
If the problem can be solved by wood cups, which might be able to catch such loose frequencies, is to be experimented. Somebody is working on that and i should be able to test that myself soon.
A perfect transition to a different problem of this biodynamic headphone, which might be another reason for the harshness.
Despite or maybe because of the low impedance of 25 Ohm, it is pretty hard to find a (near) perfect amp combination. I tested the D2000 with my two very different amps.
First of the Schiit Magni 2, suited for the low impedance, but because of its brightness, enhancing the harshness in the D2000s treble.
The second amp is the Schiit Valhalla 2, calming the treble a bit, but definitely not suited for low impedance headphones, even on the low-gain setting.
Can a warmer amp change the Denons characteristic enough to recess the treble a tiny bit?
I can’t answer that myself, but i hope to be able to test it with a potential amp purchase in the future.
Summary:
With a used price within the 200-280$ range, the D2000 offers an unbeatable value in search of an over-ear, closed pair of headphones. Not only with its striking bass extension and bottomless sub bass, but also with a balanced sound signature throughout the bass and midrange until ending in slightly recessed upper mids and a non fatiguing or disturbing treble.
Up in the treble lays one of the only problems of this Denon which is a slight harshness in certain frequencies in certain conditions.
Still, this isn’t enough to make it unpleasant on longer listening sessions. Neither is the very good comfort, which is granted by the pretty low clamping force and relatively light feeling of the just slightly padded headband.
Although i’m not in possession of a very fitting amplifier at this moment, i can highly suggest to keep your eyes open on a well priced D2000.
Driven by Foster drivers, they are known for their extended low-end and dynamic bass reproduction.
Unfortunately the X000 was discontinued in the end of 2012. That didn’t end the era of bio-cellulose diaphragms in headphones though.
Next to new models from Fostex, E-MU and several other brands, there is still a healthy used-market for the older D2000, 5000 and 7000.
While the D5k is a step up and the D7k even more expensive and rarer, the D2000 is not only very affordable, it’s also available in near mint conditions.
I paid 200€ / $220 for my used pair on ebay.
Design:
The chassis, mainly made out of metal, doesn’t only feel sturdy and solid, it also looks like it can last. Hinges are strong, head adjustment stays in place and clicks satisfyingly.
Not like the more expensive models, which are equipped with wood cups, the D2000 was only produced with plastic cups.
Despite being made in china, the plastics used on this model are very solid, thick and have a satin finish, which some (including me) prefer over the shiny wood cups of the D5k and 7k.
Comfort:
The angled earpads are made out of some sort of synthetic leather. They offer a relatively big enough opening for larger ears. The foam isn’t too stiff but offers no memorization either.
While the clamp is rather weak, the headband isn’t too noticeable and distracting, despite having not that much padding. At least for my head, the D2000 offers a pretty comfortable fit.
A little bit more space between the pads and driver would be a nice feature for my ears though.
Sound:
Coming to the hardest and most important section, i’m very impressed by the D2000s sound.
It delivers what people love about biodynamic headphones, which is its excellent extension in the low-end and the “bottomless” subbass.
I would describe the bass as slamming and powerful, but i wouldn’t call this headphone bass heavy. While the bass goes deep and down to the bottom of hearable frequencies, it isn’t as tight and controlled as its more expensive siblings.
In the low-end, detail faints but is far from a point where i would call it “farting”.
Comparing this straight to an HD600 (driven by Valhalla 2), the overall detail and clarity just doesn’t seem to be the D2000s strongest part. Although in the same comparison, the Denon shows where it shines the most, which surprisingly isn’t the bass.
Offering pretty natural vocals and instruments from the lower midrange up to beginning of female vocals, while providing a very satisfying bass, just wasn’t what i expected from this kind of headphone.
On albums like ‘Metallica - Metallica’, the recessed upper mids and treble certainly get absorbed by the strong guitars which push themselves in the foreground and the emphasized bass drum. Snare drum and hi-hat sound accurate and don’t really fall behind the bassier instruments. Even in the lowest frequencies, the guitars character is still recognizable.
Now to a little more disappointing part, which isn’t the treble as such, just the fact that it can (but doesn’t have to) get a little harsh in certain frequencies on certain songs.
The treble isn’t forward enough to call the D2000 fatiguing or unpleasant on longer runs.
Depending on what you listen to, the higher treble can get a little disturbing on higher volumes.
If the problem can be solved by wood cups, which might be able to catch such loose frequencies, is to be experimented. Somebody is working on that and i should be able to test that myself soon.
A perfect transition to a different problem of this biodynamic headphone, which might be another reason for the harshness.
Despite or maybe because of the low impedance of 25 Ohm, it is pretty hard to find a (near) perfect amp combination. I tested the D2000 with my two very different amps.
First of the Schiit Magni 2, suited for the low impedance, but because of its brightness, enhancing the harshness in the D2000s treble.
The second amp is the Schiit Valhalla 2, calming the treble a bit, but definitely not suited for low impedance headphones, even on the low-gain setting.
Can a warmer amp change the Denons characteristic enough to recess the treble a tiny bit?
I can’t answer that myself, but i hope to be able to test it with a potential amp purchase in the future.
Summary:
With a used price within the 200-280$ range, the D2000 offers an unbeatable value in search of an over-ear, closed pair of headphones. Not only with its striking bass extension and bottomless sub bass, but also with a balanced sound signature throughout the bass and midrange until ending in slightly recessed upper mids and a non fatiguing or disturbing treble.
Up in the treble lays one of the only problems of this Denon which is a slight harshness in certain frequencies in certain conditions.
Still, this isn’t enough to make it unpleasant on longer listening sessions. Neither is the very good comfort, which is granted by the pretty low clamping force and relatively light feeling of the just slightly padded headband.
Although i’m not in possession of a very fitting amplifier at this moment, i can highly suggest to keep your eyes open on a well priced D2000.
