[jonathanjong]

First off, thanks for all your help so far. And, conversely, curse you for getting me addicted on headphones. Heh. Anyway, I need an upgrade from the Sennheiser HD201s, which I still enjoy (*brace self for abuse*) for classical. They're kind of broken, which gives me a good excuse. I'm considering the D1001s or 2000s. I'm told that the 2000s are a step up, but they're also double the price of the D1001s and the consensus seems to be that they require ampage. And I can't afford ampage. Especially not after $300. So...advice?

Should I get the D1001s (ampless) and upgrade in a few years? Or should I get the D2000s (ampless) and get an amp in a few years?

Thanks!

 

[senns&nonsense]

I have had the 3 popular D-Denons and I think the 2000s are the sweet spot for value. I know it is a minoriuty view, but I actually prefer the lesser quantity of bass and like the 200s a bit more than the 5000s.

And, imo, the 1000s are in a lower league as they offer less resolution, less refinement, less detail, and a relatively less natural presentation. They are OK at thier price point, but sound like cheapish cans next to the 2000s and 5000s which are both, depending on your taste for bass, very fine headphones.

 

[jonathanjong]

But without an amp? With just an iPod and MacBook?

 

[warpdriver]

As I said in the other thread, the D2000 should be used with an amp, it's a bit of a waste if you don't. It can sound loud enough with a Touch but ultimately it will sound a tad bit strained. Don't know about the Macbook. The 1001 benefits from an amp too, but the slightly higher impedance is a bit easier on the iPods.

I'd stick to the D1001 if you are really stretching your budget to get it. It can sound quite entertaining and it's actually a lot easier to carry around. I use my D1001 at work, and toss it into my backpack, whereas the D2000 is strictly a home use (especially with its potentially delicate pivot screw). All Denon headphones give you a lively and bassy sound, the D2000 adds just a bit more refinement across the board.

Of course, if you buy the D1001 and like it, you'll always be wondering "what if". At the current prices at, say, Amazon vendors, the 1001 is a steal.

 

[jonathanjong]

Thanks, warp. Just saw the post in the other thread too.

 

[jonathanjong]

bump. Voters, remember: Ampless for a few years. From an iPod.

 

[majkel]

D1001 but recable them, please.

Use 2x Conducfil Sonolene 3014 and braid or take the HD650 cable, cut off the transducer connectors, remove the splitter, and do the recable. Then you can drive them from whatever you want and you'll get better phones than the D2000's with the stock cable.

 

[ronnielee54]

My pick would be D1001's if you are going to go that long without an amp.

 

[jonathanjong]

Yea, I've heard about the re-cabling business. I'm not very good with my hands, though, so I worry about stuff like that.

 

[espire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanjong /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yea, I've heard about the re-cabling business. I'm not very good with my hands, though, so I worry about stuff like that.

Don't do it. The possibility for improvement might be worth the effort with headphones like the D5000 and the HD650, but the idea that recabling a D1000 makes it better than a D2000 is silly. Transducers themselves are the bottlenecks of almost all sound systems; why would you pay double the D1001's cost just for a new cable? Why not get the D2000, which is far superior to the D1000, regardless of cable?

 

[jonathanjong]

Might be a confirmation bias/placebo thing, but a lot of people claim that it works. As I said, though, I'm really reluctant to try any DIYing. There's a reason a cognitive scientist rather than a neuroscientist. And double the cost for a new cable? Really? Holy crudola. But back to my question: D1001 or D2000 unamped? From an iPod.

 

[lbcliff]

D2000 for sure.

 

[Keithpgdrb]

I heard the 2000 right out of my ipod touch at a recent meet. I know it can benefit from an amp, but it sounded nice out of the pod. You can look into an amp down the road. I am actually considering the same path. from what I have read on the forums, many people recommend getting the best cans you can afford. its a worthwhile investment, that will only improve as you explore the hobby.

as a side note, you should consider the portability of it. the 2000 is not a "throw in your bag" kind of can. so it depends what your plan is.

I am also researching portable amps to go with the 2000. not much found yet.

 

[jonathanjong]

Does that mean the D2000 is fragile?

 

[nv88]

I completely agree with Keithpgdrb. I have both D1001 and D2000. Both are better with an amp, but the D2000 easily beats the D1001 with or without an amp. I think the two are just different class headphones. The D1001 are more portable (smaller, much lighter weight). I don't think the D2000 would be ideal as portable cans.