[el_monkey]

Hi, I am currrently struggling with choosing a Denon D5000 versus a D2000 to use in lieu of my AKG 701s. It looks like there is a $175 difference between the two if I purchase off EBay ($235 versus $409). I intend to use the Denons to listen to Funk (Funkadelic, James Browns, etc.), Alternative/Independent (Kings of Leon, Our Lady Peace), and Blues (John Lee Hooker, Howling Wolf). I am using a Darkvoice 336i with a Rega Planet 2000 CD Player. I also have a Millet Max that I can use.

My question is whether I should spend the extra bucks and get the generally acknowledged superior headphone cable and wooden cups or look to do the Markl mods to the D2000 over time. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

P.S. Forgot to mention that I have some portable amps that I can use also: RSA Mustang, Headamp Pico (no dac), and Xin Reference (1/08 version).

 

[oldschool]

Is the D2000 considered upgrade over K701?

 

[el_monkey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldschool /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the D2000 considered upgrade over K701?

I should clarify that I am looking for a headphone with a little more slam or excitement than the K701s. I also have a Grado RS-1 that I like but find uncomfortable to wear for longer listening sessions. I do like the K701s with jazz (Miles Davis, John Scofield, etc.)

P.S. I revised the thread heading to substitute alternative instead of upgrade.

 

[warpdriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldschool /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the D2000 considered upgrade over K701?

To some people, yes.

I know I don't pick up my K701's as much anymore for sure.

 

[warpdriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by el_monkey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I should clarify that I am looking for a headphone with a little more slam or excitement than the K701s. I also have a Grado RS-1 that I like but find uncomfortable to wear for longer listening sessions. I do like the K701s with jazz (Miles Davis, John Scofield, etc.)

Then for sure you should consider the Denons. The Denons are livelier, more slamming, and more forward than the K701's in most ways. I'd say the D2000 is a sweet spot if you just want something different, but the D5000 is worthy for the reason that it tends to add just a wee bit of refinement to the sound overall.

 

[el_monkey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver /img/forum/go_quote.gif Then for sure you should consider the Denons. The Denons are livelier, more slamming, and more forward than the K701's in most ways. I'd say the D2000 is a sweet spot if you just want something different, but the D5000 is worthy for the reason that it tends to add just a wee bit of refinement to the sound overall.

Thanks for the input. It is consistent with my thoughts. I am tempted to get the AD2000 to find out if the Denon sound is what I am looking for but concerned that I will then regret not spending the extra bucks and getting the D5000. On the other hand, I am concerned that I spend the extra on the D5000 and find that it is not what I am looking for. Thankfully, the resale market for Denons looks pretty good so I probably would not be stuck with the headphones if I decide the sound is not for me. Decisions, decisions.

 

[warpdriver]

For sure, it's a risk if you buy the D5000. What may happen is that you could buy the D5000 but regret not spending the extra and getting the D7000 haha!

 

[Lamenthe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver /img/forum/go_quote.gif For sure, it's a risk if you buy the D5000. What may happen is that you could buy the D5000 but regret not spending the extra and getting the D7000 haha!

Exactly the reason I shelled out the extra cash for the D7000's =(. I figured it was cheaper to buy it now rather than go through the hassle of trading/reselling later. It's killing my wallet, but I'm hoping it's all worth it.

 

[Currawong]

The D5000 is essentially a cable-and cups-upgrade to the D2000. The D5000 cable is high quality 7N copper, so a further upgrade to it becomes very expensive. It's hard to say how much difference the different cable options are, eg: D5000 stock vs. APS V3, vs whoever else unless someone has done comprehensive listening tests.

 

[Bojamijams]

Well that is the very question I was wondering about. I heard the D5000 cable was better then D2000's (which was listed as its weak point). This is what Headphone Addict had to say when I asked him if a recabled D2000 sounds the same as a stock D5000

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/d20...7/#post5290993