Latest Thread Images

Denon D5000 or Grado PS-500?
Mar 24, 2012 at 9:57 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 37
feigeibomber

feigeibomber

100+ Head-Fier
Joined
Feb 3, 2012
Posts
141
Likes
17
:) Recently i decided to upgrade to a new pair of cans, and i came to the conclusion of the following two, D5000 / PS-500. I intend on upgrading my amps later on after i get the headphones themselves, how ever the types of music i listen to include vocals, acoustics and a tiny bit of everything else. 
Can i get recommendations as to which would be more preferable ?
Thanks!
 
Mar 24, 2012 at 10:04 AM Post #2 of 37
I can only speaker to the Denon...get it!! Runs great on very little amping. Fiio e10 is plenty. 
 
d5k=$399 from electronic expo open box
 
fiio e10=$75
 
You are now set...
 
Mar 24, 2012 at 2:14 PM Post #4 of 37


Quote:
whatnoitsme said:
The Grados are open; the Denons are closed.  Completely different animals.  Depends on what your needs are.
Click to expand...



The Denons might be the only exception to this rule, as they sound quite open and leak and isolate sound like an open headphone
tongue.gif

 
If you listen to maily vocals and acoustics, I would recommend Grados. The way they present the vocals is just stunning. And instruments just sound more "real".
 
 
Mar 24, 2012 at 11:45 PM Post #5 of 37


Quote:
aizura said:
The Denons might be the only exception to this rule, as they sound quite open and leak and isolate sound like an open headphone
tongue.gif

 
If you listen to maily vocals and acoustics, I would recommend Grados. The way they present the vocals is just stunning. And instruments just sound more "real".
 
Click to expand...


Hmm! Do they PS-500 ever get muddled up in music with more 'layers' ?
 
 
Apr 6, 2012 at 12:09 PM Post #6 of 37
I've got the MD5000's, and I just heard the PS500's yesterday, compared to the HD800's and RS2i's.  This was out of the Grado HA-1 AC, and the Dac Magic Plus, which may not have been the best amps with the HD800's.  
 
To me... the PS500's are superior to the rest... without going into all the details.  They just seem to do everything better than the others... with the possible exception of the soundstage of the HD800's - though the soundstage of the PS500's is great.  
 
Now... the SN of the HD800's was around 2050... and... from what I've read... the current version is somewhat better than the earlier versions (better bass and highs).  I just found the PS500's had a richer, fuller, more weighty sound... yet... still had just as much detail, resolution and refinement as the HD800's... and... a great soundstage, though not quite as expansive as the HD800.  
 
I found the PS500's were superior to most of the other phones I've had, or heard - including, the O2's, SR507's, RS-1's, MD5000's, "new version" HD580/600/650's, HD800's, etc.  The only phones, which I may think are equal, or better than the PS500's are the ATH AD2000's.  Though, I should note, I've never heard the O2's and SR507's with an amp that really mates with them well (BHSE, KGSS, 717, or 727, etc.).  
 
I was so impressed with the PS500's... compared to all the others... I may just pick up a pair... or... perhaps the PS1000's!
 
UPDATE:  Though, I have to admit... having a well matched amp... makes all the difference in how any set of phones sound.  Right now... I'd have to say... the AD2000's and MD5000's driven by the Red Wine Audio Isabellina HPA may sound every bit as good as the PS500's - but, then I don't have the PS500's to compare.
 
May 11, 2012 at 11:14 PM Post #7 of 37
I own both the D-7000's and received the PS500's about 6 months ago. I have literally reached for my Denon's 2 times since then, and they were short-lived listening sessions. The PS500's do not get enough credit on Head-Fi. They are marvelous and well rounded with all genres. Can't get enough of them. To anyone that owns them, listen to Violin Concerto, No. 3: "Strassburg" K. 216, 3rd Movement, from the Master and Commander soundtrack, and tell me it doesn't sound like you ARE there LIVE.
 
May 11, 2012 at 11:24 PM Post #8 of 37
I am with you on the PS500, having so much fun with it.
 
Might be the honeymoon phase but whatever  it is, I am enjoying it.
 
Looking to try it with the G-cush pads this weekend
 
May 12, 2012 at 12:10 AM Post #9 of 37
I have the D5000, D7000 and the RS2, SR 325.  Based on U.S. street prices, the PS-500 is more the price peer of the D7000 than the D5000.  The PS-500 is a click above my RS2 on the Grado price list.
 
Although they are different, I slightly prefer my RS2 (sound stage & clarity) over the D5000.  Without hearing the PS-500, I would hazard a guess that they are at least as good as my less expensive (but different series) RS2.  Thus the PS-500 is highly likely to be the superior headphone.
 
May 12, 2012 at 12:16 AM Post #10 of 37
I can't speak for the Denon,but having had the chance to live with the PS-500 for two weeks,i can tell you that they're my second favorite Grados,guess what my favorite is...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top