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I read up on the Denon-Series and am quite impressed by it, they really seem like the phones I've been looking for. There are just a few questions I have:
1. amazon.co.uk is listing two different Denon AHD-5000 with a price difference of 75€. Are there any differences in the series I have to look out for or are they the same worldwide and the price listings are just because of bad productlabeling by amazon?
2. I could get the D2000 for 250€, the D5000 for 400€. Since I'm a student I'm always tight on money (and buying guitars on a whim doesn't helpt that either) so I am thinking of going for the D2000. But if the D5000 is just THAT much better, well...I could manage.
3. How much of a difference/improvement compared to the tma-1 (or my second cans the hd595, which...well are just plain boring to listen to) can I expect? I know that's a rather subjective question, but I ask anyway.
4. Will I be able to drive 'em probably with my Clip+ and FiiO E5? Or should I think of getting an amplifier next?
5. And last but not least: Will the Denons suit Prog/Post-Metal stuff like Tool, Oceansize or Opeth? Because that's probably where it would make the most difference for me.
You COULD get the D2000 and mod it up with wood cups and new pads to change the sound. I haven't have the chance to A/B the 2000 and 5000, so I can't tell you if there's a big difference. Do some forum searching (I'm sure someone has). I know they use the same drivers (and the 7000 uses different ones), so I assume there's not the biggest difference ever.
Between the TMA-1 and the Denon you will see a huge difference. The TMA-1 is VERY dark. The Denon you'll hear more of stuff that's NOT bass. Not to say the Denons have no bass. They're absolute bass monsters. They're basically just a league above the TMA-1 (IMO). As for the 595...You'll get more bass than the 595. I haven't used them, but I can guarantee you'll hear that much. Just going from open to closed you may lose some soundstage, but Denons are known for having pretty large soundstage for closed headphones.
They will drive fine out of those (My D7000 sound pretty awesome out of my J3, and even my Clip+), but Denons are known for loving their power. They really benefit from amping. If you're looking for something to just upgrade your set up in general I'd say looking into getting a new DAC/Amp combo. For portable use I've been hearing amazing things about the XM 6. It's portable and it's a monster home DAC as well. Good solution for smaller budgets. I'm looking into getting one myself, actually once my bank recovers.
Can't speak for Oceansize and Opeth, but Tool is a favorite of mine. I listened to Undertow yesterday in fact, and I loved it with the fun Denon sound.