JVC HARX900 or Denon AHD1001K or Audio Technica ATH-AD700?

Aug 17, 2009 at 3:26 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 18

divinenow

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Hey there audiophiles, I've been browsing the forum every once in a while but I finally needed to join up to ask a question for myself. I'm less of a tech/headphone enthusiast and more of a music enthusiast - I'm a musician myself and I love exploring different music and losing myself in it. Unfortunately, I'm also very picky and I do not have thousands, or even hundreds, to spend on top-notch equipment. While there are moments that I can find music highly pleasing even while using basic portable earbuds, I generally find the music from my over-ear equipment far more underwhelming.

I own the Sony MDR-V700DJ which I find produces a generally muddy, bass-heavy sound, and I also own the JVC HARX900, which is quite hyped up on this forum, and while the detail is fairly good I find the music to be underwhelming with it.

So, my first, and most important question is: are the Denon AHD1001K or Audio Technica ATH-AD700 significant improvements over the JVC HARX900? Nitpicking aside, do they have substantial differences in regards to sound signature and actual music reproduction?

If so, my second question is, which would you recommend? Music enjoyment is my highest priority, I do not care much for a balanced reproduction if that does not equal enjoyment. I do not have a headphone amp, and I will be using these headphones at home with my Sony Walkman MP3 player, laptop, and at times, to listen to CD's from a Pioneer SA-9800 Stereo Amplifier. I listen to many different genres; rock with multiple variations (classic, folk, psychedelic, funk, etc.), rap (although exaggerated bass is not my priority), electronic (trance, techno, etc.), classical and instrumental, etc.

Thanks for your time
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Aug 17, 2009 at 6:01 PM Post #2 of 18
I would say with the headphones you have been looking at that the Denon D1001 is the closest one to neutral sounding that you have looked at-I have found them to sound great in all types of equipment (dedicated amp, home CD player headphone output and my son's Creative Zen with no amping). The Audio-Technica maybe a little to much on the bright side especially out of a Pioneer Amp output. I was going to suggest also the JVC HA-RX700 but since you do not like the SQ of your HA-RX900 it may be a mute point, the RX700 has the consensus as being less bass heavy and more neutral through the audio spetrum than the RX900, but it is still a darker sounding headphone. How much burn-in time and or music listening time in hours do you have on your HA-RX900's? The Denon's can usually be purchased for less than $100 USD, please remember to burn-in for at least 72 hrs. before any critical listening is done. The JVC's to sound the their best have to be burned-in 6 full days at least. I have both own the JVC HA-RX700 and the Denon D1001 asnd really like them both and I listen to them through all kinds of music including classic rock, folk, classical and alt. rock. I find the JVC's to be more fun and I listen to the Denon's for more critical analytical listening (to really hear what's on a recording). Good Luck with your quest and Happy Listening.
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Aug 17, 2009 at 6:57 PM Post #3 of 18
Quote:

Originally Posted by divinenow /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I also own the JVC HARX900, which is quite hyped up on this forum, and while the detail is fairly good I find the music to be underwhelming with it.


That's because you don't own an amp, why not upgrade/start in that department before trying another set of headphones out of a bad source? Generally the 'hyped up' reviews will come from 2 sets of people, those that have heard the particular headphones with an amp and those that have heard the same headphone unamped and have nothing to compare it too.
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 12:13 AM Post #4 of 18
@Graphicism: Oh true, I'm sure that I'd probably need an amp to get the most out of the HARX900 but I'd rather have an all-around accessible and somewhat portable headphone for a number of reasons - low budget, ease of use, and I'm heading out to college next year so the less accessories and baggage necessary the better. Judging by the forums, it seems quite easy to lose yourself in all the various headphone equipment and upgrades out there so I'm just trying to keep it simple.

@rhfactor1: Ah, not too set on going for a neutral headphone, just the one that makes the music the most engaging and fun. The HARX900 are definitely burnt in, I've listened to a good many hours of music on them and by no means are they a bad pair of headphones, just not exactly what I'm looking for - a bit too laid back and reserved for my tastes. I do normally listen to darker music, but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean that a dark signature complements it all.


I've looked around at similar topics and it's looking like the AD700 may be the best suited towards my purposes. Exactly how much would you say it stresses the higher spectrum (is it almost an uncomfortable amount)? Does it represent the lower end well too? Does the AD700 need an amp to truly perform well?

Thanks for the responses
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 12:54 AM Post #5 of 18
I didn't mean to indicate that the Denon D1001's are not fun-they are, hopefully you could listen to a pair somewhere to get impressions. I believe the AT AD700 would not have enough bass response from your amplification. You may look at closed type AT headphone which would be AT A700. Sometimes it's all a question of synergy between the headphones and your Pioneer Stereo Amp. Happy Listening.
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Aug 18, 2009 at 1:09 AM Post #6 of 18
For a headphone to be fun/musical, it's needs to be either forward or warm IMO... or both. The AD700 is very cold/bright/analytical, don't think you'd "enjoy" them.

If you can stretch your budget, I'd go for the SRH840 or D2000. If not, I'd say the money because the D1001 is probably more of a side-grade.

Or if you don't mind open headphones, maybe some Grados.
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 2:15 AM Post #7 of 18
Thanks for the replies - really helpful information
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Still, not looking like it's going to be an easy 1-2 choice with all of these factors and so many contradicting opinions on the forum. I'm definitely not looking for another analytical set of headphones, something with a bit more power and color is my preference. With that in mind and a lack of proper amplification, the AD700 is ruled out. Grado's, from what I've heard, exaggerate the highs a bit too much and seem too rock-oriented to truly cover the wide range of genres wel.

Sorry about all the questions, but every piece of advice helps because I don't want another hit-and-miss again; are the Denon D2000's that much better than the D1001K? It seems that Denon's seem like the right choice for me in terms of sound (warm, punchy, fun), comfort, and size so it's down between the D1001K and the D2000. If the D1001K aren't going to be that much of an upgrade (or at least, that significant of a 'sidegrade') over the HARX900, I could definitely shell out an extra $100/120 if the 2000's do the trick.
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 4:14 PM Post #8 of 18
The Denon D1001 will hopefully be great set of headphones for you, the Denon D2000 is considered a little bass heavy-some users even compare the SQ to the JVC HA-RX900-so you still may underwhelmed. FWIR some owners of both sets of Denon's actually prefer the SQ quite a bit of the D1001's over the D2000's. I believe you get 90% of the SQ of the D2000 with the D1001 with a tighter bass response in a very very comfortable lightweight for about half the price. Happy Listening.
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Aug 18, 2009 at 5:24 PM Post #9 of 18
...And I was this close to settling on those D2000's. Haha, I do appreciate all the help rhfactor1 but there are just too many headphone-purchasing factors. I've browsed through these forums and found a significantly larger amount of praise for the D2000's - whereas there are a good number of people here have mentioned the D1001K's as solid entry-level headphones with a number of flaws, many owners of the D2000's stress its excellent bass, clarity, and well-rounded sound. Is there a considerable difference that you notice in sound quality? Would you say that the D2000's have an excessive amount of bass to the point where it sounds bloated or muddies the sound, or is it just a bit too much coloring/strength for your own preference? I notice that many here like that neutral, flat response, so if its those users that prefer the D1001's, then I'm all for the extra $100 D2000's
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You know, now that I'm paying a bit more attention to the JVC HARX900, they are actually a solid pair of headphones that I'm sure would be even more enjoyable with some modifications. It's not that I don't enjoy their darker, more relaxed sound signature, I could just do with headphones that sound more forward and engaging (as I've heard the Denon 2000's are).
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 5:57 PM Post #10 of 18
I hopped on the JVC HA-RX700/900 train after buying the Denon AH-D2000, hoping for discounted joy. I didn't like those JVCs relative to the Denon. I find the Denon to be smoother, and while the midrange is a recessed, it doesn't have the odd hollowness that I noticed with the JVCs (though the 900 was better than the 700 with this). The AH-D2000 aren't perfect, but they're a lot of fun to listen to for most music.

I haven't heard the AH-D1001, but it is supposed to have a similar character, but with less bass extension. I personally prefer having the bass reach deep.

I think you should also put the Ultrasone HFI-680 and 780 on your radar. I've had a few days of listening, mostly comparing the HFI-680 to the Denon AH-D2000. They sound even better IMHO. Bass reaches almost as deep, and bass quantity is tight, and more balanced than with the Denon. Midrange is smooth, detailed, and not recessed. Highs are detailed and crisp without being harsh (when used with my Corda Arietta amp). Slightly harsh without the amp, but only with some recordings. The 780 is said to be less balanced, with stronger (yet still tight) bass and even more detailed highs. They're both in the Denon AH-D2000 price range (cheaper as of now, actually) and are worth a look. The only negatives with the Ultrasones are their goofy looks and comfort. I've taken some advice and stretched my Ultrasones a bit to make them clamp less, but the Denons are the comfiest closed headphones I've ever worn.
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 6:31 PM Post #11 of 18
I hate to disagree with other posters but I don't find my AD700 cold or analytical, they are vibrant and alive. They have tons of detail to the midrange and highs and unamped (from my Ipod Touch 2G) the bass while not being large like alot of cans is very much there. They are not a warm headphone but they are not cold. To me cold usually translates into not having the detail required to reprouce minor nuances in sound such as the growl of a guitar and since most of these fine nuances take place in the midrange or treble, I think the AD700 reproduces those sounds very well.

I would not recommend the A700 though as it has huge issues with the midrange and while it does have more "bass" in a sense compared to the AD700 it's not a nice sounding bass IMO as compared to ther phones. The AD700 is also very nice without a dedicated amp (an amp makes them even nicer but is not necessary).

I also own a JVC DX1 headphone and find it's bass is lesser than the AD700 to me and is to smooth for me, loosing some of the agressiveness of the AD700. It is also a harder to drive phone that really needs a dedicated amp to shine.

My Philips HP910 open phones are much darker and bassier and I find the bass can overwhelm alot of the music I listen to but sound very nice for music suited to their sound signature. The Philips are very easy to drive though and do not require a dedicated amp to sound good.

Bottom line from me. AD700 1st choice, Philips HP 910 if you want alot of bass. I do not recommend my JVC's unless you really don't mind weak bass and you want smooth versus raw sound, plus they are a closed phone so are good for isolation.
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 7:04 PM Post #12 of 18
Quote:

Originally Posted by dweaver /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I hate to disagree with other posters but I don't find my AD700 cold or analytical, they are vibrant and alive. They have tons of detail to the midrange and highs and unamped (from my Ipod Touch 2G) the bass while not being large like alot of cans is very much there. They are not a warm headphone but they are not cold. To me cold usually translates into not having the detail required to reprouce minor nuances in sound such as the growl of a guitar and since most of these fine nuances take place in the midrange or treble, I think the AD700 reproduces those sounds very well.

I would not recommend the A700 though as it has huge issues with the midrange and while it does have more "bass" in a sense compared to the AD700 it's not a nice sounding bass IMO as compared to ther phones. The AD700 is also very nice without a dedicated amp (an amp makes them even nicer but is not necessary).

My Philips HP910 open phones are much darker and bassier and I find the bass can overwhelm alot of the music I listen to but sound very nice for music suited to their sound signature. The Philips are very easy to drive though and do not require a dedicated amp to sound good.

Bottom line from me. AD700 1st choice, Philips HP 910 if you want alot of bass.



Much of what dweaver said about the AD700 is true. I found that the HP910's sound can be improved upon (attenuated bass, better highs and mids, larger soundstage) with the following mods:

1) completely remove the foam lining behind the back of the cups (very similar to the hd555 soundstage mod). Consequently, you will also need to dynamat the back of the drivers.
*This attenuates the bass and seems to bring out the highs and the mids. However, the phones will be much more open and resulting in little or no isolation.

2) Stuff the inside of the ear pads with fiberloft/cotton to increase the distance between the drivers and your ears.
*This seems to give the effect of the overall larger soundstage.


After completion of these mods, I would say the HP-910 is about 95% of an AD700 with much more low end kick. Amped and EQ'ed the modified 910s have mids that are right up there with the ad700 but more neutral. The highs are pretty much the same as well but less smooth.

Bottom line: If you are a basshead, the HP-910 are probably more suited for you out of the box, if you want an open can.
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 11:06 PM Post #13 of 18
Hmm, still leaning more towards the Denon 2000s for their lower end kick and comfort, although apparently the Shure SRH840 are held in higher regards around here for having more detail and a more 'intimate' sound
 
Aug 18, 2009 at 11:23 PM Post #14 of 18
Quote:

Originally Posted by divinenow /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Hmm, still leaning more towards the Denon 2000s for their lower end kick and comfort, although apparently the Shure SRH840 are held in higher regards around here for having more detail and a more 'intimate' sound


I sold my Denon D2000s in favor of the modded RX700. And you will most definitely need an amp, a good one, if you go the Denon route.
 
Aug 19, 2009 at 5:10 AM Post #15 of 18
Quote:

Originally Posted by fldrice /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Much of what dweaver said about the AD700 is true. I found that the HP910's sound can be improved upon (attenuated bass, better highs and mids, larger soundstage) with the following mods:

1) completely remove the foam lining behind the back of the cups (very similar to the hd555 soundstage mod). Consequently, you will also need to dynamat the back of the drivers.
*This attenuates the bass and seems to bring out the highs and the mids. However, the phones will be much more open and resulting in little or no isolation.

2) Stuff the inside of the cups with fiberloft/cotton to increase the distance between the drivers and your ears.
*This seems to give the effect of the overall larger soundstage.


After completion of these mods, I would say the HP-910 is about 95% of an AD700 with much more low end kick. Amped and EQ'ed the modified 910s have mids that are right up there with the ad700 but more neutral. The highs are pretty much the same as well but less smooth.

Bottom line: If you are a basshead, the HP-910 are probably more suited for you out of the box, if you want an open can.



Hmm, some good ideas for modding my HP910 I think I may to try them since I have both items on hand for the mod
atsmile.gif
. If it makes the phone 95% of my AD700 with a bass kick, that might make me fall in love with my 910's.
 

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