Lawton Audio LA2000 "Lite"
Dec 17, 2010 at 3:59 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 17

N0sferatu

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Okay guys I'm thinking of splurging on these bad boys.
 
http://www.lawtonaudio.com/page5.html
 
First and foremost I just got an Audio GD-FUN (Version A -- AD1852, DIR9001) and it seems it's got more than enough power for my HD595 (Sennheiser) cans right now so I'm sure it can power the Denon's, but does anyone have experience with this combo...is it a good fit for the Denon?
 
Secondly the sound signature I'm looking for is an open / Grado type of sound.  I have a pair of entry level Grados and I've heard the AH-D7000s plugged into a Benchmark DAC PRE 1 and I loved them so considering I enjoyed that sound would I be disappointed upgrading the D2000 to the LA2000?
 
Thirdly the type of music I listen to is (rock, trance/techno, and classical).  I do not care about how they'll sound with jazz, opera, and acoustical as this is not my genre to listen to.  I want some serious thunderous bass. 
 
Only other can I've listened to up in that price range is the Grado RS1 hooked up to a tube amp in a mom & pop shop.  It sounded nice but I'm still suckering for the AH-D7000 sound.
 
So is it better for me to just do a modded D2000 to LA2000, splurge on the D7000 & leave it alone, or look somewhere else totally different?
 
My gripe with my current can (Sennheiser HD595) is even though it has decent bass I want more...plus the midrange could be a bit more pronounced.
 
Jan 4, 2011 at 10:20 AM Post #2 of 17
bump, I would also like to get information on this subject if possible please
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Jan 4, 2011 at 12:56 PM Post #3 of 17
I've only heard Grados in brief auditions, but I wouldn't say that the D2000/7000 share the same sound signature.  It seems that Grados have a more aggressive midrange and treble, whereas the D2000/7000s are more laid back but with better bass and treble extension.
 
Getting the full LA2000 mod brings out the midrange a bit more compared to stock 2000s, but they'll still never be as forward as Grados.  So I wouldn't say the Denons are ideal cans for vocal rock.  But if what you want is bass and soundstage for trance, then the Denons provide that in spades. 
 
As between the D2000 and 7000, most seem to agree that the 7000 has less bass impact, but possibly better bass texture and quality.  I think the choice between the LA2000 and stock 7000 would probably come down to which presentation you prefer; at the risk of some exaggeration of the differences, it seems that the LA2000 presents a slightly U-shaped signature with massive bass and bright treble, while the D7000 has a bit more balance and refinement (though perhaps losing some of what makes the LA2000 engaging).
 
If cost is an issue, I would suggest getting stock D2000s first (they can be had for around $230 from an authorized dealer), and see how you like the sound with your equipment.  If you want to make adjustments, you can gradually mod it piecemeal (JMoney pads, driver damping mod, cups, cable).

Here are some reviews you may find helpful:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/438255/review-lawton-audio-la7000-formerly-markl-mods-modded-denon-d7000
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/404919/modded-la2000-vs-denon-d5000-review
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/531496/d2000-vs-hd650-comparison-review
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/401615/lawton-audio-la2000-impressions
 
Jan 4, 2011 at 2:54 PM Post #4 of 17
 I have a pair of half MarkL modded D2000 (without the woodcup and cable) and a pair of stock D7000.
The D7000 are much better in everything.
With all the deals you can get on D7000 these days. The money you have spend on LA2000 (even the lite version) is enough for you get a brandnew pair of D7000.
I can't say which is better since I don't have a fully modded D2000 to compare. Maybe the woodcup and cable would make a big difference, I don't know.
 
Jan 5, 2011 at 1:40 AM Post #5 of 17


Quote:
I've only heard Grados in brief auditions, but I wouldn't say that the D2000/7000 share the same sound signature.  It seems that Grados have a more aggressive midrange and treble, whereas the D2000/7000s are more laid back but with better bass and treble extension.
 
Getting the full LA2000 mod brings out the midrange a bit more compared to stock 2000s, but they'll still never be as forward as Grados.  So I wouldn't say the Denons are ideal cans for vocal rock.  But if what you want is bass and soundstage for trance, then the Denons provide that in spades. 
 
As between the D2000 and 7000, most seem to agree that the 7000 has less bass impact, but possibly better bass texture and quality.  I think the choice between the LA2000 and stock 7000 would probably come down to which presentation you prefer; at the risk of some exaggeration of the differences, it seems that the LA2000 presents a slightly U-shaped signature with massive bass and bright treble, while the D7000 has a bit more balance and refinement (though perhaps losing some of what makes the LA2000 engaging).
 
If cost is an issue, I would suggest getting stock D2000s first (they can be had for around $230 from an authorized dealer), and see how you like the sound with your equipment.  If you want to make adjustments, you can gradually mod it piecemeal (JMoney pads, driver damping mod, cups, cable).

Here are some reviews you may find helpful:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/438255/review-lawton-audio-la7000-formerly-markl-mods-modded-denon-d7000
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/404919/modded-la2000-vs-denon-d5000-review
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/531496/d2000-vs-hd650-comparison-review
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/401615/lawton-audio-la2000-impressions


The MarkL mods take the 'U' shape of the D2000 and flips it upside down.
It's kind of amazing the impact this mod has on the sound. To my ears, the richness of the original (D2k, D5k) is greatly diminished. I much preferred the stock D5k, with the exception of the exaggerated bass.
 
For my money the D7k trumps all three versions (Stock D2k, D5k and LA2000). I have no issues with it at all. It's natural, rich, realistic and comfortable both physically and musically. Best decision that took me forever to make...
 
 
Jan 5, 2011 at 4:00 AM Post #6 of 17
Jan 5, 2011 at 4:09 AM Post #7 of 17


Quote:
I've only heard Grados in brief auditions, but I wouldn't say that the D2000/7000 share the same sound signature.  It seems that Grados have a more aggressive midrange and treble, whereas the D2000/7000s are more laid back but with better bass and treble extension.
 

Not all Grados are created equal.
If you compare D7000 to GS1000 and PS1000, there are similarites. To me all three phones are a little laid back.
 
Jan 6, 2011 at 3:50 PM Post #8 of 17
well I opted to just jump up and I bought the D7000 :)  I should be getting them today or tomorrow.  :)
 
Jan 6, 2011 at 5:21 PM Post #9 of 17


 
Quote:
Quote:
 Best decision that took me forever to make...
 

Especially when you can get them new for $500...
wink_face.gif


 


Ah yes... the price was better than right.
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NOsferatu... I noticed on the other thread that you go t them. Congrats and enjoy!!
 
 
Apr 19, 2011 at 11:00 PM Post #10 of 17


Quote:
Especially when you can get them new for $500...
wink_face.gif


 


Where are you guys finding the D7000 at that price? I couldn't find any for less than $700
I bought some MD2000 for $400 from MarkL and although I like the sound signature, I feel that the bass is just not enough for my likings and if $100 more will get me better base plus better overall quality in sound, I'm willing to spend it.
 
I have a friend who I could sell my MD2000 to if I do manage to find some D7000 at that price.
 
Jun 27, 2011 at 11:52 AM Post #14 of 17
Shane55 and me got ours from Magnolia when they cleared out all the Denon headphones at 50%off. All the D7000 were sold within a day.
 
Jun 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM Post #15 of 17


Quote:
Shane55 and me got ours from Magnolia when they cleared out all the Denon headphones at 50%off. All the D7000 were sold within a day.


Indeed. One of the best days of my life. 
wink_face.gif

 
 
 

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