markl Mod for Denon AH-D5000 (With Pics!)

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by markl /img/forum/go_quote.gif At this stage, I'm thinking I'm going to get another D5000, have it re-cabled, and then do this mod again, and maybe add some more Blu-Tak into those little cracks and crevices behind the driver inside the ear cup that are still exposed. I'm also going to look where else some Blue Tak might be inserted to further damp it. I'm also looking at trying different replacement pads from other headphones to see if I can move the driver even further away from the ear.

In addition to the recabling, try to see if you can mod a DX1000 earpad to use with the D5000.

 

[markl]

You are reading my mind.

 

[johnsonad]

It seems it would be easier to build a spacer ring that could engage the driver housing and the ear pads thus adding the additional room between the ear and drivers. This would probably be cheaper too than modding different pads. Who could build it though?

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Actually, just taking them apart and assembling back improves the details and tighten the bass considerably

.
Just make sure that *all* screws are tight; that alone kills some vibration to make quite noticeable difference.
I know, sounds like a heresy, but just try it.

 

[GlorytheWiz825]

After reading this thread, I am now very tempted to order some D5000. I was thinking of waiting for Christmas for my next headphone purchase, but I don't know if I can wait that long.

 

[johnsonad]

Alright, my mod is done; it took about 45 minutes to do and was really easy. Took a couple pictures of the difference between the stuffed and non-stuffed ear pads to show that there is a large difference and will post them later.

Now for the sound. I've been listening to them with the mod for the last two hours strait. In short, it's pretty amazing how these two little mods can change these cans. The imaging is much better, to the point I'm trying to follow the sound around the outside of my head (with my eyes closed). I have solid images of the artists and instruments and where they are in space. When they move I can nearly see it. This to me is a large improvement. The depth of the sound stage has increased as Mark stated in all directions, some of which I've never experiences with cans before (maybe I was just not paying attention though). I'm experiencing multiple layers on the same plane and can image their distances. Right now I'm listening to "The Beatles" Love on lossless (If you haven't heard this recording yet you really should) and am experiencing sounds spinning both vertical and horizontal around my head. I've owned some nice cans but have never had them image like this. What else

The bass is MUCH better. It's not gone by any means but you can enjoy the rest of the range without having your head shaken any more. Another thing I've noticed that has changed is that I've got to turn the volume up from 9 to around 11. This is comparable to how the volume sounded before. But, I may have kept the volume down due to the excessive bass and now I can actually enjoy the midrange. The isolation has improved also (TV is on in the background and I notice the difference). Not to jump on the bandwagon but these really sound good with this mod and you owe it to yourself to try it if you have either of the Denon cans (can't see why it wouldn't make the same improvement with the D2k).

 

[Caribou679]

Makes me wonder where is the Research & Development bureau of Denon and what are they doing!

Do they listen to their own headphones?

Since how long does those headphones exist? Somebody is resting on their laurels in that department in that cie.

A good thing some Head-Fier are adventurers and innovators!

Bravo!

 

[markl]

Congrats johnsonad, and thanks for the feedback. I agree, in terms of soundstage width left to right, I've never heard a bigger one than on the modified Denon, and that includes the R10. R10 still has it in terms of depth, though.

Every time I put on the modified Denon, I think to myself, "these are the best headphones I've ever heard". Then I put the R10s back on, and I think, "these are the best headphones I've ever heard!"

The reason is that Denon's sound the most tonally like the R10s of any headphone I've heard so far. That is, totally natural, slightly rich, and liquid, with a dash of extra warmth. It's an ultra-tasty combo that's impossible to resist.

I hope others are encouraged to try these simple mods, they just might rescue the flawed Denon D5000 for you just like they did for me.

 

[Nik]

Guys, but do you think that the D5000 needed to be modified with any amps? Which amps are you using wih them?

I'm waiting for them and I'll try in stock version with PS Audio and with the Yamamoto to see if SS or tubes go better.

Best!
Nik

 

[markl]

Nik, I'm using the Rudistor RP010 and it's a match made in heaven, they go together perfectly.

The D5000 are current hogs and will likely need more juice than many tube amps can put out. I and others have noted that it's necessary to turn your amp up several clicks to achieve similar volume. They also have a mildly tubey sound signature to begin with, so adding a tube amp may be too much of a good thing. I'm betting you'll want to go solid state.

Also, forget about the cans stock, you will hear all the flaws I laid out at the top of the thread. The mods do not make the cans utterly perfect, but allieviates the issues considerably.

 

[johnsonad]

Nik, the combo makes a huge difference but the funny thing is that my best amp (Apache) is in the shop right now for a tune up and I've been using the D5000 single ended with a WA6 being sourced from a Slim Devices Transporter. This is by no means a match made in heaven but is sounds really good to my ears. This being said, you will probably have good results regardless of your present set up. My wife laughed at this and said "good, now you can stop buying headphones". Though that probably won't happen I can say that I'll be happy with the D5000 for a while

 

[Nik]

Thanks guys...

First I'll try the D5000 (stock) with the two amps I have now (PS Audio and Yamamoto), than (depending by the result), I'll do the mod on it.

I hope this cans do not sound like the JVC DX1000 (I don't like them so much, with neither these two amps: PS Audio & Yamamoto).

I have bought the D5000 just for another test, for a second setup and for a comparison with the other cans I have at the moment.

My first setup is Air Tight/K1000 that it is very hard to beat...

Best!
Nik

 

[johnsonad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks guys... First I'll try the D5000 (stock) with the two amps I have now (PS Audio and Yamamoto), than (depending by the result), I'll do the mod on it. I hope this cans do not sound like the JVC DX1000 (I don't like them so much, with neither these two amps: PS Audio & Yamamoto). I have bought the D5000 just for another test, for a second setup and for a comparison with the other cans I have at the moment. My first setup is Air Tight/K1000 that it is very hard to beat... Best! Nik

I know markl is a fan of the JVC's but I don't care for them at all. Don't dwell too long on the stock D5000. This mod is quick and just as quick to reverse. I've gotten very little done since doing it and can't stop listening to music. Best of luck on your comparisons!

 

[markl]

I like the JVC for the pure grainless resolution they offer, fantastic dynamics and excellent soundstage. They have just the right amount of bass and slam for me as well (nott too much, not too little). On the right material, they can sound awesome. However, where they really fall down is in terms of tone (which is not that natural at all), and the fact that you can "hear" the wooden earcups in their sound.

That said, the JVC sounds very different from the Denons.

 

[AudioDwebe]

Damn you, Markl!

Never even considered the D5000's before. Not once. Comparable to R10's with the mod? Now I've got to search for pricing on these things.

Thanks a lot! And not in a good way.