mazzelectra
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- Joined
- May 19, 2013
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Heya!
Just purchased a used set of Denon D5000s (yay!) in the hopes of widening the soundstage for my closed phones work enviro; just wanted to share my first impressions:
RIG:
iTunes(ALAC)/Rdio > Magni/Modi stack > phones
MEDIA:
PJ Harvey / To Bring You My Love (ALAC)
The Messenger - The Story of Joan of Arc (OST - Eric Serra comp.) (ALAC)
Various rDio streams (Rock/Techno/Jazz/Soul/Punk/Classical, etc.)
KEY : + = WIN!
/ - = LOSS
/ x = SHRUG?
DENON D5k
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Tough battle for main work set. I've really become accustomed to the more shallow bass depth of the Momentums, so the D5k's seem a bit much just now. The SoundStage and lower end performance of the D5k is exceptional, as is the mid range and vocal accuracy of the Momentums. I'm sensing dark coloration in the Denons and a more neutral, natural approach with the Momentums. Not to say that the D5k is artificial, it just seems more liberal with the deeper tonal spectrum.
The Denons offer a sound akin to a live show, while the momentums seems to have a more studio, controlled vibe. Probably because of the soundstage difference - D5k is wider by quite a bit. Interesting streaming note: on questionable BitRate media (i.e. Rdio) the D5K seems more forgiving (rounder sound, less brittle highs) when the bits break down - the midSpectrum accuracy works against the Momentums here. I do listen to alot of Rdio (just getting around to transporting my ALACs to work this week) and this difference alone may give the D5Ks the edge on this rig.
*Sigh - no clear choice. I love them both for different reasons lol! Probably be A/Bing for a while...
I decided to listen to the D5ks alone for a day (yesterday) and I can now safely say I will not be returning to the Momentums in this setup (iMac > M/M > phones). All of the music I experienced just seems to have become more full and live with the Denons. Comfort over long sessions also seems better overall, though these are heavier phones. I do miss some of the Momentums sparkle and accuracy from time to time, but I have moved them to standby awaiting another use case in my audiophile life. I have a pair of MDR-1R BTs for my mobile rig, but I may A/B that situation to see if the Momentums might live there instead.
To be clear, the Momentums are brilliant, accurate phones. It's just that the Denon D5000 reaches deeper in the spectrum and widens the room enough to win this particular battle.
Anyhoo, just my $.02
Just purchased a used set of Denon D5000s (yay!) in the hopes of widening the soundstage for my closed phones work enviro; just wanted to share my first impressions:
RIG:
iTunes(ALAC)/Rdio > Magni/Modi stack > phones
MEDIA:
PJ Harvey / To Bring You My Love (ALAC)
The Messenger - The Story of Joan of Arc (OST - Eric Serra comp.) (ALAC)
Various rDio streams (Rock/Techno/Jazz/Soul/Punk/Classical, etc.)
KEY : + = WIN!
DENON D5k
STATUS | PARAMETER | NOTES | |
---|---|---|---|
+ | BASS | Full, Deep | |
x | COMFORT | Little heavy, comfy cups, no noticeable fatigue | |
x | MIDS | A bit muddy, recessed | |
+ | SOUNDSTAGE | Wide, live | |
- | TREBLE | Less clarity, muffled | |
- | VOCALS | Recessed, 'general admission' | |
x | TONE | Darker |
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM
STATUS | PARAMETER | NOTES |
---|---|---|
- | BASS | Natural |
x | COMFORT | Plush, lighter, 'pinchy' after long sessions |
x | MIDS | Clear, bit shallow, neutral |
- | SOUNDSTAGE | Up front, no real imaging depth |
+ | TREBLE | Natural sparkle |
+ | VOCALS | Present, 'intimate' concert |
x | TONE | Neutral |
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Tough battle for main work set. I've really become accustomed to the more shallow bass depth of the Momentums, so the D5k's seem a bit much just now. The SoundStage and lower end performance of the D5k is exceptional, as is the mid range and vocal accuracy of the Momentums. I'm sensing dark coloration in the Denons and a more neutral, natural approach with the Momentums. Not to say that the D5k is artificial, it just seems more liberal with the deeper tonal spectrum.
The Denons offer a sound akin to a live show, while the momentums seems to have a more studio, controlled vibe. Probably because of the soundstage difference - D5k is wider by quite a bit. Interesting streaming note: on questionable BitRate media (i.e. Rdio) the D5K seems more forgiving (rounder sound, less brittle highs) when the bits break down - the midSpectrum accuracy works against the Momentums here. I do listen to alot of Rdio (just getting around to transporting my ALACs to work this week) and this difference alone may give the D5Ks the edge on this rig.
*Sigh - no clear choice. I love them both for different reasons lol! Probably be A/Bing for a while...
I decided to listen to the D5ks alone for a day (yesterday) and I can now safely say I will not be returning to the Momentums in this setup (iMac > M/M > phones). All of the music I experienced just seems to have become more full and live with the Denons. Comfort over long sessions also seems better overall, though these are heavier phones. I do miss some of the Momentums sparkle and accuracy from time to time, but I have moved them to standby awaiting another use case in my audiophile life. I have a pair of MDR-1R BTs for my mobile rig, but I may A/B that situation to see if the Momentums might live there instead.
To be clear, the Momentums are brilliant, accurate phones. It's just that the Denon D5000 reaches deeper in the spectrum and widens the room enough to win this particular battle.
Anyhoo, just my $.02