[Cool_Torpedo]

Hi Musicmind,

Very nice review. Thanks for the time and effort you put to write it. I like when a review tries and manages to get straight to the point without biases, telling the things as they were, for good and for bad.
As I see it, the ATH AD2000 would be the more balanced and neutral from the bunch, and the Denons, maybe for their "enhanced bass" are on the warm side of things. I wonder if after living with those cans for some time you would consider trying some mods (like Markl's) on the D5000s or you think they're very fine as they are.

Regards.

 

[musicmind]

I was away for most of January, so I missed all of the earlier comments in this thread, until it resurfaced again with todays bump.
Thanks to all of you for the positive comments and my apologies for not responding sooner to the questions. Threads get buried quickly on this amazingly active forum.

@donunus : I prefer the AD2000 midrange. I think some folks find the AD2000 to sound a bit "nasal" but I find it quite pleasant, maybe because I listen mostly to instrumental jazz music. The Denon's midrange might sound more natural in timbre because of its warmer presentation but its not as forward and sometimes does get overwhlemed by the bass IMO. I'll need to refresh my memory, I've neglected to use Denon since I acquired a HD650 recently.

@moomooemu : Thanks for the bump, I hadn't seen the posts from January

I haven't heard the D2000, however there is an excellent comparative review by Skylab where he mentions the great similarities and the slight differences between these two. Apparently, they are quite close in sound, which would make the D2000 very good value if you are after the Denon 5000 sound signature on a budget. The markl mod has gotten my interest and I do hope to give it a try when time permits. Thanks, I am enjoying the Eric Johnson strat, it has a very nice natural sustain and liveliness to it and a build quality that rivals the Custom Fenders IMO at half their price.

@Rednamalas1 : I have acquired a "maxed" Woo WA6 amp for these headphones since writing the review, but yet to get a worthy source. I haven't heard the DT880 or K701, but from what I've read here, the AD2000 is possibly more detailed than these two while having much better bass. I'd be keen to hear your comparison.

@Cool_Torpedo: I am curious about the markl mod, and it does seem worth exploring. The D5000 isn't my main headphone however, so I guess I just haven't made the time to do the mod yet.

 

[xenithon]

I just wanted to add in regard to the midrange - the AD2000 I found far from nasal. In fact, it was probably one of the clearest, cleanest and airiest I have yet listened to (save for the Stax SR-Omega and Omega II).

This became particularly apparent when musicmind and I listened to the cans switching between the GS-1 and the WA6; which to my ears revealed subtle but noticeable differences in the coloration that the amp(s) added. This thus exhibited the AD2000's transparency.

The D5000 I found to be a little warmer; though still far more neutral than many. I think the thing which detracted me was a two-fold issue:
a) prodiguous bass output of the D5000 (which was not as controlled as I'd have liked)
b) the slightly recessed nature of the D5000's midrange.

The above two combined (seemingly) left a lot missing. I must point out though that this was only really apparent when listening to the two head to head. Other cans with lesser neutrality/clarity to that of the AD2000 would have resulted in it not being so easily discernable.

 

[tev]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenithon /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just wanted to add in regard to the midrange - the AD2000 I found far from nasal. In fact, it was probably one of the clearest, cleanest and airiest I have yet listened to (save for the Stax SR-Omega and Omega II). The D5000 I found to be a little warmer; though still far more neutral than many. I think the thing which detracted me was a two-fold issue: a) prodiguous bass output of the D5000 (which was not as controlled as I'd have liked) b) the slightly recessed nature of the D5000's midrange. The above two combined (seemingly) left a lot missing. I must point out though that this was only really apparent when listening to the two head to head. Other cans with lesser neutrality/clarity to that of the AD2000 would have resulted in it not being so easily discernable.

When modded using Markl's perscription, the two problems that you mention with the D5000's are remedied quite nicely - exposing a really great midrange. I'd love to hear a modded D5000 A-B'd against the AD2000. Has anyone out there heard these two?

 

[Wilashort]

Very Good review. it is the third time that i read your review (the last two, were 3 and 7 months ago) and it is very honest. I am now interested in this two headphones....
How much is the bass slam in this headphone (D5000) for you; compared to the AD2000 (in a scale of 1-10 (for example D5000 = 8))?
Ah, another thing that i want to known, is if the D5000 leak sound at very high volumes (if leak a lot or not)?
Thank you very much for your answers

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilashort /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very Good review. it is the third time that i read your review (the last two, were 3 and 7 months ago) and it is very honest. I am now interested in this two headphones.... How much is the bass slam in this headphone (D5000) for you; compared to the AD2000 (in a scale of 1-10 (for example D5000 = 8))? Ah, another thing that i want to known, is if the D5000 leak sound at very high volumes (if leak a lot or not)? Thank you very much for your answers

The D5000s have more bass slam, or a more robust/full bass, than the AD2000s. Their bass is more dominant in the sound spectrum, than that of the AD2000s.

The AD2000s bass is faster, tighter, and better defined.

The have about equal bass impact... though... the AD2000s have a bit better attack.

The D5000s may have slightly more refined details, and overall a bit "richer," more liquid, sound.

The mids of the AD2000s may be a bit more prominent... otherwise... they're about equal - though the D5000s may be a bit richer.

The highs are about equal.

The soundstage is about equal - though, the AD2000s may have a bit more "airy" sound.

The AD2000s mids / upper mids are not harsh, or "honky" once their fully burnt in, and with the right set up - they're fairly low impedance (about 40 ohms). The pad mod to the rear of the pads also helps in this regard, as well as, improves the soundstage.

I don't know yet, whether I prefer one to the other - they're both phenomenal. Though... I suppose the D5000s have a richer, more organic sound, with very fine detail in their highs.

The D5000s do leak some sound... though obviously not as much as the AD2000s.

 

[Wilashort]

Thank you for your answer GradoFan2, is very useful; but in what scale you put the Denon D5000 and the AD2000 in bass slam (Punch not boom). You say here that the Denon has more, but below you say that both has the same....?
I known that the bass in the Denons are more robust and has more quantity, because it is closed and is known by his emphasis in this bass (specially low to midbass (some say that it is bloated, but i don't care much (it can be very good with trance...))), but that interest to me is extension and Slam mainly.
Ah, and for you which of the two, sound more lifelike with voices and instruments (or in the mids overall)
And for last; the AD2000 have faster mids than the D5000, Do it??, how much is the difference?
I want (in general) a headphone with faster and forward mids for Jpop, Jrock, super Eurobeat styles and faster music as some space music too of some video games; because i find my DT990 a little laidback (in the mids) with many of the music that i like most.... but with movies, TV and Anime, it excell (but it is another history....)
Another thing, is what with either of them. Can i listen the phone for example or listen the bell...?.
One of the reasons for which, i could buy the Denon; is because it is closed and have low isolation (but i am a little undecided) and because i need to listen to the around sounds, that with my DT990; i can't to listen the phone, the voices of other persons and other sounds.... But even it can be a little uninvolving with the music previously named.
I want to feel the same emotion that i felt, when i had/listened to my ex 5.1 speakers (Altech Lansing VS3151) (near to full volume), but i can't use speakers anymore...


Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The D5000s have more bass slam, or a more robust/full bass, than the AD2000s. Their bass is more dominant in the sound spectrum, than that of the AD2000s. The AD2000s bass is faster, tighter, and better defined. The have about equal bass impact... though... the AD2000s have a bit better attack. The D5000s may have slightly more refined details, and overall a bit "richer," more liquid, sound. The mids of the AD2000s may be a bit more prominent... otherwise... they're about equal - though the D5000s may be a bit richer. The highs are about equal. The soundstage is about equal - though, the AD2000s may have a bit more "airy" sound. The AD2000s mids / upper mids are not harsh, or "honky" once their fully burnt in, and with the right set up - they're fairly low impedance (about 40 ohms). The pad mod to the rear of the pads also helps in this regard, as well as, improves the soundstage. I don't know yet, whether I prefer one to the other - they're both phenomenal. Though... I suppose the D5000s have a richer, more organic sound, with very fine detail in their highs. The D5000s do leak some sound... though obviously not as much as the AD2000s.

 

[donunus]

I havent heard the d5000 so I wont talk about them. The AD2000s have great punchy bass. take note though that It feels like it is a little boosted in the upper bass region which is probably what contributes to the added punch

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilashort /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thank you for your answer GradoFan2, is very useful; but in what scale you put the Denon D5000 and the AD2000 in bass slam (Punch not boom). You say here that the Denon has more, but below you say that both has the same....? I known that the bass in the Denons are more robust and has more quantity, because it is closed and is known by his emphasis in this bass (specially low to midbass (some say that it is bloated, but i don't care much (it can be very good with trance...))), but that interest to me is extension and Slam mainly. Ah, and for you which of the two, sound more lifelike with voices and instruments (or in the mids overall) And for last; the AD2000 have faster mids than the D5000, Do it??, how much is the difference? I want (in general) a headphone with faster and forward mids for Jpop, Jrock, super Eurobeat styles and faster music as some space music too of some video games; because i find my DT990 a little laidback (in the mids) with many of the music that i like most.... but with movies, TV and Anime, it excell (but it is another history....) Another thing, is what with either of them. Can i listen the phone for example or listen the bell...?. One of the reasons for which, i could buy the Denon; is because it is closed and have low isolation (but i am a little undecided) and because i need to listen to the around sounds, that with my DT990; i can't to listen the phone, the voices of other persons and other sounds.... But even it can be a little uninvolving with the music previously named. I want to feel the same emotion that i felt, when i had/listened to my ex 5.1 speakers (Altech Lansing VS3151) (near to full volume), but i can't use speakers anymore...

Uh... well...

The bass of the D5000s is more "boomy," than the AD2000s - though it's not sloppy. It's just richer, fuller, more liquid sounding... and... it is more dominant in the overall balance than the AD2000s. The AD2000s' bass is tight and clean, and extended - about as extended as the D5000s, but not as loud at the lowest frequencies as the D5000s. So... if you like clean, tight fast bass, with impact the AD2000s bass is superior - very much like Grados.

The mids of the AD2000s are more prominent, though not dramatically so. They're also a bit cleaner and crisper - whereas the D5000s mids are a bit richer, more liquid sounding, with a bit more "organic, texture." The D5000s are great for acoustic, jazz and classical music. They sound more like the Senns, than the Grados, though the wood Grados have the same "organic, texture in the mids.

The highs are about the same - though the AD2000s, again, are a bit sharper, crisper, cleaner, and a bit less "organic, and textured." The AD2000s are a bit more "airy," while the D5000s may have a bit more fine detail.

If you're into rock, metal, electronica, etc. - you'd likely prefer the AD2000s - just a cleaner, crisper sound, with more "bite," and fast, tight, clean impact. If you're into Jazz, and classical, or lots of acoustic sounds - you might prefer the D5000s - just a bit more "orgainic, texture" and "rich, liquid sound," and refined, subtle detail (that you hear in quite passages, not so much in loud, dynamic passages).

And... just to confuse you more... if you want a bit of both... you can always get the "new" modded HD580s, or HD600s - they're right in the middle of the two.

 

[trickywombat]

Thanks for a wonderful review! One of the best so far.

Which of the three headphones would you say is the most comfortable to wear for hours at a time?

 

[Wilashort]

Ok, thanks again for your explanation, i understand it perfectly and i make a better image of how them sound in practice...
Both are very tempting, and i finally could end with both for music + other things..., and because i don't want recables...
Both of them are tolerant (the coil) to very high volumes, aren't they?
Ok, i will not ask you more about the isolation...
In other hand, i don't like the sennheiser headphones, the exception can be the HD580, but not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Uh... well... The bass of the D5000s is more "boomy," than the AD2000s - though it's not sloppy. It's just richer, fuller, more liquid sounding... and... it is more dominant in the overall balance than the AD2000s. The AD2000s' bass is tight and clean, and extended - about as extended as the D5000s, but not as loud at the lowest frequencies as the D5000s. So... if you like clean, tight fast bass, with impact the AD2000s bass is superior - very much like Grados. The mids of the AD2000s are more prominent, though not dramatically so. They're also a bit cleaner and crisper - whereas the D5000s mids are a bit richer, more liquid sounding, with a bit more "organic, texture." The D5000s are great for acoustic, jazz and classical music. They sound more like the Senns, than the Grados, though the wood Grados have the same "organic, texture in the mids. The highs are about the same - though the AD2000s, again, are a bit sharper, crisper, cleaner, and a bit less "organic, and textured." The AD2000s are a bit more "airy," while the D5000s may have a bit more fine detail. If you're into rock, metal, electronica, etc. - you'd likely prefer the AD2000s - just a cleaner, crisper sound, with more "bite," and fast, tight, clean impact. If you're into Jazz, and classical, or lots of acoustic sounds - you might prefer the D5000s - just a bit more "orgainic, texture" and "rich, liquid sound," and refined, subtle detail (that you hear in quite passages, not so much in loud, dynamic passages). And... just to confuse you more... if you want a bit of both... you can always get the "new" modded HD580s, or HD600s - they're right in the middle of the two.

Yes, the upper bass (something that the HFI-780 lacked compared to my DT990) is what i want to empasize more than low and midbass. Just as my DT990, but hope that stronger (as some earphones (My dead Xmod earphone) when are very near in the ear canal). The Arietta amp emphazises the 3 frecuencies spectrum of bass, but more the mid and highbass.
Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I havent heard the d5000 so I wont talk about them. The AD2000s have great punchy bass. take note though that It feels like it is a little boosted in the upper bass region which is probably what contributes to the added punch

 

[fumashirou]

howwill these headphones sound without an amp?

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickywombat /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for a wonderful review! One of the best so far. Which of the three headphones would you say is the most comfortable to wear for hours at a time?

The D5000s are very, very comfortable.

The AD2000s are fairly comfortable - can clamp a bit tight if you have a large head.

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fumashirou /img/forum/go_quote.gif howwill these headphones sound without an amp?

I wouldn't waste my money on any of these.

Though... the AD2000s are about as efficient as phones get.

 

[magic12kenneth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The D5000s have more bass slam, or a more robust/full bass, than the AD2000s. Their bass is more dominant in the sound spectrum, than that of the AD2000s. The AD2000s bass is faster, tighter, and better defined. The have about equal bass impact... though... the AD2000s have a bit better attack. The D5000s may have slightly more refined details, and overall a bit "richer," more liquid, sound. The mids of the AD2000s may be a bit more prominent... otherwise... they're about equal - though the D5000s may be a bit richer. The highs are about equal. The soundstage is about equal - though, the AD2000s may have a bit more "airy" sound. The AD2000s mids / upper mids are not harsh, or "honky" once their fully burnt in, and with the right set up - they're fairly low impedance (about 40 ohms). The pad mod to the rear of the pads also helps in this regard, as well as, improves the soundstage. I don't know yet, whether I prefer one to the other - they're both phenomenal. Though... I suppose the D5000s have a richer, more organic sound, with very fine detail in their highs. The D5000s do leak some sound... though obviously not as much as the AD2000s.

Gradofan2, have you listen to Markl's modded D5000? I would like to know if the improvement from the Modded D5000 would equal to that of AD2000's mid qualities.

Kenneth