Straight out of the box, these headphones will make you stop and just stare at them for a moment. The beauty of the mahogany glasses against the elegant magnesium frame demands immediate attention. They are certainly not heavy like other high-end cans, despite what you may think. While they are certainly not small either, they are less cumbersome than the AKG K701s that I have also owned.
The lush faux leather ear cushions and headband fit nicely on your head. The clamping pressure is quite light, especially for closed design headphones. Compared to my previous AKG K701s, Denon’s AH-D5000s don’t constantly remind you that you’re wearing headphones while listening. I have spent many nights unsuccessfully adjusting the K701 headband to ease my headache.
Sound
In virtually any genre, what will set these headphones apart from other competitors is the impact of the bass. It’s solid and warm, which for me was a stark contrast to the K701s. However, the D5000s are quick to show that bass isn’t the only thing that is all about, and they deliver astonishing clarity on vocals and instrumentation. High mids and highs are lively and instantly accessible without being harsh or over the top. The overall tone feels balanced, save for the low end, which I found nice.
My demo took me from the mellow sound of Fiona Apple to the guitar-laden Godsmack. My journey continued on everything from Eric Clapton to Snoop Dogg, and from Pink Floyd to Franz Schubert. I was never disappointed.
This was a pleasant surprise, as many hi-fi critics claim that headphones like the Sennheiser HD650s are the best for classical music, citing other models for rock or other genres. To have a headphone that delivers a nice, solid performance on pretty much all music is impressive. This is essential for listeners with diverse musical tastes.
Although the D5000s don’t block outside sound as much as other closed-style cans, they still provide an intimate level of insulation that’s useful for noisy rooms. The advantage of any closed earphone is that very little music is filtered, so you won’t disturb nearby people in a quiet area.
It’s worth mentioning that the D5000s are like most other high-end headphones in that they require a good power source to sound their best. Their standard 1/8 “plug allows them to be used from an iPod or a headphone jack on sound cards, but applications that require the 1/4” converter (included) are what these greats are made for. headphones.
Other characteristics and thoughts
The D5000s feature a 99.99999% (7N) oxygen-free cable, covered by a thick cloth mesh. A minor complaint is that the cable is a bit long and can be cumbersome if you don’t need the length. The cord splits into a ‘Y’ near the top; Denon states in its manual that this ensures the maximum balance between each side.
One thing you won’t find in the box is a stand of any kind. For some, this is not a problem, but if you have had other high-end headphones, you know that it is not uncommon to receive support. For headphones that retail for $ 699, something along these lines doesn’t seem like a lot to ask for. Another minor complaint is that the pads are made of synthetic leather; some describe it as Synthetic leather. Although it is still quite comfortable, Denon literature says that the pads are genuine leather. Again, for an item at this price, keeping the promise of some pretty leather ear pads isn’t too much to ask.
Overall, despite the minor issues above, the Denon AH-D5000 is a solid competitor in any audiophile’s collection. Its durability, design, component quality and sound are top-notch. Their superior sonic character is combined with their beautiful design, making them both a work of art and a source of sonic bliss.
