Only a lunatic would try to convince anyone that these headphones aren't noticeably better than their predecessor. Their sound quality is truly beautiful, even more velvety-smooth than ever before. With that explosively deep bass being more controlled, and the rich high-end even more greatly extended, the soundstage created by the D7000s is remarkable to say the least.
We gave Handel's Zadok The Priest some time through the D7000/Woo Audio setup, beside both the D5000s and Sennheiser HD 650s. The beautiful crescendo of strings leading up to the first burst from the choir was warm and rich, bringing a greater sense of presence to the listener than through the D5000s.
Also noteworthy is that through the Sennheisers we heard a choir, whereas through the D7000s we heard individual voices; each vocalist was more identifiable as a person through the Denons -- pinpointing one voice through the D7000s is just that bit easier.
But these are, of course, closed-back headphones. Like their younger brethren, they still deliver an incredibly open sound, but this is where headphones like the HD 650s or AKG K 701s will always triumph.
The D7000s, however, are just as capable with all genres as the D5000s were. The extended treble makes classical recordings even more enjoyable (particularly from SACD), but they're also incredible with electronic music, dance, drum 'n' bass and anything else that's driven by the cataclysmic bass offered by this headphone. The same goes for rock and metal -- the clarity and presence of the mid-range makes powerful instrumentation vibrant and in your face, while retaining essential separation between instruments and each different type of cymbal on the drum kit.
We also really enjoyed Porchrail -- the opening track from Jenny Owen Youngs' Batten The Hatches. A deep double bass plods along underneath acoustic guitars, sweet female vocals and brushes on a loud snare drum. We've never felt more present in the studio, and that double bass has never, not even through the HD 650s, sounded this good. Another example of a genre the D7000s are admirably capable of reproducing.
Conclusion
We just can't love these enough. There isn't a single genre these headphones can't handle, though they truly excel at rock, folk, acoustic, electronic and metal. Their clarity and detail is among the best in the world, and their almost seismic low end will never bore drum 'n' bass fans.
If you can only just afford the D5000s and worry you're missing out, don't worry. The D5000s are still a shockingly detailed headphone, and when we give the D7000s back to Denon and revert to our D5000s, we won't feel like we're missing out on the subtle nuances of our favourite songs.
But if you can afford the extra few hundred and want one of the best headphones in the world, this is it. The D5000s put the icing on the cake, but the D7000s add the artistic decoration to turn that cake into a masterpiece.
Edited by Marian Smith
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sid 3 April 2012
Good: Music sounds awesome
Bad: THE PRICE ....
Comment: I was thinking of buying these headphones but unsure due to the price. At the present I have the Bowers and Wilkins P5 headphone and its a great headphone but has caused a few problems.
Is the Denon AH D7000 a better headphone?
paulchiu 11 January 2009
Good: It's like a pair of Mordaunt Short speakers velcro to my Head
Bad: ear pads will generate heat after long sessions
Comment: After about 2 days of burn in with a system consisting of an Apple Macbook Pro, Headroom Max Amp, and enough Apple lossless tracks to continuously play for weeks, I listened first to Bach's Toccata & Fugue on Telarc CD performed by Michael Murray.
Outside of some serious free standing subs and audiophile speakers, the presentation of the AH-D7000 was tight and did physically vibrate my shoulders and send shivers down to my stomach on non deafening volume during the 40hz portion. I have held how Stax Sigma, Sennheiser HD650 and Shure SE530 handle this note, and the Denon did it with the least distortion and closest resemblence to quality subs.
The mids, as when auditioned with Jazz at the Pawnshop on Proprius - Audiosource CD was nearly what I expected from a great British speaker, like from Mordaunt Short. The complexity of the smoky bar was simplified for me to the point that I nearly forgot that the cans were there or that I was listening to a recording.
I felt at this point to stop, as I was getting a little jaded and remember that first impressions maybe wrong.
Burn in for another 2 days.
I figured let's do some Sir Mix-a-Lot.
Well, the butt thumping in the beginning of Baby Got Back was so realistic, I actually had ass on my face, which is yeah!
Next, more vocals with Diana Krall, Pink Martini, and then piano by Ashkenazy and Dick Hyman.
Finally, a non stop 3 hours session covering MFSL Gold CDs of Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Roxy Music, and LPs of lez Zeppelin, Van Morrison, and others.
The AH-D7000 performed everything smoothly and I heard many new things for the first time. This, from recordings I have listened to dozens of times over many years.
In terms of comfort. The AH-D7000, while comfortable, I cannot claim that the Denon AH-D7000 will disappeared after putting them on as they are big and you'll know they're there. But you will want to put them on, as the experience is so unique for a pair of headphones. The sonics will win you over.
Now, the bad things.
With the clarity rendered by the Denon AH-D7000, you will hear weakness from your system. For me, it was the noisy Macbook Pro's analog outputs and the sloppy handling of instruments in certain symphonic CDs. The Denon AH-D7000 will reveal all the breathing mistakes, audience noise, and engineering lapses of any recording, so you may have to get better ones for the ultimate listening experience.
Lastly, listened to everyday low fi stuff like TV and video, and gaming sources. Here, I cannot recommend the 7000 as the truth hurts. Get less revealing phones instead.
The Denon AH-D7000, the best headphones I have used to date.
Paul
1/10/2009
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