Upgrade from Denon D2000s

Aedus · 21 May 2015 at 09:54

Looking to upgrade from my D2000's which have served me well over the past couple of years, to something a bit higher quality. Mainly listen to bassy music, so would still like something with punchy bass.

Was looking at the V-MODA M-100, Jvc sz2000, Sennheiser momentum 2.0 and philips fidelio x2, but not sure if 1) they'd be a worthwhile upgrade and 2) I'm missing some other headphones.
I could go way over budget and get the Audeze LCD 2, are they worth the extra cost? I wanted to spend around £300-400, but these are £800, so nearly double what I was looking to spend!

Cheers for the help

Just noticed Beyer Dynamic T90s for under £300, another one to add to the list maybe?

Ninja Pirate · 21 May 2015 at 16:55

What do you want to improve upon the D2000?

More/less/better bass/mids/treble/soundstage? Be specific.

One of things I've noticed on the daily suggestions thread on reddit/r/headphones (LINK) is that people don't think hard enough about what they actually want to improve on, which can often lead to disappointment (especially if you can't demo things in person).

The D2000 is widely considered to be one of the better closed over-ear basshead headphones, period. Most people tend to lust after the old Dx000. The M100, SZ2000, and Momentums are at best a sidegrade (say if you want to try a different sound signature) not so much an upgrade.

The X1/X2 is nice for the money but lacks the sub bass compared to the Denon. LCD-2 is completely different in tonality with a much more linear FR compared to the Denon (I personally think it's vastly superior but you may find it lacking in bass).

T90 I just plain don't like. The T1 is bright enough, the T90's are even brighter...

If you want something similar in tonality, consider something from Fostex. The TH 600 (if you can find one) should be within your budget.

Ryanr1987 · 21 May 2015 at 19:04

Pretty much same as above. The D2000 is going to be pretty hard to beat as a bass headphone. The only phones that are similar are the Fostex TH900 + 600.

I really enjoyed the D5000 but getting a pair would be tough.

Do you still want to stick with that signature? The only complaints I had was the mids and a sharp treble but without them, they would sound less spacious and dramatic. The HP50 is an improvement in those areas but the comfort is a hit and miss.

The SRH1540 is an improvement and is superior than the Denon and is very comfy! Gobs of bass but slightly rolls of in the sub! Nice mids, airy spacious.

Aedus · 21 May 2015 at 19:50

The main things tbh are comfort and build quality, they're so hot and fatiguing to wear, I almost always have to have 1 cup off because it's uncomfortable. A week after I got these the right ear cup basically fell off (Common fault I read), I had to hack it back together with a nut and bolt, but I liked the sound and that was pretty much the best for my budget at the time, now other parts are falling off and just want to get something similarly bassy, but with a higher budget to see if there's anything else out there worth investing in. I like the bass as it is, it could be a bit more punchy if that's even possible, I definitely wouldn't want to lose too much of the bass, but wouldn't mind it too much if the rest like the mids were vastly improved not sacrificing it too much. Main thing is comfort over and above everything else.

Probably not being very helpful.

RavenXXX2 · 21 May 2015 at 20:15

Well I just purchased an used 2000 and I love it, put it above other cans I have owned like the q701, ma900 and X2/X1. The right cup is held on with cable ties so yes they are dodgy in build in that area but you can purchase the parts to fix it which I will. I will MOD them to bring out the mids and tighten up the bass.

I don't find them hot or uncomfortable, in fact they are probably the best I have had comfort wise.

As for what's an upgrade I would have to agree with ninja and vote for the shure, just going by reviews.

Ryanr1987 · 21 May 2015 at 21:36

Aedus said:
The main things tbh are comfort and build quality, they're so hot and fatiguing to wear, I almost always have to have 1 cup off because it's uncomfortable. A week after I got these the right ear cup basically fell off (Common fault I read), I had to hack it back together with a nut and bolt, but I liked the sound and that was pretty much the best for my budget at the time, now other parts are falling off and just want to get something similarly bassy, but with a higher budget to see if there's anything else out there worth investing in. I like the bass as it is, it could be a bit more punchy if that's even possible, I definitely wouldn't want to lose too much of the bass, but wouldn't mind it too much if the rest like the mids were vastly improved not sacrificing it too much. Main thing is comfort over and above everything else.

Probably not being very helpful.

Shure 1540. It's warmer than the slightly colder Denons. The mid bass is more elevated giving them a meaty sound and the mids are great even if they are a little behind. Treble is smoother as well! It images a bit better but is a tad less airy but is still airy in it's own right.. The Shure have the best ear pads of any headphone and they are just lush to have on your head.

ethan · 21 May 2015 at 23:34

RavenXXX2 said:
Well I just purchased an used 2000 and I love it, put it above other cans I have owned like the q701, ma900 and X2/X1. The right cup is held on with cable ties so yes they are dodgy in build in that area but you can purchase the parts to fix it which I will. I will MOD them to bring out the mids and tighten up the bass.

I don't find them hot or uncomfortable, in fact they are probably the best I have had comfort wise.

As for what's an upgrade I would have to agree with ninja and vote for the shure, just going by reviews.

Had mine from new. I luckily don't have any of the issues the OP says.

Aedus · 22 May 2015 at 06:53

Nice, cheers for the help everyone.

Yurka · 1 Jun 2015 at 19:01

What did you go for in the end? Always wanted some D2000 but since they're no longer around I've been looking at the DT range. Would look at the 990 but not closed and I want closed.

Shure reviews look good...