DENON AH-D2000

This is where we start to get all dreamy and sweet-eared. For years we've longed for sealed earcup headphones capable of delivering the sound quality -- and the neutral audio measurement specs -- that top-shelf open-backed headphones can offer. Looks like the wait is over. The Denon AH-D2000 is truly a reference-class headphone in what is an intensely difficult closed-cup genre given the odd resonances or 'boxy' sound that can result from poorly built closed cans. But fear not, audiophiles, as the scientific lab measurements on the D2000 present about the best specs we've ever achieved from a headphone in this category -- except for its 'big-brother' AH-D5000 model at double the price! In the AH-D2000, musical textures are tightly defined and ultra-vivid, the soundstage image is deeply expansive, instrumental separation is clear as a bell, and the timbral precision is eye-openingly impressive. Overall, it's got a pleasingly forward image presentation with silky clean punch both high & low and a tremendously musical, highly involving soundscape. Get ready to hear new details in recordings you've heard a million times -- and if that's not serious headphone fun, we don't know what is!

Despite the AH-D2000's seemingly efficient low impedance rating of only 25 ohms, it is not a particularly sensitive headphone so there's no question it will demand a terrific headphone amp behind it to hear what it can do, otherwise it will certainly sound flat and lifeless from portable audio sources especially. But once they're properly powered, a dynamic, spaciously accurate sound like this in sealed-back 'phone does not come around too often. Denon, we're glad you're here!

The AH-D2000 look fantastic and appear to be extremely well-built headphones. The lightweight magnesium frame supports full-size circumaural earcups covering the entire ear which provide respectable ambient noise attenuation while minimizing potential headphone sound leakage to the outside world. The dark grey color scheme of the D2000 is cool & understated -- as appropiate for an upscale headphone -- and the deep-well earcups are fully padded in an uber-comfy black leather. Headband sizing adjustments are easy via a solid click-slider mechanism that is a joy to use and very secure once set. The D2000's headband clamping force remains very light as usual for Denon; some smaller listeners may feel the headphones almost a bit too loose on their noggin. However, that loose headband fit also contributes mightily to their superb comfort during long analytical listening sessions. The headphone cord is a non-detachable 3 meter "Y" type OFC cable terminated to a 3.5mm (1/8") mini-plug which is covered in a nice tech-flex material that is pliable & abrasion-resistant and provides great cord durability factor for the long haul. A full-size 1/4" screw-on adapter is handily provided in the package. 1-year Denon manufacturer's warranty is standard.