DENON AH-D5000

We have been waiting a long time to say this: The Denon AH-D5000 are reference-grade, sealed-earcup headphones capable of audio performance on par with the very best open-backed cans in the industry. The scientific audio lab measurements don’t lie: the results we've seen in every category for the AH-D5000 rival that of any high-end audiophile reference headphone that has entered our testing facility. But of course it's not just the stunning specs that have us grinning like kids as we exchange hi-fives and fist-bumps, its the actual sound that is the real ultimate test for demanding audiophiles. And, boy, what a sound. Lush, inviting, and intensely focused musical detail in every single part of the frequency spectrum with a purely seamless tonal quality that brings every subtle nuance of the recording into clear relief. The overall timbral presentation is certainly a bit warmer in the AH-D5000 versus its excellent little brother, the AH-D2000, with the D5000 offering a lovely tube-like smoothness against the more forward-sounding approach of the D2000 model. The soundstage image of the Denon AH-D5000 is simply breathtaking as it extends to the very edges of space with a depth of field and a precise dimensional expansiveness that even the majority of open-backed headphones can not touch. Wow, looks like we have a new crowned king of sealed/closed category dynamic headphones.

Despite the AH-D5000's seemingly efficient low impedance rating of only 25 ohms, it is definitely not a sensitive headphone so there's absolutely no question it will demand a truly top-shelf headphone amp behind it to hear its full capabilities -- otherwise it'll tend to sound flat & lifeless especially from portable audio sources. But once the D-5000's are correctly powered, expect gorgeous, highly dynamic, vastly spacious, and reference-oriented sound quality. Words like these aren't frequently associated with this category of sealed headphones... Kudos, Denon!

The AH-D5000 are fantastic-looking, superbly-designed headphones. The lightweight magnesium frame supports full-size circumaural mahogany wood earcups covering the entire ear which provide respectable ambient noise attenuation while minimizing potential headphone sound leakage to the outside world. The rich woody look of the D5000 is highly impressive -- as appropiate for an upscale headphone -- and the deep-well earcups are fully padded in an uber-comfy black glove-soft leather. Headband sizing adjustments are easy via a solid click-slider mechanism that is a joy to use and very secure once set. The D5000's headband clamping force remains very light on the head as typical for Denon; some smaller listeners may feel the full-size headphones almost a bit too loose on their noggin. However, that loose headband fit also contributes mightily to their superb comfort during extra-long listening sessions. The headphone cord is a non-detachable 3 meter "Y" type OFC cable, terminating to a 3.5mm (1/8") mini-plug, and is covered in a abrasion-resistant tech-flex material that provides great durability for the long haul. A full-size 1/4" screw-on adapter is handily provided in the package. 1-year Denon-USA manufacturer's warranty is standard on their entire headphone line.