Dual Denons: AH-D600 & D7100

Disclaimer: Thanks to Denon BeNelux and Denon Indonesia for the loaners.

 

Lately I got in touch with the Denon BeNelux distributors and they were so kind to lend us two of their latest units for review: the closed $600 AH-D600 and top of the line $1.199 AH-D7100, both from the Music Mania Series.

 

Denon, you say…

There has been a lot of talk on the web about these new Denons, mostly because a whole group of people isn’t too happy with the cancellation of the good old D7000 headphone. The D7000 with its particular sound and classy (wooden) looks is a beloved headphone for a lot of audiophiles. Secondly there is the price setting of the new headphones and last but not least the design. Is it worth it? We’ll find out.

In a fast growing headphone market both Denon headphones are pretty expensive but you do get a lot in return. They both are delivered in a basic box but once you open it (do check the pics) you get luxury in return. The inside of the box is shaped in the form of the headphone and decorated with a silky cloth. “Why would you need a headphone stand when you get such a nice box to let the headphone sleep in?” I said to myself. Yet the reference headphone, the D7100, does come with a stylish headphone stand as well.  To my opinion that wasn’t really necessary but after all this is the reference model and I think Denon was thinking the same. Both headphones come with a removable double entry cable with 3.5mm connectors and you get to choose between a gorgeous, 7-NOFC removable cable for at home, with a HD700 like finish, and a normal, shorter one with controls for on the go. There’s no cable noise with either and I really love the “home” cable. The only difference between the Denon AH-D600 & D7100 cable is that 7100 home cable comes with a 6.3mm jack.

You love or hate the design of these modern looking headphones and as said in the beginning lots of headphone enthusiasts loved the old-school look of the D7000 and they for sure have to get used to the new styling, as do I. One thing I do find the Denons to be is slightly big. I have a fairly small head and even at the smallest setting these 365 gr. Denons barely fit. That actually surprises me because Denon studied 4.000 pairs of ears worldwide to get the best fit possible. The flexible pentagonal shaped cups however are very handy and the finish is quite nice even if the finish does look very plastic like. Of course the D7100 has a nice mahogany touch but not like the D7000 had. They both are very comfortable and have incredibly soft memory foam leather pads and leather inner headband. The pads are even more comfortable than the Momentum’s or LCD-3’s leather pads, and therefor they’re the best I’ve had the pleasure to use.  They have beautiful stitching on the pads and headband as well, on both headphones. Isolation-wise, the D600 and D7100 score good but not great as with so many headphones.

 

How do they sound then?

One of the questions that will be asked is how these new units compare to the former D7000. Unfortunately I do not own a D7000 and after four weeks of searching and only 1 available D7000 in the UK, I gave up. Even Denon BeNeLux couldn’t even help us with a unit, so I’m sorry for not being able to make a direct comparison. Both new Denons use 25Ohm, 50mm! “Free Edge Nano Fibre” drivers which are supposed to deliver a clear and transparent sound according to Denon. And they do, one even more than the other.

Let’s start things of with the D600. The sound stage is very nice for a closed headphone and the left to right balance and three-dimensionality are very good even. The D600 sound is very easy and it sounds natural and fresh, not fatiguing in any way. Voices are excellent and everything sounds very musical with the D600. Clarity is what defines these Denons, clarity, detail and air. The D7100 is technically better in everything, and not just by a small margin. Soundstage is much wider and deeper and it has an even better three-dimensionality. It has plenty more detail everywhere actually and it has more room between the instruments (more air). Technically it is the best headphone without doubt, but that doesn’t say everything. Both headphones are very natural and clear and don’t color the sound. Transparant, just like Denon said.

Bass section is very nice on the D600. Bass can go deep when needed, it has punch, body and texture/layering but not as much punch as the DT770 AE (it does have more detail). It’s not as continually present as with the AE either but when needed bass is there, even sub bass. It doesn’t exaggerate or overpower the rest at all and I really enjoy the Denon bass, in both models. If I do have to nitpick I could say it seems just a tiny bit slow for fast rock like System of a Down & Billy Talent. The 7100 bass is just like the D600 but even more detailed and layered. On the other hand it maybe even is a bit slower as his companion’s as well.

The mid-section on the D600 is also very clear sounding but it has less body as say the DT770AE. The mids are a tad thinner sounding overall, especially if you’re coming from a Sennheiser but they have a good level of detail (more as the AE). Yet they do can sound rather compressed, especially when comparing to the D7100. The D7100’s mids are more extended and detailed and have a lot more air in them.  But this is where something happens, namely the voices/voicing. On one hand they are better as they are more natural and detailed but on the other hand they can sound wrong. Let me explain, voices on the 600 are laid back and more compact while with the 7100 voicing is more airy, more in your face and especially more forward. They also are brighter but more natural. Because of these extra airy mids they have the impression to deliver less body and as a result the bass and treble jumps out more. Its sound really depends on the musical style you are listening to and the quality of your recording.

Treble wise I think Denon did right with the D600. It’s lively, sparkling but never harsh (unless your recording is hot already) and treble is detailed. Of course compared to a Sennheiser HD650, treble is bright but this is Denon. With the D7100, bright music in combination with the thinner mids and the very airy character of the D7100, can get really bright yet the treble never was harsh to my ears.

 

Amplification, yes or no?

The big trend lately is to make headphones that no longer need amplification and Denon follows this trend with the “Music Maniac Line” and with a 25Ohm and 108db/mW D600/D7100. They are very easy to drive indeed and you won’t have any problem power-wise.  They do fine out of practically anything but here are some impressions with a few amps

With the small, cheap Fiio E10 you get more bass but the treble gets a bit too sharp for me. The contrast with the mids becomes bigger and the sound is “forced”, forward and aggressive and it is lot more fatiguing to listen to, this isn’t an ideal pairing at all and I prefer both headphones without an amp over the E10. With the JDSLabs C421 there is a softening effect on the 600 and 7100 making them sound more relaxed. The C421’s characteristics make the sound more linear and thus you get a better overall sound. With the desktop size Lafigaro 339 tube amp, you get the softest, least aggressive sound and that for some recording and musical styles really helps a lot as the treble gets smoothed out.

The V200 from Violectric is great for testing as I can use both headphones at the same time. The 600 and 7100 don’t need the power of the V200 but it does make them sound even better with its warmer sound signature. That is a personal preference however as I do like warmer sounding gear. As a result I did prefer both of the Denons with a tube amp, it just gave them that extra smooth layer and it trimmed down the top treble more. Overall it’s more relaxed to listen to.

With all the amps I tried them with one thing was clear: because they are so easy to drive and because they are sensitive headphones, you can only use the volume button oh so very slightly. They both get loud really quick and so you’ll only need a few millimeters on the dial.

Without amplification, straight out of the Nano 7G, they sounds pretty darn good too. Denon has obviously been paying attention and usually I would say you don’t need an amp but it would help. Well, it’s no different here but the Denons really do excellent on their own (better than other headphones) and that’s pretty impressive for headphones of this level.

Mike‘s comparison to the Flagships

The D7100 doesn’t try to be a technically impressive headphone like the HD800 and the rest. Generally the technicalities are respectable and I’m definitely not complaining even at the $1000 price point. After all there is a limit on how much technicalities you can ask for and pass that point there is little advantage as the majority of recordings don’t carry that much information anyway. The clarity is very nice, the sound is clean and grainless, soundstage while not monstrous feels spacious and with a good three dimensionality. Bass is clear and well detailed. If I need to complain, it’s on the build quality which I feel to be a $500 headphone with its plastic headband, but I’m definitely not complaining on the technicalities.

I think where it shines is the sound signature that I find to be generally more musical than the HD800 and the T1. It’s a bit similar to the HE-6 in that it has a more top-down tonality (the D600 is a darker more bottom up, senn HD650-like), but being closed back and with a dynamic driver, generally I find the bass to be more punchy. Though the bass is more loose than the planar bass on the HE-6 (or the LCD-2), it’s not bothersome as it’s still far from being boomy and that bass detail and clarity is still very good. In fact the slightly looser bass gives it a more relaxed presentation compared to the HE-6 or LCD-2 which can be a bit “stiff” after a while. It also doesn’t have the center image problem that the HE-6 has. And the D7100 is far more comfortable to wear (more comfortable than the four flagships even the HD800).

Even though I feel it to have a bit too much treble for mainstream recordings (but perfect for Classical, Jazz, Audiophile stuff), it’s still not as polarizing as say the HD800, the T1, or the Audio Technica Woodies. It doesn’t quite wow you on first listen like say the HE-6 or the HD800, but it just does everything very well and at the end I think it’s a far less polarizing headphone. It has that smooth, easy to enjoy character that I find on headphones like the Momentum.

Between the two the D600 loses a little refinement and smoothness that I hear on the D7100, hence pushing it down the flagship grade but I prefer the D600’s darker, bottom up tonality over the D7100’s.

So where does that leave us?

The D600 and D7100 are comfortable and nice sounding closed headphones with a good (D600) to great (D7100) soundstage and detail retrieval but without being too analytical and while remaining musical. Yes, the D600s mids could have been less compact and the D7100 voicing could have been better but for me it was an easy choice which one to listen to at what moment as they both have their pros and cons. If you only have one of these however, I would have to go for the D600 as it does better for all musical genres and with recordings of lesser quality in general. The D7100 is superior in technicalities but it strongly depends on the musical style and the recording you are listening to. In example, classical music like Max Richter’s recomposition of Vivaldi’s four seasons on the 7100 is simply amazing but for rock music or movies I prefer using the 600. Overall I have been enjoying both headphones and I’m impressed with what Denon has developed. I’m looking forward to listening to them again in the future!

Also don’t forget that Denon has a special music app you can download from the appstore (iOS), unfortunately I don’t have an iPhone but I’m looking forward to read about your experiences with it.

denon_d7100_d600_01 denon_d7100_d600_10 denon_d7100_d600_09 denon_d7100_d600_08 denon_d7100_d600_07 denon_d7100_d600_06 denon_d7100_d600_05 denon_d7100_d600_04 denon_d7100_d600_03 denon_d7100_d600_02

4.6/5 - (12 votes)
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Lieven is living in Europe and he's the leader of the gang. He's running Headfonia as a side project next to his full time day job in Digital Marketing & Consultancy. He's a big fan of tube amps and custom inear monitors and has published hundreds of product reviews over the years.

104 Comments

  • Reply January 8, 2013

    Julius

    Dude, its too early for another top review. Give the Modi and Magni some time to shine on the top spot for another few days.

  • Reply January 8, 2013

    Mike

    I really wanted to write something for this review as I really like both Denons. I think they are better than the last few wooden ATH I’ve reviewed. Better tonal balance, better all rounder, better genre bandwith. The comfort and the fit are really nice too! I just didn’t have the time to write something up, but good review by Lieven!

    One negative thing I can think of is the build which I think is too plasticky for the price that the D7100 is selling for. Other than that, I really like both headphones.

    Though I can’t compare them to the D7K, I do think that the D600 is a better headphone than the D5000 it replaces.

    • Reply January 9, 2013

      D.r. Hilerio

      How does the D600 compare sound wise to the Philips X1. The X1 will retail at $250 in the US and looks to provide better bang-for-buck value, if less portability is not of concern.

      • Reply January 9, 2013

        Mike

        Let me reply that a bit later when I’m on my computer. Briefly the d600is smoother and is more refined.

      • Reply January 9, 2013

        Mike

        Compared to the X1,
        The D600 tonally is darker, but also smoother, cleaner and has a better soundstage depth and center image. It may not sound as open as the X1 but I feel the soundstage to be more natural on the D600. I think overall the D600 scores better on the technicalities though not a big jump.

        Sound signature is more laid back, slower paced, compared to the X1. The D600 follows the same signature as the older Denon models, but done better. It’s smoother, cleaner, less grainy, better bass clarity and the midrange is fuller than the D5000.

        • Reply January 10, 2013

          Eric Thompson

          So if the 5000’s are my favorite headphone I should jump on these?

          • Reply January 10, 2013

            Mike

            Well I think it’s better than the D5000, but I can’t guarantee if you will like it better. After all there are differences between the two so.. But I think you should give it a try.

            Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

  • Reply January 8, 2013

    Greg

    Nice review.

    How is the leakage on the D600s? I have Denon AH-D5000s that I use every day in an office setting and they don’t leak too badly. They’re the first closed headphones I’ve been satisfied with for an extended period: comfortable with great sound. I’m wondering if the D600 is comparable in the leakage department.

    • Reply January 9, 2013

      Mike

      I think he leakage should be comparable. I I don’t have the older Denon to compare to but these isolate just fine.

      • Reply January 12, 2013

        moodyrn

        These isolate a lot better than the dx000 series. I found the islotation on the older series to be poor for a closed can; probably a little better than a semi open can. The new denons actually have pretty good isolation. More than my w3000anv and about the same as the T70 I use to have.

        • Reply January 12, 2013

          Mike

          Thanks for sharing that, moodryn. I think I bought something from you before 😉

          Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

  • Reply January 9, 2013

    James O'Connor

    Mistake on the price; $1,199 not $1,999.

    On that point how does the 7100 compare to other flagship headphones? The only real headphone compared to it is it’s sibling which is in turn compared to something that costs almost $1000 less than the 7100.

    In it’s price range it has to compete with some great headphones such as the HD800, LCD-2, HE-6, T1 etc. I suppose those are open with different voicings, but none of those are considered very overpriced. But I cannot get a sense of whether the 7100 belongs in that company.

    • Reply January 9, 2013

      Mike

      Good question James. I will try to write a more thorough answer once I get to my computer.

    • Reply January 9, 2013

      Mike

      Compared to the flagships:

      The D7100 doesn’t try to be a technically impressive headphone like the HD800 and the rest. Generally the technicalities are respectable and I’m definitely not complaining even at the $1000 price point. After all there is a limit on how much technicalities you can ask for and pass that point there is little advantage as the majority of recordings don’t carry that much information anyway. The clarity is very nice, the sound is clean and grainless, soundstage while not monstrous feels spacious and with a good three dimensionality. Bass is clear and well detailed. If I need to complain, it’s on the build quality which I feel to be a $500 headphone with its plastic headband, but I’m definitely not complaining on the technicalities.

      I think where it shines is the sound signature that I find to be generally more musical than the HD800 and the T1. It’s a bit similar to the HE-6 in that it has a more top-down tonality (the D600 is a darker more bottom up, senn HD650-like), but being closed back and with a dynamic driver, generally I find the bass to be more punchy. Though the bass is more loose than the planar bass on the HE-6 (or the LCD-2), it’s not bothersome as it’s still far from being boomy and that bass detail and clarity is still very good. In fact the slightly looser bass gives it a more relaxed presentation compared to the HE-6 or LCD-2 which can be a bit “stiff” after a while. It also doesn’t have the center image problem that the HE-6 has. And the D7100 is far more comfortable to wear (more comfortable than the four flagships even the HD800).

      Even though I feel it to have a bit too much treble for mainstream recordings (but perfect for Classical, Jazz, Audiophile stuff), it’s still not as polarizing as say the HD800, the T1, or the Audio Technica Woodies. It doesn’t quite wow you on first listen like say the HE-6 or the HD800, but it just does everything very well and at the end I think it’s a far less polarizing headphone. It has that smooth, easy to enjoy character that I find on headphones like the Momentum.

      Between the two the D600 loses a little refinement and smoothness that I hear on the D7100, hence pushing it down the flagship grade but I prefer the D600’s darker, bottom up tonality over the D7100’s.

  • Reply January 9, 2013

    L.

    Added the Flagship comparison to the review!

  • Reply January 10, 2013

    Eric Thompson

    Thanks for doing this, im really waiting for the UE’s too. When your done (if you ever are) reviewing all these new closed cans id really like a comparo of like the D600’s , UE’s, DT770’s, M-100’s, Custom ONE Pro, AiAiAi’s and K550’s and the Pioneer HDJ2000 if you ever get your hands on a pair. Maybe throw in a pair of HD200 or 300’s or Momentums or something for a reference?

    • Reply January 10, 2013

      Mike

      Lol that’s a lot, I’m not sure if I can throw such a shootout

      Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

      • Reply January 10, 2013

        Eric Thompson

        Well you know what ever you can get a hold of, I really liked the previous closed cans shootout.

        • Reply January 10, 2013

          L.

          Thanks Eric, glad you liked this and the previous reviews

        • Reply January 10, 2013

          Mike

          Alright, Eric. I will try to write something like that but no promises
          Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

    • Reply January 11, 2013

      dalethorn

      You remember those test things you’d see occasionally, like “Which one of these objects doesn’t fit with the others?” — the K550 seems out of place with all those big-bass headphones.

      • Reply January 11, 2013

        Eric Thompson

        Well Tyle kicked the K550’s off the wall of fame for the UE’s with the NC off. Kinda confused me how something tuned and made for SQ from AGK was bested by something basically made to directly compete with beats on the shelves of bestbuy. Also the HDJ2000’s aren’t that bassy they have a little extra mid-bass but sort of lack sub-bass but apparently adding dampening can improve that, I really wanna get a pair of my own but there are so many $200-$300 headphones I want, not to mention the LCD-2’s.

        Although I agree the M-100’s were suppose to be like the M-80’s and they aren’t so I really just wanna see them against the Beyers and D600. I still love my D5000’s they have bass without wrecking the nice mid-range and vocals and they have enough highs for some sparkle and more detail than my DT770’s, its like every thing is forward and nothing gets lost, but there not very portable or truly closed, a little slow in rhythm and the bass is a little loose but if the bass was tightened they probably wouldn’t sound as bassy and would need more bass boost.

        • Reply January 11, 2013

          dalethorn

          I just got the 770 LE today – very impressed by the sound. The only thing I don’t get about the UE -vs- 550 is how anyone replaces a headphone that has good treble with one that has a shelved treble. It’s like apples and oranges.

  • Reply January 12, 2013

    Brian J. Moore

    I heard all kind of bad things about the Denon AH-D7100 (mainly from non-owners), well I found a great deal and picked up a set and I love these things, they have the Denon sound signature that I have grown to love. 8^)

    BTW I also own a pair of D7000’s.

    • Reply January 12, 2013

      Mike

      Non-owners speak very loud sometimes

      Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

  • Reply January 13, 2013

    BillsonChang

    How does these[D600] compare to K550? I’m looking for something that don’t have too much bass. I like how K550 sound. Excellent clarity with very little grains & of corse, it’s overall sound signature. So does the D600 does everything much better than K550? Thanks 🙂

    • Reply January 14, 2013

      Mike

      The D600 does have more bass than the K550. Both are grain free, but the K550 more clear. It looks like the K550 is the better one for you.

      • Reply January 16, 2013

        BillsonChang

        Thanks! Any good open headphone that can cover the downside of K550? Thanks 🙂

        • Reply January 16, 2013

          Mike

          Sorry not that I know of.

          • Reply January 17, 2013

            BillsonChang

            No worries sir! That shows that K550 are the best for me xD

  • Reply January 15, 2013

    Eyal Sade

    D600 vs HE-400 ?

    • Reply January 15, 2013

      Mike

      Ooh that’s a good one.

      He400 is more flat, forward, cleaner transients, blacker background.

      Denon is more ummm HD 650 like if you get what I mean

      Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

      • Reply January 16, 2013

        Ken Stuart

        But, of course, the D600 is closed, and the HE400 is very open – isn’t that the biggest difference? 🙂

        • Reply January 16, 2013

          Mike

          Good one, Ken.

          Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.

  • Reply February 8, 2013

    Eyal Sade

    If the HE-400 is more flat, that means that D600 is more V shaped (MORE bass) ?

    • Reply February 8, 2013

      Mike

      A little more body on the bass and mids, not v-shaped.

      • Reply February 9, 2013

        Eyal Sade

        the HE-400 was too bassy for me
        how’s the 7100 in that regard ?

        • Reply February 9, 2013

          L.

          more or less the same as the D600

        • Reply February 13, 2013

          Mike

          Too bassy or too dark?

          What’s neutral for you?

  • Reply February 13, 2013

    Carl

    I thought I’d share a few thoughts about the D600, which I’ve had for over a week, but which I’m about to return. At least I think I am.

    I really like almost everything about them. All plastic, just like virtually all ‘phones out there it seems, but still, even so, they look to my eyes quite cool, understated and a little classy. As was pointed out in the review, I love the long cable. I think I can detect an improvement in sound quality but it’s length means I can plug into my Mac, sit all the way across on my sofa bed late at night, and watch a movie(BIG movie collection!)

    As for sound quality, I don’t have much experience with many headphones. Years ago I had a Sennheiser HD555(which my Mum now has), then I got my Dad an AKG K240 MkII which I heard a little from every now and again; after they broke I recently got him the new Sony MDR-1R but I have only heard them once, the day they arrived, and only for fifteen minutes. So not many. These Denons have been the best I’ve listened to, using a 5G iPod Nano with my Zo2, listening to lossless and 320mp3’s.

    I myself have only been using the portable AKG 450’s for the past year, having previously had the Beyerdynamic DT231 Galactic’s, so as you can see these Denons are a pretty big jump!

    I love the sound they produce. I do notice sometimes that they aren’t quite ‘fast’ enough for some of my music, and last week I briefly had the PA2V2 here for a day(having bought it for my Dad to use with his MDR-1R after dalethorn recommended it)and I listened to them both together for a good few hours and found the sound quality to be a touch harsh, or perhaps bright, to be more accurate? I don’t know – the Denons were still barely used and the PA2V2 was brand new, so maybe that was it.

    Incidentally, my Dad loves the PA2V2! He had been loving the Sony’s for the previous few weeks he’d had them, using them with his iPod classic 160 and a FiiO E7. He’s astonished at how much of a difference he hears, so that’s really pleasing and was good advice indeed! When and if funds permit, I’d like to get him a much, much better amp(Mike recommended Matrix Mini and a couple of others)but for now he’s good.

    So, to the aspect of the Denons that I don’t like. The fit.

    As long as I am completely still, no movement(even just head movement)whatsoever, they are fine. But the slighest bit of movement and they move on my head. I sit in my reclining chair, lean my head back and they slide back a bit. I leant over to pick something up the other day and they almost fell off my head. I’m sat at my Mac doing stuff, moving here or there and they’re just constantly shifting, and moving and I’m always having to readjust them.

    Now, maybe I’m just being way too particular, but I don’t feel as though I am. Perhaps most folks do just sit stone-cold still whenever they listen to music, and I’m just weird in moving here ‘n there, but I’ve never had ANY ‘phones on my head before and ever noticed that they move, sometimes a lot.

    They ARE very, very comfortable but there is ZERO grip on the sides of the head. It’s as though they just sit there, having been placed on my head, and as long as one doesn’t move, well, they’re fine and groovy.

    And this is what gets me – I’m not small. Six foot two, big frame, so I’m assuming my head isn’t diddy! But these Denons are not even open ONE notch on the headband mechanism! Completely closed. They just about fit, but fit they do. And even open one notch, they are looser still.

    So, what to think. I love the sound, but I hate the fit. It’s not JUST about comfort, when it comes to how comfortable a pair of headphones are. It’s about the fit as well. I remembered reading Mike’s review of the Sennheiser RS180’s ages ago and he said that they were very comfortable and had a secure fit. That’s what I want. Either I’ve got a dud(fake?)pair, or something is just wrong somewhere. My head, or the design of these ‘phones?!

    I don’t in my heart want to return them, but every time I’ve worn them I’ve been at some point irritated by them(when I’ve moved!)

    This afternoon I was listening to some cool new music(new album by Low)I’d got and was really getting into one of the fast tracks she sings and must have leant back and looked up as I was bopping along in my chair, and they just slid backwards, almost completely over my head!
    So, I’ve got a weird head. So I need headphones that at least make some attempt at holding onto the sides of my head.
    As for returning, heart says no, head(pun intended)says yes.

    • Reply February 13, 2013

      Mike

      Thanks for sharing, Carl.

      I think you should give it another few days to try before making up your mind. If you still can’t get the fit right, then I would suggest trying another headphone.

      The Beyer DT770 LE for instance.

      • Reply February 22, 2013

        Carl

        Just wanted to say that I followed your advice and gave it another few days to make sure I knew the way to go. I decided to keep the D600. I liked the sound it makes too much I think – I really do love how it plays nearly all my different types of music, and in the week since then I guess I have also become more ‘adjusted’ to the fit as it now bothers me much, much less.

        I also now pretty much only use the long cable. It may be slightly unwieldly but as Lieven said in the review, I also love it, and definitely think it sounds better than the short one.

        Thanks for the advice to hold fire before returning too quickly.

        • Reply February 23, 2013

          Mike

          You’re welcome, Carl. I’m glad to hear that.

  • Reply February 21, 2013

    Chung Ho Jeffrey Chan

    Thank you for the great review!

    I own a pair of K550 and I am very impressed with the detail in the mids and highs. However I found it might be a tad too bright for my taste.

    1) Do you think D600 is a darker can which may suit me better?

    2) How is the detail on D600 compared to K550 and DT770LE? I think K550 has much more detail than DT770LE.

    3) I read some review claiming that K550 sounds ‘artificial’ on the highs, but I think K550 is more realistic than the DT770LE. How do you compare the D600 with K550 in terms of ‘realisticity’ (does that word exist?)

    Thanks in advanced!

    • Reply February 21, 2013

      Chung Ho Jeffrey Chan

      Btw, I mainly listen to classical music

      • Reply February 21, 2013

        Mike

        Hi Jeffrey,
        It’s kind of hard for me to answer that. I do think that the 770 LE is more detailed than the K550 but as for timbre, both have their flaws. I still think that the Senn HD650 has the best timbre for classical.

        • Reply February 21, 2013

          Chung Ho Jeffrey Chan

          Thank you for your quick reply!
          Speaking of HD650. Do you still prefer it over HD700 for classical music if pairing it with a mediocre amp? I always hesitate to get HD650 because you mentioned it is so hard to drive…
          And which closed-back would you recommend for classical music?
          Thanks again!

          • Reply February 21, 2013

            L.

            The soundmagic HP100 😉

            • Reply February 21, 2013

              Mike

              I haven’t heard the Soundmagic but supposedly it’s nice.

              The HD650 is not so difficult to drive these days.. most decent amps can drive it.

            • Reply February 21, 2013

              Mike

              Oh, and well the HD700 is overall a superior headphone.. but we’re talking about a totally different price range here, and for strictly classical I may still go for the HD650. Better timbre, better bass impact for symphonies.

  • Reply March 2, 2013

    jtr3

    I just got the DT770 LE and, honestly, I’m not impressed. The fit was too loose and the low-end just wasn’t there. I’m in love with the HE-400 bass, but I need a closed can. Would the D600 come in close?

    • Reply March 4, 2013

      Mike

      Sorry about the experience with the DT770 LE. A closed headphone with the HE-400’s bass, I don’t think it’s going to be the D600. In fact I can’t think of a closed headphone with a bass with the HE-400’s. I’m not saying that you can’t get more bass than the HE-400, but since the closed headphone is most likely to be based on a dynamic driver, the bass response is going to be very different than the planar based HE-400.
      The D600 has bass, I just don’t want you to imagine that you’re going to get the bass like the HE-400.

      • Reply April 6, 2013

        Uhh As

        How is the bass on the D600 different from the HE-400? Which bass do you think is better? Also, which one do you think has better soundstage, midrange, and instrument separation?

  • Reply March 13, 2013

    George Lai

    The 600 is now a real value-for-money USD299 on Amazon

    • Reply March 14, 2013

      Mike

      That is quite a value for money.

  • Reply March 25, 2013

    james anderson

    I recently purchased the D600’s and after a couple of weeks of almost non-stop listening to them, can say they are hands down the best headphones I’ve ever heard. They have a speaker-like sound, and sometimes I find myself taking them off to make sure the A/V Amp is actually switched off.

    • Reply March 25, 2013

      Mike

      Great to hear that you’re enjoying it! I think the D600 is an incredible value too.

  • Reply April 4, 2013

    Jonathan Yeung

    heard the d600 in best buy magnolia, first listen wasnt as impressed as the k550 next to it probably due to the sound signature. the k550 seems to have the sound signature that makes it sound clean. however, on second listen, the d600 really gave me the feeling that the bass was really bottomless and it sounds like an enjoyable headphone to listen to. i may think about getting it in the future, thanks for your review

    • Reply April 4, 2013

      Mike

      You’re welcome, Jonathan.

      Where is Magnolia?

      • Reply April 4, 2013

        Dave Ulrich

        It is a chain. Magnolias tend to live inside of Best Buy in the USA.

        • Reply April 4, 2013

          Mike

          Ah, I see

          • Reply April 5, 2013

            Jonathan Yeung

            Mike I don’t know if they are ever outside best buy but the one I went to was inside a best buy in San francisco

  • Reply April 10, 2013

    Uhh As

    Bumping this message…

    How is the bass on the D600 different
    from the HE-400? Which bass do you think is better? Also, which one do
    you think has better soundstage, midrange, and instrument separation?

  • Reply July 22, 2014

    Marc_D26

    Hi Mike & Lieven,

    I’m currently considering this Denon D7100 against the Fostex TH900. What’s your thoughts Sound-Quality wise of those two? Is it justifiable to fork-out more money toward the TH-900? Considering that the D7100 already discounted than the MSRP.

    Thanks, I look forward to your advice.

    • Reply July 22, 2014

      L.

      I prefer it over the The Denon but I would suggest you have a look at the Mr. speakers Alpha Dog

      • Reply July 23, 2014

        Marc_D26

        Thanks Lieven,

        What sound signature parts of the TH900 that made you prefer it over the D7100? Or what weaknesses of Denon that made you prefer the Fostex?

        May I ask why Alpha Dog? I thought it’s driver is a class below resolution-wise since it’s TR50P driver & its tonality more into neutral (especially when compared to the Mad Dog)

        Thanks very much,

        • Reply July 23, 2014

          L.

          The Denons have a very specific house sound. I think the TH900 is more realistic.

          Alpha dog is considered to be one of the best closed headphones, certainly when looking at price/quality. I hate the stock Fostex driver but love the Mad dog and Alpha Dog.

  • Reply July 24, 2014

    Pedro Oliveira

    How do these guys compare with the over ear momentums and the dt770ae?
    As i already told you guys i love my hd25’s and i also loved the momentums but i had fit issues with them and had to sell them…. i hated the k550 because they were too steryle for me…. since you guys told me that the dt770ae had a more atmospheric bass than a punchy one do you guys think the denon d600 would be a good match for me (indie, pop, rock and edm listener)? As i said i really liked the momentums and i am now trying to find a worthy over ear replacement…. i can get a pair of this denons for 130 euros if its really worth it…

    hope you guys can help…

    CHeers…

    • Reply July 24, 2014

      dalethorn

      Are HD25’s “over ear”?

      • Reply July 24, 2014

        Pedro Oliveira

        no. 🙂
        Just using them as an example othe types of sound i like, momentum and hd25…. I returned the momentums so now i want a similar quality headphone but a real over ear one, the momentum is for dwarfs….

        • Reply July 25, 2014

          dalethorn

          That’s why I always say “around ear”, because “over ear” is just a manufacturer’s way to deceive people.

    • Reply July 24, 2014

      L.

      Looks like you have already made up your mind. I’m not going to recommend you the Denons though, sorry.

      Momentum vs AE: overears suck. AE has better sound less punchy pass but bigger Sound stage and detail

      • Reply July 24, 2014

        Pedro Oliveira

        No, i have not made up my mind yet…. You dont like the over eat momentums sound L?
        The denons are very bad? Even at 130 euros?
        My only concern about the ae as i said before is the lack of proper edm bass and the highs, everybody keeps frightening me using the term beyers treble….. 😀

        • Reply July 24, 2014

          L.

          over ears momentums are more mid fi then high fi, a headphone tuned for pop music & R&B. Imho.

          The denons aren’t bad, not at 130€, but you I’d rather have the AE or the COP for that price.

          The beyer treble is only “bad” in the 880 and 990

          • Reply July 25, 2014

            Pedro Oliveira

            Thanks once again L….
            So how would you rank the denon d600?
            Are the denons so inferior to the late d*000 line?
            Its incredible to see a former 500 euro headphone now being sold for 130 euros….

            Whay went wrong with this denon for such few interest among the consumers?

            I have my head spinning right now….. 😀

            I can get a dt770 ae edition used but in mint condition for 90 euros (shipping already included) and also mint d600 for 125 (shipping included also)…. Too bad i dont get the chance of trying any before buying them…. If i knew i liked both i would have two headphones that started too cost about 750 euros combined for 215 euros…. 😀

            • Reply July 25, 2014

              L.

              I would buy both and sell the one I like least. Probably even with a profit.

              The Denins sound special. They were too high priced but 130 is too low

              • Reply July 25, 2014

                Pedro Oliveira

                Maybe i will. But what do you think would be a fair price for the d600? Soundquality wise do you think the are õn paar or better than the momentums? Whats wrong with the d600 in ur opininion? Thank u

                • Reply July 25, 2014

                  L.

                  Maybe like 300 new. I think they are better than the Momentums overall. There’s nothing wrong, they just sound very special: clarity and very airy

                  • Reply July 25, 2014

                    Pedro Oliveira

                    Hum…. they look promising….. So when you said you would not recomend the d600 you had the original price in mind right?
                    From what i’ve read of this d600 the bass seems to be pretty nice, the highs as well but the mids seem to be recessed and also it seems they are a bit colored….
                    The vocals on them sound anything close to the sony mdr 1r? I am asking this because i had the 1r’s and i founf them to sound too mufled and also the vocals on the sounded to mufled as well…. it was almost like the singers were burried…… I did not like the 1r’s very much because of this and also because they lacked punch…

                    • July 25, 2014

                      L.

                      Yes for price. No idea about the 1r. Sorry

                    • July 26, 2014

                      Pedro Oliveira

                      Cool…. Thanks L…. Just to wrap it up, how do these and the dt770 ae comparr with each other in terms of sound signature? Specially on the bass…

                      Cheers

                    • August 2, 2014

                      Pedro Oliveira

                      L how do the ah d600s compare against the b&o h6, the b&w p7 and the amperior (or hd25)?

                      Wich do you think is the best all rounder? Specially for more main streeam styles like pop, rock and edm….

                      I know the amperior is an over ear but now it can be got for 140 new and the denons for 130 wich are very similar prices (the h6 and the p7 goes around 350 and 400 euros)….

                      Cheers

                    • August 2, 2014

                      L.

                      H6 and HP50

  • Reply September 6, 2014

    Daphen

    Hi, when you say they are big, is it the height of the head or the clamping pressure that’s the problem? I have a small head and have a really good deal on the D7100 but I generally need to put a cloth between the headband and my head to make my ears go under the pads on the lowest setting, thanks.

    • Reply September 6, 2014

      L.

      Then I fear the worst with the Denons. Big head required

      • Reply September 6, 2014

        Daphen

        Would it be possible to screw the headband loose and cut off like 2 cm on each side, then drill new holes and screw them back?
        I’m getting them for such a steal that I feel like it’s impossible to get anything near them in quality for the same price.

        Are there usually cables in the headband? I’m not too experienced with this, I usually just listen, haha. 🙂
        Thanks.

        • Reply September 6, 2014

          L.

          there are cables in a headband when you have a one sided entry. I don’t think you would pull of shortening the headband of a Denon. But I’d sure like to see you try.

          seriously though, try the DT770 32Ohm. cheap too and great sound.

          • Reply September 6, 2014

            Daphen

            in theory it doesn’t sound like an all too complicated task though, I might be wrong.
            Are you saying you would compare the DT770 with the d7100 sound quality wise?

            • Reply September 6, 2014

              L.

              no not directly but most people who like the denon sound seem to like the DT770 AE even more

              • Reply September 6, 2014

                Daphen

                Ah well, thanks for the help, I think I’m just going to wait for a place where I can audition the Denons.

              • Reply September 6, 2014

                Daphen

                Do you think these are bigger on the smallest setting, like, require a bigger head, than the D2000? I auditioned those once and they were huge, not possible for me to wear even if I had a helmet on.

      • Reply October 6, 2014

        Joe Rico

        Yes sir. I tried the D600 and it did sound nice. My first impression was you need a big square head for a proper fit. I have a narrow head so I couldn’t get a good seal which killed bass response. When I pressed the pads against my head the difference was dramatic. The Denons have amazingly comfortable ear pads. I also tried the Akg K545 and it was a similar fit problem. A shame since both cans would be something I would consider if the fit was good for me. The Denon are a little more meaty sounding than the K545. I demoed them both with a 180 gr pressing of Floyds Dark Side Of The Moon. Wow!!

  • Reply January 28, 2015

    Oliver Verbloot

    The same thought keeps coming into my head when i see these headphones. And that is how comfortable they look.

    • Reply January 28, 2015

      Headfonia_L.

      They are if you have a big head. great pads

      • Reply January 28, 2015

        Oliver Verbloot

        Then they’ll fit because on my Harman Kardon’s i have to use the large head band to even wear them

  • Reply August 16, 2017

    Nickjan

    I just saw the DENON AH-D7200 got the eisa award. Maybe nice to get a review sample of this one.

  • Reply August 16, 2017

    Lieven

    Had it for a month already. Haven’t opened the box yet. Blame the Utopia

    • Reply August 17, 2017

      dale thorn

      At $1000 USD, it’s an obvious competitor to the Focal Elear. That comparison, if you can do it, would be most interesting.

  • Reply October 15, 2017

    Steve Potts

    Truly world class cans —– to bring out the best of them and utilise superb engineering they require many hours of burn in and have to be marched with a quality amp.
    Exceptional —- a good headphone amp controls the bass —- sub-bass is marvellous —— a lot of effort ie burn in and a good headphone amp required.
    Always make me smile and never fail to dissapoint after 5 years.

  • Reply October 15, 2017

    Steve Potts

    My set up is —– imod — and my beloved Stepdance amp —- my imod is equally beloved though.
    It’s a conundrum though — yes they are very easy to drive, but whilst they’re okay straight outta the box and plugged into any headphone jack — they are fine , but —- and this is key , burn them in 1000 hrs minimum —- and you have musisal nirvana X

  • Reply October 8, 2018

    Sp12er

    Saw a good deal for a mint condition once, wasn’t too interested because I had the UE6000 at the time which I read seems to have similar sound sig.

    But then after months past, I find a demo of the D600 on a retail store, it piques my interest, after lunch with my family, I put some eartime to them, put out my DAP, tune in my music…

    The UE 6000 had nothing on this at all… Man it’s actually very nice, the vocal is clear and doesn’t feel recessed at all, which was what make me sold the UE, and disliking the DT770, bass is punchy and layered, it’s been a while I heard this nice of a bass, last time was when I was demoing a Sony Z1R, and this Denon clearly makes me remember of that experience, yeah, the D600 actually, in tonality at least is very similar to the $1700+ Sony flagship, it’s an instant buy for me at that night, finding the deal still available (a pity for the brand, but very lucky for me!) and waited for a couple days for it to arrive,

    When it arrived, man it stole my MA900 and K702 from any eartime, I really am missing a good closed cans. I had to sold my M40x and my 2ndary phone, but it was well worth it.
    I finally get has a closed can that doesn’t lose to my open 🙂

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