DenonAH-D7200 Reference Over Ear Headphones

I have been into high-quality audio for probably about 10 years now, and I have been searching for that set of headphones that perfectly meets my needs, and while this set isn't exactly 10/10, I give it a solid 9/10. I listen to quite a bit of Electric, EDM, R&B, Hip Hop and Top 40/Pop. Because of this, I really like V-Shaped headphone tunes (meaning, elevated low-end and elevated high end), as these are typically the parts of those genres that are really dynamic and emotional. It has always been difficult for me to find hi-fi quality audiophile headphones that provide a fun listening experience for that type of sound WITHOUT having to deal with EQing or investing in lots of extra equipment. THIS SET IS CLOSE TO PERFECT FOR THIS. Let me get into a few quick reasons why.#1 The overall sound tune and signature. Many hi-fi/audiophile cans have either a flat or bright tune, with a strong focus on detail in the high-end. That is NOT the tune of these cans. These cans have an overall warm signature, with a very dynamic feel. However, these are not Basshead cans. The best way I can describe it is that the tune is balanced but with a noticeable elevation to the mid bass. The elevation of the mid bass, however, works perfectly in tandem with the warmth of the wood cups and overall soundstage to produce an overall low-end elevated sound signature that still preserves detail across the spectrum, frankly, like nothing I have ever heard in this price range. This creates enough low-end to be pleasant, but admittedly, it is NOT the rumbling or boomy bass you would get from cans that have a bigger sub-bass boost. However, as someone that loves bass, the overall tune of these is so great that the hit to sub-bass is worth it overall. Also, this is the tune I got with zero EQ adjustments or anything like that. Right out of the box, outstanding tune (a theme that will repeat in just a second).#2 Easy to power. Again, getting into audiophile headphones can get expensive when lots of extra equipment becomes required to either operate your setup or tweak it the way you want. The fact that they have a great tune out of the box means that you don't have to worry about any type of extra software. The fact that these are easy to power means that you do not have to invest in expensive amplifiers, DACs, etc. to use these headphones. These CAN likely be run from almost any device, even a mobile device. I personally am running them from a Dragonfly Cobalt portable DAC/Amp, and they reach max loudness before distortion around 80%, and at that volume, they are louder than I can comfortably enjoy for long periods, which trust me, is loud. Being easy to power is another reason this is just a great go-to headphone.#3 The overall clarity, detail and positioning is outstanding. Make no mistake, this is a hi-fi headphone. If you are looking at the price here and thinking it is insane, it is important to know this is a whole different class of headphone compared to the AirPods (yes, including AirPods Max), Bose, Beats and other wireless/consumer-class headphones. These are what I would say are the high-end of "mid-fi" or the low end of "hi-fi" quality. The sound here is delivered crisply and purely, delivering detail in notes that is outstanding. The overall soundstage is not particularly large; these headphones are definitely intimate. I would best describe the soundstage size as a small bubble just outside of your head. However, within that bubble, there is massive space between each instrument and vocal element, and the placement of all pieces are distinct and immersive. The soundstage has decent width and height.Those are my top three reasons for the rating, but an honorable mention is the overall build and design. Consistent with something in this price range, the build quality is excellent and distinctive. The zebra wood cubs against the brushed metal presents very well. I have a stand for mine to display. The included wire is quite long, which some love and some hate (I love), is braided so doesn't tangle and uses standard 3.5mm connectors, so you can easily use a 3rd party cable if you choose. Easily one of my favorite pairs of headphones ever!

I love the sound of these cans. The materials and construction, and sound, are of the highest quality.Nothing is ever perfect. I have a large head. The fit is just a tad too tight for my ears, which squeeze into the openings, and just lightly touch the fabric driver covers. I am at the last click for extension of the ear cups. Comfort is only okay, but I can put up with that because the sound is amazing. Compared to the Audeze LCD X, and the Audeze LCD 2 Closed, this Denon AHD-9200 offers more refinement in detail and presentation, and overall balance across the frequency spectrum.For me, and my big head, the Audeze are more comfortable, even though they are considerably larger and heavier. The sound of the Audeze 2 Closed is better to mix recordings with, however, since they offer enough detail and imaging information in a very uncolored, though somewhat flatter, less euphonic manner than either the LCD-X or these Denons. The use of the LCD 2 Closed, as a tool, will be of most value if you are mixing with them.However,I prefer listening to the Denon and the LCD-x for pure enjoyment of all types of music and recordings. They are both very efficient, easy to drive, and are sensitive enough to be able to use them with any decent headphone amplifier, or nearly anything with a headphone output.However,They both "scale-up" beautifully and reveal the quality of recording and all upstream electronics incredibly well. They allow you to hear the qualities of the recording, the DAC, and amplifier, and interconnecting cables very plainly.In comparison,I love these Denons and my Audeze LCD-X. I find the Denon most revealing of the finest detail, with silky smooth, easy on the ear, full range dynamic sound. I find the LCD-X to offer a slightly bigger sound stage, with better macro dynamics, but with less definition and separation of the finest details, (or micro dynamics). My ears adapt to the frequency response of both headphones, so that perceptually I find their presentation of bass, midrange, and treble balanced, natural, and smooth, without feeling that anything, including the lowest bass, is left out or over emphasized. I don't feel the need to alter their frequency response. That is really something truly incredible, but for the price of these headphones, it is something I expect. and a prerequisite to even considering investing in them. Not all uses for headphones can allow for EQing, therefore the best headphones must have low distortion, a full and balanced frequency response, good spatial presentation, great dynamics, and transients, and detail retrieval, offered in a natural, accurate, musically pleasing and emotionally involving soundscape. It's amazing to me, how close to hitting all these goals in one package these cans have come! I can't stop listening to them... late into the night...too often :-) I find, especially now with my new Denons, completely new views...new insights into incredible levels of detail and nuance... of recordings I've heard (or thought I had heard) so many times over the years. It is simply amazing, and it is a great joy!In conclusion,I think most people will love these Denon AHD 9200, as they are smaller, lighter, attractive, and are suitable for portable use, whereas the Audeze LCD-X are too large and heavy to be good for portable use.However,I am very happy, and thankful, to have both!

These are good headphones, but I was not blown away listening to them They don't sound 10 times better than Beyerdynamic 770 250 Ohm. I'd say the soundstage is even worse here.