Denon AH-D9200 Flagship Reference Over Ear Headphones (Bamboo)

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 never thought I'd pay this much for headphones, but I'm slowly going up the (entry level still!) audiophile ladder. I have a good but modest system: Pro-Ject X2 turntable with Sumiko Moonstone MM cartridge; Denon PMA-600ne Integrated Receiver; Denon DCD-600ne CD player; and Elac Debut B6 speakers. I wanted to get headphones for when I need to listen without disturbing my family in the adjacent TV room. I had cheap ones, then moved up to AKG 702 open-back headphones. Their soundstage was amazing, a mile wide, and the clarity was impressive. However, they were ridiculously bass-light, and I had to turn my bass tone knob all the way up and treble flat whenever using them. Even then, it was too bass-light. I realized I needed good closed-back phones that would have more muscle and bass, but did not want it to be boosted to an extent that it was inaccurate. I think I have found that perfect medium with the Denon AH D5200's.Firstly, these are beautiful, with their wood earcups and brushed metal appointments. The fit is outstanding: the hole for the ear is just perfectly fitted and angled such that I can wear these for hours without even noticing them. The cables are strong and flexible and long enough. And the sound, in a word, is just MUSICAL. I do not feel these are really bass-boosted--they seem to report on bass accurately when comparing to my Elac (bookshelf, so not crazy bass heavy) speakers. The treble is smooth and never sharp or ice-picky. If they are a little mid scooped, it's in a very pleasant and natural way. Things just sound 'right' on the 5200s. I am sure they will improve with burn in to sound even better, but out of the box, I love them. They do not, of course, have the wide soundstage of open back headphones, but I feel that the placement of sounds within the soundstage is utterly accurate.It really makes me wonder how much more you get out of the AH D9200's, which are fully made in Japan and cost $1599. The 5200's use Japanese drivers, but are constructed in China. Given the build quality and sound, I see no reason to move up, but someday it would be fun to try the D9200's (reviews on the 5200's and 9200's are generally near 5 stars; reviews on the middle ground set, the D7200's seem a bit more muted, not sure why). Really enjoying these and looking forward to many more hours of pleasant listening.

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.