Denon AH-D5200 Discussion and Impressions

I've not had time to listen yet. Just quick measures. Stock t50rp pads from Mayflower, DGMP pads, then all 4. The DGMP pads I measured at a little louder volume to makeup for louder environment (washer was running), the treble peak in right ear I dunno what happened. I'll get these measured again, post some impressions, and smoothed too @Biodegraded

 

D5200 w T50rp pads remind me of T50rp mk3. Kinda mid-centric with wonky treble where its missing presence but its also bright-ish. D5200 is a little flatter sounding. The fit and feel is t50rp form which doesnt bother me at all.

DGMP pads are tightest fitting. The t50rp and other lamb pad were both a tiny bit big but serviceable. The DGMP are shaped like t50rp pads but about twice as thick. The DGMP are also less comfortable - get warmer. However, probably sounded the most complete. Like the other pads they are a little bright, however they do not have the treble presence dip and dont lack enough warmth like t50rp pads. Stock D5200 pads I don’t recall well enough since I didnt use much because of comfort and sound. Also, thinner pads allow more space for head within the short headband.

Now to tamp down brightness hopefully with internal damping. I’ve ordered some mod materials and another full-sized headphone for testing (monoprice hr5c). I also wanted to get another full-sized closed to hopefully better understand if some of the sound characteristics are inherent to closed design. I was having trouble comparing to my open headphones and I dont have a lot of experience with closed phone or iem (t50rp are semi-closed and not dynamics). The bass on Denon measure flat but also sound kinda flat/overdamped? I think this may just be a “closed-in” sound.

Edit: Liking these a lot with the DGMP pads. Everything I’ve listened to sounds clean and detailed. Not just fake detail from little brightness, I think its the noise isolation letting me perceive more. Also, fatigue-free at ~1.5hours. Getting accustomed to bass too and slowly realizing its awesome. Wish I still had my Verum for comparison. Feeling now need to upgrade Hemp and mod 6XX to closed.

 

@E_Schaaf shared this Foster info yesterday in the measurement rig thread. Adding here for visibility / utility.:

 

@E_Schaaf would you be interested in me sending you my modded 5200's for an inspection/dissection and a chance to listen/measure with some extra pads?

 

D5200 with E-MU teak stock pads. The E-MU pads are angled with the front being about as shallow as DGMP pads, narrowest ear hole of all with a built-in plastic lens for attenuation. The pads are not flat so fit so did not appear quite flush with EARS and I cannot say if seal was attained or not. The second measurement (L2) I applied physical pressure to make sure I had a seal but of course that could be just as innacurate as no seal because it could cause the driver to mover closer to ear than natural. I've had little listening done, but I wouldn't say I am hearing L2.



Also, the headphone adapter rings are slightly different, Denon's little smaller diameter and a little different attachment hooks. They are not cross compatible.

Edit: extra graph