JSTN

I live in New York and work at Tumblr.

justinouellette.com

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  Overall winner: Denon AH-D2000

  They’re all really interesting headphones in their own way, but for my money these are the ones to get if you like to go swimming in your music. The B&W P5 was a close second, and I bet if you don’t like one you’ll like the other.

  I limited my contenders to closed-back designs because I work in a relatively quiet office, but some day I’d love to try the open-back Grados and Sennheisers of legend.

  Here are some quick notes, I listened to a variety of songs of the type I sometimes post here and knocked them out one by one:

  1) DENON AH-D2000
  • the ones i’m listening to right now
  • smoothest, creamiest, airiest of the five
  • mellow but still very clear with tight bass
  • expansive and atmospheric sound
  • only wish the fit was a little more snug
  • awesome rope cable

  2) BOWER & WILKINS P5
  • very intimate as opposed to expansive, much different vs denon
  • punchier sound, not quite as mellow, slightly more exciting
  • excellent low end, although maybe a little muddy
  • the most comfortable of all, nice snug fit

  3) SONY MDR-V6
  • my previous favorite, and still the best in its price range
  • extreeeeeeeeeeeeemely mellow
  • warm dreamy sound, but at the expense of detail/accuracy
  • everyone should own a pair once in their life

  4) SONY MDR-Z1000
  • the most detailed of the five
  • very punchy sound and thick bass, almost aggressive
  • too cold for my taste, wore my ears down the fastest
  • pinched my glasses in a weird way

  5) BOSE QUIET COMFORT 2
  • very flat, actually too flat for me
  • slightly warm sound if anything
  • reasonably detailed
  • noise canceling works as advertised

  • #headphones
  2 Feb 2012