About to drop $$ of some new cans...

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
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About to drop $$ of some new cans…

I know there are a plethora of “what headphone should I buy” threads out there, but felt I had a couple specific questions that would be helpful if answered.

As the title states, I need to get a new set of headphones. I previously had the TMA-1’s, and while I liked them, I also came to the understanding with myself that I prefer OVER ear rather than ON ear headphones.

Right now I’m basically looking between two:

Pioneer HDJ-2000

300×300 6.2 KB

Technical specifications
Frequency response: 5Hz to 30,000Hz
Impedance: 36 Ohm
Sensitivity: 107dB
Maximum power input: 3,500mW
Driver units: 50mm dome type
Cord: 1.2m long one-side connection coiled type (extended length 3m) Weight: 290g (without cord)

Ultrasone DJ1 Pro

300×300 5.26 KB

Technical specifications
S-Logic Natural Surround Sound
Dynamic principle
Frequency range: 10-22,000 Hz
Impedance 64 Ohms
Sound pressure level: 102 dB
MU Metal bufferboard, reduced field emissions in accordance with ULE (=Ultra Low Emission) standard
Driver: 50 mm Mylar
Weight: 295 g (without cord)
Long-term availability of spare parts

I’ve pretty much ruled out getting TMA-1’s again (though they were nice). My puppy got at them (she was still little) and they didn’t survive. I really did love the build quality, but felt they could have had a little more in the low end sound wise. Also with glasses and gauges, I found out I prefer over ear rather than on ear for comfort purposes with these.

A buddy of mine has the Xone 53’s and while I like them, maybe it’s vanity, but I don’t want to completely copy everything that he has. I do really like them though, but I do have some fears about their longevity if I did go down that path.

Another friend has the HDJ-1000’s and loves them, but the swivel joint is starting to crack after a little over a year. So that’s why I’m looking at the 2000’s instead, though it is a touch bigger price difference… but I’m willing to pay it.

Anyone have any experience between the Ultrasone’s and the HDJ-2000’s? Both seem like top quality cans, but I don’t have anyone’s I can check out for reference. Either way I’m pretty sure I’d be happy with the purchase, I just want to cover all my basis before I drop $200+ on a set of headphones (again).

  • Anyone had both, or have tried both to compare the differences between the two?
  • Other than the metal construction of the 2000’s, anything I should be aware of in build-quality/longevity?
  • Sound quality? Are the Highs/Lows/Mids punchier in either set of cans?

Right now I’ll be honest and say I’m leaning toward the Pioneer’s. 5Hz-30,000Hz vs 10Hz-22,000Hz with the Ultrasone’s. But I’d love to hear any feedback people have.

(And I really do analyze things way too much before I buy lol)

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You might want to take a look at the allen & heath xone xd-53 they sound amazing.

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reading comprehension > moss2626

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I havent worn both but I can tell you more about the HDJ2000s. Firstly, the build quality is amazing, not just the metal swivel, but also in the headband. Its made of a shape retaining plastic so you can basically skew it in any direction and itll snap back. They`re very hard to break, so if you want good build quality, go for the pioneers.

For your frequency range: on the lower end 5hz and 10hz isnt a difference considering that for the majority of people the lower threshold of hearing is 20Hz, so it doesnt matter. and the same goes for the top. you wont really hear anything over 20,000Hz so it becomes trivial any higher, it doesnt matter if they respond to 1,000,000 Hz, were not dogs so its of no use. The HDJs are eqed for Djing which means that there its not a flat response, youll get a bit more punch from the bass so youll have an easier time mixing, because the majority is done with the bass frequencies, but you still have the original feel of the song, its not too heavily eq`d. The mids are also quite warm with the cans.

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@keithace’s : I said might take a look at the xone since he didn’t seem to give them a real chance. They are probably the best out of the ones he mentioned and they are less expensive. I probably didn’t express myself clearly haha my bad english is not my first language :slight_smile:

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Haven’t tried both but I do have the Ultrasones so I’ll give you my feedback.

First, these headphones are big. Big enough that they are not for everyone. In fact, they are some of the biggest DJ cans I’ve seen. Thankfully I’ve got a head to match so that’s not such a huge problem :wink:. They’re very comfortable, adjustable, and the swivel works nicely. The pads are nice and easily removable/replaceable. The cans themselves are quite durable too: mine have been dropped, sweated on, and have even had whiskey dumped on them while in use and they’ve kept on ticking. The S-Logic tech in them does make a difference and combined with the isolation you can get clear and loud sound without killing your ears to do so. Overall response is pretty flat with satisfying amounts of bass. I wish they were slightly clearer, but I think you’d have to go open back or more audiophile-centric phones for that. I originally went with them since they were cheaper than the 2000s and I haven’t had a regret since.

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I’ve got the Pioneers. SUPER comfortable. Solid build. I could see them lasting years but I’ve only had them for a year. They’re a little bass heavy for my liking but still pretty transparent. I can’t speak for the ultrasone’s but many have given them great reviews. The 2000’s are pricey but I have absolutely no buyers remorse with them. I will tell you I use different headphones for my professional work that have a flatter response. The only thing I would say about the Pioneers is the removable cord is a very tight fit to the headphones and I could see this being an issue if you are the type to unhook the cord from the headphones when packing (I don’t so it’s no biggie)

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sony mdr-7506 or v6 if you dont want the gold fittings but the drivers are the same

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I have the 2000s. Definitely recommendable, despite the price.

scamo

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Actually as far as price goes, it’s not a big difference for the 2000’s vs the DJ1 Pro’s at this point, if you look at Amazon’s pricing.

Pioneer HDJ-2000: $246.31
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro: $219.94

Of which, I’ll probably just end up going to Guitar Center and having them price-match the best deal I can find. Have to say, the Guitar Center in Boston is awesome. And I can go to the one in Nashua New Hampshire, buy it without sales tax, and then pick it up from the Boston store if the Nashua store doesn’t have it. Living close to NH is nice for such purchases lol.

I’ve looked at them, and had a fair bit of experience using them as my buddy who has them is the first one of my friends whom bought tables, and really got me into it. But as they are nice, I just don’t see them on the same level as the other two. I like them, but I also want something a little different in my setup, so just taking them off the table for now.

That’s actually really good to know. I know the TMA-1’s were on the big side as well, and I have a large cranium so that’s pretty important. I’ve tried the HD25’s and they are honestly too tight for me (main reason besides being on ear that I’ve taken them off the table).

Anyone have experience on the size of the HDJ-2000’s?

Not really on the same playing field. Not really concerned with price as much as getting an all-around solid set of cans that I won’t want to upgrade/change for a few years.

Also:
I’ve read that the HDJ-2000’s need a bit more power to operate. On my tables that would be fine with my mixer, but just wondering for potential iPhone use (for listening). Would I need an external headphone amp? Anyone with experience with the DJ1 Pro’s have anything to weigh in on that note? (Honestly it’s not a big deal, as they are mainly for mixing, but it’s good to know).

And thanks for everyone who’s responded so far. Going to be trying to pick something up by the end of the weekend, so it’s good to hear things on both sides :slight_smile:

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I hate the Beats for being commercial purely commercial but they do last, Sennheiser HD25s are good, I was gonna tell the AIAIAI TMA1s but you ruled them out. The Ultrasone I have never used them but heard some great things about them. The HDJ2000 are expensive but nice, if you have the coin, go for it. Also the Xone XD53 are nice, the V-Moda Crossfade which I have friends that use them also MANY proffesional DJs use them and are saying they are pretty good, if seen tons of pictures of Nervo, Funkagenda and some other wearing them. Good luck.

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Hi there!

I use the Sennheiser HD 25-C II headphones and I absolutely love them! I’ts great for using both indoor and outdoor, when you’re going to do some gigs.

You might want to check out this short review I found: http://www.stuff.tv/review/sennheiser-hd-25-c-ii

Good luck with choosing a headphone!

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I own a pair of the ultrasones. The review that had me sold was this one:

http://dancemusic.about.com/od/djgear/fr/UltrasoneDJ1Pro.htm

Since i’m also an acoustic musician i’m VERY careful with my hearing (not that DJs arent/shouldn´t but you get what i mean) so that was a BIG selling point for me.

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That was a pretty good review. I think it’s interesting how it’s a different style of sound that is with lower volume rather than higher.

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Yeah, it’s pretty different!

Also, the cups themselves are quite good at blocking out sound, so i often just find myself using the cue/master-knob and never taking them off. I’m trying to get used to this, to school myself into always wearing ear-protection in a live environment.

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tried a buddies pair of ultrasone’s a few times, don’t remember the exact model but…damn.
felt like being downstairs in a sort of grimy ol’ jazz club ten feet from the stage. actual depth to the sound, even with edm. and now that review just explained it to me.

if only i could afford

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I’ve been torn, but actually just went with the Pioneer HDJ-2000’s.

Don’t have them yet, ordered through my local Guitar Center and they are being shipped to the store. Was able to price-match them for $239 though, which is a huge difference off the retail of $350. Still expensive for a set of headphones… but hopefully I won’t have to replace these for a LONG time.

As much as sound quality of the Ultrasone’s is something I want to check out, the whole durability (being made out of metal) thing sold me on the 2000’s. And I’m pretty sure I won’t be disappointed with the sound quality either.

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good choice. they are surprisingly transparent. great for djing and producing

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The HDJ 2000 might be of better quality than the HDJ 1000 but i seriously doubt that it will take a bash..
I’ve seen plenty of hdj 2000’s fixed with tape and other methods due to broken headband or that swivel area broken.

although the soundquality is fine (not worth 230 euro though imo), they are real loud and comfort is high i’d still say hd25’s take them everyday..

but its totally objective :slight_smile:
I really do think that hd25s are of better construction quality since its like impossible to break them with easy replacement parts even if something would happen.

Sure materials of the hdj 2000 might be bloody brilliant but the construction of it is in my eyes fail. But I guess it will hold if you take good care of it.

Keep in mind sennheiser is launching a new version of hd25 called “amperior” with new elements and aluminium on the phones instead of plastic. Will be available in silver and blue and also comes with mic for iphone.

I will pick up one of those for sure! :slight_smile:

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Yeah I agree with the last comment. Its not about all the metal parts, all headphones break because of one little part. Don’t be fooled by looks. Although they might last. The new sennheiser are coming out, they seem cool.