Not a whole lot to add that others have mentioned. I would have liked a traveling case included instead of a pouch, but I will let that slide for a couple of reasons. First is that the box that is included with them could actually work and looks and feels nice. Secondly, you can add a case to your collection for chump change on Amazon or the like. I have owned Denon AHD-600s, Audio-Technica m50s, AKG Q701 open-backs, Ultrasone 15g open-backs and a couple of entry level in-ears from Grado and Klipsch. I have also owned some full-sized closed AIWA headphones from back in the mid 90's that probably don't sound as good as any of the previously mentioned headphones. But that's how this hobby all got started for me.
Enough about all that. How do these sound? Are they as good as they are hyped up to be? Are they as good as Oppo PM-3's or Shure 1540's? You bet.
The Oppo's possess a more intoxicating midrange at the expense of detail, balance and bass quality.
The Shure has a better soundstage. But lacks more on isolation and portability. Comfort is as good if not better. To some these "may" sound better and more rounded and fleshed out.
The Denons are more exciting and grip you in the middle of the performance, whereas the Shures do it more with a lighter handshake.
I tried these out before I decided which ones to buy and am happy that I chose to settle with these. I much prefer the impact, and toe-tapping tendencies these Denon's give me over the Shure's. And hell. These are 100 dollars cheaper.
I only bring those things up to those who are in the market for headphones in this price range. These are cream-of-the-crop headphones for $400.00.
Compared to the Denon AHD 600s, I think they might be wider sounding in it's soundstage, however it's not to the level of difference where I really notice it all that much. A touch more bass quantity. I prefer these MM-400's over the AHD 600s in most other ways, including sound. The bass has never seemed overbearing on the MM-400's to my ears.
Let these headphones do their thing for at least a week of moderate listening and you will be rewarded with the so-called burn in magic effects. They sound infinitely better now that I have over 100 hours on them. They pair very well with amps. Am using an Alpha Design Labs Stride amp. Modestly priced and well built. Nothing over the top, but I am already getting an itch to upgrade the amp. Maybe. As is they are quite good. In fact, better than I anticipated. Just for reference. I listen to nothing, but genuine compact discs all treated with Audience Disc Illuminator as I do with all headphones that I try out.
I think, if you give these a go and give them time to settle in, you will fall in love with them. My hunt is over. I think I will be happy with whatever route I go with future upgrading. At least I know now that whatever I will be upgrading to from now on won't be the headphones themselves.
As a side note: If you ever want to try upgrading the cable to something high end you should try moon-audio.com. Their Ultrasone Pro headphone cable fits like a charm, nice and tight too.
Update: The headphone headband on these has snapped and they are pretty much impossible to wear now. I was able to get my money back. I babied these headphones so it is possible that I just happened to receive a defective product. My ratings still stand for their performance, but I am curious to know if this problem happens again with future users.
Enough about all that. How do these sound? Are they as good as they are hyped up to be? Are they as good as Oppo PM-3's or Shure 1540's? You bet.
The Oppo's possess a more intoxicating midrange at the expense of detail, balance and bass quality.
The Shure has a better soundstage. But lacks more on isolation and portability. Comfort is as good if not better. To some these "may" sound better and more rounded and fleshed out.
The Denons are more exciting and grip you in the middle of the performance, whereas the Shures do it more with a lighter handshake.
I tried these out before I decided which ones to buy and am happy that I chose to settle with these. I much prefer the impact, and toe-tapping tendencies these Denon's give me over the Shure's. And hell. These are 100 dollars cheaper.
I only bring those things up to those who are in the market for headphones in this price range. These are cream-of-the-crop headphones for $400.00.
Compared to the Denon AHD 600s, I think they might be wider sounding in it's soundstage, however it's not to the level of difference where I really notice it all that much. A touch more bass quantity. I prefer these MM-400's over the AHD 600s in most other ways, including sound. The bass has never seemed overbearing on the MM-400's to my ears.
Let these headphones do their thing for at least a week of moderate listening and you will be rewarded with the so-called burn in magic effects. They sound infinitely better now that I have over 100 hours on them. They pair very well with amps. Am using an Alpha Design Labs Stride amp. Modestly priced and well built. Nothing over the top, but I am already getting an itch to upgrade the amp. Maybe. As is they are quite good. In fact, better than I anticipated. Just for reference. I listen to nothing, but genuine compact discs all treated with Audience Disc Illuminator as I do with all headphones that I try out.
I think, if you give these a go and give them time to settle in, you will fall in love with them. My hunt is over. I think I will be happy with whatever route I go with future upgrading. At least I know now that whatever I will be upgrading to from now on won't be the headphones themselves.
As a side note: If you ever want to try upgrading the cable to something high end you should try moon-audio.com. Their Ultrasone Pro headphone cable fits like a charm, nice and tight too.
Update: The headphone headband on these has snapped and they are pretty much impossible to wear now. I was able to get my money back. I babied these headphones so it is possible that I just happened to receive a defective product. My ratings still stand for their performance, but I am curious to know if this problem happens again with future users.
