[Random Lunatic]

do you think it's a warranty case

I did because I thought it was unacceptable, but every new pair I got just had some other small imperfections. Nothing functionally problematic mind you

 

[zolkis]

Pads are usually outsourced and mostly handmade. Small imperfections are not a sign of bad quality.
The dust cloth might wrinkle with time, whatever you do.
The bigger problem with the ear pads is sub-optimal acoustic design; also in Denon's case.
Looks like manufacturers usually just pass down the comfort-related specs: dimensions, rough material choice, etc. to 3rd parties, and maybe (likely) there are also measurements for some samples, but usually there is not enough optimization for sound (like Focal and Sony, maybe Stax seem to do), just a "pass": eh, good enough (Mediocrates).

 

[karhujanis]

Pads are usually outsourced and mostly handmade. Small imperfections are not a sign of bad quality.
The dust cloth might wrinkle with time, whatever you do.
The bigger problem with the ear pads is sub-optimal acoustic design; also in Denon's case.
Looks like manufacturers usually just pass down the comfort-related specs: dimensions, rough material choice, etc. to 3rd parties, and maybe (likely) there are also measurements for some samples, but usually there is not enough optimization for sound (like Focal and Sony, maybe Stax seem to do), just a "pass": eh, good enough (Mediocrates).

I am just comparing them to my 5200s which are more than 1,5 years old and which look just perfect. And 9200's out of the box look like someone was attaching them being drunk or something like this I wonder if I could take them off and try to flatten them, or keep as it is because don't want to interfere into expensive handmade device

 

[ApaucalyptiK]

If it doesn't affect performance or comfort IMHO it's knit picking and making it a warranty case seems exagerated.

 

[trickyRoadsDummyTOOL]

I am just comparing them to my 5200s which are more than 1,5 years old and which look just perfect. And 9200's out of the box look like someone was attaching them being drunk or something like this I wonder if I could take them off and try to flatten them, or keep as it is because don't want to interfere into expensive handmade device

I feel somewhat gifted that I own such an aesthetically and sound wise almost perfect device.
I also can understand, aesthetic imperfections can be really frustrating and annoying, especially with such an expensive device.
Denon should really be aware of the fact, that these pads are sometimes crap-like. But I fear, as I have read multiple times, they act more like "fire and forget" after selling their products to the dealer/salesmen.
Mine nevertheless are perfectly fine.

 

[Casey’sToneQuest]

I just got a pair new the other day and my left earpad fabric is like this as well. They sound stunning though!

 

[karhujanis]

It looks like we have to forgive Denon their issues with ear-pads because the sound is just fantastic!

 

[trickyRoadsDummyTOOL]

It looks like we have to forgive Denon their issues with ear-pads because the sound is just fantastic!

Maybe you do not have read the whole thread, but if you do trust your DIY-abilities, you should really consider to search this thread for zolkis’ contributions. He did a lot of research/work on alternative pads and explains in detail, how to mod which pads and their impact on making soundstage wider, for example, exactly for this headphone.

 

[karhujanis]

Maybe you do not have read the whole thread, but if you do trust your DIY-abilities, you should really consider to search this thread for zolkis’ contributions. He did a lot of research/work on alternative pads and explains in detail, how to mod which pads and their impact on making soundstage wider, for example, exactly for this headphone.

Indeed, I have not read the whole thread 100% will look for those posts, thank you so much!

 

[MagicManoova]

May we worth trying a higher impedance source of you can get your hands on one, sounds like the driver is over dampened causing a darker sound, "more blunted" sound.

I feel it’s more about the closed back bass in this case. The VC or AC would be a closer comparison but aren’t in my line up yet, nor is the Feliks Envy (only the Elise mk2).
Also the context - the specific songs and the experience I was after (basketball lightly dropped on your head bass).

 

[yrstruly]

So I've heard mixed things about the isolation on these. Do people generally find it's sufficient for office use (a relatively busy office)...?

 

[Exekuhtor]

It's ok, not bad, not very good, just like most closed backs, on the same level like a ZMF closed back or so. It's of course way better than an HD820, but a Beyerdynamic or probably Focal is better in terms of isolation. The best isolating closed back that i've experienced is the Maxwell along with a DT1770.

 

[yrstruly]

Thanks - helpful. I actually found the VC very isolating with certain pads but hey ho. Had read a comment somewhere saying the D9200 was almost semi-open in terms of isolation so that had me worried...

 

[Exekuhtor]

In my opinion the differences were not that big between all closed backs that i tried (and i tried a bunch). Most of these headphones have a a few milimeters of wood and some form of dampening material, not that much difference. Noticable winners were DT1770 (but it's a muddy bass canon) and since yesterday the Audeze Maxwell, this thing does isolate quite a good amount. Focal closed backs were also a step up from the norm.

 

[plakat]

To me the isolation of the D9200 is quite sufficient, no problem with normal noise levels in my surroundings.