Audio Technica ATH-AD2000 Redux

Discussion in 'Headphone Measurements' started by purr1n, Nov 22, 2015.

  1. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    Sort of? Where were you going with "presentation"? You piqued my interest, even though I'm not sure I agree. Just did a couple test tracks back and forth to see if I can find something.

    Elear is so full (and slow) down low, and AD2000 is a bit brighter sounding to me, with a bit more "bite" in the upper part of the mids. Staging width is closer than I would've assumed, with both midranges sounding about the same "distance" away, so maybe that?.

    But I still think with it's bass presence and generally laid back treble its much closer to HD650. The 2000 is weird as hell (in a goodish way) because of how mid-focused and bright yet non-fatiguing or uneven it is up top. Idk what I'd even compare it to honestly
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2016
  2. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    I think you're pretty much on point in your description of the AD2000. :) I'll expand on what I mean vis a vis the Elear.

    As I recall, the AD2000 had a very mid-forward sound. Broad consensus on that. To my ears, the Elear is similarly forward with its midrange, albeit with an emphasis on the lower end of that spectrum. The AD2000 is more focused in the upper mids, where it is prone to some shoutiness.

    The AD2000 is certainly crispier in the highs than the Elear, but not dramatically so. More elevated in the lower treble, but not such a dramatic departure from the Elear's sound. The Elear has a bit of emphasis in its upper treble that it relies upon for definition in its presentation. In my experience, the AD2000 sounds more laid back in the top registers than its FR would necessarily suggest. Neither Elear nor AD2000 could be described as "analytical," for instance.

    Bass is the biggest difference between the AD2000 and the Elear, certainly. The comparison with 650 has the most merit here, I think. AD2000's sub bass is virtually nil, whereas the Elear extends nicely into that region. But the Elear's mid bass is elevated, which is also where the AD2000 offers the most meat in its lows. That's not to say that they sound the same in this area, only that there's a certain incidental similarity in their respective transitions into the midrange proper. The Elear's lows are better defined and impactful, overall.

    One aspect of the AD2000 that has kept it winning fans throughout the years is its relative speed. I remember that it was a lot of fun to listen to compressed recordings with, as the AD2000's lack of resolution wasn't such an issue and it lent a certain "propulsive" quality to energetic tracks. The Elear offers similarly brisk impulse response, which is quite unlike the 650. Fast attack and decay, little in the way of lingering ambience; a commonality shared with the AD2000.

    Apologies in advance for using wonky and/or confusing terminology. :oops: I'm pretty amateurish in my descriptions, so I'm often hesitant to offer them in detail. But the AD2000 is kind of a niche headphone, and I felt like it'd be interesting to draw a line between it and the (more popular) Elear. Especially since, having now put in some listening time with the Elear, I honestly don't think it sounds nearly so similar to the 650 as others have suggested.
     
  3. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    Ah okay I see where your coming from, I agree with the majority of your description of both. I guess I just couldn't see past the (fairly substantial) differences in midbass quantity and speed to note the other similarities b/w Elear and AD2000. I also agree the Elear isn't that similar to stock HD650, but its an easy basic comparison to make because they are midbass heavy, laid back, opens with a narrow stage.

    This is a good point, I agree the 2000 is not analytical. I've always heard the AD2000 as "bright, but not peaky/fatiguing", but maybe they really aren't that bright, and more of an illusion because they're so fast, crisp, and the upper mids come in so hot.


    (I should listen to them more, other than gaming it's been a while, this post has been a fun excuse to plug em in tonight)
     
  4. Baten

    Baten Friend

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    Old post but so true. My HD650 + AD2000 are the perfect complement imo. Both mid-forward, one kinda bright and the other much more laid-back. One for casual use and one for blissful late night music listening.

    If you come across these and have never heard them, I would say jump on them and give them a chance.
     
  5. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Anyone have any pad recommendations? Mine need some refreshing.
     
  6. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    I have a feeling the 'pancake pads' I mailed to Marv for the Drop 177X GO might help tame the mid treble on these. They measure smoother on top than any of my other 30+ pad types with most other headphones I've tested them on.

    These ones - https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Maestro-GMP400-435-450PRO/dp/B08F9CJ3GQ/

    You'll have to tear out some thick front foam. They stretch to fit.
     
  7. Raimei Templar

    Raimei Templar Friend

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    The Yaxi AD2000x pads are quite good IMO. I am using them with a used AD2000 I got a few weeks ago. The stock earpads caused my ear to touch the driver, not sure if it was from them being flat from use or if they were always too thin as I have never had fresh stock pads. The yaxi pads are just slightly thicker and have less give to them which pushed the drivers just far away to not be touching my ear which made them super comfy. They are made out of Alcantara which is quite pleasant on the skin.

    They were designed for the Ad2000x but they fit the original just fine. I think based on Yaxi's description of what they do they were intended to make the AD2000x sound more like the original as the earpads changing was part of the reason the X sounds different as I understand it. Compared to the stock pads I have, the Yaxi pads are slightly smoother sounding, the 3.9k-4.1k spike gets a little of the edge taken off and the 6-7 energy is slightly toned down making it sound more natural and pleasant IMO. I think it lost a tiny amount of subbass ( below like 32hz) but I think the changes are mostly just due to the driver not being slammed right into my ear anymore.

    I am very happy with the AD2000, I finally managed to find a used one in great shape and grabbed it. My recent Grado trip taught my that I just like headphones that place large drivers right next to your ear. After a bit of EQ these things sound incredible and with the Yaxi pads are more comfory than the L-pad Grados could ever be. Pretty sure these are my endgame for the foreseeable future.

    I am using the following EQ which gives them a more "normal" FR while keeping some of its flavor. I use it without any EQ sometimes though whenever I want its special brand of super female vocals. I find their technical performance to be quite good, at least on par with a HD600 in most categories with a notable exception of Timbre where the HD600 is much better.

    Ad2000 has a bit of an artificially airy quality to it, EQ and the Yaxi pads improved it a bit but its still there and noticible when compared to a HD600. AD2000 bass is much cleaner than the HD 600 though, very quick and clear even with a +6db boost. Doesnt really go past 30hz much though even with the boost, so if you gots to have that last bit of extension its not ideal.

    Preamp -6db

    Low Shelf Filters
    60hz +2db
    100hz+2db

    High Shelf Filter
    14,000hz +1db

    Peak Filters
    30hz Q1 +2db
    2000hz Q2 +1.5db
    3900hz Q5 -2.5db
    5000hz Q4 +3db
    7500hz Q2.5 -1db
     
  8. Baten

    Baten Friend

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    Yup, you get it ;) once you tweak the comfort, these are end-game contenders. For vocals they are supreme, tweaked with EQ they can push out some amazing bass too. The driver speed is very noticeable with sub-bass heavy tracks, few headphones manage this as well as the AD2000. I agree timbre is still a touch better on HD600/HD650 but AD2000 have some 'magic' to them that is hard to find with any other can.
    Thanks for sharing your EQ profile!
     

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