Pioneer HDJ-2000: Professional DJ Headphones Review
|
||||||
The new Pioneer HDJ-2000 tops reviews in the $200 category. After close scrutiny against other headphones in the same category that offered plastic components, impressive sound quality, replaceable parts etc. The HDJ-2000 comes off the top with its metal structure, which could go for as much as $350.
All reviews have biases, and it is best to point out its flaws. Starting with the difficult to remove, highly solid mini-XLR cable. It takes quite a tugging, after pushing the unlocking button, before it loosens out. Also, the unlocking button seems like it won’t be able to hold for a long time, and it would be advisable not to remove it unless the cable needs to be replaced. Unplugging it often may cause it to be worn out, and with the headphone’s foldable design, there is no reason to do so all that much.
The Sound Quality & Function
Comparing its slider with the Ultrasone DJ1 S-Logic, it has a solid construction, which seems to be a good thing, but there have been reports that cracks have been found in similar designs, such as those found in the Denon DH-HP1000. Pioneer assures though that the headband is reinforced with metal, which may be found in the slider.
To point out, the earcups are not as flexible and only swivels up to 90 degrees, as opposed to 180 degrees. This feature is not really that important, but it would be nicer to have extra flexibility.
No other features were added to compete with Ultrasone’s S-Logic technology. Although Pioneer does not have surround sound technology, nor is there protection for hearing outside of standard isolation and from electromagnetic radiation, the headphone’s isolation is better than Ultrasone’s DJ1 headphones. The only downside about these headphones may only be on the EM radiation protection and the surround sound, where the EM radiation protection may not be such a huge cause of concern since headphones don’t have such high frequency outputs.
In general, the Pioneer HDJ-2000 headphones do not really have any major flaws that can bother the user that much. For professionals who wish to know specific comparisons, the sound quality is amazing, and evenly competes with that of the Ultrasone DJ1. The mid frequency does not stand out as much as the bass and high frequency, but only by a fraction. The high frequency sounds are quite nice and they emit dynamic bass sounds. Although Ultrasone offers better mid sounds, the bass sounds are better on these ones. The high frequency sounds though are equal on both brands. Other brands such as the Allen & Heath XONE:XD-53 and the Denon DN-HP1000 is not in the same league in terms of sound, as they are just as loud, but fails in clarity in terms of sound isolation.
Although it does not offer the same isolation as that of the Sennheiser HD 280, it may even be an advantage since the user can converse even with the music on should you need to. A minimal echoing sound can be heard when tapped, and one might need to lower the volume when mixing music on the outside. To sum up the comparison, HDJ-2000 offers better isolation than the Ultrasone DJ1 and the XONE:XD-53.
The Special Features
These headphones emit very loud sounds at maximum volume, comparable to computer desktop speakers, where you can clearly hear your music even when they are not worn. This should be cause for caution in terms of hearing damage. With the good isolation it offers, there is little need to pump up the volume, so damaging your hearing should not be much cause for concern, unless used at high volumes all the time.
Other features include a flexible but solid coiled cable, satisfactory bag, replaceable coiled cable and earcups – priced at $30 when replaced for the cable and $50 for the earcups. The texture of the earcups are as good as leather, and are soft and do not get too hot when used. The design uses memory foam for added comfort.
The swivel is very gentle, and do not snap when worn. They also gently rest on the ears and does not have added pressure, which are as comfortable as earmuffs. Although the headband is well-built, it is very flexible and provides enough padding that the user might not feel it much at all when wearing the headphones. Putting all comfort to consideration, these headphones are very comfortable, and probably are the most comfortable headphones in the full-enclosure category.
Another plus is the mono/stereo switch, which helps to lessen adjusting DJ software setting constantly. The mono sound produced in these headphones are very nice – considering that it is in mono, and more than good to be used for mixing. The mono can also be heard on both earcups allowing the user to listen alternately on each side.
Another note on the headphones’ flexibility is the ease of use between letting it rest on your neck and listening in one ear. Folding them also holds no problem and proves to be very easy to do. Although they seem big based on the pictures, they are small apart from the earcups since the headbands are only around an inch wide.
In a scale of 10, Pioneer HDJ-2000 gets a solid 9.5. Although there is still room for improvement, other products may well fall under 9 for Ultrasone DJ1, 8 and below for all others under this category, excluding the Sennheiser HD 25 1-II, which have not been reviewed or tested. For those who prefer small headphones though, Sennheiser is the way to go. But for full ear coverage headphones, Pioneer did a really fine job with the HDJ-2000.
Did you like this article?