Denon has very few options when it comes to headphones; from those few headphones, we have to choose to compare the Denon AH-D7200 with the Denon AH-D5200. As Denon AH-D7200 is an upgraded version of Denon AH-D5200, we can expect some upgrades to Denon AH-D7200. Well, we don’t know what features Denon offers with the upgraded version. But at the end of this post, we will know everything about these headphones. We will compare all the important aspects of these headphones, like design, build quality, sound, and more. This detailed comparison will help you to understand which headphone is better. So stay tuned!
 |  |
|---|---|
| Denon AH-D7200 | Denon AH-D5200 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Classic design with natural Walnut ear cups. Comfortable fit with minimal clamp force. Excellent sub-bass response and warm sound. Great soundstage for closed-back headphones. | Budget-friendly option with an attractive zebrawood finish. Cleaner, punchier sub-bass. More isolating, which can be advantageous. Suitable for users with smaller heads. |
| CONS | CONS |
| high price. | Cause heat build-up during extended use. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Before we start the comparison of every aspect, let’s take a brief look at both the headphones and their key features.
Also if you are a fan of Denon and wanted to try earbuds check out our detailed comparison between Denon PerL Pro and Denon PerL.
Denon AH-D7200
The Denon AH-D7200 headphones, according to the review, offer an excellent audio experience and are reminiscent of the classic Denon look. They feature a combination of audio elements, including D5000 dampened cups and a D7000 cable terminated by a 3.5-millimeter jack. The design is a return to the traditional wooden look, which many users appreciated. The headphones have 100% natural walnut ear cups, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Comfort is a highlight, with soft memory foam pads and a design that accommodates various head sizes and minimizes clamp force. The sound quality, particularly the sub-bass response, mid-bass punch, and tonality. The mid-range is forward and less recessed compared to previous models. The highs are described as extending well despite a slight roll-off in the top end. Overall, the Denon AH-D7200 is recommended as one of the best closed-back headphones under $1000, offering excellent sound quality, design, and comfort.
Denon AH-D7200 Key Features
- Classic design with a traditional wooden look.
- Comfortable fit with minimal clamp force, suitable for extended use.
- 100% natural Walnut ear cups.
- Removable, long, and beautiful cable terminated by a 6.3-millimeter (1/4 inch) jack.
- Excellent sub-bass response, extended bass, and a warm, meaty sound signature.
- Mid-range is more forward and less recessed.
- Slightly rolled-off top-end for a warm sound.
- It’s a great soundstage for closed-back headphones.
Denon AH-D5200
The Denon AH-D5200 headphones come in plastic tray packaging and are considered the smaller sibling of the Denon AH-D7200. The design incorporates zebrawood cups, which provide a unique and appealing appearance. However, the material on the ear pads and headband feels tacky and sticky, which affects comfort. The headband design, in particular, can be uncomfortable, especially if the headphones are worn for extended periods. While the Zebrawood cups offer better isolation, they also lead to heat buildup during prolonged use. The sound quality, while having a clean and tight sub-bass, is less clear and detailed than the Denon AH-D7200. The soundstage is impressive for a closed-back headphone, but the imaging and resolution do not match the higher-end model. The treble response is considered less well-behaved and may lead to potential treble fatigue, especially at higher volumes. However, they suggest that the AH-D7200 is a better choice if the budget allows it.
Denon AH-D5200 Key Features
- Smaller and more budget-friendly sibling of the Denon AH-D7200.
- Features a zebrawood finish, providing an attractive appearance.
- It has a similar design with a classic frame, adjustable sizing, and comfortable ear pads.
- Sound is characterized by cleaner, tighter, and punchier sub-bass than the Denon AH-D7200.
- Slightly more isolating due to the zebrawood cups but may lead to heat buildup.
- Potentially higher treble peaks could lead to fatigue at higher volumes.
- Suitable for users with small heads who don’t mind some warmth and treble emphasis.
Design and Build Quality
Denon AH-D7200
The Denon AH-D7200 headphones are part of the Denon’s Classic line, which harks back to the traditional look and feel of earlier Denon models, like the D2000, D5000, and D7000. They feature wooden ear cups, giving them a luxurious and classic appearance. The wooden cups are made from 100% natural Walnut wood, which not only adds to their aesthetics but also affects the sound quality positively.
The build quality of the AH-D7200 is excellent, with a sturdy and reliable construction. They have a timeless design with a comfortable, traditional headband. The headphones offer minimal clamp force, making them suitable for long listening sessions, even for users who wear glasses.
These headphones come with a removable cable, terminated with a 6.3mm (quarter-inch) jack, making them versatile for various audio sources. The cable’s length is convenient for home use, ensuring you can connect to your audio equipment with ease.
Denon AH-D5200
The Denon AH-D5200 headphones are the younger sibling to the AH-D7200, and they share many design elements. They also feature wooden ear cups made from Zebrawood, providing a unique and elegant look. However, the wood used in the AH-D5200 is slightly more isolating, making these headphones warmer to wear for extended periods.
The build quality is commendable, and they offer similar comfort as the AH-D7200. The headband design is quite similar, although there is a slight difference in the headband material, which can be a point of contention for some users.
Like the AH-D7200, the AH-D5200 has a removable cable, offering flexibility in connectivity, and it also terminates in a 6.3mm jack.
Comfort
Denon AH-D7200
The AH-D7200 headphones offer a comfortable listening experience thanks to their well-padded ear cups and minimal clamp force. They are designed to fit snugly over the ears, providing good noise isolation without causing discomfort, even during extended listening sessions.
One minor comfort concern that some users may experience is the headband design. The ribbed headband, although intended to allow airflow and reduce sweating, might not suit everyone. Some users may find it slightly uncomfortable after prolonged use, especially if they have a sensitive scalp.
Denon AH-D5200
The AH-D5200 headphones share a similar level of comfort to their sibling, the AH-D7200. The ear cups are well-padded and provide a comfortable fit over the ears. However, the Zebrawood cups tend to generate more heat than the Walnut cups found on the AH-D7200, making them less suitable for extended listening sessions in warm environments.
The headband design, with the ribbed material, may lead to discomfort for some users, especially when worn for an extended period.
Overall, both headphones offer comfort for most users, but personal preferences and sensitivities may play a significant role in determining which is more suitable for you.
Sound Quality
Denon AH-D7200
The AH-D7200 headphones deliver an impressive sound quality that lives up to the Denon legacy. They offer a warm and rich sound signature with exceptional bass performance. The sub-bass response is deep and rumbles with authority, enhancing the overall listening experience. The mid-bass is punchy and clean, striking a balance between impact and precision.
The mid-range on the AH-D7200 is less recessed than the older Denon models, such as the D2000 and D5000, making it more forward and revealing. Vocals and instrumentals come to life, offering a pleasant and engaging experience. The high frequencies extend well, although they exhibit a slight roll-off at the top end. This characteristic adds to the overall warmth of the sound.
The soundstage of the AH-D7200, while impressive for closed-back headphones, doesn’t quite match open-back headphones like the Denon AH-D7000. However, it still provides a spacious and well-separated soundstage with excellent instrument separation.
Denon AH-D5200
The AH-D5200 headphones aim to deliver a similar sound quality experience to their more expensive sibling, but they do have some differences. Notably, the Zebrawood cups contribute to a warmer sound signature. The bass performance is clean and tight, offering a punchy and well-defined sub-bass response.
The mid-range on the AH-D5200 is fairly neutral, and it doesn’t exhibit the same forwardness as the AH-D7200. While it’s still good, it may not be as revealing or engaging as its more premium counterpart.
In terms of high frequencies, the AH-D5200 extends well and retains a slight roll-off, similar to the AH-D7200. This treble characteristic contributes to a warm and pleasing sound.
The soundstage of the AH-D5200 is impressive for a closed-back headphone, providing a good sense of width and depth, and it offers excellent instrument separation.
Should You Upgrade or Choose?
The decision to upgrade or choose between the Denon AH-D7200 and AH-D5200 depends on so many things.
If you are new to high-end headphones and are looking for closed-back headphones with excellent sound quality, both the AH-D7200 and AH-D5200 offer great options. The AH-D5200, with its more budget-friendly price, provides a solid listening experience and a chance to enjoy Denon’s signature sound. On the other hand, the AH-D7200 offers a more premium experience, with slightly better sound quality and a more luxurious design.
If you already own an older Denon model like the D2000 or D5000, upgrading to the AH-D5200 can bring noticeable improvements in sound quality and design. However, upgrading from the AH-D7000 to the AH-D5200 may not result in a significant difference in sound quality, making it less compelling unless you desire the removable cable feature.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.