So I got a chance to try out the new HDJ2000. They look nice, comfortable, and construction wise,  seems like it would outlast the HDJ-1000 or even the Sony MDR V700DJ headphones most of djs have been accustom to over the years. Pioneer has made a big step in the DJ world, with their new CDJ2000 arriving soon. In most club setup you will find the CDJ-1000 and a DJM-800, making them standard in the DJ world.

Back to Pioneers HDJ2000. So I would have assumed the HDJ2000 would be up to par with what I have used in the past. I have own the pioneer HDJ-1000 and the Sony’s. I have also own a pair of M-Audio IE-30′s for monitoring my mixes… along with a couple of Sennheiser. Tho the build of the HDJ2000 may be sturdy, I think the sound quality is lacking. Sounds like a $50 pair of Sennheiser. I would prefer the nice bass sound from either the HDJ-1000 or the Sony’s. Then the lack of bass from the new HDJ2000. Do I think its worth the money? At this point I would say no. There’s not enough meat to go with the potatoes. In a real world situation when you are behind the decks and two monitors are piercing at your ears. As well as a full on club system, I think you will still be cranking up the volume to hear what the older headphones will produce. There’s just not enough bass to overcome the noise factor. I understand that not all dj’s mix the same, but I think Pioneer could’ve done some real world testing with these. Numbers in a lab just doesn’t seem to justify the sound.

Production wise, I feel it is lacking the sound that either of the HDJ-1000 and Sony has proven to produce also. As I have used both for production as well and tested the HDJ2000 with my previous work, it is just lacking that sound I am use to. I am using a headphone amp, so even at the same level or lower level, my M-Audio sounded a lot cleaner and with better bass response. Maybe if they consider moving the drivers from the HDJ-1000 to the 2000 it would be well worth the money, but as of right now. I just don’t see spending that price. Do I think it’s something to get use to… probably, but most of us are already hard of hearing. So cranking them up doesn’t do anything but make it sound more distorted. I guess you can say new doesn’t nessecarily mean better, and with Pioneer at NAMM saying that its an upgrade. I would’ve hoped for it. Don’t get me wrong they are nice headphones… construction wise, and if you need something new and wanna have the latest gear. I think most of the guys will say it… doesn’t beat the old cans.

Taken from the Pioneer DJ Site:
http://www.pioneerdj.com

Where would we recommend you buy this? If your buying locally in the Twin Cities Area, we recommend Vital Culture. Ask for Mike. He’s been taking care of our crew for around 10 years now. Tell him KB sent ya! He’ll give you a discount. If your buying them online, then beware of chinese knock-offs being sold online or ebay for dirt cheap, if its too good to believe, then it usually is. Try a reputable online dealer like B+H or Guitar Center. They’ll range in the $325-$375 price range.

http://www.vitalculture.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.guitarcenter.com