Pioneer HDJ-1500-k & HDJ-2000 Review

[Natsuko]

1. Introduction

2. Specs

3. Main Difference

4. Personal Opinion

5. Usage

6. Quality

7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

I got myself the newer Pioneer HDJ-1500-K a couple of days ago and I've been using HDJ-2000's for quite some time as well. Pioneer's HDJ headphone series is mostly made for Deejay's, but of course also useable for casually listening to music. Both come in a couple of different colors, black, silver and white. In this review I will compare some of the differences and I'll be telling what I personally like or dislike about them.

Left HDJ-2000 and on the right HDJ-1500 in white.

2. Specs

The specs are quite similar, they both have magnesium parts for light weight and strong construction. Also both come with memory foam ear pads and foam on the headband.

here is a list with more details on both of them.

HDJ-1500:

[TABLE=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_compare-table]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Type[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

Enclosed dynamic stereo headphone[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Frequency Range[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

5 Hz - 30,000Hz[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Impedance[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

32 ohms[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Maximum Input[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

3,500 mW[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Sensitivity[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

108 dB/mW[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Driver Unit Type[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

50 mm domes[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Plug[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

3.5 mm stereo mini-jack (gold-plated, two-way, screw type)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Cord[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

1.2 m side mount coil cord (extended 3 m)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Weight[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

10 ounces (without cord)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Accessories[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

compact carrying pouch included[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

HDJ-2000:

[TABLE=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_compare-table]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Type[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

Enclosed dynamic Stereo/mono headphones[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Frequency Range[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

5 Hz - 30,000Hz[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Impedance[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

36 ohms[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Maximum Input[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

3,500 mW[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Sensitivity[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

107 dB/mW[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Driver Unit Type[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

50mm domes[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Plug[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

3.5 mm 3P mini plug (Gold-plated)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Cord[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

1.2 m side mount coil cord (extended 3 m)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Weight[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

10.2 ounces (without cord)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_feature]

Accessories[/TD]

[TD=class: wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_wysiwyg_table_even]

6.3 mm 3P plug adapter & Carrying bag[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

3. Main Difference

They came with the same drivers, same frequency range, similar cables and carrying bag. So, what's really different next to the design? The HDJ-2000 is built to be tougher and has more magnesium parts to it. It is therefore the more expensive one of the two. The ear pads are different too. While the HDJ-2000 has an over ear design for its pads, the HDJ-1500 has an on ear design. (Note that the HDJ-2000 pads do fit a HDJ-1500 as well since they have the same drivers and can be bought separately.) The HDJ-2000 also seems to have softer foam then the HDJ-1500.

The HDJ-1500 is cheaper, selling for about 179.00 USD. (Suggestion price from Pioneer.) But, if you like the over ear design more, the pads that you will need to buy separately will cost another 39.00 USD. Pioneer's flagship HDJ-2000 is around 349.00 USD (which, again, is the suggested price from Pioneer), because of the fact that it has more magnesium parts.

4. Personal Opinion

After testing both for some time using it to casually listen to music and dj, I came to the conclusion that my HDJ-1500's are less comfortable after using it for about an hour. I've never been a fan of on ear design simply cause they start to hurt my ears after a while. The harder foam on them isn't helping either and I'm probably going to order some HDJ-2000 ear pads.

Other than that, both feel great and easy when using them for mixing music, both feel very nice when holding them and don't feel cheap at all (which they aren't.) Pioneer has done a great job with these headphones and I will take them anytime over any other headphones.

5. Usage

Since they are meant for DJ's and such, can and would you still use them for example when traveling in the bus or something? Yes, they can be used for casual usage and yes, I would use them for such things. They both have 3.5mm jack plugs, so they can fit your idevice or andriod and will deliver great sound. The foam is noise canceling, so as long as you don't crank up the volume too high, people around you shouldn't be able to hear your music. The cable is detachable and replaceable on both models. The drivers can be folded towards the headband and both come with carrying bags, so they are easy to take with you whilst traveling. Though, the one that comes with the HDJ-1500 is bigger for some reason. The cups of the drivers can be turned 180 degrees, this is mostly useful for DJ's.

6. Quality

The build and sound quality is great, which is expected from a company like Pioneer. The bass is extremely deep compared to other headphones out there and the mid and highs are very nice aswell. The frequency range is 5 Hz to 30,000Hz which is much lower and higher compared most standard headphones as well.

This frequency response graph shows the difference between some of the other popular DJ headphones out there.

Ideally, you'd want the line to be as flat as possible around 0dBr. As you can see, the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones just completely cut off on the low frequencies which most likely means that the bass will be a bit lower then the Sennheiser or Pioneer headphones. This will give you an idea on how the graph works.

7. Conclusion

In the conclusion, I'll tell what I would suggest people and will I also give a personal rating. This will be based on my experience with them.

Personally, I like Pioneer alot, they have amazingly well-made products and overal great quality. So far I've only had minor issues with the ears pads of my HDJ-1500-k and I will definitely buy an extra pair of HDJ-2000 ear pads for them. Because of that, they will score a bit lower on my rating. The HDJ-2000 is more comfortable for me. The sound quality of both headphones are the same, but the ear pads affect it a bit different for each. The structure, like I've stated before, is very good.

Personal Rating:

HDJ-1500:

Build Quality: 8/10

Sound Quality: 9.5/10

Overal Rating: 8.5/10

HDJ-2000

Build Quality: 9/10

Sound Quality: 9.5/10

Overal Rating: 9.2/10

These headphones might not be for everyone. Ff you do like Pioneer and want a great but less expensive pair of headphones, I suggest checking out the HDJ-500's. If you do have the money for some high end headphones, these are a great choice. Quality-wise it doesn't really matter much which one of these you take. They are both made for heavy usage and hence won't break anytime soon. If you like on ear design, then the 1500's are good for you, if you like over ear design, go with the 2000's or buy the ear pads of the 2000's separately. Depending on your store, they usually come with a 2 year warranty.

I heard a company called Zomo sells the ear pads for the HDJ-2000 in alot of different colors, I will check them out soon and post if they are worth the money.

[Makaseo]

Nice review. Haven't seen a lot of talk about Pioneer equipment, always happy to see it mentioned :D

[djdeadserious]

Nice review.

I have been DJing for quite some time and I've gone thru two pairs of HDJ-1000s and I love everything about them...except the build quality. seems like they broke too easily

But I mainly use them since they are lighter compared to other headphones in their class. 2000s look like they're way more durable and would stand many physical impacts (since i carry my DJ backpack and throw it around everywhere)

[Kenion]

Nice Review Natsuko!

I highly recommend the HDJ-2000's. I'm using them myself for both djing and portable use for a few years now and they are still great.

It's just their headband foam and earpads that peeled off after some time and replacement earpads are quite costly (but worth it).