Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones Review
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Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones Staff Review
Overview:
The Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones are the latest headphone iteration from the Pioneer DJ product family. The Pioneer HDJ-1000 headphones, released a few years ago, were one of the best set of cans any DJ could purchase. Continuing with that line of quality, craftsmanship, and audio prowess, the Pioneer DJ Division decided to develop a new line of DJ headphones consisting of the HDJ-2000 and HDJ-500 models. The HDJ-2000 is Pioneer’s flagship headphone set ($250 retail) which was designed to replace the HDJ-1000’s in the near future. The HDJ-500 headphones ($100 retail) are Pioneer’s entry-level DJ headphones, but there isn’t much “entry-level” about them. The HDJ-500’s pack many features that DJ’s want without sacrificing usability and high-end materials and craftsmanship. The HDJ-500 headphones are available in Silver/Black or in Red/Black combinations.
First Impressions:
In the Box:
-Straight 3ft Cable
-Coiled 9ft Cable
-Mini to ¼” Screw-on Adapter
-Documentation
Design:
The Design of the Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones is fantastic! Almost everything a DJ would want is incorporated into this design. Starting at the bottom; the HDJ-500’s come with two different cables. There is a 9ft Coiled cable and a 3ft Straight cable. I love it when headphone-makers give the user the option of either having a long coiled cable or a short straight cable, because usually when playing at home or bedroom the DJ only needs a short cable without any extra dangling cable in the way. Then when it is time to gig; the same DJ can now break out the longer 9ft coiled cable for that extra mobility needed during a performance. The earpieces and headband on the HDJ-500’s are made of urethane padding which actually has memory and provides crazy amounts of comfort during short and long performances. The padding is wrapped in real authentic leather meaning it will last for a long time and provide even more comfort. The Pioneer HDJ-500 headphones also have a unique feature that I have grown to love over the past few weeks I have used them. The right-side earpiece has a 60-degree swivel where it connects to the headband allowing the DJ to work with a “one-ear-on and one-ear-off” configuration while staying perfectly still on the DJ’s head. At that position, the flexible headband maintains enough side pressure to allow the DJ to listen to audio on just one side of the headphones without them moving around on the DJ’s head. When I first saw this feature, I didn’t think it would come in handy, but as I began to use them, this was one of my favorite features of them all. The headphones overall are very light! They are made with a magnesium alloy core wrapped in hard plastic to keep the weight down and the durability high making them great for traveling DJ’s or for long periods of use. The only gripe with the design that I have is that there is no way to completely collapse or fold these headphones in a good way for traveling or storage. For the most part, the Pioneer HDJ-500 headphones must stay in a fully open mode for traveling and storage.
Sound Quality:
The Sound Quality of the HDJ-500 headphones is really good. They have 40mm diameter drivers with thick diaphragms and with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coil. These features allow the HDJ-500’s to maintain better-than-average reproduction of the lower frequency range. I was able to use these headphones on two separate mixers and one controller where the HDJ-500 headphones could handle the sound at extremely high levels. In some rare, high-volume instances, the bass would occasionally lose some of its crispiness but not so much as to lessen the experience. Live instruments, snares, and bass all sound really good on these headphones and I would say they are extremely comparable to other $100 DJ headphones that we have tested on the site in terms of sound quality. Overall, the highs are nice and crisp, while the bass is extra punchy.
Conclusion (Recommended For):
In conclusion the Pioneer HDJ-500’s are some great headphones for the price. The Pioneer HDJ-500 headphones have good overall sound quality, they come with two types of cables, they are very comfortable and lightweight, and they have a cool rotating right earpiece. The only really minor issue I have with these headphones is that they don’t completely fold away for traveling and storage like some of the others are able to do. The Pioneer HDJ-500 headphones are recommended for performing DJ’s, beginner DJ’s, or any DJ that just needs another set of great quality headphones for under $100. These will also make for a good secondary set for that other setup you may have.
Pros:
-Great Sound Quality
-Removable/Replaceable Headphone Cables
-Straight and Coiled Cables included
-Urethane pads for Ears/Headband with Real Leather
-Rotating Right Earpiece
Cons:
-Non-Foldable design
For more information head on over to the Pioneer HDJ-500 webpage HERE!
Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones Features
Pioneer HDJ500R Professional DJ Headphones
The HDJ-500 Professional DJ headphones are designed for exceptional fidelity, style, comfort and affordability. These headphones provide maximum performance and versatility for any type of use, from DJing to casual listening.
Refined Design
The HDJ-500 DJ headphones adapt the styling and performance cues of Pioneer's top-of-the-line HDJ-2000 headphones. Designed with maximum comfort and reliability in mind, the HDJ-500 headphones use comfortable urethane pads for the ears that allow the headphones to mold around the user's head and ears for a snug and slip-resistant fit. Furthermore, the urethane pads are wrapped in great quality leather, providing greater feel and extended comfort. The main structure of the headphones is crafted of magnesium alloy for light weight and durability, making them great for travel and long periods of use.
The Sound Difference
The HDJ-500's stylish design is matched with great sound quality providing clear audio reproduction, especially in the critical low and mid frequency ranges that are key for remixing. By combining 40 mm diameter drivers, thick 19 µm (micrometers) diaphragm and a copper clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coil, the headphones can efficiently reproduce the lower frequency audio range. Snare and kick drum sounds are more clear making it easier for even the most novice DJs to match the tempo of tracks.
Versatility
For maximum flexibility during performances, the HDJ-500 features a rotating arm structure that allows the user to rotate the right earpiece forward and back by as much as 60 degrees. At that position, the flexible headband maintains enough side pressure to allow the DJ to listen to audio on just one side of the headphones.
The headphones include two interchangeable cords providing freedom of movement during performances. The traditional 1.2 meter coiled cord (extends to 3m) is perfect for regular DJ performances, while the 1 meter straight cord is ideal for leisure listening.
Style: Fully enclosed dynamic stereo headphones
Frequency Range: 5Hz–28,000Hz
Impedance: 45?
Max Input: 2000 mW
Output Sound Level: 105 dB
Driver Unit: 40 mm dia. dome type
Plug: 3.5 mm dia. 3P mini-plug (gold-plated, screw-in)
Weight: 6.8 ounces (without cord)
Included: 6.3 mm dia. 3P plug adapter (gold-plated, screw-in)
Cords: 1.2 m side mount coil cord (extended 3 m), 1 m straight cord
Best Price for the Pioneer HDJ-500 Headphones
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