Perhaps once of the nicest headphones built by Pioneer, the new HDJ series encompass amazing build quality, pristine sound and their claim to fame, the almost indestructible headband. The Pioneer HDJ-X5 DJ headphones are the budget version of the X10 & X7, we received a pair in the studio today and here’s what we think. Even if you’re someone that uses a super high-end headphone for whatever audiophile reasons, these cans can make a great spare pair to have. Read on to find out what we think of this model’s durability, strengths and not so intrusive weaknesses.
Box Contents
Pioneer HDJ-X5
Soft carry case
Detachable coiled cable
6.3 mm adapter
Headband
The headband of the Pioneer HDJ-X5 headphones is made of thick plastic and it’s extenders are reinforced by a strip of metal. The Pioneer HDJ-X5 are very durable, clearing the US Military Standard Shock test. They are meant to endure even the roughest treatment, allowing you to knock them around and twist them to your heart’s content. The headband is bendable and the ear cups swivel. They are also fold-able and surprisingly light There are two standout features that feel particularly well done on these headphones. One is that the headband hugs the head well. It holds securely, but doesn’t feel too tight. Secondly, the headband yolks which hold the ear cups are super durable with the classic Pioneer fastening style.
Sound
I explored a gamut of sounds on these headphones with delightful aural pleasure. For the price point, it sounds like something that costs at least twice the price. Great detail on the bass and mid’s, specially. Even the stereo imaging is on point, and even after an hour of listening to the latest Woo York album on them, my ears were not as uncomfortable or fatigued. I’m comparing them to the earlier HDJ500 & HDJ700 series which lacked a nice thumping bass. The boost particularly at 40Hz has the DJs and producers happy, but the acoustic enthusiasts may find the mid’s a little cloudy at times. There are frequency cuts at 400 Hz and then between 1.5 kHz and 3.5 kHz, but I would still put my money on these cans happily for everything else it offers.
While the highs had a cut around 11 kHz, a boost at 9 kHz maintained vocal breath and detail. Despite these lower high frequency levels, the Pioneer HDJ-X5 actually has nice high frequency extension, so they can carry air so long as it is enhanced in the mix and/or recording.
Design
The 4-core twisted-structure cable gives superior left and right channel separation and the magnetic circuit is optimised so, thanks to fine noise suppression and elaborate tuning, you can enjoy distortion-free sound. The HDJ-X5 comes with a 1.2 m short coiled cable and an L-type mini-jack, preventing any accidental disconnection during performances. Easily renew the detachable cables and ear pads with replacement parts.
Pricing & Warranty
Here’s the best part, when you actually see and here these beauties, you will find it hard to believe that a product of such supreme construction and detail is priced at around INR 7500, the deal is further sweetened by an extended 2 year warranty!
Specifications
-Frequency Response: 5 Hz- 30 kHz
-Impedance: 32 ohms
-Output SPL: 102 dB
-Input Power: 2000 mW
-Type: closed, dynamic
-Driver: 40 mm, dome type
I’ve been a DJ since 2001, having played at prestigious clubs, festivals and other dance music events, I head the DJ department at Beatworx. I’m a technology enthusiast, and love sharing my knowledge and experiences here.
