I'm thrilled to kick off this comparison review, highlighting two exceptional headphones that defy the norm: the recently released Final Audio D7000 and the established D8000 Pro. The D7000 has just hit the market, offering a fresh take on premium audio. If you're curious about its features and performance, feel free to check out my review here. Now, let's delve into the comparison between these two outstanding models.

What You Get

Look and Feel
When it comes to appearance and feel, the Final Audio D7000 and D8000 Pro share a similar design but with noticeable differences. The D8000 Pro offers two color options, silver and black/silver, while the D7000 comes only in matte black, giving it a distinct look. Both headphones boast high-quality construction, with the D8000 Pro featuring a leather-like headband and breathable foam ear cups, while the D7000 uses a unique Japanese paper fabric. Despite the differences, both offer comfortable wear, with the D7000 feeling lighter on the head. Both headphones come with thick, durable cables with Final's locking system for secure connections. Overall, while the D8000 Pro feels more premium, the D7000 opts for a lighter, functional design. Personally, I'm particularly drawn to the matte black D7000, as black is my favorite color and it would perfectly match my other gear.

Design and Functionality
While both headphones use an Air Film Damping System (AFDS) to boost response, the D7000 stands out with its "Pina Align Diffuser," which customizes sound based on individual ear shape. This feature aims for a universally pleasing sound by adapting to how each person hears due to their ear anatomy. In terms of specs, the D8000 Pro has a 60-ohm impedance and 98 dB/mW sensitivity, while the D7000 has 50-ohm impedance and 89 dB/mW sensitivity. If you prioritize easy use, the D8000 Pro needs less power. But if you're intrigued by Final Audio's latest tech, the D7000 with its "Pina Align Diffuser" is a great option.



Soundstage
Both the Final Audio D7000 and D8000 Pro demonstrate the brand's expertise in creating immersive soundstages. However, the D8000 Pro offers a slightly wider and deeper soundstage, enriching the listening experience. Despite this, the D7000 delivers a warmer sound, though its high frequencies are slightly subdued. Through careful A/B testing with the same headphone amp, the Questyle M15, I found that the D8000 Pro produced a louder and brighter sound, elevating the overall audio quality. Switching between the headphones within the same song allowed for a thorough assessment, providing insights into their sonic characteristics.

Low End
In my personal experience, it feels like Final Audio deliberately crafted the D7000 to offer a unique sonic signature. While its bass is undeniably potent, I've observed that it might exert a bit more influence over other frequencies compared to the D8000 Pro. However, for those who enjoy a pronounced bass response, the D7000 could be the perfect fit. It's intriguing to note how the implementation of the "Pina Align Diffuser" seems to make a discernible difference in these frequencies, potentially contributing to the distinct character of the D7000's sound.



Mids
In contrast to the D8000 Pro, the midrange on the D7000 leans towards a warmer presentation. This warmth lends itself well to a smoother, more musical rendition of vocals, making the D7000 an appealing choice for those who prioritize a relaxed listening experience. However, I noticed that vocals tend to take a backseat on the D7000, lacking the sparkle and clarity that I appreciated on snare drums and distorted guitars. On the other hand, the D8000 Pro offers a more balanced and present midrange, where vocals and instruments shine with greater clarity and definition. While preferences may vary, personally, I find that clarity automatically enhances the quality of sound, making the D8000 Pro my preferred choice. However, for individuals who favor a warmer sound signature, the D7000 remains a compelling option.

Highs
For me, the highs section is where these headphones exhibit the most noticeable differences. In the D7000, the high frequencies appear somewhat concealed and quieter compared to the D8000 Pro, where they are more exposed and bright. Personally, I have a preference for headphones with bright highs, making the D8000 Pro my top choice. However, I must acknowledge that the warm highs in the D7000 also possess a certain allure. Ultimately, it boils down to individual preference, but for those who appreciate bright and lively highs, the D8000 Pro is likely the preferred option.



Summary
Both the Final Audio D7000 and D8000 Pro are top-notch headphones, perfect for professional use. The D7000 offers rich bass, but the mids and highs may lack presence compared to the D8000 Pro. In contrast, the D8000 Pro strikes a perfect balance, delivering powerful yet controlled bass, along with clear and captivating mids and highs. Ultimately, personal preference will determine the choice, but I would lean towards the D8000 Pro, despite its slightly higher cost.


The Final D7000 and Final D8000 Pro are both available at Audio46

Learn more about the new Final Audio D7000 here