Denon AH-C50 and AH-C120 Music Maniac In-Ear Headphones Preview

I remember when Denon first announced that they were getting into the headphone business. I reviewed one of their very first over-ear models, the AH-D1000. To this day, they are one of my go-to headphones for comparisons because of their neutral frequency response and their ability to reproduce music without additional coloration. At $150 retail (when they were available), they were certainly one of the best headphones in the price range.

Of course, as time has marched on and the headphone market has just gotten bigger, Denon has expanded their line. To be honest, we're constantly amazed at how many new headphones come out each year. Every company wants to get in on this seemingly bottomless market. Denon's newest foray into headphones expands upon their already popular Music Mania line. The Music Maniac line of headphones is targeted at consumers that care about audio quality more than the boom and sizzle of headphones targeted at casual consumers. While saying they are targeted at "audiophiles" may conjure the correct image, the prices associated with these new headphones are anything but audiophile.

The AH-C50 is the entry-level offering of these two new Music Maniac in-ear headphones. At $49, they are certainly very affordable. Sporting 9-mm drivers, one button in-line controls, and an integrated mic for making calls, the AH-C50s have all the usual features you expect from in-ear headphones. The AH-C50s are housed in an ABS plastic enclosure and are compatible with Denon's Audio Smartphone Application. The app not only allows you to play your stored (DRM-free) music, but it gives you access to Internet Radio stations and a 5-band graphic equalizer. Reviews of the app are generally positive and, best of all, it is free and can be used with other headphones and speakers.

Denon AH-C50 in-ear headphones

Next in line is the AH-C120 in-ear headphones. Unlike most companies, Denon doesn't just add a few features and accessories to the lower-cost offering - they redesign it from the ground up. The AH-C120 headphones have an 11.5mm driver in a hybrid-metal housing. While it still has the one button in-line remote and mic, along with the tangle-free cord, it adds a zippered carrying case/pouch to the mix. The big deal, of course, is the change in the driver, which indicates that the AH-C120 will sound different (and hopefully better) than the AH-C50. When you are paying double (the AH-C120 retail for $99), you expect better performance. The AH-C120 should deliver on that expectation.

Denon AH-C120 in-ear headphones

Denon adds a few other bells and whistles with the AH-C120 headphones. Of course, they are compatible with the Audio app but they also have Comply Foam ear tips for a perfect fit. The cable may look the same but it is certified to be oxygen-free. The ribs under the headphone enclosure at the start of the cable are designed to minimize cable noise from rubbing or other impacts - something that those that use their headphones for exercise will appreciate.

Conclusion

Any headphone that is designed with accurate music reproduction as the defining characteristic is laudable in our book. The Music Maniac line from Denon purports to do just that. For those that want in-ear headphones for listening to music on the go, but don't want to sacrifice audio quality, the AH-C50 and AH-C120 may be just what they were hoping for. At $49 and $99 respectively, they certainly will appeal do those budding audiophiles on a budget.

For more information, please visit www.denon.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.