Short answer: the Denon AH-D5200. It ranks #107 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $799; the Fostex TH610 ranks #119, rated 3.6/5, and costs $799.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Denon AH-D5200: Bass is lifted about 2 dB from 60 to 200 Hz while sub-bass stays within 1 dB of target, giving a full, controlled low end. The tradeoff: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2.9 dB under target and a 6.2 dB dip near 9 kHz dulls cymbals and air.
The case for the Fostex TH610: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 72 with a slightly warm overall tilt, a solid result for a closed-back headphone. The tradeoff: At 0.8 lbs (375 g) it is on the heavier side for a closed-back headphone.
Buy the Denon AH-D5200. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Fostex TH610 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Denon AH-D5200 | Fostex TH610 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $799.99 |
| Ranked | #107 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #119 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 72 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.12 dB standard deviation | 2.52 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.83 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.71 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.4 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 24 ohms | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 0.8 lbs (375 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Denon AH-D5200 compares with other leading options:
- Meze 109 Pro vs Denon AH-D5200
- Denon AH-D5200 vs Focal Bathys
- Focal Bathys vs Fostex TH610
- Fostex TH610 vs Neumann NDH30
- Focal Bathys vs Neumann NDH30
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Denon AH-D5200: $799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass is lifted about 2 dB from 60 to 200 Hz while sub-bass stays within 1 dB of target, giving a full, controlled low end. The 2.1 dB deviation is smooth, and 24 ohms with 103 dB/mW runs easily from a phone or portable player. The large 50 mm driver and closed back suit relaxed home listening.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 2.9 dB under target and a 6.2 dB dip near 9 kHz dulls cymbals and air. At 385 g it is heavy for the class and has no microphone. The AKG K712 and Focal Spirit Classic both hold higher ratings for less money.
Full Denon AH-D5200 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.12 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 75 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 24 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.83 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -3.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +5.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 86 Hz | -4.7 dB | 0.23 |
| Peak | 8,914 Hz | +2.5 dB | 2.81 |
| Peak | 2,317 Hz | +3.1 dB | 1.77 |
| Peak | 405 Hz | +3.6 dB | 2.20 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,418 Hz | -4.0 dB | 4.92 |
| Peak | 1,225 Hz | +2.0 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 6,714 Hz | +2.2 dB | 5.01 |
| Peak | 40 Hz | -0.5 dB | 2.06 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fostex TH610: $799.99 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 72 with a slightly warm overall tilt, a solid result for a closed-back headphone. Its 25 ohm impedance and 98 dB/mW sensitivity let a phone or laptop drive the 50 mm dynamic driver without a dedicated amp, and the closed back keeps sound from leaking in shared spaces.
Cons: At 375 g it is on the heavier side for a closed-back headphone. The Denon AH-D5200 rates higher and costs less, and the Focal Bathys rates higher at the same price while adding wireless convenience.
Full Fostex TH610 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.52 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.71 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (375 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.4 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +3.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 159 Hz | -3.8 dB | 0.59 |
| Peak | 2,578 Hz | +5.5 dB | 1.80 |
| Peak | 9,500 Hz | +3.2 dB | 2.20 |
| Peak | 5,431 Hz | -5.5 dB | 4.68 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 52 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.06 |
| Peak | 533 Hz | +0.4 dB | 1.54 |
| Peak | 232 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.33 |
| Peak | 135 Hz | +0.4 dB | 1.79 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons