8 Problems with Denon Headphones & Earbuds (SOLVED)

Denon makes some seriously good headphones, but they’re not perfect.

Once in a while, you’ll experience issues that leave you feeling disappointed.

That said, here are the most common problems you’ll face with Denon headphones and how to solve them:

1. Headphones Not Producing Sound 

Complaints of headphones not producing sound are common across brands. 

Denon is no exception. For example, customers using the Denon AH-GC3 have raised this issue several times.

Luckily, it’s rarely a fault with the headphones.

We have another article here on how long Denon headphones last.

Possible Issues:

1. You’ve not adjusted the connected device’s volume or headphones to a suitable level.
2. The Bluetooth device is out of range.
3. There’s some wireless interference that’s affecting the Bluetooth connection between the headphones and your device.
4. You may not have connected the headphone jack properly.

Also, if your audio device has several connection jacks, check whether you’ve connected the headphones to a microphone or audio-in jack.

Possible Solutions:

1. Adjust the volume of both the headphones and the connected device. 
2. Make sure the headphones and the connected device have paired. 
3. Move away from devices such as a microwave that can cause wireless interference. 
4. Unplug and reconnect the headphone jack. 

2. Power Does Not Turn On

It is common for headphones to stop turning on. 

Some users of Denon AH-GC30 have complained about power not coming on.

Luckily, there’s a fix:

1. Adjust the volume of both the headphones and the connected device
2. Make sure the headphones and the connected device have paired.
3. Move away from devices such as microwaves and mobile phones.
4. These devices can cause wireless interference.
5. Unplug and reconnect the headphone jack.

If you’re using the headphones for the first time, they may be completely discharged. Charge the Denons before you can start using them.

In the same breath, the battery might discharge because of going a long time without using the headphones.

To solve this, connect your headphones to an AC adapter or a computer using the USB cable in the box.

3. The Battery Is Dead

Still can’t get the power to turn on? 

There’s a chance the battery is dead. In this case, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. 

This will involve opening up the headphone enclosure, which might void your warranty. 

4. Headphones Feel Flimsy

Some consumers have complained about the build quality of some Denon headphones (for example, the AHD1100).

The thing is, reputable manufacturers always try to strike a good balance between price and quality. 

The point of using plastic isn’t just to save money. Plastic is sturdy and lightweight, so it’s perfect for making headphones.

Denon also uses sturdy materials like wood and metal. 

Unfortunately, users often complain that they’re a bit heavy. Nothing ruins the comfort of headphones faster than weight.

If you’re worried about breaking your headphones, do the following:

Tips for Caring for Your Headphones

1. Unplug your headphones after use
2. Don’t sleep with your headphones on
3. Keep the headphones in a case when you’re not using them
4. Avoid sharing your headphones with others. They may not take as good care of them as you do.
5. Never carry the headphones in your pocket.

5. Cannot Connect to Bluetooth

Bluetooth connectivity issues can be a bummer, but they’re easy to fix. 

Here’s how to go about it:

Put Both Devices in Pairing Mode:

Most dedicated Bluetooth devices are not always ready to connect. For this reason, you need to put them in pairing mode. 

Check the manual of your Denon headphones to see how you can do this.

Ensure the Devices are in Range:

While Bluetooth devices work within a range of 30 feet, you should gun for 20 feet or less if you’re having connectivity issues.

Other Solutions for Bluetooth Connectivity Issues:

1. Turn devices off and back on.
2. Disconnect the audio cable if it’s connected.
3. Disconnect the USB cable if it’s connected.

6. Static and Fuzzy Sound

Denon headphones are known for their outstanding sound quality. 

So it may catch you by surprise to hear some static and fuzz in your audio. Usually, you’d expect this from a low-quality pair of headphones, not your high-end cans. 

But the truth is that audio quality can be affected by factors outside the manufacturer’s control. 

These include: 

1. Problems with your headphone jack
2. Electromagnetic interference
3. Equalizer settings
4. Poor quality audio source files

In essence, issues with the headphone jack and electromagnetic interference are the most common causes of sound distortion. 

How to Fix Sound Distortion:

First, clean your headphone jack to get rid of lint/dust. 

To avoid damaging the jack, get a can of compressed air and direct it to the small opening. A blast or two should be enough to rid it of any debris. 

Also, make sure you’re getting a secure fit when you plug in the jack pin. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to buy a new one.

Second, move away from any electronic device that causes static noise when using your headphones. Ever noticed how horrible your headphones sound anytime someone calls your cellphone?

That’s electromagnetic interference (EMI). 

To put it simply, EMI is unwanted electromagnetic energy that disturbs the functioning of electronic devices. All electronic devices produce some electromagnetic radiation.  

7. Earbuds Don’t Fit

Sometimes, you’ll get earbuds that don’t fit. You may experience this with the Denon AH-C160 and AH-C100RD. 

They may be too small and fall out with the slightest movement. On the flip side, the earbuds may be too big, and you have to squeeze them into your ears.

Everyone’s ears are different, both in size and shape. While earbud manufacturers try to develop a standard one-size-fits-all product, covering every scenario is impossible.

Whether you have smaller ears or bigger ones, you’ll need to buy ear tips that fit comfortably. 

8. Audio Flickers On and Off

Audio that comes on and off can be frustrating.

Sometimes, the headphones turn themselves off, and you have to turn them on manually. 

The audio comes on and off intermittently as you use the headphones.

Before you bin your Denons, do the following:

Fix for Wireless Headphones

With wireless headphones, the problem might be the battery. 

Your headphones usually power down on their own when the battery gets low.

 Consequently, the battery regains enough charge to power on and sit idle for a few seconds. To fix this, charge your headphones.

There’s also a possibility that you’re getting too far away from the source device, so the audio cuts off and reconnects when you get back into the Bluetooth range.

Fix for Wired Headphones

The issue could be the cord wires or the headphone jack for wired headphones.

If you suspect this is the case, replace the cable to see whether the problem goes away.

One Side of the Headphones Isn’t Working

Sometimes you wear your headphones, and one side doesn’t work. It happens, even to the best of brands.

To fix this, do the following:

1. Check the source device and ensure you’ve turned on both speakers (right and left).
2. Check the volume levels on each side of the headphones – you may have muted one side.

For wired headphones, check that the cable and jack are working.

For wireless earbuds, ensure you’re wearing a matching pair. It’s not uncommon to find someone wearing earbuds from different pairs. 

If these solutions don’t work, you may be dealing with a hardware issue. Try restarting your headphones if you have a wireless pair; it may help.

General Pros and Cons for Denon Headphones

Superb Sound Quality:

Denon has a reputation for building exceptional-sounding headphones.

Users have great reviews about how good the headphones sound across the range – from the $90 Denon AH-C100RD to the $1,600 Denon AH-C360.

Excellent Build Quality:

Denon headphones are generally beautiful and sturdy.

The handmade AH-D9200 is a testament to their commitment to quality.

Long Battery Life:

Some Denon headphones can go up to 20 hours on a single charge.

Some users have reported going up to 5 days with casual listening.

Good Call Quality:

If you love making calls on your headphones, go for a pair of Denons.

Many reviewers point to the good call quality and the great user experience.

A Bit Pricey:

With the high-end headphones going for more than $1,000, it’s easy to see why users think the headphones are pricey.

You still get what you pay for – good looks and exceptional sound.

Light Weight and Comfortable:

Denon over-ear and on-ear headphones are designed for comfort.

The on-ear headphones come with a well-padded cast aluminum headband and soft ear pads. The wireless earbuds are equally well designed.

Sources:

Denon Troubleshooting

Extend the Life of Your Headphones

Electromagnetic Interference