ALO AKG701 Mod JenaLabs 18AWG Cryo

[wfranklin]

Finally got back in the office this morning, and have been enjoying my ALO K701's for about the last 4 hours. I'll reserve judgement 'til after I've put 100 hours or so on the new cans (Ken indicated he'd put some time on them before shipping, but I'm not sure how much, and my stock K701's have about 300 hours on them, so want to give the direct comparison a fairer chance with more burn-in time). Initial reaction (again, w/out direct comparison with stock), is that the ALO's have slightly more bass, with better bass definition. Will post more as things move along.

[wfranklin]

After another 24 hours, sound is smoother, and insanely clean. Have been listening to a few binaural recordings (currently Fantastic Islands on the British Psappha label--wonderful string and percussion, although a bit avant garde) and amazed at the clarity, sonic separation and soundstage presented (for HPs). More later.

[dazzer1975]

How much for me to ship my 701's to you and for you to do the cable mod using the 18gauge cryo jenna?

Cheers

[wfranklin]

At about 60 hours now. Anyone who thinks 701's don't do bass should try out Goldfrapp's "Supernature". In comparison, ALO 780's put out "more" bass, but in comparison to the ALO JL18 701's, the 780's sound bloated and overblown. Hi freqs smoother on the 701, and easier to listen to long term (even as good as the 780's are...). When changing back to the stock 701, there seems to be something missing; not sure how to qualify/quantify that yet (since the general sonic character of the 701 doesn't change with the ALO mod), but just know that I quickly change back to the ALO 701s to continue listening. Just won a used pair of K501's on eBay yesterday; am looking forward to having yet another member of the AKG family for comparison.

[Gazza]

I'm currently looking at buying a Pair of 701s with upgraded cabling. I've been looking at those offered by Stefan Audio Art and Moon Audio but these ALO modded 701s strike me as very tempting.

I'm a huge Nordost fan and currently use much of their cabling in my system - their SPM interconnect being the link between my CD player and integrated amp.

Does the ALO cable have similar sonic characteristics to Nordost?

Also, I would need it terminated in a 3.5mm plug (I'll be plugging it in to a Headamp Pico - hope it can drive it) and would need a 10ft length. Is there much of a price difference?

Cheers.

[KB]

Originally Posted by Gazza

I'm currently looking at buying a Pair of 701s with upgraded cabling. I've been looking at those offered by Stefan Audio Art and Moon Audio but these ALO modded 701s strike me as very tempting.

I'm a huge Nordost fan and currently use much of their cabling in my system - their SPM interconnect being the link between my CD player and integrated amp.

Does the ALO cable have similar sonic characteristics to Nordost?

Also, I would need it terminated in a 3.5mm plug (I'll be plugging it in to a Headamp Pico - hope it can drive it) and would need a 10ft length. Is there much of a price difference?

Cheers.

Hey Gazza,

I can terminate to a 3.5mm plug no problem, also a 10 foot length is going to be a little more. Please email me when you are getting close and I can work out some kind of price for you that I hope will can agree on.
audiolineout@gmail.com

Thanks

ken

[xenithon]

Out of interest, will ALO also be creating an upgrade cable for the upcoming K702?

[raffy]

I'm interested in purchasing a ALO-modded K701 but with the 22 gauge wires. Anyone here have one? I'd love to hear your impressions.

[KB]

Originally Posted by xenithon

Out of interest, will ALO also be creating an upgrade cable for the upcoming K702?

Totally, I am all over that. I have my order in and can't want to see what up with the new 702s.

KB

[raffy]

Originally Posted by KB

Totally, I am all over that. I have my order in and can't want to see what up with the new 702s.

KB

Hey Ken, are the K702s still coming out as planned in August?

[KB]

Originally Posted by raffy

Hey Ken, are the K702s still coming out as planned in August?

I have my order in with my rep, so yeah I hope to be one of the first to grab one and start tearing it apart. The first thing I am going to do of course is make a detachable cable to replace the stock one. This should be pretty sweet.

I can't wait.

Ken

[raffy]

Nice! In the meantime, I was able to get a nice used ALO K701 22ga from the FS forums. Should be here tomorrow. Can't wait to try that out!

[KB]

I recently had some special wire made for ALO, this is a thinner jacket ALO SXC Cryo 22awg that is more flexible. It still has a clear jacket and is the same metallurgy as the ALO SXC cryo wire. I had this wire made for headphone cables and is a excellent match for re cabling headphones including the AKG701's. The wire is more bendable, physically soft and light, sounds excellent. I am will be getting the batch back from Cryo in a few weeks after the LA can jam.

Thanks
Ken

[valkirie]

Ken,
I have just received the ALO 701 Mod Jenalabs 18 AWG yesterday and the package did not include the storage cradle. The original package box indicate that box include the cradle which is part of items included in the box. Can you enlighten me?

[KB]

Originally Posted by valkirie

Ken,
I have just received the ALO 701 Mod Jenalabs 18 AWG yesterday and the package did not include the storage cradle. The original package box indicate that box include the cradle which is part of items included in the box. Can you enlighten me?

Hey Valkirie,

Yep my fault its sitting here. I do not recommend you use this however as it was not made for cables going into both cups, moreover the 18awg is much larger and stiffer than the stock cables. I can send it to you though. Please email me you ship to address again. audiolineout@gmail.com

Again sorry for the oversight,

Ken