Official K-81 DJ thread - Page 10

I just ordered mine from headroom. Can't wait for them to arrive.mmmm nice and tasty. I hope those upper mids you guys talk about really improve after 100hrs or so. I would really love them to sound great without eq

Dont worry, they sound great without EQ. Mids are still much more present than with a PX100 or KSC75 for example. The great thing is you can really model this Headphone to your liking with EQ so easily. If i want a more forward Grado like Sound i'll EQ to add upper mids and treble. It's very good at imitating the Grado sound. Without any EQ its warmer and more laid back. These phones have so much potential, i'm really curious how much they would improve with a cable upgrade.

Due to fit issues I tried to return mine to B&H, but they said they won't take them since they came in a blister pack!

So if anyone that doesn't have a huge head wants to buy a new pair with about 20 hours on em, I'll let them go for $50.

Let me know...

You can email me at larrybou@insightbb.com

Ok I'm convinced! Must have.

What I read here sounds like the K81 are the first AKGs suitable to my tastes (except the K240S).

Caught by hype, ordered a pair as well. Originally, I had narrowed it down to the HD25-1 and the UE 5 EB, but after all, the cheap AKG won the race. Quite curious if it will be as fun and involving as my Koss cans. Or even better?

I'm curious about the 181's but it looks like there is only one review on headfi. did anyone else take the plunge and order the 81's bigger brother?

Hi Nickchen, seit ich meinen Grado habe setzt mein Koss zwar staub an, aber trotzdem finde ich das der K81 in etwa gleichviel Spass macht wie mein Grado (225), allerdings auf eine etwas andere weise. Erstmal ist da der Bass, der so beim Grado und KSC natürlich fehlt. Zweitens sind die Instrumente/Stimmen so klar und deutlich umrissen (siehe markls vergleich mit dem R10) das man ihm wirklich sehr mühelos zuhören kann. Trotzdem klingt er involvierend und direkt wie der KSC. Ohne EQ ist er mir mittlerweile zu warm, aber so kommt mir jeder KH vor wenn man sonst nur Grado hört Der Grado bleibt ungeschlagen für Rock, aber auch der K81 schneidet hier sehr gut ab, besser als mein KSC-75. Der bessere Allrounder wäre aber der K81. Ob er dir persönlich gefällt ist natürlich wie bei jedem anderen KH schwer zu sagen. Auch wenn ich mich jetzt weit aus dem Fenster lehne finde ich das der HD25-1 überhaupt keine schnitte gegen den K81 hat. Der HD25 klingt sowas von flach und plump, das wer der erste KH der mich wirklich angekotzt hat. Und ich hatte ihn mir damals nur zum auflegen gekauft.. Elektronisches konnte man noch mit ihm hören, sonst nicht viel. Ich höre viel deephouse und das klingt auf dem K81 einfach besser als damals auf dem HD25.

you guys just sold me on these cans

Thanx, Bizkid, looks like it wasn't a good idea to order the K81, it was rather a great idea.

But why in hell did you switch to German my English isn't that bad after all...

But mine is...

Impressions after ~12h of constant use, in comparison with PX100, Portapro and KSC75:

It blocks enough outside noise, it sounds awesome, it's an AKG and I nevertheless like it. A little miracle.

Definetely in the same leage as PX or Koss. Don't know if it's better - it's different. While these open contenders sound warmer and more involving (even the PX100), the K81 impresses me with its far greater details and clarity. Also soundstage isn't bad for a closed budget can, almost on par with the open ones. And that speedboat-kickbass - whoah!

Admittedly, subbass is only substandard - not much and grubby. Definetely not a chillout and downbeat specialist. That is still the Koss territory. The K81 needs rhythm and drums to shine.

Conclusion:
Really content. Provides all I hoped to get from the HD25-1 for 1/3 of its price (59€ over here in D).

Interesting, however i dont find the KSC and PX100 more involving at all. I dont know what source or amp you use but the K81 needs atleast some juice. Out of my soundcard it sounds a little flat, out of my ipod headphone out its great. With the PX100 and KSC there's no difference for me from different sources. Yup subbass is missing, however i cant hear any subbass in my KSC either I wonder if my pair is ok since the KSC is said to be quiet bassy, however my PX100 has more bass than my KSC

ps. just re-read your post and i guess we just have a different interpretation of "involving"

Indeed, same thing here. It seems to have a great (for a 55 € headphone) soundstage and pretty good details. Comfort is also fine.

I have put some pics online:
k81DJ, K26P, PX100
k81DJ detail
k81DJ detail
k81DJ detail

I use my MuVo Flashplayer and my BTech amp. Sounds great out of both. I wouldn't regard the K81 to be really picky. But the Portapro is - it can't stand to be amped, bass is overwhelming then.
Definetely. I like the warm, bassy & tubish side of things. No "Gradonian" at all. Both Koss provide that signature at high degree. Depends on how good they suit. For extra bang, the KSC75 gets EQ'ed at my MuVo, though.

Wow, those pictures were taken down rather quickly. We'd love to see them!