Don't have the PK2s (had them but sold them more than a year ago), but do have the PK1s, and really enjoy them amped. Sure, my Grado SR80s (I prefer them with the SR-60 pads) are a better listening experience, but the PK1s are very close.
So you are right about the limitations of an ear bud. But as portables go in terms of value (and I have many many IEMs and canal phones in the low to mid-price range), Yuin is tough to beat. Something struck me about your observations. I use the donuts too, and when I first start to listen to the PK1s, I know it's not on the same level as my Grados (or the RP21s I sold). But within 5 minutes, I get lost in the music. And the highs never hurt, so the fatigue factor is also low.
I also have a pair of PK3s on the way. I got them for $25 in a Head-Fi group buy. Owned a pair before, but a friend "borrowed" them permanently. He wouldn't give them back, which was fine with me. He finally paid me the $39 for them, and I got my next pair cheaper.
Head-Fi's Kramer (of the Ksc75 Kramer mod and other mods) recently posted that Ray Samuels commented that the PK1s are as close soundstage-wise as you can get to a full-sized headphone. That's a nice endorsement. If you ever decide to use a small portable amp, get the PK1s.
So you are right about the limitations of an ear bud. But as portables go in terms of value (and I have many many IEMs and canal phones in the low to mid-price range), Yuin is tough to beat. Something struck me about your observations. I use the donuts too, and when I first start to listen to the PK1s, I know it's not on the same level as my Grados (or the RP21s I sold). But within 5 minutes, I get lost in the music. And the highs never hurt, so the fatigue factor is also low.
I also have a pair of PK3s on the way. I got them for $25 in a Head-Fi group buy. Owned a pair before, but a friend "borrowed" them permanently. He wouldn't give them back, which was fine with me. He finally paid me the $39 for them, and I got my next pair cheaper.
Head-Fi's Kramer (of the Ksc75 Kramer mod and other mods) recently posted that Ray Samuels commented that the PK1s are as close soundstage-wise as you can get to a full-sized headphone. That's a nice endorsement. If you ever decide to use a small portable amp, get the PK1s.
