Based upon the favorable reviews of the PK-1 in previous Head-Fi posts, I decided to give them a try. At worst, they would be an upgraded replacement for some of my other lesser quality earbuds.
I ordered from Head-Direct and was pleasantly surprised when they arrived about 4 days later.
I have now accumulated about 40 hours of listening time and will add my highest recommendations to that of other reviewers. Although these earbuds look similar to the cheap buds included with most mp3 players, they certainly sound different. Perhaps the most impressive feature is that such a tiny bud can produce the quality of sound equal to that of circumaural high-end headphones.
I have evaluated them with a variety of inputs and with a variety of amps, as well as running them unamped.
Although they are relatively sensitive, the higher impedance results in the necessity for a higher volume setting when driven directly from a typical low-powered device, such as my iRiver H120.
When used in conjunction with a headphone amplifier, they exhibit a fullness and soundstage that must be experienced to be believed! I have an older Auri Direct amplifier which allows one to select from about 12 different HRTF settings, as well as to specify the sound venue and how far back one is (virtually) seated from the performers. With the Auri optimized for the PK1's the soundfield is stunning! Instrument placement is solid and the overall tonal balance is probably the most musical of any phone that I have owned. All the more remarkable when considering the small size and modest cost, especially when compared to the cost of larger, highly regarded conventional headphones.
The overall sound would probably be best compared to the AKG 501 with the bottom end of a Senn. HD650. Yeah, I know, this is hard to believe, but trust me, it is not my imagination, as I was quite skeptical prior to auditioning them!
I think that part of the sense of realism comes from the fact that they are so light and so easily worn that one very quickly forgets that they are wearing headphones, probably pychoacoustic factors enter into the picture here. One simply is aware of the music, and not the phones.
The only drawback, if it can be considered a drawback, is that they provide very little in the way of isolation, thus are not really appropriate for noisy environments, unless you want to listen at levels that are damaging to your hearing.
I do find the overall SQ and comfort to exceed that of my Westone UM2's, and much more "you are there" than my Etys. I now consider them to be my primary listen!
Bottom line: Expensive for an earbud...CHEAP for a headphone of this audiophile quality!!!!
I ordered from Head-Direct and was pleasantly surprised when they arrived about 4 days later.
I have now accumulated about 40 hours of listening time and will add my highest recommendations to that of other reviewers. Although these earbuds look similar to the cheap buds included with most mp3 players, they certainly sound different. Perhaps the most impressive feature is that such a tiny bud can produce the quality of sound equal to that of circumaural high-end headphones.
I have evaluated them with a variety of inputs and with a variety of amps, as well as running them unamped.
Although they are relatively sensitive, the higher impedance results in the necessity for a higher volume setting when driven directly from a typical low-powered device, such as my iRiver H120.
When used in conjunction with a headphone amplifier, they exhibit a fullness and soundstage that must be experienced to be believed! I have an older Auri Direct amplifier which allows one to select from about 12 different HRTF settings, as well as to specify the sound venue and how far back one is (virtually) seated from the performers. With the Auri optimized for the PK1's the soundfield is stunning! Instrument placement is solid and the overall tonal balance is probably the most musical of any phone that I have owned. All the more remarkable when considering the small size and modest cost, especially when compared to the cost of larger, highly regarded conventional headphones.
The overall sound would probably be best compared to the AKG 501 with the bottom end of a Senn. HD650. Yeah, I know, this is hard to believe, but trust me, it is not my imagination, as I was quite skeptical prior to auditioning them!
I think that part of the sense of realism comes from the fact that they are so light and so easily worn that one very quickly forgets that they are wearing headphones, probably pychoacoustic factors enter into the picture here. One simply is aware of the music, and not the phones.
The only drawback, if it can be considered a drawback, is that they provide very little in the way of isolation, thus are not really appropriate for noisy environments, unless you want to listen at levels that are damaging to your hearing.
I do find the overall SQ and comfort to exceed that of my Westone UM2's, and much more "you are there" than my Etys. I now consider them to be my primary listen!
Bottom line: Expensive for an earbud...CHEAP for a headphone of this audiophile quality!!!!
