The AKG K-701 vs Grado SR-225 vs Shure SE530 Throwdown! - Page 2

I will admit right now, the plethora of negative reviews regarding the k701/702's bass, has greatly influenced my opinion, and given me the feeling of false hope and regret. I have not even given these headphones a proper chance, but they are burning-in as we speak. I don't know if I have the patience to wait a 100 hours; more or less 800 hours! I feel if I get rid of them sooner, then I can still make what I paid for them. I got the k702's brand new for $261 with 2 yr manufacturers warranty. I am not going to return to the seller because they charge an 18% restocking fee.


These headphones sound great, I can hear individual instruments spread across; and it is extremely clear, but I'm not getting that dancing/air guitar jamming feeling when I listen. If I was a musician or had a studio or listen to jazz/classical, I'd probably appreciate these a hell of a lot more. I get the purpose of these phones, and they do their job well with accuracy. I guess I'm getting cold feet. I'm considering spending a bit more and going with the HD650, or spending a bit less, and going with the d2000. But I'm afraid the d2000 will have too much bass.


I live in Orlando, FL, and I wish there was a place that carried all these high-end headphones (already burned-in) in which I could sample them before buying. That would be a blessing. But I have to resort to buying a product and seeing for myself. Again, I get it, I haven't given these headphones a chance; well, they arrived April 22nd (yesterday) so until I get 50 posts, so I can put them up for sale, and until someone says they're interested, then I will be using that time to burn them in, thus given me a few more days to evaluate.

There are many headfiers in your neck of the woods. You will be able to hear them on some good amps. The 702s need the burn in and the pads need washed a couple times to soften up. Once you get some body oil on the surface, the pads make a better sound. I think it has the most impact on burn in.

I am using a SP amp with tubes matched for the 702s. Nice bass (impact without being overpowering) and wonderful air to the soundstage. Nice ultra-detailed sound and never overwhelmed with complex material.

If you need high impact, bass dominate presentation, the 702s won't do it. I don't think the Senns will either. They are too laid back with a lesser amp.

The "air guitar" feel is a Grado trademark. As mentioned, each hp has their own set of characteristics. I use the RS-1 for "air guitar" and the K701s for relaxing and serious listening. Trying the other way around just leaves me empty.

Good luck!

HC

HEY!

Thanks for the great, honest review... Could I ask you guys a question?

1. I'll probably ask in the amp forum, but what amp+dac (for 200$+-) would you most recommend to go with the AKG's? I know combos aren't the best things one can get, but I don't want to mess with cabling and I assume a 200$dacamp would sound better than an amp connected straight to my EMU0404usb output.

2. I have an option to get the K702 used (3 months old, with original boxing, papers nylon) for approximately the same price the K701 are selling right now in Amazon, 261$. I live in Israel so it would be hard to get the 702's in US prices here.

Do you think I should go for it used? How much wear and tear could have been done to them in 2 1/2 months?
I would still have to get the dacamp through someone visiting the states.

1. Your EMU is a DAC and a pretty good one. You only need a decent pair of ICs into an amp of your choice. Type your budget into the Amp F/S forum search and see what comes up. Now is a good time to find deals.

2. Go for the used units. You can get used 701s in the headphone F/S forum for under $200.

This is huge. I know how hard it is, really I do. The hype beast is a bitch, for sure..but take a minute and step back and don't them get to you. So much otherwise absent thought has been put into my head about tone here(k70x's especially..) that I can really no longer afford not to be objective, and neither can you. Think about how you really feel, and what you really hear in your rig. Opinions are good, but don't let external evaluation become a huge source of internal stress..

Also, are you amping the akgs? The k701/2's really need an amp. They can make sound without one, but that sound's quality improves dramatically with the advent of one too.(..this also goes for whoever asked about akg-amp options..my Head-direct EF-1 does well, for sure-look at the Heed canamp too.)

At the end of the day though, the 70x's..to me, are an inherently "intellectual" phone. They're not really supposed to get me moving, I find most of the time, but thinking rather. Analyzing, admiring, those pursuits found in the synergy of one who couples tens of years of schooling with the wooden instrument beneath him and the pressure of his hand. Hoping that this makes sense, just as an example..to me, there is no finer "Thinking phone" than the akg flagship. Too many don't understand, and I fear, recognize this niche the phone cuts for itself. This I see as too often the source of the controversy. Understand what it does, appreciate it, or essentially, fall victim to the nature of the beast.

Let us know what you end up doing!

Excellent quote!

Thanks, I think this aspect is so important to the akgs that to overlook it is really dodging the core of the phone. Its the kind of headphone that gives back the active attention you put into listening to it. I wish that alot of the haters would think about this too.

Thank you Baka!