First good full size cans, K702?

The frequency range means nothing: most people don't hear 20 Hz to 20 KHz.

I have never heard the k 702 (or any other AKG), but from reading this forum I know they can be very polarizing (you either love or hate them), that the headband can be uncomfortable and that they require an amp. Since you have that last point covered, it looks like they could be a good choice. However, I would recommend that you try them first, if possible.

The k 601 could also be a possibility, if money is tight. From what I have *read* they are close to the capabilities of the k 702, and you can get them for nearly half the price: $149 @ TTVJ for the  k 601, compared to $249 @ B&H for the k 702... Ok, so that's not half the price, but it's still quite lower.

Good first ones only if you want to upgrade eventually. Supposedly they don't "sing" without a good amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cymbal Monkey 

I'm looking into getting full cans, I have livewires which I love, but I think it's time I get a set of open cans. I'm poor (as audiophiles go), so the K702s look like they might be up my ally. I've got an M³ in the works, so that'll be powering it. I basically listen to prog rock and post rock with some alt rock thrown in, so I like a huge mid range and really good top end. The 10 to 39,800kHz is fantastic looking. I really don't want to go over $300, because I need money for food, too. So, are these worth while?

The K702s are my first set of hifi headphones.  They are awesome indeed.  I love them.  I can tell you that I am seriously impressed.  Then again with nothing to compare them to, it's hard to say, but I know this...I am extremely satisfied.  I have the Burson HA-160, and it drives them well.

I definitely recommend looking at the For Sale forum here for those on a budget and looking to get into the hobby - although for a technology item, good headphones don't devalue nearly as much as most other gadgets, as long as you are careful with them. Another excellent option is to find a local head-fi meet, if possible.

That said, I think some of the better phones to look at in this price range are AKG K701/702s (they only differ by color and headphone connection), Beyerdynamic DT880s, Sennheiser HD600/650s and various Grados in your price range.

What you do not want to do is choose based on specs or a FR graph. Specs tell you almost nothing useful about the headphones other than compatibility with amps if you have a dedicated amps and how much of a mid bass bump the headphones have (they all have varying midbass humps in this category, even the ones accused of being 'bass light'). If you are looking for the most neutral 'phones I'd say DT880s and K701s are the ones most likely to be called neutral on first listen, but they each have their own colorations.

These are all high quality 'phones and you will find widely varying opinions on these headphones and which ones to pick. Other than narrowing choices based on limiting factors like open / closed and any strongly stated likes / dislikes, people will just recommend their cans or their favorite cans, so it's a crap shoot. You should be able to find these 'phones easily on the FS forum, and you could easily sell them back if you don't care for the sound signature. If you don't have decent amplification, and don't plan on ever buying an amp, the Grados or maybe some Audio-Technicas could be the way to go. I own (or have owned) all these cans, and they all improve significantly with decent amplification (but to varying degrees), but still sound way better than cheap cans out of even modest portables (IMHO). I could tell you which cans I think you should get, but that would be most applicable if your tastes matched mine exactly, and what are the chances of that? Obviously each of these have strong support on this forum, so you could find any one of them your exact cup of tea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cymbal Monkey 

I hear 15 to 25, so I like that extra range. I really like the removable cable on the 702 and would not mind that extra money.

How does it compare to the ATH-AD700?

I've owned them both and AB compared them extensively with no amp.

AD700 is everything the K701 when not using amp. Except, more comfortable. Seems more durable as well.

I can tell you the 70x don't go down to the stated specs. The low end cuts off around 35-40~. Haven't tried to do a high end check as I have hearing issues with it. I doubt any hp can do sub bass. The AKG has a mid high hump that detractors say sounds unnatural.

IMO, I really like the 70x for prog rock. The soundstage and details are great with Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rush, etc. Others don't like them with electronic music. I believe the amp has a big impact on their performance.

Don't get them unless you have or will get a decent desktop amp for them. They suck power like a wife does money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cymbal Monkey 

I'm looking into getting full cans, I have livewires which I love, but I think it's time I get a set of open cans. I'm poor (as audiophiles go), so the K702s look like they might be up my ally. I've got an M³ in the works, so that'll be powering it. I basically listen to prog rock and post rock with some alt rock thrown in, so I like a huge mid range and really good top end. The 10 to 39,800kHz is fantastic looking. I really don't want to go over $300, because I need money for food, too. So, are these worth while?

If you were a true audiophile you wouldn't be posting here and would've already ordered some Beats By Dre! Also, audiophiles can go a few weeks without food to sacrifice for new and improved gear. Hell, I sold my daughter into slavery to purchase an RSA Predator!

Just joking. Stay away from beats and I don't have kids. Lot's of good phones in that price range especially if you buy used. Look around and explore all your options! You could get some used HD650s for that price!

The 70x should be part of an entire setup with a good source/DAC/AMP/70x. I'd look at another headphone if you can't properly have the AKG reach it's full potential. Specs are useless if the music chain is weak.


Maybe a Grado would be something to look at. When you get more money you can sell the Grado and upgrade your setup later.

701 is a very good headphone, M^3 is a very good amp too. You don't need another dynamic headphone unless it's HD800

dual entry k702 is even better!