Well my X1's FINALLY came in! Here are my first impressions; a comparison between the Philips Fidelio X1 and the AKG Q701 from a neophyte. Keep in mind that I've been using the Q701 exclusively for a month now.
The first thing I tried was some music, since I have been really focused on that with my Q701's lately. I know it's probably just that I'm super used to the Q701 now, but the bass seems so... loose and floppy. For certain music, it's wonderful. For other music, it gets in the way of the mids. Also the highs just don't have that sparkle that they do on the Q.
I do agree though that they're great for gaming. Holy cow! Not quite as spacious as the Q, not quite as detailed, but very good directionality and, because of all that bass, I really feel more immersed. It *is* a lot more fun. I know what MLE meant now. It's not that same sense of "god mode" that the Q's give, but it's more than good enough. It certainly beats the pants off the PLYR1.
Also, since the X1 is easier to drive, I don't feel like I need an amp on the Recon. The Q just doesn't quite get loud enough and I think would really benefit from them. I was getting close to pulling the trigger on one. Now, I'm thinking maybe not.
Man is it hard to decide between these two! I think I may end up keeping both. I'd use the X1 for gaming since it's just easier with the Boom-pro and the lack of amping. Also, since I'm not exactly a competitive player, I don't need the full god-mode treatment. I'll give up a little detail for a lot of fun, no problem! I'd use the Q701 for music and maybe get a DAC/Amp combo that suits them - brings out the bass a little more and tones down the sparkle JUST a tad.
Do they make a happy medium? Is there something out there that will give me more bass than the Q701 but with that same level of control? Will it still have those clear mids and sparkling highs without being too overboard on the sparkle? I suspect this is the reason people spend the big bucks on headphones. What have I gotten myself into?!? lol
The first thing I tried was some music, since I have been really focused on that with my Q701's lately. I know it's probably just that I'm super used to the Q701 now, but the bass seems so... loose and floppy. For certain music, it's wonderful. For other music, it gets in the way of the mids. Also the highs just don't have that sparkle that they do on the Q.
I do agree though that they're great for gaming. Holy cow! Not quite as spacious as the Q, not quite as detailed, but very good directionality and, because of all that bass, I really feel more immersed. It *is* a lot more fun. I know what MLE meant now. It's not that same sense of "god mode" that the Q's give, but it's more than good enough. It certainly beats the pants off the PLYR1.
Also, since the X1 is easier to drive, I don't feel like I need an amp on the Recon. The Q just doesn't quite get loud enough and I think would really benefit from them. I was getting close to pulling the trigger on one. Now, I'm thinking maybe not.
Man is it hard to decide between these two! I think I may end up keeping both. I'd use the X1 for gaming since it's just easier with the Boom-pro and the lack of amping. Also, since I'm not exactly a competitive player, I don't need the full god-mode treatment. I'll give up a little detail for a lot of fun, no problem! I'd use the Q701 for music and maybe get a DAC/Amp combo that suits them - brings out the bass a little more and tones down the sparkle JUST a tad.
Do they make a happy medium? Is there something out there that will give me more bass than the Q701 but with that same level of control? Will it still have those clear mids and sparkling highs without being too overboard on the sparkle? I suspect this is the reason people spend the big bucks on headphones. What have I gotten myself into?!? lol
