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Able to get a good deal on AKG K 272 HDs

post #1 of 3
12/28/11 at 10:33am
Thread Starter 

 

Hey guys, I'm able to get a pair of AKG k272 HDs through my job for ~$140.  I know that they are normally around 275-300.  I typically listen to heavy metal (a lot of Metallica, megadeth, and Hammerfall).  From what I've read these seem like great headphones for metal, with a slight understated bass but really tight.  Seems like a few people have referenced these as good metal reference headphones. 
 
What I have right now for home listening is the Astro A40 system with the mixamp pro.  These guys are ok, but I know that they don't have the best sound and I've come to appreciate the small things in my music lately.  I know that the k272s sound a lot better when amped, will the Mixamp (http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/08/18/astro_a40_gaming_headset_mixamp_review/2) help any?  
 
I'm also interested in the k272 because of the closed ear design so my girlfriend doesn't have to hear my metal, plus I could use these as monitors for my guitar.  Does it seem like I'm getting a fairly good deal in terms of not only price but the right headphone for what I'll be doing?
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post #2 of 3
12/28/11 at 10:48am

Heya,

 

They're good headphones, very reference sounding, and as you've stated, rather shy on the bass--it will exhibit extension into bass, but it won't have the impact or full rich warm flavor of many other headphones (and this is typical of an AKG as far as I'm concerned; some like it, some don't). The K272 HD's tend to run $200 on Amazon, and go down into the $170's often on sale on Amazon. Getting them for $140 is a good deal either way. It really comes down to how you like your metal to sound. I prefer a lot of low end oumph for blast beats and some of the orchestral stuff that can go on in melodic metal and prog metals for example, and for me, the AKG wouldn't be enough. But if you're well prepared and want a headphone that is mostly mids & treble, then the K272 would be a good headphone for you. If this sounds like something you're weary of, maybe look more to the K240 MKII, or look towards another headphone in general.

 

The Astro will provide some limited amplification, and may or may not have a noise floor on those K272's as they're not terribly difficult to drive, but definitely need an amplifier to really get their full sound. Do you have an AV receiver at home? You could use that instead of the Astro. Otherwise, I'd suggest you look into a desktop amplifier and of course a good DAC (or possibly a good combo unit like the NFB-12).

 

Very best,

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post #3 of 3
12/28/11 at 11:12am
Thread Starter 

Ok, I'll check into the K240 MKII.  I don't need a super robust bass, but I don't want it to be feeble either.  My main concern with the bass is that it not have a muddy sound, such as the what I hear in most the Beats that people around here use.  

 

As far as amplifiers, I don't have an AV receiver.  I do have a guitar amp and a Line 6 UX-2 recording interface, but neither of those is setup to serve as a headphone as far as I know.  I intend on getting a headphone amp sound though because I know it's supposed to make a big difference in the quality with higher-end phones. 

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