Disappointed with the AKG K550 – Where is the bass? - Page 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by musiclife 

Just sidetracking a little bit here, but how would you compare the bass of k550s VS the k701/702 ? Thx

The K550s have more bass than the K701/2's.

I have the DT770 80 ohm and really like the bass. The k550 seems to have a pretty deep response however not quite as sub bass heavy as the 770s.

I crave sub bass and midbass seems to mud things up too much for my tastes. The 770's dont fatigue me either as many headphone makes will rolloff that freq (5khz) to reduce fatigue. The 770s can sound dark, so beware if that bothers you. I would avoid the sony XB series at all costs, its really terrible. I've been considering the LCD2's lately but I worry that the soundstage, open design and comfort factor may disappoint.

Freq Response here

Beyer DT770 (Note low distortion, decent sub bass, also note larger dip at 5khz and spike at 9ish khz. The 80ohms will have even more sub bass than the identified 600ohm pair)

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/BeyerdynamicDT770.pdf

AKG K550 (Note higher distortion, decent sub bass but higher distortion and smaller peaks)

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGK550.pdf

AKG K701 (Note rolled off bass and high distortion, highly overrated IMO)

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGK701.pdf

Quote:

Originally Posted by btankey 

Just my 2 cents (and I'm new a newbie)... I was happy with K550 as my first 'good' headphone (besides an old AKG) paired with the D1 dac/amp, but was also a little disappointed in the bass overall, just didn't have the quantity at low volumes that I was looking for... nor the impact except on bass heavy songs... Well, I just got an old Sherwood receiver from 1981 I think, and using it as my amp with the D1 provides exactly what I was looking for, and the bass is strong, balanced at any level, and makes a hard impact when turned up... Which makes me think that these might not be so 'easily driven' as is claimed. Yes, they sound great with the D1 (NOT with my computer out) but really seem to shine with more power than the D1 gives. I.e. while they sound good even out of an IPad, the bass seems very good with more power, does this make sense?

not to be offensive, but this thread is three-four months old. Generally it's better to start a new thread than to bring up an old one.

Just to be OT, the K550 is quite seal dependent when it comes to bass. Move the pads around and try get a better seal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

What source(s) are you currently plugging the headphones into?

What DAC and headphone amp. are you using?

 

Try putting the K550 under a blanket for a few days while plugged to something playing audio at a higher level then you normally listen to.

I prefer to play Metal for burn-in audio.

An amp/ DAC mismatch is not the problem here... 

Quote:

Originally Posted by iLLicit1 

My K550s have plenty of bass. Not sure what you are talking about. My music preferences range from Progressive, Downtempo, Acid Jazz, Hip-Hop (not rap), ect...

 

It isn't skull crushing bass, but it definitely isn't weak. Made my Q701s feel like I have been missing something this whole time.
 

Well coming from a Q701, that's not surprising

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoMee 

Audiophile headphones don't have bass.

There is some truth to this statement. 

Conclusion: Try to get the best seal. I doubt it will make a day and night difference but who knows? Here are a list of cans that people regard bassy:

Any of the Ultrasones 

DT770 

M50 

V-Moda M80/ V80 

Instead of these alternatives though, I'd look into the Modded Fostex T50rp: the Mad Dogs by Mr. Speakers. They are around the same price as the AKG K550 but have quite a reputation around here on head-fi. Never heard it myself but I might purchase it soon. 

If you aren't satisfied with it now , you will never be . Return it and looking for another . Many in this topic is really good