[Uchiya]

Kind of shocked, these gel better with the O2 than the Meier Classic.  The Classic was for more resolving and open, it made crap sound like crap on these.

 

[darkknight2193]

I just purchased my pair of K712s about two weeks ago.
I'm now in search of a proper way to power these babies!
As of today, I have just integrated sound from my computers motherboard. I would like to throw some more power to them to unveil what AKG has to offer.
What would be a good choice for me at ~$200,~$400, and ~$600? I mostly game, listen to music, occasionally mix my own house mixes, and watch films.

 

[Muinarc]

I just purchased my pair of K712s about two weeks ago.

I'm now in search of a proper way to power these babies!

As of today, I have just integrated sound from my computers motherboard. I would like to throw some more power to them to unveil what AKG has to offer.

What would be a good choice for me at ~$200,~$400, and ~$600? I mostly game, listen to music, occasionally mix my own house mixes, and watch films.

 


Are you wanting a DAC/Amp combo, or just the amplifier?

 

[Rob80b]

Hi Guys
 
Haven’t been around for a while, seriously got into phones in 2003 when my son was an infant so that he wouldn’t hear me and now that he’s a teen I’m back to phones so I can’t hear him.

 
Anyway as a K701 user, my preferred set over my Senn’s and Grado’s, I’m curious if the K712 would be a worthwhile upgrade as I never had a problem with the bass as they’re sufficiently amplified with my current set-up, a late model Bryston 2BLP pro 60 watt amp controlled with the pre section of a Bryston B60R.
I’ve also a Shanling PH1000, which also does a stellar job but I had the Brystons (probably a $5K overkill) lying around so thought I’d put them to use.

Now, I find either set-up, smooth, full bodied and non-fatiguing when I can’t listen to Dynaudio Special 25s, but I’m itching to get myself a birthday present next week. My gut feeling would be that the differences would not be as great as when I went from the K240DF to the K501s and then the K701s.
The other option might be the AKG 550s which I understand have better isolation but not the on the same caliber sonically speaking, or wait for  the K812 (although a bit pricey and more than I’d ever want to spend, famous last words

).

 

[Hairspray]

  AKG could release a Q701 PRO, which is basically a Q701 with the bass port open. Maybe build it in Austria (it being made in China is OK to me) and include more extras. No memory foam pads to keep the costs down. $250-$300 sounds good.

 
Amen to that.
 
 
Quote:

 
I'd definitely suggest the K712 for those that prefer more bass and warmth. But honestly IMO this stuff about it being much smoother and more forgiving isn't really true at all. I think AKG didn't actually FIX anything on the upper mids except gave it new pads.

 
Do you think that a regular Q701 with K712 gel pads would almost sound the same as a K712, especially the mids?
Did you compare them or was it too much of a hassle to unmod your Q701?

 

[Rob80b]

  I just purchased my pair of K712s about two weeks ago.
I'm now in search of a proper way to power these babies!
As of today, I have just integrated sound from my computers motherboard. I would like to throw some more power to them to unveil what AKG has to offer.
What would be a good choice for me at ~$200,~$400, and ~$600? I mostly game, listen to music, occasionally mix my own house mixes, and watch films.

Since my hiatus I’m sure there are a lot of amps to choose from, but I’ve been using a Shanling PH100, which at around $200 I can’t recommend enough with regards to price point and build to power the hungry AKGs, even my K501s come alive, as I noted above I'm also using a Bryston combo but the Shanling is no slouch.

 
There are two switchable inputs, the CD input has additional capacitors in line for those demanding passages.


(the PH1000 is the CSA approved version)

 

[Muinarc]

Hi Guys


 


Haven’t been around for a while, seriously got into phones in 2003 when my son was an infant so that he wouldn’t hear me and now that he’s a teen I’m back to phones so I can’t hear him.

Now, I find either set-up, smooth, full bodied and non-fatiguing when I can’t listen to Dynaudio Special 25s, but I’m itching to get myself a birthday present next week. My gut feeling would be that the differences would not be as great as when I went from the K240DF to the K501s and then the K701s.


The other option might be the AKG 550s which I understand have better isolation but not the on the same caliber sonically speaking, or wait for  the K812 (although a bit pricey and more than I’d ever want to spend, famous last words

).

 


If I were you I'd probably wait for the K812. I was never a fan of the 701s and stuck with my 501s for years and years. I enjoy the different presentation that the 712 gives me, so I have been happy with them thus far, but I wouldn't say they are worlds away from what you already have.

Were you being serious about blocking out the teenager? There are a number of closed-back headphones under $1,000 out there to consider. Things like the Beyerdynamic T70, MrSpeakers AlphaDog, Fostex TH600, etc. etc.

 

[kman1211]

  Hi Guys
 
Haven’t been around for a while, seriously got into phones in 2003 when my son was an infant so that he wouldn’t hear me and now that he’s a teen I’m back to phones so I can’t hear him.

 
Anyway as a K701 user, my preferred set over my Senn’s and Grado’s, I’m curious if the K712 would be a worthwhile upgrade as I never had a problem with the bass as they’re sufficiently amplified with my current set-up, a late model Bryston 2BLP pro 60 watt amp controlled with the pre section of a Bryston B60R.
I’ve also a Shanling PH1000, which also does a stellar job but I had the Brystons (probably a $5K overkill) lying around so thought I’d put them to use.

Now, I find either set-up, smooth, full bodied and non-fatiguing when I can’t listen to Dynaudio Special 25s, but I’m itching to get myself a birthday present next week. My gut feeling would be that the differences would not be as great as when I went from the K240DF to the K501s and then the K701s.
The other option might be the AKG 550s which I understand have better isolation but not the on the same caliber sonically speaking, or wait for  the K812 (although a bit pricey and more than I’d ever want to spend, famous last words

).

The K712 will most likely just be similar but a bit different than the K701, from what I gather from impressions of it; it's warmer, more intimate, and not as a wide sounding as the K701 but not necessarily better. The K7xx series and the K6xx series all sound fairly similar to each other and are all basically in the same caliber, it's a matter of choosing which fits your tastes the most. I personally like the presentation of the K612 more than the K7xx series which I've heard all but the K712.
 
The K812 will truly give you something in a higher caliber.

 

[Rob80b]

If I were you I'd probably wait for the K812. I was never a fan of the 701s and stuck with my 501s for years and years................................

My K501s are still my favorite cans to chill out with, not as airy as my 701s and with less bass but great phones none the less.
 

 
The K712 will most likely just be similar but a bit different than the K701, from what I gather from impressions of it; it's warmer, more intimate, and not as a wide sounding as the K701 but not necessarily better. The K7xx series and the K6xx series all sound fairly similar to each other and are all basically in the same caliber, it's a matter of choosing which fits your tastes the most. I personally like the presentation of the K612 more than the K7xx series which I've heard all but the K712.
 
The K812 will truly give you something in a higher caliber.

 
And thanks for the feedback guys, I'll most likely wait for the K812s and see what they have to offer but in the in the meanwhile look at a pair of closed back-backed ones for when my son's really chilling  out!

 

 

[tdockweiler]

   
Do you think that a regular Q701 with K712 gel pads would almost sound the same as a K712, especially the mids?
Did you compare them or was it too much of a hassle to unmod your Q701?

 
No, I don't think so but probably very very close.
There is actually a chance the stock Q701 + K712 pads will be VERY slightly warmer and bassier than the K712 itself. Not really is a good way. Haven't tried it though but maybe someone else has.
I really do believe the K712 does probably use these "special" drivers. Some (rare) recordings sounded noticeably clearer on the K712 than the modded Q701 and I don't know why.
 
I tried K712 pads on my MODDED Q701 and it was addicting but too bassy and warm really and sounded congested with some music. I liked it for rock music. Sounded like too much mid-bass that sticks out too much. Reminded me of the V6's mid-bass hump almost. I should have tried to swap the Q701 grill for a K702 grill and removed the foam. My idea is that might work well.
 
When I tried Q701 pads on the K712 it sounded more like a K702 rather than a stock Q701. It was much thinner and harsher than MY Q701 ever was. The grill of the K712 might have a lot to do with it, but I can't turn my Q701 into a K702 by swapping it's grill. I know that some impressions of the K712 with Q701 pads is much different. Disclaimer: I haven't heard an un-modded Q701 in maybe a couple months now. You can say I've forgotten what the Q701 sounds like but this is impossible. I guess take those comments with a grain of salt. I also only tried K712 with Q701 pads for an hour and couldn't stand it.
 
BTW someone with the K712 should listen to the K712 without the foam behind the pads for a few hours. Did you know that the K601 and Q701 is actually bassier without the foam? Very subtle though. I think when you remove the outer grill and foam behind the pads on a Q701 you get a subtle increase in low bass and treble. I could be hearing things, but you can try it. It's actually the total opposite of what I originally thought!! With the Q701/K712 I think it's all about getting the perfect amount of air to the driver to sort of tune the sound. Even the air inside the pads is important it seems.
 
NOTE: I did not try a stock Q701 with K712 pads, but it might be nice. I like my modded Q701 so much that I won't bother to reverse it.
 
Oh yeah.. I don't own the K712 but got to try them for a long long time. I'd sure love to own a pair but I'm too poor to afford $380 headphones! Maybe sometime when I'm sitting on a ton of cash. I really can't even think about selling my Q701 to make the upgrade easier.
 
There were some tracks I did prefer on the modded Q701 (such as the entire Buena Vista Social Club CD).
 
Since I listen to a lot of female vocals the K712 is really perfect for that..

 

[Change is Good]

According to chico's comparison between it and the Anniversary (when using the thicker pads on both), the K712 has more bass.
 
The Anniversary is technically the same sounding as the Q701 when using the same pads, so the K712 should have more bass than the Q701 w/K712 pads.

 

[emertxe]

http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGK712.pdf
 
As I said several times, that 2khz emphasis is still hearable but much less in comparison to previous headphones of 701/702 line. It's very well masked by their fullness in bass to mids area. VERY GOOD HEADPHONES for the price

 

[tdockweiler]

  http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGK712.pdf
 
As I said several times, that 2khz emphasis is still hearable but much less in comparison to previous headphones of 701/702 line. It's very well masked by their fullness in bass to mids area. VERY GOOD HEADPHONES for the price

 
LOL! Look at all that extra bass!!!
 
For comparison:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGQuincyJonesQ701.pdf
 
Looks like 1db or something compared to Q701. I only saw it when I increased the PDF zoom to 2000%
 
Oh and I definitely heard the extra warmth and low bass compared to stock Q701. I guess graphs of the X701/712/702 don't always explain everything.
 
Q701 measured close to the K702 and now the K712 measures somewhat similar to the Q701...well maybe not past 1khz or whatever, but still pretty close.
 
I hope Tyll can measure the modded Q701. Oh darn, I shouldn't say that here.

 

[Hairspray]

 

 
Thx for all these precious infos 

 

[emertxe]

   
LOL! Look at all that extra bass!!!
 
For comparison:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AKGQuincyJonesQ701.pdf
 
Looks like 1db or something compared to Q701. I only saw it when I increased the PDF zoom to 2000%
 
Oh and I definitely heard the extra warmth and low bass compared to stock Q701. I guess graphs of the X701/712/702 don't always explain everything.
 
Q701 measured close to the K702 and now the K712 measures somewhat similar to the Q701...well maybe not past 1khz or whatever, but still pretty close.
 
I hope Tyll can measure the modded Q701. Oh darn, I shouldn't say that here.

 
There is significantly more bass to mids fullness with K712 Pro in comparison to Q701... Not because K712 Pro are bass heavy but because Q701 are upper mids to treble happier which makes them sound simply brighter and leaner in bass. There is no way Q701 offer the same amount of bass (talking about regular unmodified Q701). Q701 have less bass than HD800 and HD800 have less bass than K712 Pro, subjectively.