Cristello
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The AKG K712 Pro Support and Impressions Thread
- Thread starter PiNa.cz
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You do realize, bass isn't directly related to a cold/warmess of a headphone, right? Have you heard the Pro 900? That is one helluva cold sounding headphone, despite it's WHOPPING amount of bass. MUCH more than the X1, in fact. Same with the DT990. Cold/bright, yet with some ample bass.
And yes, I've addressed the cable a billion times. I've used... many more cables than I think should be considered normal. Ranging from 0.2 ohm to 1.8ohm, and everything in between. Different sources, different amps.
Notice, I didn't call the X1 a cold headphone. I said COLDER than the Annie.
Also warm headphones can be quite linear. Look at the Mad Dogs, LCD2, ESP950 as some of the most common examples of warm, linear headphones. The Annie is almost non-debateable in that it is warm, and doesn't particular emphasize anything over anything else. It is incredibly well balanced, and the K712 graphs (which should essentially be near identical to the Annie) proves that.
I believe cold/warmth more equates to the body of sound and dryness. I have never, ever seen even on head-fi, a thick, full bodied sounding headphone to be considered cold. Ever. It's always been thinner sounding headphones. And yes, thin sounding headphones can have big bass (Again, Pro 900 and DT990 are quite thin sounding in general despite ample bass). Some people do equate warmth with bass, but that's inconsistent, because the Q701 is generally known as a warm headphone, yet it's not particularly bassy. Same with the ESP950, which has quite an early bass roll off, but is known as warm and linear...
And yes, I've addressed the cable a billion times. I've used... many more cables than I think should be considered normal. Ranging from 0.2 ohm to 1.8ohm, and everything in between. Different sources, different amps.
Notice, I didn't call the X1 a cold headphone. I said COLDER than the Annie.
Also warm headphones can be quite linear. Look at the Mad Dogs, LCD2, ESP950 as some of the most common examples of warm, linear headphones. The Annie is almost non-debateable in that it is warm, and doesn't particular emphasize anything over anything else. It is incredibly well balanced, and the K712 graphs (which should essentially be near identical to the Annie) proves that.
I believe cold/warmth more equates to the body of sound and dryness. I have never, ever seen even on head-fi, a thick, full bodied sounding headphone to be considered cold. Ever. It's always been thinner sounding headphones. And yes, thin sounding headphones can have big bass (Again, Pro 900 and DT990 are quite thin sounding in general despite ample bass). Some people do equate warmth with bass, but that's inconsistent, because the Q701 is generally known as a warm headphone, yet it's not particularly bassy. Same with the ESP950, which has quite an early bass roll off, but is known as warm and linear...
Cristello
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I generally equate warmth more with a smoother treble response which lets bass and mids come out more even if the bass isn't emphasized. Take the HD558 for instance. It's undoubtedly warm/well balanced, but it isn't 'bassy'.
Plenty of good headphones out there that are warm without a tilt in bass.
I also equate coldness more with thinness and treble emphasis. That DOES usually tend to be paired up with a lack in bass most of the time, but it isn't a direct law. Again, Pro 900 and DT990 are notable examples. I don't think it's undeniable that those two are cold sounding headphones. It's been stated as such for years. Not just by me.
Plenty of good headphones out there that are warm without a tilt in bass.
I also equate coldness more with thinness and treble emphasis. That DOES usually tend to be paired up with a lack in bass most of the time, but it isn't a direct law. Again, Pro 900 and DT990 are notable examples. I don't think it's undeniable that those two are cold sounding headphones. It's been stated as such for years. Not just by me.
matthewpl
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I got service manual for K612/K712: www.akg.com/media/media/download/9352
And for compare K702/K702 65th: www.akg.com/media/media/download/8428
And for compare K702/K702 65th: www.akg.com/media/media/download/8428
plakat
Headphoneus Supremus
So the capsules for the K712 and the K702 do indeed have different part numbers, but the same name (DKK45):
K712: 2400Z00090
K702: 2400Z00080
Interesting that K702 and K702AE share the same part number... which correlates with the original claim on the AE-related webpages of better matched pairs of the same driver as before.
K712: 2400Z00090
K702: 2400Z00080
Interesting that K702 and K702AE share the same part number... which correlates with the original claim on the AE-related webpages of better matched pairs of the same driver as before.
matthewpl
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Quote:
Basically K702 65th are K702 with ear pads from K712 and new look. Or as someone mention it before: K702 with K712 ear pards are 99% K702 65th.
I wonder now (because K712 doesn't suit my taste even with K702 pads): sell K712? Buy K702 with K712 ear pads? Or ruin my wallet even more and go for flagships (HD800 or T1)?
Basically K702 65th are K702 with ear pads from K712 and new look. Or as someone mention it before: K702 with K712 ear pards are 99% K702 65th.
I wonder now (because K712 doesn't suit my taste even with K702 pads): sell K712? Buy K702 with K712 ear pads? Or ruin my wallet even more and go for flagships (HD800 or T1)?
imackler
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Have you already been through the other choices, like HD600? I've never gotten on with the AKG line but love me a HD600!
What don't you like about the K712?
Have you already been through the other choices, like HD600? I've never gotten on with the AKG line but love me a HD600!
What don't you like about the K712?
matthewpl
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From what I read HD600 are dark and warm and I am more into neutral/bright headphones.
I like my K712, with stock pads I would say they are the best headphones for gaming ever made. It is amazing how accurate it can be, when you hear explosion on the other side of the map and without the problem can say where exactly explosion was.
For bass-light music they are quite impressive. Maybe slightly lacking somewhere between mids and treble but overall really good.
But sometimes I like to listen some industrial rock with more bass, and with K712 there is just too much bass for me.
And I think that even with this ridiculous orange colour they are one of the best looking headphones ever made (or at least I like it ;P).
From what I read HD600 are dark and warm and I am more into neutral/bright headphones.
I like my K712, with stock pads I would say they are the best headphones for gaming ever made. It is amazing how accurate it can be, when you hear explosion on the other side of the map and without the problem can say where exactly explosion was.
For bass-light music they are quite impressive. Maybe slightly lacking somewhere between mids and treble but overall really good.
But sometimes I like to listen some industrial rock with more bass, and with K712 there is just too much bass for me.
And I think that even with this ridiculous orange colour they are one of the best looking headphones ever made (or at least I like it ;P).
plakat
Headphoneus Supremus
I don't think the T1 has less bass than the K702AE (don't know about the K712), but overall its less warm (but far from cold). If you're looking for something bright with dry but very deep reaching bass you might want to take a look at the T5p instead.
Xing24
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Yes, he did confirm that k712 has more bass than k702-65 and it is very good at playing cello.
Yes, he did confirm that k712 has more bass than k702-65 and it is very good at playing cello.
Blackmore
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What I understood is that K712 Pro have deeper and more accurate bass than Anniversaries, also, they are less dark sounding. More bass will mean subwoofer kind, which Anniversary already are, but then much worse quality.
THX
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THX
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I'll do my best here to write up in English what OP vineland said in his relevant posts. He says in an early teaser post that the sonic characteristics of the K702.65 and the K712 are very different. In fact, he doesn't seem to hear an improved bass response on the K702.65 coming from earlier models. The main content is a hardware overview and a four part sound sig review along with some concluding remarks and observations. vineland had not reviewed the K702.65 before so the format is actually that of a comparative review. I think it's important to preface everything by noting that throughout the thread he alludes to his experiences with early and late production K701, K702, and Q701 and it's obvious he's of the opinion that there are noticeable variations in sound sig between these various models. From the conversation there, it doesn't seem like anyone is suspecting that K702.65/K712 = K702/Q701 + new pads like us here on Head-Fi. Hopefully this will be useful for those taking notes and maybe we can have owners chime in to either corroborate or challenge these impressions.
Hardware Overview
(me: Nothing particularly new or of interest was said here. Of note is that he doesn't seem to differentiate between K702.65 and K712 pads and that he thinks the cable for both is made of the same material.)
[Part One] Highs / Strings
[Test Recording] Rossini: String Sonatas 1-6 XRCD (Label: Decca) / Heifetz: Double Concertos SACD (Label: RCA Living Stereo)
Highs on the K702.65 are a surprise considering this headphone is a "K702" model, though truth be told it and the K702 sound markedly different. It's highs are elegant and creamy, essentially of a warmer colouration. In comparison, the late production K701 is leaner, the K702 is noticeably brighter, and the Q701 is slightly thicker. Speaking only to highs, the K702.65 closely resembles the early production K701, though not quite as lush. Perhaps burn-in is a factor. Highs on the K712 are "another story". Its signature is lighter in comparison, more capable in terms of resolution. Subtleties such as finger work on strings are heard with more clarity, and in all brings a certain transparency and scrutiny to the upper frequencies. Yet it differs from the K702 as it does not trend bright and is in fact somewhat lacklustre/dull. Transparent and lacklustre, definitely a little unique.
[Part Two] Mids / Vocals, Popular Music
[Test Recording] 民歌蔡琴 (Folk Songs: Tsai Chin) XRCD / Eagles: Hell Freezes Over XRCD
In listening exclusively to mids, particularly to vocals, variations over the K70x line are not particularly significant (especially with respect to variations in the highs and lows), and only the Q701 seem slightly more luscious. To be exacting, K702.65 mids are a bit soft and close to that of the K701 but not as full or rich. K712 mids take after those of the K702, with just a bit of sibilance listening to songs from 民歌蔡琴, but fortunately not too perceptible. Also with the K712 and K702, production artifacts seem more evident and they may be more fatiguing with your average popular music recording. Of course, it has to be said that these two headphones handle popular music very differently mainly because they are two different sound sigs and low end responses. Lows will be discussed in detail in a following post but what I want to express here is that the mids on both the K702.65 and K712 are not too shabby, and may be considered one of AKG's strengths. However as to popular music, the performance of the K702.65 is slightly more favourable; though "smoother" in comparison, it sounds more holistic and emotive.
[Part Three] Lows / Piano, Cello
[Test Recording] Rubinstein: Beethoven Sonatas SACD (Label: RCA Living Stereo) / Janos Starker: Cello Concertos of Schumann SACD (Label: Mercury)
In the low end, the K712 made a deep impression on me. As stated on the outer box, low frequency response is boosted by 3dB, and it's clear the K712 received an enhanced low end and is no longer crippled in that regard. Representation of the piano, even from an amp such as the Solo SRG, is now up to par. What is even more striking is heard through its representation of the cello. Know that even though the cello is played over a wide range of pitches, its essence is found in the low mids, and as a string instrument, representation of the cello should not be too "steely", too percussive. As such, many mid-tier headphones that handle piano well do not do an ideal job in representing the cello. But of headphones I've heard, the K712 stands as a stellar performer in cello representation. Bass from the cello sound box is resonating and full-bodied, transient detail from bowing is decent. This makes the K712 a good choice in cello playback, if pricing becomes more reasonable in the future. In juxtaposition, the K702.65 offers no such pleasant surprise, and is consistent with the performance of the K70x lineup. Bass response is comparatively weak, akin to the K701/K702 in quantity. I'll mention here that the bass on the Q701 is slightly bolstered, though not to K712 quantities. Finally I should stress that though the lows on the K712 are boosted, they are not at all exaggerated or boomy, and remains unsuited to popular, rock, or electronic genres.
[Part Four] Symphony Orchestra / Symphonies
[Test Recording] Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lambert Orkis: Beethoven Spring & Kreutzer Sonatas SACD (Label: Deutsche Grammophon) / Carlos Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic: Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7 SACD (Label: Deutsche Grammophon) / Richard Strauss in High Fidelity: Also sprach Zarathustra; Ein Heldenleben SACD (Label: RCA Living Stereo)
(me: vineland starts with a few comments about the Sonatas recording reiterating again the antithetical nature of rendering piano and strings simultaneously and remarking that few headphones are able to achieve a good balance.) K701/Q701/K702/K702.65 have a common shortcoming, namely the representation of the piano lacks authority, its dynamics and intonation possess force backed with little strength, and in contrast, the violin sounds almost ostentatious. On the other hand, the fidelity of the K712 left me bright-eyed. Previous well-performing headphones with this record were mostly Beyers, such as the DT860 and T90, but the K712 do a good job here as well. The bolstered bass, though not as full-bodied, means a certain balance is attained between piano and violin, and are able to synergize. Some of you have mentioned to me that I wrote too little about its piano in the low end impressions, so I add that still piano isn't the K70x's strong suit, but it's no longer a weakness for the K712. Even with AKG's general bass deficiency the K712 handles the two orchestral recordings with ease, showing off its prowess in soundstage and detail retrieval. Yet objectively speaking, a lacking bass is still a trait. Also worth mentioning is that the dynamic range of these two recordings is slightly larger, and even with the K712's enhanced low end, my opinion is that overall AKG does not play particularly well with more dynamic orchestral recordings.
[Summary]
Through a month of listening to many more recordings, I'll make a few representative remarks here. The K712, with the "Pro" tagline, does seem to lend itself to professional use, having a more dissecting signature and sounding like an improved K702. You all know I've criticized the K702, not that its signature is idiosyncratic or unbearable. To illustrate, a friend asked if the K702 is transparent or bright, to which another replied that to be transparent predicates a balanced response, and if not the case, then it's bright. The crux of the K702 is that its bass is too feeble, with a top-heavy sound, and as such is too bright, though not to the point of the trebly QP400. The K712 successfully averts this issue, and is a transparent and resolving headphone, suitable for appreciation of classical music, with bass much improved over the K70x family. Though not excellent, rendering of the piano is significantly better, and cello representation is spot on. Transparency through the mid to high frequencies continues to be top notch, and on the whole more balanced than the K702. I think K702 veterans can look forward to the release of the K712.
About the K702.65, even though it holds a "K702" designation, it honestly sounds closer to the early production K701. It ameliorates the K701 coldness and the Q701 thickness, and I think is a headphone worth having. Even if it retains the K701's incompatibility with genres like rock, electronic, or dynamic orchestral, this doesn't prevent it from being a refined, spacious, and proficient headphone. Looking towards the future, AKG should tweak the K70x sound and introduce a product to replace the K701 (K711?). In comparing the K712 and the K702.65, one is inclined to think that AKG is simply repackaging an old product or refusing to innovate, though I think they represent a small step in the right direction at least in terms of sound signature. As an AKG fan, this is something I can approve and support.
先向大家道歉，還是無法貼圖，回頭我讓白版幫我補上圖
外觀盒子與K702 65th完全一樣，和最早的梅花版K701也是基本一樣的，內盒也是完全一樣的。
因為我沒有評價過K702 65th，所以基本上一併作個評價
耳機本身的外觀模具和K702 65th完全相同，屬於改進後的第二代頭梁，這個真皮頭梁看起來很薄很cheap的感覺，原來的頭樑下面還有氣墊，應該更舒服，但是實際上這個新版模具佩戴要舒服不少，不會有老版那種佩戴一會兒就勒頭的感覺。
另外那個「皮筋」部分據說也有改進，不過僅從外觀觀察並不明顯。
需要大家注意的是，這個模具的兩款耳機的耳墊更厚，記得K702出來時候白版吐槽過它的耳墊，的確K702耳墊要比K701耳墊薄，但是這兩款耳機的耳墊基本就是K701耳機的黑色版。
此外鹹菜也有改變，簡單來說，新版的線材要比老闆的更加柔軟，因此肯定是不同的，經過我與K702換線，發現鹹菜的聲音變得更加柔和的一些，但是素質差距應該不大，此外K702 65th和K712pro的線材我目前聽起來是一樣的。
最後說下外觀，AKG字樣和梅花（三葉蟲）標誌分別被加到了兩側的銀牌上，不像新版K701一樣光禿禿，我認為還是更好看，此外恢復了K301/401/501的長方形側牌，算是一種懷舊吧。K702 65th的藍色框，加上灰色線材，我覺得看起來比較素雅，但是K712pro的外觀略微奇葩，大家估計都看過官圖，其實頭梁導管和圓形框的實際顏色遠沒有圖片上那麼充滿了金屬質感（因為是塑料的），實際顏色為橘黃色到棕黃色之間的一個顏色，也不算很鮮亮，另外線材方面K712pro也是這個顏色的（官圖上沒有）。此外頭樑上的縫線也是藍色和橘紅色的。
最後說下配件，K712pro多送了一條黑色的螺旋線，這在701家族裡面首次見到，這根線我和在K240MKII以及K271MKII中見到的螺旋線肯定是不同的，但是目前尚未測試。另外K712pro中首次出現了黑色絨布袋這個配件，絨布袋上有AKG字樣，份量和做工都算不錯。
第一部分 高頻/絃樂測試
測試唱片 ROSSINI String Sonatas 1-6等 Neville Marriner Decca 「著名的小帆船」 XRCD
Heifetz Double Concertos Bach，Mozart&Brahms RCA Living Stereo SACD
既然是測試，基本選用了高規格的「名盤」，值得注意的是這兩款耳機的靈敏度和其他701家族一樣，都是93DB，SACD因為電平較低，SOLO上基本需要12點音量，XRCD也需要10-11點
K702 65th的高頻讓人很意外，因為這款耳機叫K702，但是說實話，它和K702的聲音差異很大，它的高頻非常華麗，充滿了「奶油味」，也就是暖色調的染色，和K701相比，新版的K701要更加「骨感」一些，K702則明顯比它偏亮，Q701則稍顯粘滯，應該說，僅就高頻而言，K702 65th是最接近梅花版K701的，但是在濃郁程度上略有不及，不知道和煲機是否有關係。
K712pro的高頻則是another story了，從聲底上看它要明顯比K702 65th薄，更加突出解析力一些，一些撥弦，擦弦的細節上，要明顯清晰於K702 65th，總的來說，這樣的高頻更加「監聽味」，更加透明，但又和K702的高頻明顯不同，因為它的高頻段不僅不偏亮，相反稍微黯淡一些。透明而且黯淡，的確有點獨特。
第二部分 中頻/人聲，流行測試
試音碟 民歌蔡琴 XRCD
Eagles Hell Freezes Over XRCD
其實單獨聆聽中頻部分，尤其是人聲部分，K701家族系列耳機差距並不太大（相比於高頻和低頻的差異），只有Q701顯得稍微感情濃郁一些。仔細聽的話K702 65th的中頻還是稍帶軟色調的染色，和K701的中頻比較接近，但是和老梅花版K701中頻相比，則沒有那麼濃郁。K712pro的中頻部分和K702非常接近，仔細聆聽民歌蔡琴的曲目會帶有輕微的齒音，好在並不明顯。此外在K712pro和K702下，民歌蔡琴顯得製作痕跡明顯，我估計如果是錄音更加一般的流行音樂，會顯得不耐聽。當然，不得不提的是，這兩隻耳機回放流行音樂的表現差距其實很大，這主要是聲音特性和低頻不同造成的。關於低頻將在下一個帖子裡面詳細討論，我這裡想表達的觀點是，K712pro和K702 65th中頻都算不錯，這應該算是AKG的強項，但是就流行而言，K702 65th的表現稍好，雖然聽起來相對要「攪糊」，但是整體感更強，感情色彩更好。
第三部分 低頻/鋼琴，大提琴測試
試音碟 Rubinstein Beethoven Sonatas RCA Living Stereo SACD
Janos Starker Schumann:Cello Concerto Mercury SACD
到了低頻部分，應該說，K712pro的低頻給我留下了深刻的印象，包裝箱上也寫了，低頻部分增加了3DB的響應，K712pro的低頻做了明顯的enhance，可以說低頻不再殘廢了，鋼琴的回放即便是SOLO SRG這樣的放大器上，也到了可以一聽的程度。更加讓我嘆奇的要數大提琴了，要知道大提琴不僅音域廣泛，聲音集中在中低頻段，而且作為一種絃樂，回放大提琴的聲音不能太「鋼」太有打擊感，因此很多回放鋼琴不錯的中檔耳機，回放大提琴並不理想。而K712pro是我聽過回放大提琴非常出色的一款耳機，充沛的低頻琴腔共鳴，加上瞬態不錯的拉弦細節，如果未來能夠售價合理，回放大提琴絕對是一個好選擇。相比而言K702 65th沒啥驚喜，都是AKG 70X家族的一貫表現，低頻力度相對偏弱，與K701，K702的量感相當。在這裡我要說一下，其實Q701的低頻部分還是稍微補強的，不過沒有K712pro的低頻量感。
最後我還是要強調一下，白版當初評論D7100，一句沒有說到，就有人認為天龍做出了歌德聲。我也要說，K712pro的低頻雖然補強了，但是沒到誇張的地步，它的低音不是「梆梆梆」或者「砰砰砰」的類型，也並不是很適合流行，搖滾，電子這類的音樂。
第四部分 大編制/交響樂
Anne-Sophie Mutter/Lambert Orkis Beethoven Spring&Kreutzer Sonatas DG SACD
Carlos Kleiber WPO Beethoven Symphonies No5&7 DG SACD
Fritz Reiner Chicago Symphony Richard Strauss in High Fidelity RCA Living Stereo SACD
用來測試大編制的三張唱片都是SACD，畢竟SACD擁有更好的高頻信息和動態響應。首先說下穆特的這張貝多芬奏鳴曲，這張盤的演繹水平我持保留態度，但是鋼琴與小提琴奏鳴曲這個題材的SACD比較少見，這張的錄音和製作都非常出色，是我經常用的試音碟。鋼琴和小提琴其實是比較「矛盾」的兩件樂器，大家都是知道的，白版和我都經常說，耳機一般是由鋼琴style的和小提琴style的，表現一個比較好的，另外一個就相對比較差，因此這張試音碟其實我很少聽到能夠比較均衡好聽的耳機。K701/Q701/K702/K702 65th在這張唱片下都有一個共同的問題，就是鋼琴的表現太弱勢，動態和共鳴都呈現一種有氣無力的狀態，而小提琴反倒顯得過於出彩，而K712pro的表現的確讓我眼前一亮。這張唱片回放表現好的過往記錄，都是拜亞的耳機，比如DT860和T90，但是K712pro的表現也非常不錯。補強後的低頻雖然沒有說非常充沛，但是鋼琴和小提琴之間也達到了基本的平衡，兩者呈現互相呼應的狀態。在低頻測試篇裡面，有朋友說我鋼琴說的太少了，應該說鋼琴依然不是目前K70X架構耳機的強項，但是對於K712pro而言已經不算是短板了。
兩張交響唱片都是大多數發燒友都聽過的名盤了，在大編制裡面，由於更換了鼠放，雖然AKG的耳機依然存在低頻不足的問題，但是已經顯得寬鬆而且遊刃有餘，AKG特有的寬廣聲場給樂器的聲部以及結像帶來了優勢，但是低頻稍顯不足的問題依然客觀存在。偏巧這兩張唱片都比較偏向動態，所以我仍然認為雖然K712pro低頻有了一定的改善，大編制大動態，依然不是AKG的菜。
最終總結
這裡面要多寫一些，其實折騰了這麼一個多月，我是聽過的唱片遠遠比我列舉的多，這離僅僅說了一些有代表性的。應該說K712pro名字帶著pro，還是偏向專業用途，聲音也更加監聽，可以說是k702的升級版。很多人都知道我炮轟過K702，其實K702這個耳機並非聲音很偏，或者沒法聽。只是借用一個朋友問過的問題，K702到底是透明還是亮，有個朋友回答的很到位，如果聲音整體平衡，那就是透明，否則就是亮。K702的最主要問題就是低頻太殘廢了，這樣聲音頭重腳輕，就太亮了，這方面尚不及高頻風格類似的QP400。而K712pro可以說很好的解決了這個問題，這是一款透明度很高，以監聽為設計目的的耳機，也可以適用於古典音樂的欣賞，低頻對比以往的K70X家族有了很大改善，雖然鋼琴尚談不上表現的非常好，但是已經提高很大，大提琴的表現更可以說是可圈可點，中高頻的透明度依然很高，但是整體上不像K702那麼聲音不平衡了。我覺得對於K702長草的朋友，可以期待未來國內正式上市的K712pro
在這裡順便說說K702 65th，這款耳機雖然打著K702的牌號，我覺得聲音實在是貼近最老的梅花版K701，它有意改善了新版K701聲音偏冷峻和Q701聲音稍微粘滯的問題，我覺得是個非常值得入手的耳機。雖然K701不擅長的東西，比如搖滾樂電子樂，或者大動態大編制，仍然是K702 65th的短板，但是這不妨礙它成為一款聲音溫文爾雅，聲場寬廣，聲音有素養的耳機。我想在不久的將來，AKG應該微調K70X的聲音推出一款能夠替代K701的產品（K711？）。我覺得相比K702 65th和K712pro，你可以認為AKG老壇裝新酒，固步自封，但是我覺得至少聲音都向著比較正確的方向在改善，在這個方面，作為一個AKG粉絲，我應該給予肯定和支持。最後我要給予K712pro幾點最後的建議
1）外觀比較奇葩，需要各位能夠接受，不過佩戴舒適性提高很多，用過K701/702的人都明白的……
2）所有的K70X家族，對於耳機放大器的驅動力要求都非常高，別說直推很差，就是很多耳放都沒法獲得良好的效果，想要玩這個系列耳機的朋友，不要吝惜前端的投入
3）我要不厭其煩的再說一遍，K712pro改進了低頻，但是搖滾啊，電子啊，大編制大動態啊，仍然不是強項，這款耳機也並不算「全能」
4）換線可以改善一些中頻齒音的問題，不過換線還是要慎重的，否則對於聲音會有不良的效果
5）目前價格較高，參比K702 65th的售價，預計2500元左右是個比較合理值得入手的價格
And that's the end of the more interesting posts. That was fun to translate, good way to keep the Chinese sharp.
I'll do my best here to write up in English what OP vineland said in his relevant posts. He says in an early teaser post that the sonic characteristics of the K702.65 and the K712 are very different. In fact, he doesn't seem to hear an improved bass response on the K702.65 coming from earlier models. The main content is a hardware overview and a four part sound sig review along with some concluding remarks and observations. vineland had not reviewed the K702.65 before so the format is actually that of a comparative review. I think it's important to preface everything by noting that throughout the thread he alludes to his experiences with early and late production K701, K702, and Q701 and it's obvious he's of the opinion that there are noticeable variations in sound sig between these various models. From the conversation there, it doesn't seem like anyone is suspecting that K702.65/K712 = K702/Q701 + new pads like us here on Head-Fi. Hopefully this will be useful for those taking notes and maybe we can have owners chime in to either corroborate or challenge these impressions.
Hardware Overview
(me: Nothing particularly new or of interest was said here. Of note is that he doesn't seem to differentiate between K702.65 and K712 pads and that he thinks the cable for both is made of the same material.)
[Part One] Highs / Strings
[Test Recording] Rossini: String Sonatas 1-6 XRCD (Label: Decca) / Heifetz: Double Concertos SACD (Label: RCA Living Stereo)
Highs on the K702.65 are a surprise considering this headphone is a "K702" model, though truth be told it and the K702 sound markedly different. It's highs are elegant and creamy, essentially of a warmer colouration. In comparison, the late production K701 is leaner, the K702 is noticeably brighter, and the Q701 is slightly thicker. Speaking only to highs, the K702.65 closely resembles the early production K701, though not quite as lush. Perhaps burn-in is a factor. Highs on the K712 are "another story". Its signature is lighter in comparison, more capable in terms of resolution. Subtleties such as finger work on strings are heard with more clarity, and in all brings a certain transparency and scrutiny to the upper frequencies. Yet it differs from the K702 as it does not trend bright and is in fact somewhat lacklustre/dull. Transparent and lacklustre, definitely a little unique.
[Part Two] Mids / Vocals, Popular Music
[Test Recording] 民歌蔡琴 (Folk Songs: Tsai Chin) XRCD / Eagles: Hell Freezes Over XRCD
In listening exclusively to mids, particularly to vocals, variations over the K70x line are not particularly significant (especially with respect to variations in the highs and lows), and only the Q701 seem slightly more luscious. To be exacting, K702.65 mids are a bit soft and close to that of the K701 but not as full or rich. K712 mids take after those of the K702, with just a bit of sibilance listening to songs from 民歌蔡琴, but fortunately not too perceptible. Also with the K712 and K702, production artifacts seem more evident and they may be more fatiguing with your average popular music recording. Of course, it has to be said that these two headphones handle popular music very differently mainly because they are two different sound sigs and low end responses. Lows will be discussed in detail in a following post but what I want to express here is that the mids on both the K702.65 and K712 are not too shabby, and may be considered one of AKG's strengths. However as to popular music, the performance of the K702.65 is slightly more favourable; though "smoother" in comparison, it sounds more holistic and emotive.
[Part Three] Lows / Piano, Cello
[Test Recording] Rubinstein: Beethoven Sonatas SACD (Label: RCA Living Stereo) / Janos Starker: Cello Concertos of Schumann SACD (Label: Mercury)
In the low end, the K712 made a deep impression on me. As stated on the outer box, low frequency response is boosted by 3dB, and it's clear the K712 received an enhanced low end and is no longer crippled in that regard. Representation of the piano, even from an amp such as the Solo SRG, is now up to par. What is even more striking is heard through its representation of the cello. Know that even though the cello is played over a wide range of pitches, its essence is found in the low mids, and as a string instrument, representation of the cello should not be too "steely", too percussive. As such, many mid-tier headphones that handle piano well do not do an ideal job in representing the cello. But of headphones I've heard, the K712 stands as a stellar performer in cello representation. Bass from the cello sound box is resonating and full-bodied, transient detail from bowing is decent. This makes the K712 a good choice in cello playback, if pricing becomes more reasonable in the future. In juxtaposition, the K702.65 offers no such pleasant surprise, and is consistent with the performance of the K70x lineup. Bass response is comparatively weak, akin to the K701/K702 in quantity. I'll mention here that the bass on the Q701 is slightly bolstered, though not to K712 quantities. Finally I should stress that though the lows on the K712 are boosted, they are not at all exaggerated or boomy, and remains unsuited to popular, rock, or electronic genres.
[Part Four] Symphony Orchestra / Symphonies
[Test Recording] Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lambert Orkis: Beethoven Spring & Kreutzer Sonatas SACD (Label: Deutsche Grammophon) / Carlos Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic: Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7 SACD (Label: Deutsche Grammophon) / Richard Strauss in High Fidelity: Also sprach Zarathustra; Ein Heldenleben SACD (Label: RCA Living Stereo)
(me: vineland starts with a few comments about the Sonatas recording reiterating again the antithetical nature of rendering piano and strings simultaneously and remarking that few headphones are able to achieve a good balance.) K701/Q701/K702/K702.65 have a common shortcoming, namely the representation of the piano lacks authority, its dynamics and intonation possess force backed with little strength, and in contrast, the violin sounds almost ostentatious. On the other hand, the fidelity of the K712 left me bright-eyed. Previous well-performing headphones with this record were mostly Beyers, such as the DT860 and T90, but the K712 do a good job here as well. The bolstered bass, though not as full-bodied, means a certain balance is attained between piano and violin, and are able to synergize. Some of you have mentioned to me that I wrote too little about its piano in the low end impressions, so I add that still piano isn't the K70x's strong suit, but it's no longer a weakness for the K712. Even with AKG's general bass deficiency the K712 handles the two orchestral recordings with ease, showing off its prowess in soundstage and detail retrieval. Yet objectively speaking, a lacking bass is still a trait. Also worth mentioning is that the dynamic range of these two recordings is slightly larger, and even with the K712's enhanced low end, my opinion is that overall AKG does not play particularly well with more dynamic orchestral recordings.
[Summary]
Through a month of listening to many more recordings, I'll make a few representative remarks here. The K712, with the "Pro" tagline, does seem to lend itself to professional use, having a more dissecting signature and sounding like an improved K702. You all know I've criticized the K702, not that its signature is idiosyncratic or unbearable. To illustrate, a friend asked if the K702 is transparent or bright, to which another replied that to be transparent predicates a balanced response, and if not the case, then it's bright. The crux of the K702 is that its bass is too feeble, with a top-heavy sound, and as such is too bright, though not to the point of the trebly QP400. The K712 successfully averts this issue, and is a transparent and resolving headphone, suitable for appreciation of classical music, with bass much improved over the K70x family. Though not excellent, rendering of the piano is significantly better, and cello representation is spot on. Transparency through the mid to high frequencies continues to be top notch, and on the whole more balanced than the K702. I think K702 veterans can look forward to the release of the K712.
About the K702.65, even though it holds a "K702" designation, it honestly sounds closer to the early production K701. It ameliorates the K701 coldness and the Q701 thickness, and I think is a headphone worth having. Even if it retains the K701's incompatibility with genres like rock, electronic, or dynamic orchestral, this doesn't prevent it from being a refined, spacious, and proficient headphone. Looking towards the future, AKG should tweak the K70x sound and introduce a product to replace the K701 (K711?). In comparing the K712 and the K702.65, one is inclined to think that AKG is simply repackaging an old product or refusing to innovate, though I think they represent a small step in the right direction at least in terms of sound signature. As an AKG fan, this is something I can approve and support.
先向大家道歉，還是無法貼圖，回頭我讓白版幫我補上圖
外觀盒子與K702 65th完全一樣，和最早的梅花版K701也是基本一樣的，內盒也是完全一樣的。
因為我沒有評價過K702 65th，所以基本上一併作個評價
耳機本身的外觀模具和K702 65th完全相同，屬於改進後的第二代頭梁，這個真皮頭梁看起來很薄很cheap的感覺，原來的頭樑下面還有氣墊，應該更舒服，但是實際上這個新版模具佩戴要舒服不少，不會有老版那種佩戴一會兒就勒頭的感覺。
另外那個「皮筋」部分據說也有改進，不過僅從外觀觀察並不明顯。
需要大家注意的是，這個模具的兩款耳機的耳墊更厚，記得K702出來時候白版吐槽過它的耳墊，的確K702耳墊要比K701耳墊薄，但是這兩款耳機的耳墊基本就是K701耳機的黑色版。
此外鹹菜也有改變，簡單來說，新版的線材要比老闆的更加柔軟，因此肯定是不同的，經過我與K702換線，發現鹹菜的聲音變得更加柔和的一些，但是素質差距應該不大，此外K702 65th和K712pro的線材我目前聽起來是一樣的。
最後說下外觀，AKG字樣和梅花（三葉蟲）標誌分別被加到了兩側的銀牌上，不像新版K701一樣光禿禿，我認為還是更好看，此外恢復了K301/401/501的長方形側牌，算是一種懷舊吧。K702 65th的藍色框，加上灰色線材，我覺得看起來比較素雅，但是K712pro的外觀略微奇葩，大家估計都看過官圖，其實頭梁導管和圓形框的實際顏色遠沒有圖片上那麼充滿了金屬質感（因為是塑料的），實際顏色為橘黃色到棕黃色之間的一個顏色，也不算很鮮亮，另外線材方面K712pro也是這個顏色的（官圖上沒有）。此外頭樑上的縫線也是藍色和橘紅色的。
最後說下配件，K712pro多送了一條黑色的螺旋線，這在701家族裡面首次見到，這根線我和在K240MKII以及K271MKII中見到的螺旋線肯定是不同的，但是目前尚未測試。另外K712pro中首次出現了黑色絨布袋這個配件，絨布袋上有AKG字樣，份量和做工都算不錯。
第一部分 高頻/絃樂測試
測試唱片 ROSSINI String Sonatas 1-6等 Neville Marriner Decca 「著名的小帆船」 XRCD
Heifetz Double Concertos Bach，Mozart&Brahms RCA Living Stereo SACD
既然是測試，基本選用了高規格的「名盤」，值得注意的是這兩款耳機的靈敏度和其他701家族一樣，都是93DB，SACD因為電平較低，SOLO上基本需要12點音量，XRCD也需要10-11點
K702 65th的高頻讓人很意外，因為這款耳機叫K702，但是說實話，它和K702的聲音差異很大，它的高頻非常華麗，充滿了「奶油味」，也就是暖色調的染色，和K701相比，新版的K701要更加「骨感」一些，K702則明顯比它偏亮，Q701則稍顯粘滯，應該說，僅就高頻而言，K702 65th是最接近梅花版K701的，但是在濃郁程度上略有不及，不知道和煲機是否有關係。
K712pro的高頻則是another story了，從聲底上看它要明顯比K702 65th薄，更加突出解析力一些，一些撥弦，擦弦的細節上，要明顯清晰於K702 65th，總的來說，這樣的高頻更加「監聽味」，更加透明，但又和K702的高頻明顯不同，因為它的高頻段不僅不偏亮，相反稍微黯淡一些。透明而且黯淡，的確有點獨特。
第二部分 中頻/人聲，流行測試
試音碟 民歌蔡琴 XRCD
Eagles Hell Freezes Over XRCD
其實單獨聆聽中頻部分，尤其是人聲部分，K701家族系列耳機差距並不太大（相比於高頻和低頻的差異），只有Q701顯得稍微感情濃郁一些。仔細聽的話K702 65th的中頻還是稍帶軟色調的染色，和K701的中頻比較接近，但是和老梅花版K701中頻相比，則沒有那麼濃郁。K712pro的中頻部分和K702非常接近，仔細聆聽民歌蔡琴的曲目會帶有輕微的齒音，好在並不明顯。此外在K712pro和K702下，民歌蔡琴顯得製作痕跡明顯，我估計如果是錄音更加一般的流行音樂，會顯得不耐聽。當然，不得不提的是，這兩隻耳機回放流行音樂的表現差距其實很大，這主要是聲音特性和低頻不同造成的。關於低頻將在下一個帖子裡面詳細討論，我這裡想表達的觀點是，K712pro和K702 65th中頻都算不錯，這應該算是AKG的強項，但是就流行而言，K702 65th的表現稍好，雖然聽起來相對要「攪糊」，但是整體感更強，感情色彩更好。
第三部分 低頻/鋼琴，大提琴測試
試音碟 Rubinstein Beethoven Sonatas RCA Living Stereo SACD
Janos Starker Schumann:Cello Concerto Mercury SACD
到了低頻部分，應該說，K712pro的低頻給我留下了深刻的印象，包裝箱上也寫了，低頻部分增加了3DB的響應，K712pro的低頻做了明顯的enhance，可以說低頻不再殘廢了，鋼琴的回放即便是SOLO SRG這樣的放大器上，也到了可以一聽的程度。更加讓我嘆奇的要數大提琴了，要知道大提琴不僅音域廣泛，聲音集中在中低頻段，而且作為一種絃樂，回放大提琴的聲音不能太「鋼」太有打擊感，因此很多回放鋼琴不錯的中檔耳機，回放大提琴並不理想。而K712pro是我聽過回放大提琴非常出色的一款耳機，充沛的低頻琴腔共鳴，加上瞬態不錯的拉弦細節，如果未來能夠售價合理，回放大提琴絕對是一個好選擇。相比而言K702 65th沒啥驚喜，都是AKG 70X家族的一貫表現，低頻力度相對偏弱，與K701，K702的量感相當。在這裡我要說一下，其實Q701的低頻部分還是稍微補強的，不過沒有K712pro的低頻量感。
最後我還是要強調一下，白版當初評論D7100，一句沒有說到，就有人認為天龍做出了歌德聲。我也要說，K712pro的低頻雖然補強了，但是沒到誇張的地步，它的低音不是「梆梆梆」或者「砰砰砰」的類型，也並不是很適合流行，搖滾，電子這類的音樂。
第四部分 大編制/交響樂
Anne-Sophie Mutter/Lambert Orkis Beethoven Spring&Kreutzer Sonatas DG SACD
Carlos Kleiber WPO Beethoven Symphonies No5&7 DG SACD
Fritz Reiner Chicago Symphony Richard Strauss in High Fidelity RCA Living Stereo SACD
用來測試大編制的三張唱片都是SACD，畢竟SACD擁有更好的高頻信息和動態響應。首先說下穆特的這張貝多芬奏鳴曲，這張盤的演繹水平我持保留態度，但是鋼琴與小提琴奏鳴曲這個題材的SACD比較少見，這張的錄音和製作都非常出色，是我經常用的試音碟。鋼琴和小提琴其實是比較「矛盾」的兩件樂器，大家都是知道的，白版和我都經常說，耳機一般是由鋼琴style的和小提琴style的，表現一個比較好的，另外一個就相對比較差，因此這張試音碟其實我很少聽到能夠比較均衡好聽的耳機。K701/Q701/K702/K702 65th在這張唱片下都有一個共同的問題，就是鋼琴的表現太弱勢，動態和共鳴都呈現一種有氣無力的狀態，而小提琴反倒顯得過於出彩，而K712pro的表現的確讓我眼前一亮。這張唱片回放表現好的過往記錄，都是拜亞的耳機，比如DT860和T90，但是K712pro的表現也非常不錯。補強後的低頻雖然沒有說非常充沛，但是鋼琴和小提琴之間也達到了基本的平衡，兩者呈現互相呼應的狀態。在低頻測試篇裡面，有朋友說我鋼琴說的太少了，應該說鋼琴依然不是目前K70X架構耳機的強項，但是對於K712pro而言已經不算是短板了。
兩張交響唱片都是大多數發燒友都聽過的名盤了，在大編制裡面，由於更換了鼠放，雖然AKG的耳機依然存在低頻不足的問題，但是已經顯得寬鬆而且遊刃有餘，AKG特有的寬廣聲場給樂器的聲部以及結像帶來了優勢，但是低頻稍顯不足的問題依然客觀存在。偏巧這兩張唱片都比較偏向動態，所以我仍然認為雖然K712pro低頻有了一定的改善，大編制大動態，依然不是AKG的菜。
最終總結
這裡面要多寫一些，其實折騰了這麼一個多月，我是聽過的唱片遠遠比我列舉的多，這離僅僅說了一些有代表性的。應該說K712pro名字帶著pro，還是偏向專業用途，聲音也更加監聽，可以說是k702的升級版。很多人都知道我炮轟過K702，其實K702這個耳機並非聲音很偏，或者沒法聽。只是借用一個朋友問過的問題，K702到底是透明還是亮，有個朋友回答的很到位，如果聲音整體平衡，那就是透明，否則就是亮。K702的最主要問題就是低頻太殘廢了，這樣聲音頭重腳輕，就太亮了，這方面尚不及高頻風格類似的QP400。而K712pro可以說很好的解決了這個問題，這是一款透明度很高，以監聽為設計目的的耳機，也可以適用於古典音樂的欣賞，低頻對比以往的K70X家族有了很大改善，雖然鋼琴尚談不上表現的非常好，但是已經提高很大，大提琴的表現更可以說是可圈可點，中高頻的透明度依然很高，但是整體上不像K702那麼聲音不平衡了。我覺得對於K702長草的朋友，可以期待未來國內正式上市的K712pro
在這裡順便說說K702 65th，這款耳機雖然打著K702的牌號，我覺得聲音實在是貼近最老的梅花版K701，它有意改善了新版K701聲音偏冷峻和Q701聲音稍微粘滯的問題，我覺得是個非常值得入手的耳機。雖然K701不擅長的東西，比如搖滾樂電子樂，或者大動態大編制，仍然是K702 65th的短板，但是這不妨礙它成為一款聲音溫文爾雅，聲場寬廣，聲音有素養的耳機。我想在不久的將來，AKG應該微調K70X的聲音推出一款能夠替代K701的產品（K711？）。我覺得相比K702 65th和K712pro，你可以認為AKG老壇裝新酒，固步自封，但是我覺得至少聲音都向著比較正確的方向在改善，在這個方面，作為一個AKG粉絲，我應該給予肯定和支持。最後我要給予K712pro幾點最後的建議
1）外觀比較奇葩，需要各位能夠接受，不過佩戴舒適性提高很多，用過K701/702的人都明白的……
2）所有的K70X家族，對於耳機放大器的驅動力要求都非常高，別說直推很差，就是很多耳放都沒法獲得良好的效果，想要玩這個系列耳機的朋友，不要吝惜前端的投入
3）我要不厭其煩的再說一遍，K712pro改進了低頻，但是搖滾啊，電子啊，大編制大動態啊，仍然不是強項，這款耳機也並不算「全能」
4）換線可以改善一些中頻齒音的問題，不過換線還是要慎重的，否則對於聲音會有不良的效果
5）目前價格較高，參比K702 65th的售價，預計2500元左右是個比較合理值得入手的價格
And that's the end of the more interesting posts. That was fun to translate, good way to keep the Chinese sharp.
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