[chouman]

Hey you crazy head-fiers! Crazy in a good way of course because we're only crazy about sweet audio production filling our ears and heads right?

The title basically explains it!

I'm coming from a background of px100, to AKG K26P to HD595, then added SR60 and um1, then to HD600. My current home rig consists of a Headroom Microstack (desktop module) feeding my cardas cabled HD600. I sold off my HD595 and have kept the grados and um1s for portable use. At times, I do feel the Senns are a tad laid back, esp for rock, punk, and in general music I really want to tap my feet and groove to. I've heard a lot of good things about the AKG K501 and would maybe like to just try out AKG as a brand. Would it be good enough for my desires for more punchy, foot-tapping music production or should I upgrade along the Grado bandwagon. I don't find the SR60s that unbearable comfort-wise. Or, would you guys recommend me upgrading my amp to say a Xcanv3 Pink-Floyd Modded and seeing whether a tube amp might make my Senns sing?

Thanks in advance!

 

[kramer5150]

SR225 gets my vote. Headroom desktop rig should be MORE than adequate for all the cans on your list. The K501 doesn't have enough bass impact to get my foot tapping.

 

[fwojciec]

I also think that your amp is not the bottleneck in your system.

I own both - k501 and sr225 and they are very similar headphones in many regards (the main difference being the soundstage). In my opinion k501 is can be almost as groovy as the Grados for rock music. The bass is not a problem, at least in my set up - yes, they do have less bass than my HD580s but they are more or less on par with 225s - perhaps Grados (with bowls) are a *little* better, especially in terms of bass impact.

For albums that benefit from good soundstage (like Tool's 10000 Days, for example) AKGs are better than Grados, IMO. k501s are also a more versatile headphone.

Having aid that - if you're looking specifically for a high energy rock headphone Grados are probably a better choice.

 

[courierdriver]

If your looking to get your foot tapping, I'd definitely suggest the SR 225.

 

[wnewport]

I second the SR225, I regret selling mine. I also regret selling my sr80 and sr325i. Right now the k601 is a great all-rounder, but it can't compete with that Grado house sound.

 

[Dash]

I have a sweet spot for (used) MS2s. Good value and good all-rounder in the Grado/Alessandro.

 

[chouman]

I've never tried Beyers either. There's been a lot of talk of how great the 2005 DT990s are. What about those versus the k501 and the sr225?

 

[enorganik]

I just ordered a pair of SR225s from Todd today...can't wait to get them...

 

[nothing101]

i faced a similar decision with the 225 and 501. Ultimately i got the 501s for three reasons. One is that they are a better alrounder with a really great soundstage, two is that they were half the price and three was that i simply prefer the sound sig on the 501.

I too listen to rock but i listed to just as much acoustic music and classical is growing on me.

I cant say that i cant wait for the 501s to come myself but they are gonna be a really nice standby for years to come... yea right

for you id say listen to both and see what you prefer.

 

[carlosgp]

I have no doubts: K501s are better for jazz (great soundstage, incredible with vocal jazz, non fatiguing, very comfortable). Of course, neither are perfect, so get both if you can

 

[chouman]

Well, currently I really enjoy jazz and classical on my cardas-cabled HD600. What I am looking for is something to boost up my involvement in the music. I've been eyeing the SR225 for some time because I've really enjoyed my SR60s for an upfront and lively listen. the k501 sounds appealing because i'm curious as to just how wide a soundstage it is in comparison to the spacious sounding HD600. the dt990s are tempting too because of their awesome build and i haven't tried any really colored sounding cans (well maybe sr60) and wonder if that is my taste, esp for rock.

 

[Wid]

I have the AKG 501s and Grado 325is. I also live in northeren Il if you would like I would be willing to let you take a listen to both.

 

[regal]

Buy the K501's for what you saved vs the Grado's you can build a tube amp like the SOHA or Millet Hybrid. K501's sound great with a tube amp. I think having an amp is very important for any phone.

 

[chouman]

I would love a tube amp, but what I'm mainly looking for is some way to get really involved in my music. I want to be tapping my foot and dancing in my chair. So, maybe it comes down to what really brings out some bumpin drums and bass with lots of energy on electric guitar? I'm leaning towards the sr225 right now but haven't completely dismissed the k501. i know someone here who just bought a k501 so maybe i'll give his a try first.


james