[ThurstonX]

  Just received my pair today, i love the transparent sound of AKG, although at times it can be harsh in treble (probably because of the 2k Hz spike)
 
The biggest problem would be comfort because:
 
1. Satan's bumps
2. My head is too big
 
I generally use headphone at their largest headband setup. Sadly, Q701's headband is still not big enough for me and i have to wear the headband a bit forward than in general. Even with that, they're still pressing against my head. Considering re-selling them because of this

 
There's a YouTube vid someone posted (and probably referenced in this thread) of how to get some extra extension on the self-adjusting headband.  It's doable, but I'd make sure you want to keep them first 

 

[Chris J]

HD600 is in no way neutral for me at least My RE-400 i would call neutral. But overall the Q701 does sound neutral to me with a slight emphasis on being analytical, while my RE-400 is neutral & warm. It could also because of my amp.

I'm currently running it from my ibasso d-zero and while i can pretty much drive them comfortably with d-zero, i just want to get opinions whether a more powerful amp is needed

Lately I've been using a Matrix Quattro Amp to drive my Q701, I prefer the sound of the Quattro over the other amps I own (iBasso D12, FiiO X5, FiiO E12, Beresford Bushmaster Mk II) but I suspect this is because the desktop Matrix Quattro is a better sounding amp and it has nothing to do with the fact that the Quattro is more powerful.

DAC is either a FiiO X5 or Beresford Bushmaster MK II.

Just my opinion, BTW.

 

[rms141]

My Q701 is about a year old, maybe a little more. I've just recently (earlier this week) learned of and performed the bass mod, and I'm very impressed with the results; the mod adds the bass punch I've been missing from these headphones.
 
I'm running a USB line from a Mac Mini to a DAC Destroyer, and from there to a Little Dot I+ with Voshkod 6ZH1P tubes and a MUSES02 opamp. I'm wondering if I've maxed out my current configuration. There don't seem to be many mods or upgrades left to perform. Perhaps a cable upgrade for the connection to the headphones themselves, but I can't find any decent guidance on what to look for, and the cable prices on Amazon and eBay are quite ridiculous (I'm pretty sure a $70 cable is not going to bring $70 worth of improved sound quality).
 
Any suggestions on how I can further maximize my Q701s? I'm starting to suspect the DAC Destroyer could stand to be upgraded.

 

[darrenyeats]

I would consider some mains-related steps.
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2456579

 

[rms141]

I would consider some mains-related steps.
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2456579

Could you elaborate, please? I have no idea what the information at the link is referring to.

 

[Chris J]

Could you elaborate, please? I have no idea what the information at the link is referring to.

There is a popular audiophile misconception that SMPS automatically = bad sound.

The truth is, they can sound quite good when properly designed into the system.

 

[darrenyeats]

 

 
I have updated my original link to include further explanatory links.
 

 
Could you elaborate, please? I have no idea what the information at the link is referring to.

There are several steps you can take to improve the quality of the mains supply feeding audio equipment. Some people (including me) think it has a beneficial effect on SQ. It's not so crazy as it sounds.
 
Quote:

There is a popular audiophile misconception that SMPS automatically = bad sound.

The truth is, they can sound quite good when properly designed into the system.

"Addressing SMPSs" is one of the four steps I mention, yes, but I don't believe that SMPS automatically = bad sound and I agree they can sound quite good when properly designed. Anyway, there are usually many more SMPSs of unknown quality connected on a typical ring that have nothing to do with audio equipment, and dealing with all of them is my way (as discussed in further link).

 

[Chris J]

   
I have updated my original link to include further explanatory links.
 
There are several steps you can take to improve the quality of the mains supply feeding audio equipment. Some people (including me) think it has a beneficial effect on SQ. It's not so crazy as it sounds.
 
"Addressing SMPSs" is one of the four steps I mention, yes, but I don't believe that SMPS automatically = bad sound and I agree they can sound quite good when properly designed. Anyway, there are usually many more SMPSs of unknown quality connected on a typical ring that have nothing to do with audio equipment, and dealing with all of them is my way (as discussed in further link).

 
Ahhh, now that you put it that way:
I Fully agree.
 
Addressing the mains supply feeding the audio should (or may, or does have the potential to) improve the sound of your audio equipment.
No, it's certainly not crazy.
It's just good engineering.

 

[Hooster]

   
Any suggestions on how I can further maximize my Q701s?

 
Yes, a dual entry re-cable with something good like Mogami. Why re-cable?
 
"1. Simpler signal path. Mini XLR  + headband + multiple internal solders and bits of cable all bypassed.
 
2. Better than stock cable.
 
3. Balanced operation.
 
Materials:
 
001 S 1.00 1.00 NC4FX 4PIN XLR CABLE . 4.57000 $4.57
.
002 S 1.00 1.00 NC4MX XLRM,CBL . 3.39000 $3.39
.
003 S 1.00 1.00 NP3C 1/4" STEREO/MALE . 4.36000 $4.36
.
004 S 16.00 16.00 MAR W2893 MINI QUAD MIC, BLK . 0.82000 $13.12
.
.00000 .00
FREIGHT CHARGES . $12.69
 
Total price: $38.13 The actual cable only cost 13 bucks!
 
Labor 3 hours, free (dressing the microphone cable is time consuming and it's been a long time since I last soldered anything. I also made an adapter cable so I can use the cans single ended if I wish). I actually had a lot of fun doing this, while listening to my speaker stereo system

 
Result. I was considering an upgrade to more expensive cans like Beyerdynamic T1s before I did this mod but now not so much. I am not saying that modded Q701s are as good as T1s. I never heard T1s. I am just delighted with the way the Q701s sound.
 
What would I say to those who say that re cabling has little or no benefit? I would say the are probably right, if they are just talking about sticking another cable into the mini XLR. I would also say that they have never heard a properly modded pair of X701 cans. I challenge anyone who has heard a stock pair of X701 cans and a pair that has been modded for dual entry, direct to driver operation to say that there is not much gain.
 
Would I say that this mod was worth $38 and 3 hours of work? YES!"

 

[Stillhart]

How much for all the tools needed to properly do this?  Not cheap, I suspect.  Quality soldering iron, alligator clipy things, dremel tool, etc...
 
I ask because I'd love to get into cables and such, but it's got a steep entry point.

 

[ThurstonX]

He forgot to mention he'll send you a balanced DAC and a balanced amp if you do the mod and post some pix 

 

[Hooster]

  How much for all the tools needed to properly do this?  Not cheap, I suspect.  Quality soldering iron, alligator clipy things, dremel tool, etc...
 
I ask because I'd love to get into cables and such, but it's got a steep entry point.

 
Not really. A soldering iron is cheap and I have a household drill for the holes. You do need a multimeter to verify your connections but that is not expensive. The hardest part is getting started. Once you start, things just happen. There is a lot of fun and satisfaction in doing things yourself.

 

[harlw]

  
Any suggestions on how I can further maximize my Q701s?

 
Yes, a dual entry re-cable with something good like Mogami. Why re-cable?
 
"1. Simpler signal path. Mini XLR  + headband + multiple internal solders and bits of cable all bypassed.
 
2. Better than stock cable.
 
3. Balanced operation.
 
Materials:
 
001 S 1.00 1.00 NC4FX 4PIN XLR CABLE . 4.57000 $4.57
.
002 S 1.00 1.00 NC4MX XLRM,CBL . 3.39000 $3.39
.
003 S 1.00 1.00 NP3C 1/4" STEREO/MALE . 4.36000 $4.36
.
004 S 16.00 16.00 MAR W2893 MINI QUAD MIC, BLK . 0.82000 $13.12
.
.00000 .00
FREIGHT CHARGES . $12.69
 
Total price: $38.13 The actual cable only cost 13 bucks!
 
Labor 3 hours, free (dressing the microphone cable is time consuming and it's been a long time since I last soldered anything. I also made an adapter cable so I can use the cans single ended if I wish). I actually had a lot of fun doing this, while listening to my speaker stereo system

 
Result. I was considering an upgrade to more expensive cans like Beyerdynamic T1s before I did this mod but now not so much. I am not saying that modded Q701s are as good as T1s. I never heard T1s. I am just delighted with the way the Q701s sound.
 
What would I say to those who say that re cabling has little or no benefit? I would say the are probably right, if they are just talking about sticking another cable into the mini XLR. I would also say that they have never heard a properly modded pair of X701 cans. I challenge anyone who has heard a stock pair of X701 cans and a pair that has been modded for dual entry, direct to driver operation to say that there is not much gain.
 
Would I say that this mod was worth $38 and 3 hours of work? YES!"

Nice! Thx for sharing. May have to try this on my K7xxs at some point.

 

[Chris J]

Yes, a dual entry re-cable with something good like Mogami. Why re-cable?

"1. Simpler signal path. Mini XLR  + headband + multiple internal solders and bits of cable all bypassed.

2. Better than stock cable.

3. Balanced operation.

Materials:

001 S 1.00 1.00 NC4FX 4PIN XLR CABLE . 4.57000 $4.57

.

002 S 1.00 1.00 NC4MX XLRM,CBL . 3.39000 $3.39

.

003 S 1.00 1.00 NP3C 1/4" STEREO/MALE . 4.36000 $4.36

.

004 S 16.00 16.00 MAR W2893 MINI QUAD MIC, BLK . 0.82000 $13.12

.

.00000 .00

FREIGHT CHARGES . $12.69

Total price: $38.13 The actual cable only cost 13 bucks!

Labor 3 hours, free (dressing the microphone cable is time consuming and it's been a long time since I last soldered anything. I also made an adapter cable so I can use the cans single ended if I wish). I actually had a lot of fun doing this, while listening to my speaker stereo system

Result. I was considering an upgrade to more expensive cans like Beyerdynamic T1s before I did this mod but now not so much. I am not saying that modded Q701s are as good as T1s. I never heard T1s. I am just delighted with the way the Q701s sound.

What would I say to those who say that re cabling has little or no benefit? I would say the are probably right, if they are just talking about sticking another cable into the mini XLR. I would also say that they have never heard a properly modded pair of X701 cans. I challenge anyone who has heard a stock pair of X701 cans and a pair that has been modded for dual entry, direct to driver operation to say that there is not much gain.

Would I say that this mod was worth $38 and 3 hours of work? YES!"

Plus the stock headphone uses the spring steel in the headphone band to get the signal from the Jack on the left side to the diaphragm on the right side.
Yes, the signal passes thru two feet of spring steel to get to the right side diaphragm!

 

[Solrighal]

Plus the stock headphone uses the spring steel in the headphone band to get the signal from the Jack on the left side to the diaphragm on the right side.
Yes, the signal passes thru two feet of spring steel to get to the right side diaphragm!

 
Is this true? Surely not?