Just received my second hand k550, coming from an ATH M50 and Beyers Dt770 250 ohm. Running the AKG out of a FIIO E12 Monte Blanc connected to a FIIO X1 via Ibasso CB06 interconnect.
And I'm really loving the clean black, spacious sound i'm getting.
It's as if 'darkness' had a steady light illuminating a very organised soundstage.
Compared to the M50 (with new M50x pads and 1.5 years burn in ) , the 550 is definitely more open (even though it's a closed can) I find the soundstage floor big, with all the complex elements of dance music spread out in neatly organised positions whereas the M50 felt crammed, closer to you in your head, with separation not as pronounced.
Bass 'rumbles' more in the m50 and can sound like you're in an intimate club while the bass in the 550 sounds punchy enough and tight and clean to cut through the mids and highs that appear very clear and 'present.'
I personally feel it is not the intention of AKG to have such tight clamping for deeper bass, I found myself being able to appreciate the quality of the not overbearing low ends, I really like how it 'cleanly punches through the songs.
Songs used
Alva Noto - u-07 from unitxt album (FLAC)
Erik Truffaz & Murcof - Human Being from Being Human Being album [2014] FLAC
The resolution of the 550 impresses me, is well presented, balanced though one does feel the bass appears ' recessed' But with the E12 and bass boost on, the SQ equalises and becomes even to me. YMMV
Compared to the beyers, i feel the t770 250 ohm is 'darker' and 'heavier' especially with the bass, having more 'thickness' compared to the club tuned M50.
Mids and highs are more refined and ''lean' in the 550 compared to the M50with the Beyers being the less clear of the lot i feel. It feel like the highs in the DT'aren't sure where to properly be' compared to the AKG's 'confidence.' This is how i sense each of the headphones are. Not the DT 770' aren't any good.i modded it a bit to ad dbl. tack behind each driver and feel it has helped with the overall balance of the sound.
Isolation wise, the Beyers leak sound in the most because of the valour pads ( i might try darkening the sound by adding pleather soon)
The best isolation comes form the M50 as the 550 does leak some sound sin (bus engine etc) largely because of the not so tight clamping force.
But again, i personally feel it doesn't need to be so head crushing.having the ease of the 550 sitting on your head comfortably without pressure seems to add to the experience of the AKG's. To me, that makes he listening experience clear, relaxed, not so intense and enjoyable to me because 'tightness' creates a certain tension in the listening experience. like physiological affect on the emotional response to music.
Overall, i feel the 550 as the sleek, professional, smooth discotheque, the Beyers as the dark underground warehouse rave and the M50 as a commercially exciting and established quality club.
Hop you guys enjoyed the read!