Thanks for the input...   I have said some prayers. We will see how it goes...

Well, I just took the plunge...again.  I hope this, my second, A-5VL is quieter.  I will provide comments.

I just called Onkyo to inquire about the unit's operational characteristics and reliability. The Onkyo representative stated that they have never had a complaint on the A-5VL integrated. He said I should try another unit. Hmm...

Wow, maarek99, this shocks me, as I could easily hear mine hum.  Perhaps I did get a defective unit...or perhaps the EU version is somehow different?  I cannot see why it would be different.

Thanks very much, folks.  I very much appreciate the feedback.   In terms of testing, all I needed to do was put my ear within a foot or two of the amp.  I could hear it even from eight or so feet away, too.  It is a hum/buzz type of sound.  I could even hear it--when the music got...

Do you (or any other a-5VL users out there) notice an issue in regard to noisy transformers?  I had an A-5VL, but returned it because I could hear transformer noise (external, not in the line/headphones/speakers) when the music would get lower in level.  I could even hear it in the background...

Is there a good way to remove the kinks in a stock AKG K701 or Q701 cable?  I am always disappointed to see these wires come so bunched up, and the result is an awkward, ugly cable.  Thus, any ideas on removing the kinks effectively?

One is certain one is an audiophile when one sells a component, buys it back later on, and then cannot remember why he/she had sold it in the first place.

Yes, I had looked at their specs, and I knew they would be "brother" or "sister" headphones.  In comparison, I parted with my HD650 because I thought they were a bit dark.  They had excellent bass and dynamics, but the Q701 was better in terms of space and air.  The Q701 is also more comfortable.

After being impressed by the Q701, I have just ordered the K701.  What can I expect?  I have two good headphone amps, the Schiit Asgard and the headphone section in my Yamaha integrated.  I welcome your thoughts.    Before I forget: is it hard to straighten the K701's cable?  I am always...

I could not agree more about the Q701--it is about as perfect a headphone as I can imagine.  I think I will just send back the 702-65 when it arrives.  Memory foam is not for me.

What do the cups look like on the latest MS2i?  Chrome?  Brushed?  Gray-ish?  I have seen different pictures, but want to confirm what is current.  Also, please let me know if there are any quality issues, as I have read at least one negative comment in regard to the 325is. 

Memory foam is about the last thing I would want in a headphone pad.

Has anyone noticed an odor coming off of the 702-65's pads?  Memory foam contains a number of chemicals, some of which may be bothersome to some.  My Q701's pads do not give off an odor, but I am concerned about the 702-65's pads.

I think I see the elastics now.  It appears they are on the sides.   I just looked at my Q701, and they have thin elastics on the sides.  I agree that they would look lame when worn out.

Interesting comments here...where are the elastics in the photo?  I ask because my Q701 has little "bumps" underneath the headband.  This is a nice feature. With regard to keeping the headband in good shape, I plan on using a leather balm on mine from time to time.  On various leather goods, I...

I do not use horrible plugs.  The horrible plugs I avoid are the cheap 1/8" ones that come with certain pieces of equipment.  I guess it is just all the same...nothing makes a difference, and quality means nothing.  I suppose that is why so few these days spring for quality front end equipment...

This is preposterous.  Really...the crosstalk is inaudible?  Have you ever tested for crosstalk or compared different connections?  If what you mean by "actual amplifiers" is current, in-production integrated amplifiers, I am well aware of the fact that the better ones (and even some of the...

Yes, it is a solid argument.  It is quite obvious that a 1/4" connector not only provides a better, more solid connection, but it also reduces the possibility of crosstalk.  I did not think I should have to spell this out to fellow audiophiles.  I wonder why all of those great integrated...

Because it is better...any audiophile will tell you this.

A top-of-the-line reference headphone should be supplied with a genuine 1/4" connector.  This is my only criticism of my Q701.    

Can anyone confirm whether the 702-65 comes with a genuine 1/4" connector, or if it is one of those goofy adapter things?--the goofiest being the 1/8-to-1/4 toylike thing.

I appreciate the response.  I ordered the 702-65 earlier today.  The "sss" issue is somewhat puzzling.  As far as I am aware, sibilance occurs when an "s" sound is rendered as a "sh" sound.  Thus, I am sometimes confused as to what is and what is not sibilance, as I often hear "sss," as you...

This is a very informative thread.  I find the above comment about sibilance interesting.     talisman42: do you find the K702 sibilant?  I own the Q701, and am considering buying the 702-65.

I would appreciate input on how these headphones compare.  I like the fact that the A-T can be had for less than half the price of the Shure.  It also got a five-star rating from Headroom.  I do not like the hard-wired cable, though, and the Shure's detachable cable would seem to work with the...