Quote: Originally Posted by jasdeepsd just got these headphones today. fantastic. what i dont understand is, why do AKG put the foam pads in?? and just to confirm is it better to listen with the pads not inserted? It all comes down to what you like... Pick your favourite...

Sad to hear you've burnt one of your 518 drivers, but on the on the other side I'm also happy to hear from someone else that they sound totally different. Just turned out that my trusty K81 DJ was collecting dust while burning-in the 581s - one month commuting, wood chopping, etc... - they...

Quote: Originally Posted by Deep Funk Bass definition? Otherwise I'll just give her my Sony MDR V6... Bass definition is superb , a LOT better than the AKG K81 DJ. In fact the bass definition - not the amount - of the K81 is utter crap compared to the AKG 518 DJ. And not...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/a...ted-ed-477809/ You can't go wrong with this one...AKG K518 DJ Great bass,midtones and crisp and clear highs. Wide soundstage for a closed can, very good sound insulation. Not so comfy at first use but gets better over time - bend the headband inwards...

You won't be disappointed, and...we'll have a second headfier willing to do a comparison between both

Attachment is courtesy of Home Theater, HDTV, Receivers, Loudspeakers; Reviews and News from Audioholics This explains why the K518 sounds so neutral at SPL levels of ~75 to 80 dBA. The reference freq sweep was set to 90 dBA, but would have the same response curve at 75-80 dB. Highest...

Quote: Originally Posted by donunus thanks! This thread is making me interested in trying out the k518. Compared to the k81dj, does the k518 mids sound clearer or does the upper bass muddle it? The 518 - no foam inserts - compared to the 81 - no foam inserts - is a bliss, it is...

Well, this happened to be interesting. 1) Listened to it first: A) 75dBA SPL: soundstage totally ruined, more between the head sound, voices/instruments veiled and recessed, boomy, more recessed mid-high freq. B) 100 dBA SPL: soundstage is back, more spacious sound and instruments come...

Sure, but I think it will influence more the mid freqs than the high ones. We'll have to measure and see. BTW: without the inserts the soundstage and imaging IS fantastic. And wow, voices and instruments all over the place Will set up the test rig

The foam inserts were removed immediately , even before 1st use. Like everybody else I was thinking, oh well...it's just a restyled K81 DJ, so yep let's do the 'K81 DJ remove foam insert mod'. But guess what, the low freqs are prominent/detailed/dig low, the mids are tremendous like...

Quote: Originally Posted by stonyboys And I thought they were the same phone with diff colours =( Yeah, and I was thinking it was the 581 DJ Anyway, message has been edited and more listening and taking notes is being carried out.

FYI, msg has been updated with new info!

Edit: must have been dyslectic 581 must ofcourse be 518 , and this for my very first review on headfi Dear all, So many asked for it, well here it is. THE AKG K81 DJ vs AKG 518 DJ LE comparo with pictures! This review is a work in progress, so I'll start with the eyecandy first...