This was my first pair of audiophile headphones, and they got the job done. They are overall pretty nice sounding, and very easy to listen to for prolonged periods of time. The only thing I was never happy about with these headphones was the complete lack of bass presence. While the bass is tight and controlled, and decently well extended, it lacks any real punch or energy to it. I don't believe a headphone should be overly bassy, but a slight bass emphasis can help to create an overall more full-bodied sound in all registers due to harmonic resonance, which I believe to be a good thing, so long as it's done tastefully. Also, the highs on these headphones can become indistinct or even a little bright with certain tracks, for that slightly-jagged-around-the-edges feel.
In spite of all I have just said, I still think these are a great set of cans. To be perfectly honest, I preferred them to the AKG K701 overall, because, while that headphone does indeed sound considerably better than these when properly amped, these don't really require an amp (although it helps), and overall, are much more comfortable than the K701 line due to their light weight and non-bumpy headband design. They are also less fatiguing for long-term use.
Although I have not owned the AKG K271 mk II, I have researched both headphones quite a bit. They use the same driver, and are virtually the same headphone but there are a few significant differences worth mentioning. For starters, the mk II include a two sets of pads, one velour and the other leatherette (or pleather), so you have a choice, whereas these include only one. Also, the mk II include a detachable cord, and include both a coiled and a straight cord, so you can switch up the cord depending on your applications. Now, it might seem like I'm recommending the mk II, but having demoed both headphones, I finally decided on the 272. Why? For two main reasons. First of all, the mk II had an automute feature where the headphones would turn off if the band were lifted off the head. While this seems like a cool idea, it would also make the headphones harder to burn-in. So I didn't like that. But also, and to me much more relevantly, while these sound "slightly" less refined than the mk II, they also isolate significantly better (a difference of four decibles). At first, I thought it was just the placeebo effect, but sure enough, Headroom's data sheets confirmed my suspicions.
On the basis of the comfort and isolation alone (if you need it for any sound applications), I am happy to recommend this headphone. There are better sounding contenders out there (like the newly released AKG K550s that are a new favorite of mine), but for half the price, these ain't bad at all.
In spite of all I have just said, I still think these are a great set of cans. To be perfectly honest, I preferred them to the AKG K701 overall, because, while that headphone does indeed sound considerably better than these when properly amped, these don't really require an amp (although it helps), and overall, are much more comfortable than the K701 line due to their light weight and non-bumpy headband design. They are also less fatiguing for long-term use.
Although I have not owned the AKG K271 mk II, I have researched both headphones quite a bit. They use the same driver, and are virtually the same headphone but there are a few significant differences worth mentioning. For starters, the mk II include a two sets of pads, one velour and the other leatherette (or pleather), so you have a choice, whereas these include only one. Also, the mk II include a detachable cord, and include both a coiled and a straight cord, so you can switch up the cord depending on your applications. Now, it might seem like I'm recommending the mk II, but having demoed both headphones, I finally decided on the 272. Why? For two main reasons. First of all, the mk II had an automute feature where the headphones would turn off if the band were lifted off the head. While this seems like a cool idea, it would also make the headphones harder to burn-in. So I didn't like that. But also, and to me much more relevantly, while these sound "slightly" less refined than the mk II, they also isolate significantly better (a difference of four decibles). At first, I thought it was just the placeebo effect, but sure enough, Headroom's data sheets confirmed my suspicions.
On the basis of the comfort and isolation alone (if you need it for any sound applications), I am happy to recommend this headphone. There are better sounding contenders out there (like the newly released AKG K550s that are a new favorite of mine), but for half the price, these ain't bad at all.
The K272HD only come with the velour pads, while the vinyl pads are default on the K271mk II, which could be why the K272HD is spec'ed as isolating more. The K271 is much cheaper than the K272HD, which may be a factor for some people.