[doctorcilantro]

Hi all,

New to the game here. I'd like a pair of headphones to use at home for when the baby is sleeping, audio editing, etc.

I have a chance to get a new pair of AKG K701s for 235$ new. I do like the look of the 601 but sound is pretty important to me, and truly, both phones look classy.

Currently I plan on using the them with an EMU usb 0202. I posted another thread a few days ago on possibly driving phones with my Sunfire Vacuum Tube Preamp which has an output impedance of 1.5K ohm and Drew at Moon audio echoed some of the thoughts here about it not working well, although one poster did say the XLR out on the pre is hot and may work.

Regardless, I am also trying to find something reasonably priced (and at cost AKG is!) to put on my xmas list, and the 601s may be an easier pitch to the wife.

thanks and glad to be here,
DC

 

[Asr]

I'd recommend against the K601 depending on what kind of music you listen to. I'm putting it through listening tests now (having just completed initial burn-in) and finding that it's limited as to which genres it excels in. Of course it sounds ok with any genre, but I'm finding that there are a few genres it really just takes off in, clearly it's much more of a specialist headphone than a jack of all trades. I was trying to convince myself of the opposite but nothing really sounded "great" until I threw on some completely different genres and suddenly it became more than great, it became awesome!

If you listen to heavy rock, hip-hop, metal, or industrial (or any combo of those), or any music that's remotely thrashy, the K601 is far and away ahead of both the K701 and K501. No contest, it's bloody amazing. I'm still shocked that AKG would make a headphone that sounds best with those genres.

The K701 is a much better all-rounder. More neutral, more detailed, bigger soundstage. But it's "polite" and less "fun" than the K601. So it depends on what you want.

 

[doctorcilantro]

Thanks, your comments gel with what I have read elsewhere. Seems the 601s have a "sweeter" or colored mid maybe. I listen to a lot of genres, a lot. I like a lot of Jamaican stuff: sja, rock steady, reggae, dub, dancehall, rub-a-dub, etc. but I listen to classical, blues, jazz, funk, new orleans r&b, and more.

Since I don't think I am going to use a dedicated high end amp but my USB 0202, I will probably get the more affordable 601s. I do most of my listening on my Klipsch RF-7s anyway.

I was interested in some kind of passive gain stage that could boost a balanced signal coming from the XLR outputs of my Sunfire Tube pre....any ideas?

v/r
DC

 

[auris]

I recently obtained some K601s, after pondering whether or not to get K701s instead. I picked the K601s after deciding I did not want to experiment to find out whether the K701s were going to be too analytical for me (have not ever heard them). The money difference was not an important factor.

I have not logged a lot of hours on the cans yet, but I'm enjoying them. So far, I think the Headroom comments about the K601s are pretty much spot on. They do a lot very well...but don't retrieve that last bit of detail. I've never had a set of cans that did not compromise one area or another though, so I plan to keep mine as general all-rounders and use some Alessandros or Grados when I want a more punchy/in-your-face sound.

 

[Hendrix]

701 without a doubt. But you are just going to have to surprise her with that new amp. Check out the deals on the new heed amp. Long wait but from the comments it will be worth the wait and give you time for a good story to tell why you need to amp the new phones.....

Great sound but do require alot of power to get the most from them!

 

[Jap]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you listen to heavy rock, hip-hop, metal, or industrial (or any combo of those), or any music that's remotely thrashy, the K601 is far and away ahead of both the K701 and K501. No contest, it's bloody amazing. I'm still shocked that AKG would make a headphone that sounds best with those genres.

[size=medium]
If that's the kind of music the general public listens to, then AKG must produce a phone for the people.[/size]

[size=small]How's that for sounding like an elitist pig?[/size]

 

[tangsta]

The k701 is an amazing headphone~! btw, where can you get it for 235 o_O

 

[DarkWolf]

The K701 is the only AKG I've heard.. That said, it's very good, and a good all around phone. I agree that it is on the polite side, and may lack bass punch depending on your taste. Either way, they need a decent amp to shine. I tried them with my Headfive, and people are saying it's a really good combo. i haven't heard them on anything else, but I've no reason to dissagree!

I personaly prefered the Grado 325i, which I ordered a pair of and am waiting for eagerly. I felt that the Grados were more fun, and sounded better to me with more of my music. I also liked the Grado's female vocals better. You might find them too harsh or bright though. Also, if you're looking for a more relaxing phone in general than the 701 is a betterr choice. I also think that the 701 would be a very good pick for audio editing, as they seem very nuteral and honest. More so than the Grados anyway. I'm not really qualified to reccomend equipment for studio use though.

 

[drarthurwells]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangsta /img/forum/go_quote.gif The k701 is an amazing headphone~! btw, where can you get it for 235 o_O

Echo that.

I'll take a dozen at that price.


AKG K701 is the most natural and realistic headphone currently being produced. With the right equipment it will beat anything, and any STAX electrosatatic.