[Bytor]

Still Pondering

Just looking for some insight on the AKGs vs Grados. I'm listening to rock and jazz and have tested the Grados but am thinking of getting some 501s from Headroom. Any thought would be great.

Bytor

 

[elrod-tom]

I have both, and I think that I can give you some insight:

If you listen to rock, and have an amp that gives decent performance with lower impedence cans, I'd recommend the Grados. They are a pick-you-up and kick-your-ass kind of headphone, without a doubt. I use them at work with my TA, which has turned out to be a better amp for the Grados than my (much more expensive) X-Cans V2 w/X-10D and X-PSU.

However, if forced to choose between the two, I'd get the AKG. The soundstage is out of this world, and it has the sweetest, cleanest highs and mids that I've heard. If you like bass, you might be a little disappointed...it's not as prominent as with other cans. Having said that, it's very versitile. It will do well with rock, but not as well as the Grados. It will, however, wipe up the floor with the Grados on quieter, more critical music (think classical, Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, acoustic guitars like on DM Live at Luther College).

So I'd get the AKG, but I'd also miss the Grado's a lot. You really can't lose either way.

Good Luck!!

 

[wallijonn]

why not buy both from the for sale / used section of head-fi?

i own the grado sr80 and the akg k501. i prefer the dt831 to either and both. the K501 and SR225 are opposite in sound and comfort.

you may want to see if there are any other head-fi'ers in your area. you may be able to meet and compare a lot of headphones before buying something that you have not heard. and even after buying them, they will not sound the same because you will probably have different sources. you may even be able to borrow a set, and audition them for a week or so.

likewise, some say that the k501 will need an amp, while the sr225 will not, so you may need to take this into consideration. what will you be driving them from, a vintage receiver or amp, or a soundblaster sound card, personal cd player, ipod/nomad, etc.?

 

[BoardC3]

are you jokin DM at luther college is just incredible with the grados. The only phone ive heard beat them on that cd are the RS-1s. i HIGHLY suggest the 225

 

[elrod-tom]

Quote:

Originally posted by BoardC3 are you jokin DM at luther college is just incredible with the grados. The only phone ive heard beat them on that cd are the RS-1s. i HIGHLY suggest the 225

My opinion, for what it's worth. I have both...

 

[JaZZ]

A very tough decision...

The SR-225 is perhaps the most neutral available Grado and has a powerful bass. Its balance leans towards the dark side (with flat pads), nevertheless the mid-treble is pronounced and can sound a bit sharp with some electronics. Its greatest downside is the lack of midrange (resolution) and coherence.

At least in comparison to the K 501 with its fine and resolving midrange and its outstandingly detailed treble, which also is somewhat pronounced, but rather sounds harsh than sharp with inappropriate electronics. Its soundstage is wide, but not unnaturally so. Its greatest downside is its very lean bass.

If you want a headphone for rock, the Grado may be better; if your emphasis is on classical and jazz, you may like the AKG better. But it may just as well be opposite: the SR-225 is also good with classical and jazz, and if you're not a basshead, you may like the K 501's vivid and transparent character with rock.

It's highly recommended that you listen to both yourself. If I had to decide, I'd vote for the HD 580 or 600 which haven't the AKG's bass weakness and a more natural soundstage, better coherence as well as better resolution and transient response than the Grado, which is relatively slow and veiled to my ears.

JaZZ

 

[Bytor]

I bought the Grado 225s today however I also bought the AKG 501 which are in the mail. I just had to test them both but I love the Grados from Rush 2112 and live Zeppelin to Brubeck's Take five and Miles' All Blues they are great. I will definately report on the AKGs.
Bytor the Snooowdog

 

[wallijonn]

Bytor,

did you buy them used? and if they are new, can you send back any headphones you don't like?

 

[andrzejpw]

You may be disappointed with the 501s. They are quite hard to drive, and need an amp.

 

[Bytor]

Yes I can return them both so I figured why not. Also when you guys say the 501s are hard to drive how hard are you talking, portables or do I need a 200w amp?
Bytor

 

[wallijonn]

Beytor,

if you have an old receiver, the K501s should sound fine out of them. if however, they are being driven by today's dedicated op-amp circuits, they will not have enough gain, nor have good sound.

i compared my AKG K501s to my DT831s, and the DT831s blew them away. (for what that is worth).

source wise, the K501 should sound better through a bright source, and conversely the Grado should sound better through a dark source. if you mate the Grado to a bright source, they may sound too harsh. If you mate the K501 to a dark source, they may sound totally liveless.

what do you have for a CD player and amp? what type of music (bands, groups, etc.,) will you play through them?

 

[Bytor]

I have a Denon CD and an Onkyo receiver both of which are about 17 years old. I listen to rock and jazz mostly in other words I listen to anything that Jams. So I'm listening to the Dead, Zeppelin, Tool, Alman Bros, Miles, Brubeck, Gershwin(in my mind he jams). I am interested in the 501s because of the large soundstage Ive been hearing about because I love live music.
Bytor

 

[wallijonn]

then you will not have any problems driving either set of headphones. the denon may be slightly bass heavy (dark) so you may have good bass extention. just turn up the treble about 1 or 2 dB and the K501 should sound fine.

 

[elrod-tom]

Actually, I think that you'll find that the extra bass umph will be a good match for the 501's. Let us know how things go!!

What a typical head-fi'er...help me decide which one I should buy. Oh, I bought both...never mind.

Sorry about your wallet.

 

[dariusf]

Quote:

Originally posted by JaZZ If you want a headphone for rock, the Grado may be better; if your emphasis is on classical and jazz, you may like the AKG better.

I have both AKG 501 and Grado 325 (used to have the 225) umong other headphones and totally agree.

Quote:

Originally posted by andrzejpw You may be disappointed with the 501s. They are quite hard to drive, and need an amp.

This is very true as well. I need to turn the volume up quite a bit with the AKGs. But Grado seem to sound progressively better with increased volume as well even if they are very easy to drive.

I think it comes down to the type of music you listen the most and the type of presentation you prefer. If you great impact in your face music for metal/rock then Grado is a definite winner. For more relaxed (comparing to grado) presentation AKG 501s definitely win. I do prefer my Senn 600s to AKGs for more detailed, refined and relaxing sound for classical presentation but they are in a totally deferent league both prize and performance wise (IMO). I have came to a conclusion that with a wide selection of music I listen to I really need varies sets of cans and amps to truly satisfy my needs.

Definitely try them out before you buy if you can.

Sorry about the wallet