[z_accoustics]

Took a few hours reading through the threads but i'm ready to post now.

I really liked my 240s (but the cord is cut now).

I saw headroom's review of the 601 and 701s and figured that these were the two to decide between. I didn't care for the 701 color and liked the black of the 601s, so i figured i'd search some and see if I could convince my self to go with the 601s by finding some positive reviews (people who like them over the 701). Instead of making my decission easier, it was made more difficult by the fact that so many of you are die hard all about a third option, the k1000, which i had thought was depreciated to "old flagship" status.

So... right, where am I with this decission and what would help ease it?
#1 Cost.
I have no amp right now and I make the assumption that the 601 and 701 does not need an amp to sound close to it's best. However, I assume the k1000 will NEED an amp to get there. In that case, how much will an amp for the k1000 cost (one that is considered high quality but not top end). Also, are my assumptions about not needing an amp for the [67]01 correct?

#2 Listening Experience
I have the question in my mind "is the k1000 THAT much better than a 701 or 601". THAT much better is defined by roughly $700. It is of course a very difficult job to answer that question for someone else's ears so i'd kindly ask that if you have heard both the 601 and k1000 or 701 and k1000 that you please articulate your perception of the difference in listening experience and type of music you listened to.

cheers

 

[jdimitri]

Well, first things first, you cant run the K1000 through a normal headphone out (eg ipods, cd players)
You have use a home amp, which one you choose is up to you.. I've heard a $200ish amp (Firestone's Big Joe) drive a K1000 very nicely. Never tried it, but appearantly a T-amp drives it well too, those things are like $20

K601 or K701 doesn't require an amp, but for anywhere close to its optimum performance, you should get a decent headphone amp from around $100-$$$$$$$

If i had the money, i'd pick a K1000 any day and just build up from there

It's a pleasantly odd listening experience

 

[Harphy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by z_accoustics /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have no amp right now and I make the assumption that the 601 and 701 does not need an amp to sound close to it's best.

This is not true. 701/601 is harder to drive than hd600/650. From what I read, not only you will need an amp, but also that amp need to have synergy with 701/601.

 

[z_accoustics]

Quote:

It's a pleasantly odd listening experience

pleasantly odd... i'm not sure $1,000 is gonna be layed down from that testimony.

One of the most used sources in my home is my computer, which has both an X-Fi platinum and an external EDIROL sound device with 1/4'' pre-amp'd outputs.

 

[Zorander]

For an ampless situation like this, I would look elsewhere. You will not be reaping the full benefit these cans offer without a good amp. Have you considered Grados or Alessandros? They do not strictly need an amp to sound close to their potentials (I am definitely happy with my MS-2 straight out of my DAP), but as with any headphone brands (AKG included), check that the sound and comfort are for you.

I know this is also out of league, but have you considered the dirt-cheap PX-100? After following the suggested pad-rolling suggestion, I am very astounded at how good these cans sound despite the price tag. Not in the same league as a HD-650 of course, but they have that same magical Senn house sound. The mid clarity seems to even better my MS-2 too! They do not need an amp either! (little appreciable improvement with amping)

Cheers!


p.s. This got me thinking. If you have the budget for a K1000, you should really be able to afford an amp if you get the K601 or K701 (or for that matter, the K1000).

 

[jdimitri]

Quote:

Originally Posted by z_accoustics /img/forum/go_quote.gif pleasantly odd... i'm not sure $1,000 is gonna be layed down from that testimony. One of the most used sources in my home is my computer, which has both an X-Fi platinum and an external EDIROL sound device with 1/4'' pre-amp'd outputs.

Well.. you still need an amp. I've tried running my headphones through my focusrite saffire, it's not that great
And... K1000 is something that you have to listen to to even imagine what they sound like, they're not even headphones

 

[z_accoustics]

Quote:

And... K1000 is something that you have to listen to to even imagine what they sound like, they're not even headphones

hehe. loud speaker supreme?

So I can rule out the "[67]01s dont need an amp" argument. So let's in fact just throw out any price argument in the sub $1,500 realm. Zorander, i dont have Sen experience so i have no idea bout that, i'm keeping an AKG centric perspective right now.

 

[KrooLism]

I don't have 601's, but I own K-1000's and I've had a listen to 701's.

Go with K-1000's. You won't regret it. Apart from the bass extension (and this is mostly due to the amp you use anyway) the K-1000 is a far superior listening experience than the K-701.

If you like acoustic rock or classical, It's pretty unanimous that K-1000 is one of, if not the best headphones produced for that.

This isn't the first thread about the 701/1000 debate.

 

[robm321]

Yes. The K-1000s are that much better to my ears than the K701. Depending on your taste, they could be the best heaphone ever made. I've owned them both (still do), and don't listen to the K701s much at all anymore.

The K701s are very good in it's price range though, so it depends on what you want to spend.

 

[Dead Ghost]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robm321 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes. The K-1000s are that much better to my ears than the K701.

Yes, but can you be more specific? In what areas is the k1000 better than k701?