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Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif
701 - and by a lot. for me, it pretty much bested the 501 in every conceivable area with maybe the exception of sound stage. but even that is one of the 701's strengths.
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Invariably, when putting the K701 back on after listening to any other headphone, I tend to prefer them [the K701].
That said, I find the K501 more midrange-forward and therefore in some respects clearer and more detailed in the midrange (i.e., picking up midrange nuances in vocals, strings, brass, etc.), precisely because these frequencies are purposely showcased, with no corresponding "competition" from the very highs or the lows. The RAL re-cable greatly enlarged the sound stage of the K701, but the stock K501 are not far behind, if not on-par with, the RAL/K701 in that respect.
In overall terms: frequency balance/integration, harmonics, dynamics, tonality and flexibility with all genres of music, the K701 is the clear winner--definitely a plausible "all-rounder," where the K501, with their decided roll off in the bass, make them "specialty" headphones for chamber, acoustic jazz, folk and the like. In their "specialty" musical element, however, I think the K501 might be preferrable. With vocals in particular (e.g., George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Nancy Griffith, Bob Marley, Gordon Lightfoot, etc.), I thought the K501's midrange was arguably more open, smooth, vibrant and clean, whereas the K701 can exhibit just a trace of "smeariness" in the lower treble/upper midrange. (But relative to the many, many other things they do so very well, this is a negligible "trade-off" with respect to the K701's stellar, overall performance.)
But these are preliminary comments gleaned from a casual audition with tubes perhaps not optimal for the K501, either (1x Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB and 2x Sylvania 6SN7GTB--a fairly "flat" and "neutral" combination). And with only a few hours on the (virtually brand new) K501. (. . . and remember that the K701 are re-cabled and the K501 are stock.)
Next week, God willing, I want to try the 1x Mullard ECC33 (just in!), coupled with 2x Raytheon 6SN7GT, for further comparisons. : )