AKG K271 vs. K271mII?

[zestinger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidSnake3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really can't spend the cash for an amp right now so I would be stuck with the headphones for quite a few months before I could get an amp. I'm debating if it would just be a better choice to get something that can run great sans amp like the A700 and than later on pick up a nice headphone and amp combo when I'm in a better financial position.

Please make sure to try the A700 before you plunge. I spent 2 weeks comparing an A700 and a Senn HD595 before deciding to return both. After a serious audition of some more closed cans, I decided to go for the K271 MKII.

For those of you who commented "they don't sound good" without an amp, I'm not sure how you rate 'good.' Sure, they won't sound as pristine as an ampted HD650 or K701, but I don't really see those in the same ballpark.

I think for your price range, find a site where you can get the K271, try them out for a week or so, and if you agree with the other reviewers that "no amp no good" then by all means go ahead and return.

I was so impressed by the combination of isolation & quality of these closed cans that I decided to go for the Nuforce mobile after some amp research. I knew it was only going to get better.

 

[Acix]

For more options...

1 K702.
2 GMP 8.35 D Monitor.
3 Ultrasone PL/Pro 650.
4 Ultrasone Pro-550/580/780.
5 M-50.
6 HD280.

 

[rhythmdevils]

Sure, the K271 might improve quite a bit with an amp, but that does not mean it will sound bad without an amp.

I think the more important question than whether or not it improves with an amp, is whether without an amp, it still sounds better than the A700. And I don't know, because I only briefly heard the A700, and have not compared them directly.

I personally listen to my 600 ohm K240 sextetts without an amp, and I still like them quite a bit. Now, again, they sound maybe twice as good amped, but I can't afford the amp they need.

On a side note, is there really no sonic change between the silver K271s and the new K271 mkII? I am skeptical because AKG likes to cut corners when they revamp their phones. but if they sound just as good, and you're going to get the K271, then get the MKII because I think they sound way better with velour pads.