AKG K27i and AKG K81DJ

[Zaiver]

Hello

So I'm looking for headphones with a good seal (to block out noise when I'm commuting) and that could be driven by a small mp3 player without taxing its battery life too much.

From what I've been reading, I understand that K81DJ is the preferred set of headphones (over K26P and K27i). The question is: is it easily driven by a small mp3 player (Samsung YP Z5)? And how much isolation does it provide?

Lastly, is there any other recommendations for headphones that are easily driven by mp3 players and provide a good seal? My spending limit is $50-$60.

 

[SawaFish]

I use my K81DJ with my iPod and never turn the volume upwards of 40% of the maximum. I don't know about other MP3 players though. You could take a look at the Audio Technica SJ5, they're a lot more comfortable, have a clearer sound, especially the bass isn't as muddy as with the K81, are easier driven to higher volumes and have a shorter cable which makes them more suitable for portable use.

And yes, the K81 is the preferred set of headphones above the K27i. That is, unless you really want something small and don't mind ear/head crushing clamping force

 

[QQQ]

No, Akg K81 is amongst the hardest to drive phones with 32 ohm impedance phones.
Akg K27I(and it's siblings-Akg k26P, Akg K414p, akg K416p) are absolutely easiest to drive amongst 32-ohm rated phones i've ever tried.

 

[kanamin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QQQ /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, Akg K81 is amongst the hardest to drive phones with 32 ohm impedance phones. Akg K27I(and it's siblings-Akg k26P, Akg K414p, akg K416p) are absolutely easiest to drive amongst 32-ohm rated phones i've ever tried.

What

Is my MP3 player a beast then?

I have both the K81DJ and the Audio-Technica SJ5, I must say, I hate the SJ5. They have ok detail and I'll admit, look a lot better than the K81s, but they just sound wrong to my ears. It's not just the bass either (although it may be an unfair comparison, my K81s are recabled). The tonality on the K81 is very fun and pleasant, and I just love the mids. I can't say the same for the SJ5. Something's missing. I don't know what it is or how to describe it.

 

[elrod-tom]

I don't find that my MP3 player has any problem at all driving the K-81DJ. It's harder to drive than my K-26P, but it's not like we're talking K-501 here.

I don't know how much seal you need, but even the K-81DJ doesn't provide that much isolation. I've found that I need to turn my source up significantly louder than usual when, for example, I'm on a plane.

 

[Zaiver]

Well, my mp3 player is about nano size. It might be a bit more difficult to drive than larger size mp3 player.

Is the SJ5 circumaural? How much isolation does it provide?

 

[SawaFish]

It'll probably have no problem driving the K81 or SJ5. The SJ5 is supra-aural just like the K81, it's got a little less isolation though enough for me.

 

[imp0ssibled]

even my ipod shuffle 1st gen had no problems driving my ex-k518dj (black ver k81dj), u will have no problems i'm sure, 32ohms is no problem for mp3 players etc without having to use an amp

 

[Zaiver]

I think I'll get the K81DJ...unless, of course, someone can recommend some other closed and easily driven headphones in the $50-60 range

 

[QQQ]

You'll regret...

 

[Zaiver]

I'll regret it? Why?

 

[Zaiver]

How long is the cable for K81DJ?

 

[QQQ]

2,5 meter
There's no guarantee that your dap will drive k81 properly.

 

[elrod-tom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by QQQ /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's no guarantee that your dap will drive k81 properly.

I use mine every day with a variety of DAP's, and there's no issue IMHO. If it doesn't work out, he can always sell it with pretty much no trouble at all (I might even buy it myself).

 

[Zaiver]

Just dropping back in to say that these headphones are awesome. Thanks for the advice everybody.