[Fungi]

After 2 months I finally got the K701 pads, but turns out they don't mate well at ALL with the bassier version of K501, and turns them into muddy pieces of crap. Ruins the strengths of the stock K501 as well; I find it hard to believe it makes the bass light K501 better.

 

[jrosenth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungi /img/forum/go_quote.gif After 2 months I finally got the K701 pads, but turns out they don't mate well at ALL with the bassier version of K501, and turns them into muddy pieces of crap. Ruins the strengths of the stock K501 as well; I find it hard to believe it makes the bass light K501 better.

Very true - don't use the 701 pads on a bass heavy 501 - but on a bass light 501 they are very nice. I also just find them much more comfortable.

 

[bubbagump]

chiming in on this thread. I've had the 501s for at least a year now -- who knows.

lets see -- soundstage for days, with heaps of airy space between detail coupled with swiss chocolate mids and ultra tight bass. yup, hooked from the first listen pretty much.

 

[Klarnet Basowy]

The K501 are wonderful headphones, although very peculiar in their music presentation. Very pleasant, very gentle, air and air but without too much treble. Someway strange, but unique. I was lucky, I've found one of the latest in a internet shop at 115 eur, some days ago. I'm very happy I've find them.

 

[ciphercomplete]

I can't say enough about these things. I love them.

People say they are bass shy but I just think they are insanely accurate. You have to give them power though. I A-B these things all the time with my HD580s and DR150s and as long as I give them enough power I have yet to hear a song where the 501 fails to produce a low note that the others do. The bass is different of course, the 501s are tight and the HD580s and DR150s are a bit loose. My other headphones give the impression of more bass but it is artificial and inaccurate or boomy and slow.

My Little Dot MKII powers them wonderfully and I suspect that the Little Dot MKIII or MKIV makes them sound like heaven.

 

[zipdisk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrosenth /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...don't use the 701 pads on a bass heavy 501 - but on a bass light 501 they are very nice...

Jrosenth, does "bass light" and 'bass heavy" correspond to original and newer style drivers? If so, which is which, and is one more desirable?

 

[Aimless1]

The K501 is incredible. Ever since I received them they have been my favorite headphone. So much so that my musical tastes have shifted. I now look for music like jazz or female vocals that they excel at. I just can't seem to get enough.

Properly amped it is hard to imagine a better can. I just picked up a pair of HD580s. After A/Bing them with the K501, I simply can't understand what the fuss is about the Senns. IMO they are not in the same league as the K501 outclasses them on every listen.

BTW, you can find out more about which K501 version you have here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/off...-count-227052/

 

[zipdisk]

Thanks for the 501 Version link. I only wish the photos had been preserved, as they would have been helpful.

I appear to have a version 1, having 3 long openings out of a possible 6. I believe this is a "bass heavy" version--can anyone confirm this?

 

[mrarroyo]

I bought my K501 a year or so ago. It was one of my favorite cans and it became my favorite after Alex of APureSound recabled them with the V3 cables. The level of clarity and detail they now posses without being harsh is amazing. I used to think they had sufficient bass, now they have even more. I am very happy with the wayt he re-cabled K501 sound.

 

[Navyblue]

You guys got me drooling.

I think there's a local shop here still carrying K501, not sure how much they cost, but I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't cheap. If it is indeed the case would it be worth getting over the K701?

I listen to mainly acoustic, vocal, jazz, instrumental, occasionaly some pop, rock and latin. Would this be the can for me?

I like my ER-4P for those music mentioned, how would K501 compares to ER-4P? Is K701 closer to ER-4P?

 

[ludoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navyblue /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think there's a local shop here still carrying K501, not sure how much they cost, but I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't cheap.

New K501s around here usually go for 110-120 euros. Quite a few stores still have a few pairs for sale.

 

[Navyblue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludoo /img/forum/go_quote.gif New K501s around here usually go for 110-120 euros. Quite a few stores still have a few pairs for sale.

Thanks.

Are these leftovers the "bass light" version?

 

[ludoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navyblue /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks. Are these leftovers the "bass light" version?

I bought a pair and kept it briefly before reselling them a couple of months ago, and it had very little bass. How do you spot "bass light" K501s vs "bass heavy" K501s (if such a thing exists)?

 

[Navyblue]

I think I read somewhere here that there are different opening for different version, it seems that there are 3 versions out there. Can't find the link though. It's said that the "bass light" ones are more detailed.

 

[Navyblue]

Btw, does the "K501" sticker come off over time? Mine is a few weeks old NOS and the has sticker started to come off. Just want to make sure I didn't get a fake one.

It's burnt in over 300 hours. It has a bit of air but doesn't have the super airiness of K701. I don't find the sound stage as particularly wide. Though I think it sounds good.