[tbonner1]

Build quality of AKG's is good but not as good as Beyer.

 

[goldenslug]

That's great how you guys found their build quality is top notch. The AKGs still feels a bit weak compared to Beyer and Sennheiser considering that they use metal and some carbon graphite composite in their respective designs. I guess it'd take me a while to get over their use of plastics.

Can't really comment on the sound quality that much yet because I don't have my other headphones or setup with me, but just after initial testing, its in between the HD650s and Beyers. It looks like it lacks the sennheiser veil and Beyerdynamics excessive treble.

I found that I was getting sick of Beyers high tremble and went back to the HD650s because of their warmth. But who knows maybe the 701s will replace them as my primary headphone. I still prefer the comfort of the Beyers (which feel like a pillow) and Sennheisers over the AKGs.

 

[NiceCans]

often times there is more strength in flexibility and elasitisity than there is in mass and rigidity

 

[LowPhreak]

goldenslug -

I've owned a couple of sets of AKG 240M's and now the K701, and never had a reliability problem with them. I've seen one flavor or another of models 141/240/270 in studio/live band work since the early 1980's and don't recall ever seeing a pair fall apart unless it was very abused.

These are pretty rugged designs especially considering their weight and comfort level.

 

[mrarroyo]

As a past owner of the K340 I can also attest that the elastics are quite sturdy, in my K340 they lasted well over 25 years. My K501 and K701 also have them and I have not had a single problem after 18 months of use.