pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
The RAL re-cabled K701 arrived this morning. After only a few minutes' audition, I think they've unseated the "reigning champion all-arounder" RAL/Proline 750--and that's no small feat! The RAL/Proline 750 are still my favorite closed, mid-fi headphones, and their bass presence/carry is still their calling card; but the RAL/K701, in addition to being my favorite open cans, are also my favorite cans, period.
The RAL cable really puts "meat" on the (stock) bones of the K701 sound, but without in any way losing the detail, ease and richness that I'd already come to appreciate from the AKG. The K701 are now deliciously palpable, organic and more liquid-sounding, but without losing any speed, clarity or deftness. The sense of soundstage depth is also improved along with a judicious allocation of the musical space. Any allegations of "thinness" or "sterility" (which I personally felt were unfairly leveled at the stock K701 on many review threads in the first place) are gone, Gone, GONE! Drive this combination with a decent tube or hybrid amp and you'll be grinning indeed.*
The excellent, though arguably reticent, bass of the (stock) K701 is well-plumbed and expressed with more punch and verve with the RAL cable. In fact, the RAL/K701 sound more dynamic and vivacious in every respect! Midrange is absolutely captivating. I'm listening to Sarah Vaughn right now ("The Sweetest Sounds"), and oh what a delight! with the RAL/K701 faithfully capturing and releasing every vocal nuance to the tee. Highs come through with more texture and air, but without any loss of purity and extension.
After a somewhat lengthy and tortuous path (i.e. see my signature), I believe my search for the "right" headphones has reached its happy culmination with the RAL/K701. This cable simply takes what is inherent in the stock headphone design and brings it out in the best possible way(s). Better yet, it just gets out of the way and lets the K701 really shine and "strut their stuff." I already knew there was something very special about the stock AKG K701, but the RAL cable has rendered that innate specialness and potential with a fullness, freshness and musicality that these fine drivers truly deserve.
After allowing more time (maybe 150-200 hours) for full burn-in, the RAL/K701 will no doubt be my reference standard for weeks, months and--who knows?--perhaps years to come.
Thanks again, Brad, and Deo gratias! : )
*Review system: RAM-modded Samung HD-841 (w/MAC SPC power cord) -> MAC AgQ silver interconnect -> Darkvoice 336i (w/MAC HC power cord and 1x RCA 6AS7G & 1x Sylvania 6SN7GTB)
The RAL cable really puts "meat" on the (stock) bones of the K701 sound, but without in any way losing the detail, ease and richness that I'd already come to appreciate from the AKG. The K701 are now deliciously palpable, organic and more liquid-sounding, but without losing any speed, clarity or deftness. The sense of soundstage depth is also improved along with a judicious allocation of the musical space. Any allegations of "thinness" or "sterility" (which I personally felt were unfairly leveled at the stock K701 on many review threads in the first place) are gone, Gone, GONE! Drive this combination with a decent tube or hybrid amp and you'll be grinning indeed.*
The excellent, though arguably reticent, bass of the (stock) K701 is well-plumbed and expressed with more punch and verve with the RAL cable. In fact, the RAL/K701 sound more dynamic and vivacious in every respect! Midrange is absolutely captivating. I'm listening to Sarah Vaughn right now ("The Sweetest Sounds"), and oh what a delight! with the RAL/K701 faithfully capturing and releasing every vocal nuance to the tee. Highs come through with more texture and air, but without any loss of purity and extension.
After a somewhat lengthy and tortuous path (i.e. see my signature), I believe my search for the "right" headphones has reached its happy culmination with the RAL/K701. This cable simply takes what is inherent in the stock headphone design and brings it out in the best possible way(s). Better yet, it just gets out of the way and lets the K701 really shine and "strut their stuff." I already knew there was something very special about the stock AKG K701, but the RAL cable has rendered that innate specialness and potential with a fullness, freshness and musicality that these fine drivers truly deserve.
After allowing more time (maybe 150-200 hours) for full burn-in, the RAL/K701 will no doubt be my reference standard for weeks, months and--who knows?--perhaps years to come.
Thanks again, Brad, and Deo gratias! : )
*Review system: RAM-modded Samung HD-841 (w/MAC SPC power cord) -> MAC AgQ silver interconnect -> Darkvoice 336i (w/MAC HC power cord and 1x RCA 6AS7G & 1x Sylvania 6SN7GTB)
