[Ralfred]

Are the AKG K702 good for portable use? I'm searching for a set of headphones good for electro and prog.

 

[liamstrain]

Not really, imo. They are quite large (and do not fold, or twist or anything). And being open cans, do not isolate very well - letting in a lot of ambient noise. 
 
They are fantastic cans - but probably not for portable use. 

 

[NA Blur]

I second the "not really"  They are huge and do not fold up.
 
I would recommend some V Moda M80 or V80 ( same sound signature but different design choices ).
They are extremely portable, sound amazing, are built like tanks, and come with an awesome case.
$200

 

[liamstrain]

+1
 
Or the Sennheiser 25-1 ii (for about the same price). 
 
Both would be great for your stated music choices as well.

 

[Ralfred]

What does the impedence do on a set of headphones?
 

 

[liamstrain]

Impedance just means how many Ohm's resistance they present to the portable player or amplifier. A higher number of Ohms requires more voltage from the amplifier - to power properly - but due to the nature of electricity - means you can have many more pairs of headphones connected to the same system (helpful in a production/studio environement). 
 
The differing impedance versions can also have different sound signatures - due to the nature of headphone voice coils. 
 
Usually for portable headphones, unless you intend to have a separate portable amplifier, you want to use a headphone with a relatively low (80 Ohm or less - 32 ohm is common) impedance. That will ensure good listening volume from a portable device.

 

[Ralfred]

I'd prefer circumaural, do you know any other good set of headphones. I can top at 300$.

 

[liamstrain]

Denon D2000 might be a good option to consider - if you find a set on sale (J&R had them for a good price, I think) or used. A bit bulky, but nothing compared with the AKG 702... 
 
The Shure SRH-940 are also quite good.
 
Is sound isolation important to you (either blocking ambient noise like on the bus/train, or not having others hear your music)?

 

[Ralfred]

Sound isolation is very important as I always use my headphones in very crowded places (bus, cafes, etc.)
 

 

[liamstrain]

OK - then the ones I provided (or the V-moda's you solicited feedback on) all isolate well. 

 

[vyyye]

Quote:

Denon D2000 might be a good option to consider - if you find a set on sale (J&R had them for a good price, I think) or used. A bit bulky, but nothing compared with the AKG 702... 
 
The Shure SRH-940 are also quite good.
 
Is sound isolation important to you (either blocking ambient noise like on the bus/train, or not having others hear your music)?

The D2000 cable would be a pain to transport. I get really annoyed with it just moving it around in my house, it's more like a snake than a cable. You could always recable I guess, but the isolation is hardly top notch so I'm not sure why you would use it as a portable.

 

[liamstrain]

I felt they isolated pretty well. But I do not usually bother with closed cans anyway - so I do not have a strong point of reference. If I absolutely need isolation, I have some IEMs. 

 

[nc8000]

K702 don't isolate at all and leak a lot and require good amping so are probably among the worst for portable use. D2000 while technically being closed still leak a fair bit and don't isolate all that well.

 

[KimChee]

No isolation, leak sound like crazy, huge, and need an amp to sound really good, so no.

 

[ricthaman]

For your musical tastes, I'd like to suggest the AIAIAI TMA-1. Great portable headphone, best build-quality I've ever seen and great for on the road.
Furthermore, the Shure SRH-840 is perhaps a can that is more suited for your musical tastes (in comparison to the Shure SRH-940 mentioned earlier, certainly for portable use).
 
Regards,
 
ric.