AKG Q701 over ATH AD900?

[dimwit21]

Hello, 
 
Amazon.com is having a sale on the AKG Q701 models for $199: http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Signature-Reference-Class-Premium-Headphones/dp/B004444OFK
 
I'm considering purchasing a pair as I've read good things about them; problem is that I'm unsure if it's worth the investment with my current setup.
 
I currently had an Audio Technica AD900 (not the newer X version) with a Fiio E17.
 
I don't really need an emphasis on bass but the types of music I mostly listen to are trance, classic, jazz, and jrock with mostly female vocals.  For my listening needs the AD900's have done great.
 
Any advice on whether I should jump in and get the Q701's or stick with what I have?
 
I reside in Canada so unfortunately there aren't any places that would allow me to audition them.
 
Thanks.

 

[joshkim12]

The Q701's do very well with female vocals.  I just got my pair in today and compared to my hd600s they are very bass lean.  Their soundstaging abilities are very good.  The only problem with the Q701s is that they are very uncomfortable.  The headband is really hard and the earpads seem hard.  If comfort isn't a factor then I'd say go for it.  For the price it is absolutely a bargain. 
The E17 can drive the Q701s but from a quick plug in to headphone jack I can definitely say these greatly benefit from amplification. 

 

[KG Jag]

No one can give you "the" answer.  The are cans on the same tier that have different sound signatures.  I have both; like both; prefer the Q701 when properly amped (the 900 is easy to drive).
 
Perhaps the best I can do for you is to suggest that you read about the AD 900 and the K 702 here:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-58-headphones-compared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13
 
While doing so, keep in mind that the Q 701 was released after the K 702.  The Q has a bit more bass than the K and has a more natural sound in the mids and treble.  The Q has a slightly smaller sound stage than the K, but I find it to be superior in quality (especially imaging) to the 900.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Amazon.com is having a sale on the AKG Q701 models for $199: http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Signature-Reference-Class-Premium-Headphones/dp/B004444OFK
I'm considering purchasing a pair as I've read good things about them; problem is that I'm unsure if it's worth the investment with my current setup.
I currently had an Audio Technica AD900 (not the newer X version) with a Fiio E17.
I don't really need an emphasis on bass but the types of music I mostly listen to are trance, classic, jazz, and jrock with mostly female vocals.  For my listening needs the AD900's have done great.
Any advice on whether I should jump in and get the Q701's or stick with what I have?
I reside in Canada so unfortunately there aren't any places that would allow me to audition them.

I'm going to guess for your current uses, might as well stay with the AD900s.