*crickets*
Astell&Kern AK T5p (AKT5p) Impressions Thread
- Thread starter warrenpchi
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Father Schu
100+ Head-Fier
I heard these at CanJam, balanced out of an AK240. Sounded great.
Listened to a bunch of other things throughout the day. Went back the next day thinking that the Oppo PM-3 was a potential purchase. Then went back to A&K and listened to the AKT5P again. I much preferred it. I then listened to it through my iPod classic with no amp. Still blown away by the sound. I just sat there listening for an hour trying to figure out how I could snag a pair. I'm still dreaming about it.
Listened to a bunch of other things throughout the day. Went back the next day thinking that the Oppo PM-3 was a potential purchase. Then went back to A&K and listened to the AKT5P again. I much preferred it. I then listened to it through my iPod classic with no amp. Still blown away by the sound. I just sat there listening for an hour trying to figure out how I could snag a pair. I'm still dreaming about it.
I'll tell you I sure do enjoy mine thus far and they sound really good with the AK 100ii
Just placed an order with my good buddy Ted (teds headfood here on Head-Fi), so I should have them later this week. Excited!
By the way, I assume the cables are detachable; has anyone tried upgrade cables to their liking?
NZtechfreak
Headphoneus Supremus
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Of course it is. The market for high-end high-priced portable closed cans is fairly small to start with, and then the subset of that market for these, which are best paired with an AK player, is fairly vanishingly small. I'm in the relatively small of group of people prepared to pay top dollar for a closed portable can, but I'm never buying an AK player...
I love the AK100ii and AKT5p combo. I do agree it is very much a niche purchase. I always said i would never buy an AK player either, but I was curious. I loved my Pono but to me the 100ii was better. I have a great portable pairing now with the AKT5p. I do use the designated EQ settings. The AKT5p have an open hp sound about them for a closed hp.
NZtechfreak
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The open sound is common to the T5p, this just has a slightly better tonal balance I think. For the time being I'm happy enough to EQ the bass of my T5p lightly.
No AK player because I prefer using my phone as a transport for a USB DAC/amp - better UI, Spotify, can use the DAC with my laptop etc.
I just received my new AKT5p headphones today. My initial impression listening to them for a couple of hours is good, but I'm looking forward to getting some time on these before I make any firm judgements.
I'm not a fan of the cable since it doesn't seem to straighten out very well. I'm probably an upgrade candidate if it turns out I'm happy with these.
The one thing that is a little irksome is the warranty. A regular pair of T5ps have a 5 year warranty; the A&K version has a 90 day warranty. Also, no case like the Beyers, just a cardboard box.
I'm not a fan of the cable since it doesn't seem to straighten out very well. I'm probably an upgrade candidate if it turns out I'm happy with these.
The one thing that is a little irksome is the warranty. A regular pair of T5ps have a 5 year warranty; the A&K version has a 90 day warranty. Also, no case like the Beyers, just a cardboard box.
Take your time....you should begin to appreciate them. The most annoying thing is the lack of a case for me. I do truly like the sound so I have kinda given them a pass for that.
NZtechfreak
Headphoneus Supremus
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There is a nice new case from Beyer actually! Meant for new T1 revision, but they mention it fits the T5p.
yeah, me too on the case. Still, for $1,400 retail ...
does the cable ever straighten out from being wrapped up when new?
about 6 hours on them now and they are sounding really good. I plan on a 2 week burn-in before I post my review.
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