Decision time! (Sony MDR-F1 vs. AKG K701)

[chinesekiwi]

Well, it's down to these two.

The Sony has more comfort but less like a sieve but however I would probably need an impedance adapter for my Headfive since they are 12 ohms (honestly, What, 12 ohm) and is significantly cheaper for me.
I have no idea synergy wise with the Headfive.

The AKG K701 has been tried and tested with the Headfive and found to be good with it.
However it's far less comfortable and has less soundstage and more expensive.

Which is better SQ wise?

Oh man, it really is down to these two tbh.

Help!

 

[troymadison]

If I had to pick, I'd pick the MDR-F1

 

[chinesekiwi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by troymadison /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I had to pick, I'd pick the MDR-F1

Reasons?

 

[troymadison]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinesekiwi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Reasons?

Impedance doesn't really matter, the mdr-f1 has an impedance adjuster built-in.
As far as preference goes, I like the F1 better simply because I remember the K701s sounded too artificial, it was the only headphone where it was hardest for me to really sit back an enjoy music.

 

[chinesekiwi]

But I'm in an open room (not bedroom) so....

Just how much does the MDR-F1 leak compared to other open cans?
Also I've read up that the F1 is very picky in terms of where you put your headphones on your head to sound good.
I'm into gaming also but that shouldn't be an issue with the great soundstage the F1 reportedly has.

 

[troymadison]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinesekiwi /img/forum/go_quote.gif But I'm in an open room (not bedroom) so.... Just how much does the MDR-F1 leak compared to other open cans? Also I've read up that the F1 is very picky in terms of where you put your headphones on your head to sound good. I'm into gaming also but that shouldn't be an issue with the great soundstage the F1 reportedly has.

I believe the F1 leaks less than the K701

 

[chinesekiwi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by troymadison /img/forum/go_quote.gif I believe the F1 leaks less than the K701

You really sure about that even though the K701's are semi-closed?
What's the sound signature of the F1 like? cold? analytical? 'fun'?
(trying to get a rough idea of synergy as the Headfive is 'cold' by some accounts).

 

[troymadison]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinesekiwi /img/forum/go_quote.gif You really sure about that even though the K701's are semi-closed? What's the sound signature of the F1 like? cold? analytical? 'fun'? (trying to get a rough idea of synergy as the Headfive is 'cold' by some accounts).

Yeah, I remember the K1000, K601 and K701 leaking the most sound. The F1 still leaks quite a bit of sound but not as much as the K701. The F1 is warm/semi-fun sounding while the K701 is as cold as you can get.

 

[chinesekiwi]

decisions!? Argh..it was tough deciding between the k701's and the D2000's..(went with the AKG K701's)...and it's even tougher now!!

argh!!!!!

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinesekiwi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, it's down to these two. The Sony has more comfort but less like a sieve but however I would probably need an impedance adapter for my Headfive since they are 12 ohms (honestly, What, 12 ohm) and is significantly cheaper for me. I have no idea synergy wise with the Headfive. The AKG K701 has been tried and tested with the Headfive and found to be good with it. However it's far less comfortable and has less soundstage and more expensive. Which is better SQ wise? Oh man, it really is down to these two tbh. Help!

Huh? According to who? That is a farce.

 

[myinitialsaredac]

K701 leaks a lot of sound, but Its sound is very real. They are accurate, revealing, and a bit analytical.
Huge soundstage, great SQ and IMHO are extraordinarily comfortable, they fully enclose the ear in that soft velour foam and I can wear them for 8 hours forgetting they are on.
I have not heard the sony so i cannot say one over the other, but the k701 imho are great cans.

Dave

 

[chinesekiwi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif Huh? According to who? That is a farce.

Reading up on the old huge Headfive thread when it came out in 2006, a few people said that.

 

[chinesekiwi]

I'm leaning towards the F1's but haven't been fully convinced as of yet.

So in terms of synergy,

cold amp + cold headphone = good/bad?
cold amp + warm headphone = good/bad?

 

[SleepyOne]

chinesekiwi, you also need to consider your type of music. If you are into tecno, rap, heavy metal etc 701 simply cannot handle those. Otherwise it is wonderful with vocal, jazz and natural instruments. If you can, try the headphones out before you buy.

 

[chinesekiwi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleepyOne /img/forum/go_quote.gif chinesekiwi, you also need to consider your type of music. If you are into tecno, rap, heavy metal etc 701 simply cannot handle those. Otherwise it is wonderful with vocal, jazz and natural instruments. If you can, try the headphones out before you buy.

Care to elaborate

A much detail as to why would be good.