[aimlink]

I'm considering getting myself a pair of AKG 701/2's (haven't decided which of the two). Anyone here who has and loves the Edition 8, or 9 for that matter, and still find a loving place for their AKG 701/2. If so, would you explain why?

I'd appreciate comments from those who own similar cans to the Ultrasone Edition series, like the D5000/7000 owners and the Pro900 owners.

Thanks,

 

[oqvist]

I just sold my K701 yesterday. I suppose I fit the criteria owning both the Pro 900 and Edition 8 and finding a lot to love in these. K701 I have enjoyed but the 900 performs in the same genres and just about always more enjoyable and convincing.

They are a good complement to the ED 8. Particularly if you at times just get sick of bass and want something really airy instead of really rich.

Pro 900 on the other hand have even more boost in low bass even though mid bass is a bit less after KeeS modding it seems.

But I preferr Pro 900s soundstaging, their mid range, amazing with vocals, piano, cello over the K701s. There is no comparison to the ED 8 regarding soundstage it´s very closed in comparison with these! Pro 900 is faster and with more PRaT and also a bit more aggressive. K701 is somewhere in between the 900 and ED 8 here.

 

[aimlink]

Thanks oqvist.

That was helpful. I ended up going ahead with the AKG 702 with ALO cable. I decided to debunk the T1 order on several counts.... it's largely unchartered territory.... getting into the habit of buying uber high end cans is very costly... I do have unfinished business with some of the well established cans around, the AKG's being one. The T1, among others, can come later. Take it easy.... take it easy....

I was particularly tickled by your comment about being at times, sick of bass. I agree that with some CD's and recordings, prominent bass is not what you want at all and the Edition 8's can have that tendency at times, with some recordings. It's then that I'd like to reach for a set of cans with a more synergistic sonic approach.

 

[midoo1990]

haha,congrats aimlink,let us know your impressions,you will enjoy them i think.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by midoo1990 /img/forum/go_quote.gif haha,congrats aimlink,let us know your impressions,you will enjoy them i think.

Yeah. You did contribute to that decision but I've been considering the AKG's for over a year now. For some reason, I've been trying others.

I need a different sonic approach that complements my Edition 8's, especially when listening to Jazz, Classical and some World Music. The high definition recordings don't always sound as I'd want with the Edition 8's. A more open sound would be a lot better.

 

[midoo1990]

k701 is phenomenal with classic and jazz,very 3D presentation and airy,they will show the quality of the recording.and the crossfeed of headroom works extremly well with them.i mentioned in my review that the soundstage wasnt consisten horizontally and laterally,but after i fiddled with the cross feed,the whole presention became spacious and instruments diffused at the back of my head finally and everything was consistent.the crossfeed tames the highs a bit also,i dont know if you noticed that with your other headphones but it definetly work with the 701 and my ie8.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by midoo1990 /img/forum/go_quote.gif k701 is phenomenal with classic and jazz,very 3D presentation and airy,they will show the quality of the recording.and the crossfeed of headroom works extremly well with them.i mentioned in my review that the soundstage wasnt consisten horizontally and laterally,but after i fiddled with the cross feed,the whole presention became spacious and instruments diffused at the back of my head finally and everything was consistent.the crossfeed tames the highs a bit also,i dont know if you noticed that with your other headphones but it definetly work with the 701 and my ie8.

For me, the crossfeed tends to accentuate the mid-bass to lower-mids. Since the Ed8's already have excellent bass, the cross-feed tends to lead to too much bass from them. So with the Ed8's, I have the crossfeed off almost all the time. OTOH, with my RS2i, the crossfeed is always on. I'll be looking forward to having the crossfeed enabled all the time while using the AKG702. It does add to the headphone based musicality of recordings that have a tendency to heavily place instruments on one channel. Since in real life, you never hear an instrument being played, from one ear. The crossfeed makes it more real by sending a touch of the signal to the other channel. As a result, the imaging is preserved, but the unnaturalness of hearing an instrument or voice through only one channel is nullified.

While listening to Jazz or Classical, I'm interested in more of a transparent and less warm sound. OTOH, the Ed8's have not lost any of my love. They are oh so great when properly paired with a CD. Really stunning.

Dare I invite you to try another full-sized can other than the AKG's?

 

[midoo1990]

haha,you dont need to invite me,i am already considering getting a pair of used D5000/7000 as from all i read they sound excellent with headroom micro amp

the crossfeed does help in channel balance but not by much,it helps greatly with the soundstage OTOH. with my ie8 i agree the bass with the crossfeed or even without become very controlled but extremly powerful to my ears,with the 701 it is wonderful as it adds more impact. i am interested in your findings with your desktop and ultra micro amps to see if there a difference between them.does the micro amp is the same as the ultra or there is a difference sonically?

 

[aimlink]

The micro and ultra micros are sonically quite similar. However, the ultra micro adds a bit more punch and potential for improved dynamics and energy. Unfortunately, not many recordings maximise on this. This is why I'm still curiously trying out headphones, but am quite happy with the amp/dacs that I have now.

 

[midoo1990]

mmm,glad i didnt get it the micro is perfect for me.what about the ultra micro and your desktop amp, are they similar sonically and the only difference is that the desktop have many inputs?
p.s:sorry for trolling your thread,i will stop now so you can get an answer for your question.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by midoo1990 /img/forum/go_quote.gif mmm,glad i didnt get it the micro is perfect for me.what about the ultra micro and your desktop amp, are they similar sonically and the only difference is that the desktop have many inputs? p.s:sorry for trolling your thread,i will stop now so you can get an answer for your question.

Yes. I genuinely can't hear a difference and I guess this isn't surprising considering that they have the same electronics. You should check out HeadRoom's sponsor forum where the differences between their various offerings are discussed.

 

[sokolov91]

Interesting you went for the AKG to compliment the Ultrasone Edition 8. I find the AKG 702 I own to honestly have nothing special about it. It sounds great, don't get me wrong. Super comfy... just... I find myself always choosing my senn 600, sony SA5K, or ultrasone 750 over them when I go to listen. Same way people don't "get" ultrasones I think I dont "get" AKG.

 

[aimlink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sokolov91 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Interesting you went for the AKG to compliment the Ultrasone Edition 8. I find the AKG 702 I own to honestly have nothing special about it. It sounds great, don't get me wrong. Super comfy... just... I find myself always choosing my senn 600, sony SA5K, or ultrasone 750 over them when I go to listen. Same way people don't "get" ultrasones I think I dont "get" AKG.

I know... I'm definitely taking a risk, but you know... so far, the risks I've taken have been very fruitful. I was stunned when I listened to the SR325is when I got them considering the bad commentary they so popularly received. I could have easily gone the HD800, but chose the Ed8's instead. Again, I'm very happy with the Ed8's. Who knows, I may have been more happy with the HD800.

Now, I'm at it again. Your last comment probably sums it up and I'm counting on it. I wish for a headphone with a different approach to the Ed8 and there's no question that the AKG's are. I'll let you know what they're like to my ears and tastes when I get them.

 

[sokolov91]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aimlink /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know... I'm definitely taking a risk, but you know... so far, the risks I've taken have been very fruitful. I was stunned when I listened to the SR325is when I got them considering the bad commentary they so popularly received. I could have easily gone the HD800, but chose the Ed8's instead. Again, I'm very happy with the Ed8's. Who knows, I may have been more happy with the HD800. Now, I'm at it again. You're last comment probably sums it up and I'm counting on it. I wish for a headphone with a different approach to the Ed8 and there's no question that the AKG's are. I'll let you know what they're like to my ears and tastes when I get them.

Haha I have a pair of 325i myself. They were my first good headphone. They have a special place in my heart, but that is about it. I never use them anymore.

I am quite jealous of your edition 8. My girlfriend actually bought me a pair of pro 750 for Christmas. I was quite skeptical "natural surround sound" and such, but I have been absolutely thrilled with them and they have totally shifted my lust of a higher end AT or Senn headphone to the edition 8. They pretty much redefined what I though was possible with headphones.

I did not mean to burst your bubble either. The k701/702 are very fine cans. Supremely comfy, nice and detailed, airy etc etc. Come to think of it, maybe their lack of spice or colouration is whats so great about them. I always seem forget I am wearing them, as where when I wear a different can, I am aware the whole time of its specific presentation.

I hope you enjoy your new AKGs!

 

[oqvist]

If you are looking for the best soundstage get the Pro 900 rather then the ED 8 if you ever get caught by the upgraditis and soundstage is your main goal