[Khaled]

Hello HF community. I have been researching a lot and the headphones mentioned in the title are what I have narrowed down my list to, however I have been going crazy trying to make the best, informed decision as I have no way to audition them.
 
I am a professional musician, I play (and compose) in various genres, but my main teaching was Flamenco and Classical. Aside from Flamenco and classical (and everything that falls under them), I listen to Folk, classic rock, blues, jazz, different fusions etc. Absolutely no house, techno, trance etc
 
I am looking for something that has a good soundstage, perhaps neutral, great sound quality overall and not too much base.
 
I find the HD598 to be beautiful when it comes to how it looks, but I am not making a purchase based on looks of course.
 
I am currently Amp/DAC - less, however I will be buying one soon, probably with the headphones, so give me your best suggestions based on that I will be having an amp/DAC
 
Regards

 

[NA Blur]

For your tastes the AKG Q701 paired with a JDS Labs O2+ODAC would be an awesome combo.
 
The AKG Q701 is just awesome with folk, jazz, and fusion.  If your budget allows the AKG K712 Pro sounds more even than the Q701.

 

[Khaled]

hmm, well I would rather stick to the $200 (for the headphones alone) budget, as if I go to the $400 price range (k12 pro), I have a whole different set of headphones to look at.
 
The Q701 huh ( I had a feeling it would be either that or the HD598), anyone else?

 

[Khaled]

I might just save up and go for the $300 - $400 price range, the momentum, HE400, k702 anni, the k12 pro mentioned above etc.
 
Do you think the difference would be worth it?

 

[ThickGlasses]

Let's put it like this... if I had $200 and my SR225i broke I would get them again.

 

[Claritas]

I'm quite impressed with Grados and 225i stands out as the best in the SR series, but I can't recommend it for orchestral music. It simply doesn't have the soundstage and the heightened treble response will distort everything. The classical subgenres it does well are female vocals, chamber music (strings), and organ.

 

[Khaled]

HE400, k702 anni, Q701 or the k12 pro
 
is there much of a difference between the Q701/2 and the anni? I heard that they are almost the same (drivers etc) is the he4 or he400, k12 pro a much bigger jump that warrants the $400 price? should I go for something like the he400 or are the Q701 as good with an amp (though I understand that the he400 are in a different league/range, more so with the hd6## series and so on)?
 
 
Ahh Audeze, I want you (you will be mine in the future)

 

[Khaled]

What about the rs1i/rs2i, are these any good for what I am looking for? (price aside)
 
or are the akg 701/2 that good. I keep on hearing about them.

 

[Claritas]

I consider several open models about equally very good: K70x, DT880, HE400, HD6x0. SR225i is close in quality. After that, it depends on what genres you listen to.
 
Classical: K70x, HD6x0, DT880
Jazz: HE400
Metal: SR225i, HE400
Rock: HE400, SR225i
 
The point of diminishing returns in America is $500, which is the retail cost of HD650.
 
K702 anni is very similar to K701 & K702. Q701 is a little different. Mostly, it has more bass. Whether you want more bass or not is a matter of preference. Neither is better than the other.
 
K712 is going to be different from K70x / Q701 because it has a different driver. I haven't heard it yet, so I don't know how it differs. If charts mean anything, it will be less neutral in the bass and mids.

 

[Khaled]

Thanks for your input Claritas and everyone. I think I will go with the Q701 for now, then perhaps get a rs1i or something else later.
 
Thanks again, you have been very helpful.

 

[Easylistening]

You may wish to visit the latest DEALS thread to see if any of the headphones you are in the market for has been spotted at a very good price. Simple to find, just search for DEALS in the Search box.

 

[Khaled]

Oh, thanks for pointing me. Will check.
Thanks again

 

[Sil3nce]

Out of all these choices.
The AKGs will take the cake, do your research, perform the mods.
Nothing in it's price range will compare to the imaging and transparency.
/thread

 

[doctorjazz]

I'd look at the Martin Logan Mikros 90, some people love them, some hate them (I'm in the 1st group). Listed @ $300 originally, being discontinued, can be found $60-$100. Leaves more money for electronics... A good amp improves these... Just sayin'

 

[tomb]

  Out of all these choices.
The AKGs will take the cake, do your research, perform the mods.
Nothing in it's price range will compare to the imaging and transparency.
/thread

 
Grados are my favorite phones, but this ^.  There's simply nothing in its price range that can compete with the 701's.  The HD598 may look beautiful, but it's absolutely the same headphone as the old HD595 and is not even in the same class as the 701's.  Same for Grados - you really have to step up to the RS1 or PS500 to get comparable performance, and those are several hundred dollars more.
 
I would go for the black Q701 if you can, though.  My understanding is that the white Q701 is now made in China.  I bought the black Q701 over Black Friday from Amazon and it has "Made in Austria" plastered all over it.  I have a very early serial number original K701, too (for years) and the Q701 seems a bit more rounded with better bass.
 
The only downside to the AKG's is that they really need an amp at some point.  You can try them without, but plan on one eventually - if you can.