[rparmar]

I've read this forum for years but for some reason only registered today. Maybe because the old headphone bug has bitten once again!

I used to listen exclusively though the Grado SR-225, but in recent years have favoured the "studio sound" of the AKG K271 MK II. I am quite active in field recording and have a set of Sennheiser HD25-1 II for that purpose.
 
Right now I am contemplating updating the K271. And I should really sell the Grados but they don't fetch what I think they are worth... so I hold onto them!

 

[kookoo]

Welcome to Head-Fi.
 
Sorry for your wallet
 
Keep the Grados, they have a very unique sound, good in moderation

 

[rparmar]

Yeah, that's what I always end up thinking.
 
The other half of my brain says "If you sell a couple things, you can buy more!"

 

[PurpleAngel]

If you like the "AKG" sound, maybe get the AKG Q701 and a decent headphone amp to drive it.

 

[rparmar]

Good advice considering I have earlier today been looking at the Q701.
 
The K271 I own is good value, but I have heard K701/2 cans several times and they are obviously better. Given that the Q701 is slightly better yet (from reports) it seems a good place to be.

 

[reeshahn]

If you are buying Q701 or K701 try to find the ones made in austria. Recently they started producing them also in china but if you ask me build quality is just not the same. Since you are living in Ireland finding the ones made in austria shouldn't be so hard for you.

 

[rparmar]

Thanks for that tip. Is there any way to know based on serial numbers or some obvious visible mark?
 
I will be looking second-hand, since otherwise it's not within the budget. This means buying over the internet, unseen.

 

[reeshahn]

For both Q701 and K701 the ones Made in Austria are clearly stated on the side of the headphones. If it doesn't say anything visible it is Made in China. If you are buying from amazon or from any e-trade website in europe you can get the new ones and on the box it will say if they are Made in Austria or China. Return them and look for another source before opening the package if they are Made in China. Aslo calling the seller to verify can be a method.
 
http://wax.hambegg.ca/K701c.jpg

 

[rparmar]

Cool. I have asked a couple of sellers. They tend to post copy'n'paste product images, so I can't depend on those.

 

[reeshahn]

Just ask the sellers about origin still. And you can know if they are made in Austria or now without opening the package so just return them if they are Chinese made.

 

[kookoo]

My friend has a pair of old K601, only the first few batches are guaranteed to be made in Austria.
Almost guaranteed that if you buy new they will be made in China.
Not sure if they make any difference in sound, so let's not all be judgemental here

 

[reeshahn]

Quote:

My friend has a pair of old K601, only the first few batches are guaranteed to be made in Austria.
Almost guaranteed that if you buy new they will be made in China.
Not sure if they make any difference in sound, so let's not all be judgemental here

 
Soundwise I am not able to sense any difference but built quality was significantly different for Q701 Made in Austria and Q701 Made in China. There are always products Made in Austria available in the market you just need to look for it.

 

[kookoo]

I'll take your word for it, I've only ever seen the models made in Austria so I differ to your expertise