@hrklg01
I do own a AKG K1000 S.No.: 019xx, purchased 10/1990, so very likely from the 1st batch.
The drivers and frames look original in all details front and back, like the pictures in this posting below, so it's very probable that these were never replaced.
Wood box is black.
These are my measurements, showing a resonant frequency of 68 Hz opposed to you often mentioning a much lower 35 Hz (see below)- any explanation?
Do the diaphrag materials become stiffer over time?
How is your own sample measuring today?
I have to mention that this K1000 sounds good, and does not have any buzz problems, glue looks fine.
AKG K1000 S.No. 019xx Impedance Plot:
AKG K1000 S.No. 019xx Frequency Response: Bruel&Kjaer Artificial Ear 4143; Freefield 1cm in front of the grid.
I have collected measurements published from various sources in the internet and they results are in the same range like the ones above, from mine.
I do own a AKG K1000 S.No.: 019xx, purchased 10/1990, so very likely from the 1st batch.
The drivers and frames look original in all details front and back, like the pictures in this posting below, so it's very probable that these were never replaced.
Wood box is black.
But:I've had the bass light version of these headphones for 5 years and always wondered how the bass heavy one sounds. And so I bought one. The serial number was 13XX. It looked like new, no any signs of use whatsoever, like it was made not 20 years but yesterday. But from the first seconds of the test track there were obvious rattle sounds as mentioned in this thread before. So I took it apart and the glue that was used to keep the driver and the plate together was in a horrible condition. I barely pull the diaphragm and it came unstuck on one of the edges. So, I used the glue method introduced by hrklg01 http://www.head-fi.org/t/57805/history-of-the-akg-k1000/180#post_10593906 . And It was improved drastically but not completely. Now I think that almost every old pair of the К1000 is some way affected by this problem (that guy for the Flagship battle tried 7 pairs).
A few years ago there was a thread where Fitz took some pictures of the drivers and differences between but now unfortunately they're all gone. So I decided to take a few photos if someone is interested. Left is 1xxx, right is 8xxx.
As you can see, first, the plates below are totally different. Also there is a difference in the material of the driver. The later version is more transparent and the pattern of the bubbles is different. In addition to it the coating on the early is smoother.
At the right corner you can see the grid with two holes. They keep the driver plate and the rotary part of the headband together. On the early pair AKG used the glue instead of it.
The back of the driver also is not the same. First of all, the opening of the old versions is a little bigger. There are overlaps on the round basket. Another important difference is the voice coil on the early pair is not protected in any way, and it's very easy to tear it. So, if you want to disassemble your pair, you need to be very careful. On the later version is not a problem because is conected from the front.
The difference in the sound is also very obvious. You don't need even to compare them side by side.
First of all, actually, it's not the bass. The most striking difference is the medium and high frequencies. The later pair is much brighter. Sometimes it's a plus. When you listen to it quietly it sounds much more emotional and it seems more detailed. But if you want to listen louder it can become harsh and very bright.
Second, The early pair has much more bass. It's still as a matter of fact not "bass heavy". But the difference is significant. Maybe 3 or even 6 dB.
These are my measurements, showing a resonant frequency of 68 Hz opposed to you often mentioning a much lower 35 Hz (see below)- any explanation?
Do the diaphrag materials become stiffer over time?
How is your own sample measuring today?
I have to mention that this K1000 sounds good, and does not have any buzz problems, glue looks fine.
AKG K1000 S.No. 019xx Impedance Plot:
AKG K1000 S.No. 019xx Frequency Response: Bruel&Kjaer Artificial Ear 4143; Freefield 1cm in front of the grid.
I have collected measurements published from various sources in the internet and they results are in the same range like the ones above, from mine.
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Thank you Heinz
