IEMs w/ similar tonality to AKG K240?

[mmakay]

I've had the AKG's forever, and everything that I listen to inevitably gets compared to them. Now I need something more portable to use with my iPod, though. Good isolation is a must, too, as they will be used on planes, etc. I'd rather not spend a fortune, but will spend as much as I need to. Would the Denon c700/c751 be a good choice? Are there significantly better options?


-Mickey

 

[vorlon1]

It's pretty tough to get tonalities to match with IEM's and full size 'phones, but I would say that Altec Lansing IM 716's aren't a bad match and reasonably priced, too.

 

[mmakay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vorlon1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's pretty tough to get tonalities to match with IEM's and full size 'phones, but I would say that Altec Lansing IM 716's aren't a bad match and reasonably priced, too.

Really? That surprises me a little. I thought the im716, and any other Ety based phone, tended toward dry and analytical. (I'm basing that solely from what I've read, of course, and could be totally off.) To me, the AKG's are more warm and full.

I will definitely keep the IM's on the list. Especially if I find a great deal. (...can't believe I missed the $20 blowout...)



-Mickey

 

[glac1er]

Some ideas:
Atrio M5 (with laid back highs and emphasized bass like the K240 but I think the mids is sweeter on the K240s).
Westone UM2(warm fun sound sig like the K240)

I've never listened to the C700, but it seems that it has good mids and bass so it might be a good option too.

 

[DKaz]

The Denon's do not have uber isolation. The isolate no doubt, but not as well as true IEMS. The Atrio will have better isolation, the Westone will be more comfortable. As for SQ, I have not heard the K240, but the Denon has a sweeter midrange and brighter highs then the Atrio and Westone. It is laso "fun".

The C751 is actually cheaper then the C700 right now ($128 vs $170). From what I have read, I prefer the C700 with a single cord, but it's not worth an extra $40!

Denon AH-C751

 

[mmakay]

My better half is in Dallas today on business, so I sent her to Fry's with a picture of the c700 box. They (the Richardson/Plano location) had several boxes left, and they were sale priced at $65. Hard to pass that by!

I'll give them a try for a week and post back with my opinion of the AKG comparison. In the mean time, feel free to continue with the suggestions. I'm only out ~$70, so I can afford another pair if something might be significantly more to my taste.


-Mickey