wrightanswer@ear
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2005
- Posts
- 70
- Likes
- 11
I've not heard the AKG K-701 yet. It might sound fantastic.
But I've seen an actual pair (in Europe) and, having previously seen photos that make this headphone look so exciting, I can only say I was very disappointed with the cosmetics of the K-701.
Actually, the cheaper and far more dignified-looking K-601 looks better.
The main problem is the cheap and plasticky white finish. Way too bright and garish and desperately trying to grab some iPod-style limelight. I think the 701 looks extraordinarily flashy and rather toy-like. I get the feeling that AKG is trying to be too clever here – producing the ultimate iPod headset might be very laudable and will guarantee plenty of exposure in Apple Stores and computer mags, but these headphones are also aimed at audiophiles and are going to look very out-of-place in most people's traditional audio systems. If you want to sit them down next to your iPod and laptop you'll be happy enough and they'll certainly look part of that particular scenery.
But anyone who has a typically rugged-looking high-end sound system will surely think these over-styled, trying-too-hard-to-be-noticed white plastic phones look way too fancy to be taken seriously.
Yes, the K-701 throws in a piece of well-machined metal here and there, but the overall impression isn't one of strength. Compared to (say) the Sennheiser HD650, or even the upper-range Grados, it looks like a toy. The HD650 is largely plastic too, but the styling is altogether more solid and professional-looking and inspires more confidence.
Before I saw the real thing, I was as excited by the K-701 as anyone else. The photos give the impression that there's lots of metal and solidity to these phones. But now I suggest it might be a good idea for potential buyers to see and handle (and yes, even hear!) the real thing before they place orders based on some heavily retouched photos and wishful thinking alone.
But I've seen an actual pair (in Europe) and, having previously seen photos that make this headphone look so exciting, I can only say I was very disappointed with the cosmetics of the K-701.
Actually, the cheaper and far more dignified-looking K-601 looks better.
The main problem is the cheap and plasticky white finish. Way too bright and garish and desperately trying to grab some iPod-style limelight. I think the 701 looks extraordinarily flashy and rather toy-like. I get the feeling that AKG is trying to be too clever here – producing the ultimate iPod headset might be very laudable and will guarantee plenty of exposure in Apple Stores and computer mags, but these headphones are also aimed at audiophiles and are going to look very out-of-place in most people's traditional audio systems. If you want to sit them down next to your iPod and laptop you'll be happy enough and they'll certainly look part of that particular scenery.
But anyone who has a typically rugged-looking high-end sound system will surely think these over-styled, trying-too-hard-to-be-noticed white plastic phones look way too fancy to be taken seriously.
Yes, the K-701 throws in a piece of well-machined metal here and there, but the overall impression isn't one of strength. Compared to (say) the Sennheiser HD650, or even the upper-range Grados, it looks like a toy. The HD650 is largely plastic too, but the styling is altogether more solid and professional-looking and inspires more confidence.
Before I saw the real thing, I was as excited by the K-701 as anyone else. The photos give the impression that there's lots of metal and solidity to these phones. But now I suggest it might be a good idea for potential buyers to see and handle (and yes, even hear!) the real thing before they place orders based on some heavily retouched photos and wishful thinking alone.
