[Shingetsu]

So I want a new set of AKG cans, and want to stay away from leather pads and Beyers for now. Ultrasones too.

Ive found alot of good deals for 701s and to buy a 501 or 401 would cost me around the same price. I really prefer the look of the 501 and 401s over the 701 (just the headband really) but have never listened to them. I have owned a pair of 701s before and know the sound well. Im not really looking for a neutral headphone, just more or less a pair i can simply enjoy.

I was hoping for going for a pair more oriented towards the lower frequencies as well. I hear the 401s have good bass compared to its higher numbered bretheren but i also like the look of the 501s, and the availability of them compared to the 401s.


Out of experience what is every one elses opinion?

 

[emericanchaos]

i'd like to know as well how all the AKG *01's compare.

 

[QQQ]

You've missed the best ones - k601

 

[Shingetsu]

Well i was considering those as well but i want to hear about key differences people hear with these models as well as the 601s if some one has that in there can collection.

 

[kugino]

do a search...there are a few threads comparing the different flavors of the kx01 series.

i've not heard the k401, but owned at one time or other the k501, k601, and k701. my favorite of the bunch is the k501, which i've balanced and recabled. really good stuff...

 

[emericanchaos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino /img/forum/go_quote.gif do a search...there are a few threads comparing the different flavors of the kx01 series. i've not heard the k401, but owned at one time or other the k501, k601, and k701. my favorite of the bunch is the k501, which i've balanced and recabled. really good stuff...

could you describe them each and maybe compare them to other popular models?

 

[ph0rk]

IMHO, the k601 is better balanced than the k701 - the k701 has a somewhat hyped lower treble compared to the k601, with what feels to me like less lower midrange than the k601 as well.

Can't say about the 401 or 501, though.

 

[Cankin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ph0rk /img/forum/go_quote.gif IMHO, the k601 is better balanced than the k701 - the k701 has a somewhat hyped lower treble compared to the k601, with what feels to me like less lower midrange than the k601 as well. Can't say about the 401 or 501, though.

That's true, I can imagine K601s are for those who want more warmth, but compare K601 to others AKGs I've tried(K501/701/271MKii), it has the least resolving power and a rather small soundstage.

 

[ph0rk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cankin /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's true, I can imagine K601s are for those who want more warmth, but compare K601 to others AKGs I've tried(K501/701/271MKii), it has the least resolving power and a rather small soundstage.

All a matter of taste, I suppose - I found the k271 and k701 to have annoying treble spikes rather than more resolving - but then I don't find the HD650 veiled, either

 

[scompton]

Here was my take http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/k40...-601-a-255524/

Basically, which ever has the softest pads sounds best to me. The pads make more of a difference to the sound than anything else. The K401 fits in with my conclusions as well. I've never heard the K701.

 

[Shingetsu]

Ah thank you scompton and others.

 

[jellojoe]

If you're ok with pleather pads, either the K240 sextett or K290 are highly enjoyable and should be available for cheaper than the K501 or K701.

 

[Shingetsu]

Well according to other reviews i've read is that the 401s have a bit more bass in comparison to the 3 other sets but lack much in the higher and mid ends of the spectrum. According to scompton the sounds are so similar any ways that to go with the cheapest available would be best.

This helps me narrow it down abit as I prefer the look of the 501s to all the cans, but that leaves me with deciding between the 501s and 701s.

Any one know how the 501s sound after burn in compared to the 701s burned in?

 

[Townyj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shingetsu /img/forum/go_quote.gif So I want a new set of AKG cans, and want to stay away from leather pads and Beyers for now. Ultrasones too. Ive found alot of good deals for 701s and to buy a 501 or 401 would cost me around the same price. I really prefer the look of the 501 and 401s over the 701 (just the headband really) but have never listened to them. I have owned a pair of 701s before and know the sound well. Im not really looking for a neutral headphone, just more or less a pair i can simply enjoy. I was hoping for going for a pair more oriented towards the lower frequencies as well. I hear the 401s have good bass compared to its higher numbered bretheren but i also like the look of the 501s, and the availability of them compared to the 401s. Out of experience what is every one elses opinion?

Nothing wrong with Beyers for a start

Ive owned the K601 and it was quite a good can, i would pick it over my RS-2's for alot of different types of music... Im not sure why, the bass was less present. Overall it is a smooth sort of can with good mid's.

Cant say much about the 401,501,701.

 

[jellojoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shingetsu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any one know how the 501s sound after burn in compared to the 701s burned in?

The K701 will have more bass than the K501, but at the expense of the vintage AKG mids. If you have a bassy source/amp, the K501 bass issues should be no problem. Overall though, I think the AKG K501 presentation is much more enjoyable than the K701.