Prog Rock Headphone Recommendation?

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prog Rock Man /img/forum/go_quote.gif Brilliant post. The detail aspect of prog is why I go for the AKG K702s over my other headphones.

While the RS1s are my go to cans for rock (Zeppelin, Rob Zombie, Metallica, Sabbath), I agree, with Rush/Pink Floyd/, etc...I did prefer my (now sold) K701s. My go to cans for prog rock are now the T1/HD800s, but I do agree that the K70x are a pretty good choice.

As well, it is great to hear how many south of the border really dig Rush! Now if the voting committee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would only listen. They are among the top 5 selling rock bands of all time people!

 

[cck5]

grado 225I end of story.

 

[artforme]

I enjoy the 225i for prog type music, but I think the K701/2 have a great sound stage that allow the listener to really enter the atmosphere. But the 225i's really help bring out that interesting treble, with that lovable Grado sound, which can be fun to. No wrong answer on that. I personally can't listen to the 225i as long as I can the 702s. Both are great phones though. But there is something about prog rock that I think sounds great with neutral/'studio type' headphones.

 

[Prog Rock Man]

Musicianship is very important with prog rock. Generally speaking the quality of recording is very high as well. I think you are spot on artforme that the studio sound is important.

I like to listen for clues as to how the recording took place. Was it live in the studio with all the musicians together at the same time. Has the recording been left unmolested or has it had to be extensively mastered? Was it recorded in a church hall or tiny sound proofed studio?

Again , I find the K702s are more likely to put you with the recording than other cans.

 

[tdogzthmn]

^ X2 or the K271 which many musicians use.

 

[beyondthepale35]

Yeah, I had the K271s already but closed cans dont really do much for me, although the sound was excellent. I think after all this debating Im gonna try the HD600s, since Ive already heard both AKG and Grado sounds I figure I might as well see if the Senn sound signature does anything for me. Thankfully this forum is great and even if I dont like them Im sure Id be able to trade them for some K701s on the for sale forum. I really appreciate all the help, this decision was driving me crazy haha. Now to figure out what to do about a dac/amp...

 

[beyondthepale35]

Well I changed my mind and decided on K701s, so now I need to slowly build my rig....I have a receiver, should I get something like a marantz cd player for now?

 

[Icenine2]

AKG K701's. I listen to King Crimson, ELP, Yes, Genesis all the time. Really great sound. I have an older HeadRoom Home (used to be their top dog) and it still sounds great.

K

 

[artforme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyondthepale35 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well I changed my mind and decided on K701s, so now I need to slowly build my rig....I have a receiver, should I get something like a marantz cd player for now?

I'm a big fan of just digitizing CD's and having a computer server, with uncompressed audio. Although some people do like the physicality of a CD and Player, and like not having to worry about how to digitize and organize their collection.

Does your receiver have an optical in? And if your computer has a mini-optical out you got your self a good starter set up already. I run audio from a macbook to my V665 via optical, and firewire with my Focusrite.

 

[beyondthepale35]

Yeah, my computer is pretty ancient, which is why Im trying to figure out which is the best option for me. I dont even have PCI express slots =( Just wondering what will give me the biggest boost in performance for now based on price, around a 200 dollar budget.

 

[artforme]

a USB DAC/Amp combo might be the best option probably.

 

[artforme]

But wait until you get the phones before you buy an amp or dac I would say. See what you think they sound like through your receiver that you already have. I personally prefer the sound of my Focusrite over my LD DAC_II with my 702s.

Edit: Also look around the house for some equipment that might play CD's better than other. For example old Playstations are known for having better than average DACs, and same with just about any other video game console. Also try your DVD players. Experiment with these if you don't have the funds right now. I think the 701s can sound great in many situations. There is always the ideal, and then the practical.

 

[beyondthepale35]

Well I tried my K271s through my receiver....lets just say it was pretty horrible haha. Would something like the Little Dot 1+ be good for these? Ive read they were designed for phones with low impedance/require lots of current.

 

[artforme]

You can e-mail the guy at Little Dot and ask for his recommendations. Going purely by specs, I would say that the LD MK I+ would be better, as it looks like the LD 1+ has too much current for the AKG's. Hopefully someone else on here will be able to confirm this through first hand experience.

 

[dscythe]

Hey guys, been lurking here all day, first time posting, I've been looking at essentially the same headphones as OP and i stumbled across a usb DAC and amplifier combo for $190 from Fiio. Reviews have said they pair really well with akg k70x's and put out loads of power to drive them. The DAC is also removable so you can use it with portable mp3 players and the like. Thought it might help OP =). Not sure if there are any rules with links here, so I'll just drop it below. http://mp4nation.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_45&products_id=458