[XTTX]

So here's my setup:

Azalia HDA -> Valab NOS DAC (via TOSLINK) -> Matrix M-stage -> K702

I got all this stuff pretty recently (within the last month). Everything was new aside from the DAC which I bought off a member here. I've given the K702's about 145 hours of playback. The flaws that I saw in it originally (lack of bass, and piercing treble) have appeared to even out sufficiently. I just don't see myself liking the sound signature of it; rather, I don't find it worth the cost. My other set of cans is the Alessandro MS1, which I had loved for years. I just don't seem to have the same appreciation for the K702's. Some things to note: I hear with much better clarity using the K702's than the MS1's, and there is a more expansive sound stage with the AKG's. They're just hard to fully appreciate.
 
Should I give these a couple hundred more hours to burn in? Is something else in my setup holding these back? I really would love to love these headphones, but I just can't at this point.
 
Edit: If I do sell these, I would probably try out the DT880's or the HD650 next.

 

[blackzarg]

IMO you're not going to like them better. You're probably looking for something more similar to the Grados, and not as bright. I'd suggest the hd650 next!

 

[Uncle Erik]

I think the HD-650 would suit you well.

 

[BournePerfect]

Personally I noticed very noticeable improvements with my k702s 3 times: 100, 250, and 350 hours. Also, the M-Stage with the browndog/opa627  made it a heck of a lot better as well. I'd suggest to keep burning them in for another week, and see what you think. Is your M-Stage stock, or what?
 
-Daniel

 

[XTTX]

 
Quote:

Personally I noticed very noticeable improvements with my k702s 3 times: 100, 250, and 350 hours. Also, the M-Stage with the browndog/opa627  made it a heck of a lot better as well. I'd suggest to keep burning them in for another week, and see what you think. Is your M-Stage stock, or what?
 
-Daniel

It's got a Class-A Biasing mod, but other than that it's stock (stock opamp).
 
Edit: Yeah, I was going to give these a week or two before making any decisions. Perhaps I'll even do some opamp rolling between now and then. With regard to the HD650's is there a noticeable difference between the current run and older versions? I know there was some discrepancy between them.

 

[BournePerfect]

If you're considering the DT 880s, which impedance will you be getting? I bought my gf a DT880/32, and I was astonished to find that it sounded VERY similar to my AKGs, when fed from my uDac-->M-Stage! Seriously, like 90% the same! Very smooth, forward mids, great bass. The Beyers were a tiny bit smoother, I think cause they had more bass presence (barely), even though I preferred the bass in the AKGs. The Beyers were noticeably better with electronic rock (think The Killers), but not by much. I was actually dissappointed by all of this, because I was looking to buy some Beyers (albeit the 600 ohms) as a second set of cans, but they didn't differentiate themselves enough from my AKGs in this setup to justify it!
 
-Daniel
 
edit: You should definitely buy the OP627 it helped a LOT to improve the soundstage, calm the treble, and improve the bass I                  thought. Coolfungadget sells it for $15 after shipping, and mine arrived in about 6 days.

 

[XTTX]

I was considering the 600 Ohm impedance for the more balanced (or so I hear) sound; however, my one concern would be if the M-stage is enough to drive it (or rather, a good pairing). FWIR, tube amps fit the high impedance of the DT880-600 Ohm better. Oh, and did you do the soldering of the OPA627 on the Browndog adapter yourself?

 

[BournePerfect]

Nope. I bought the combo unit ($20) shipped that was pre-soldered! There are some people on here using the M-Stage to drive their T1s, DT880/990s all at 600 ohms without a problem at higher gains, either +18 or +20 dB. Not necessarily a synergistic match, but more than ample power. Hope that helps.
 
-Daniel

 

[DarkWolf]

I listened to the K701 and 325i side by side back when and chose the Grado. They were simply more fun. After messing with pads a bit (HD 414's were brought out) they also became comfortable too! I had a similar impression to you, that the AKG was the "better" phone, just a little too matter of fact. These days I'm sorta looking to see what might sound like a Grado but also have a wider sound stage and more comfort. I've taken to EQing my music anyway, so I wanna give the K701/2 another try sometime.

 

[nikongod]

A headphone HaiKu:
 
Should you get new phones
Your wallet runs and cowers
I can hear it all
 
Seriously:
Do you like the K701? 
If so, buy something else just to try it. This is the head-fi way.
If not, sell them and then buy something else. 
In either case, give the new headphones a few weeks of dedicated listening time (dont listen to anything else) before you pass final judgement on them. Some headphones take a little time to grow on you.

 

[Omega17TheTrue]

I believe your problem is the amp lacking power to drive them correctly, the AKG are very revealing to the gear/recording, or simply it is not your cup of tea in this case the HD650 should be a good contender.

 

[BournePerfect]

Quote:

I believe your problem is the amp lacking power to drive them correctly, the AKG are very revealing to the gear/recording, or simply it is not your cup of tea in this case the HD650 should be a good contender.

The M-Stage is known as simply one of THE best amps to drive the AKGs, and has NUMEROUS testimonials throughout this board that claim that. Please get your facts straight.
 
-Daniel

 

 

[Cankin]

As much as I love K702, I don't think it is a headphone for everyone. If you like MS1 why don't you try MS Pro or RS1?

 

[dcpoor]

 
Quote:

The M-Stage is known as simply one of THE best amps to drive the AKGs

really... I haven't heard the M-Stage myself but that is an extremely bold claim. You're basing this on your own comparisons with a good number of high end and respected amps obviously, right?

 

[Cankin]

^ look at his arms