Something to go along with AKG 701's?

[Bigjppop]

I've been the proud owner of some 701's, purchased from a head-fier, and have been enjoying them. While I have no plans to get rid of them, I'm thinking of adding another pair of something else to th stable.

So, what do you guys recommend? I run my iPod through my X-can v3 for home use and some Shure e4's with my iPod through a RSA Hornet for portable use. I listen to a lot of accoustic music (piano and guitar with a single voice), some classical, and some rock.

Just looking for something new to try out that might give me a different experience.

 

[slowpogo]

I have the same question. I've thought about getting the Beyer DT880's, since that was the other one I was considering when I bought the K701's.

 

[dclancy]

In the exact same boat. There's a place near my work that'll let test out the Goldring DR150's, not sure how much they want for them though. Those are really tempting me lately. That or an RS series Grado.

 

[Rednamalas1]

I have only tried HD650s and HD600s for short period of time (8 hours or so each) but I like their warm, natural sound, compared to my 701s (especially HD650s). Since I listen to classical music a LOT, I was also thinking of K501s, with less than 100 $ used, I think they're great bargain. I tried DT880s, but I chose K701s over them since they were little too analytical.

I LOVE my K701s (especially with my new tube) but I just want it to be little more involving than they are - so I was carefully reading reviews for HD600s and HD650s and trying to borrow them from my friend.

 

[Bigjppop]

So the thought is that the Beyers are MORE analytical than the 701's? If that's the case, maybe thats not the route for me. Any else feel the same?

Edit: Also, what tubes are you using with your 701's?

 

[spinali]

After some painful experiences with IEMs, I'm using the ES7 with my K701 (I'm wearing them now). It comes closer to emulating the sound of my favorite headphone.

 

[rean1mator]

I've been trying to decide between teh k701 and the senn hd650's. so the senn's are warmer sounding?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rednamalas1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have only tried HD650s and HD600s for short period of time (8 hours or so each) but I like their warm, natural sound, compared to my 701s (especially HD650s). Since I listen to classical music a LOT, I was also thinking of K501s, with less than 100 $ used, I think they're great bargain. I tried DT880s, but I chose K701s over them since they were little too analytical. I LOVE my K701s (especially with my new tube) but I just want it to be little more involving than they are - so I was carefully reading reviews for HD600s and HD650s and trying to borrow them from my friend.

 

[PrTv]

Sorry for my interruption, but pls don't consider this as a thread-jacking

Has anyone tries DarkVoice 332 with AKG 701 yet?
I know it's a very good amp, but heard that it also carries bright and open characteristic, which drives Senn650 very, very well. But as we all know 650 and 701 are on the different spectrum in term of characteristic, I don't know if 701 is too bright driven by DarkVoice.


I ask because I'm also considering to buy the AKG.

 

[Rednamalas1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigjppop /img/forum/go_quote.gif So the thought is that the Beyers are MORE analytical than the 701's? If that's the case, maybe thats not the route for me. Any else feel the same? Edit: Also, what tubes are you using with your 701's?

From my limited experience (5 hours or so) 880s were extremely balanced, cold and analytical. I listen to classical music a lot these days and I would have preferred something with more soundstage, hence K701s I got.
From what I tried, HD600s were fantastic with classical music, HD650s - little worse than 600s due to stronger bass (I'm not basshead at all

) HD650s were better for anything else, a bit warmer and smoother.

And I currently use BADA PH-12 that I bought from my friend who has used it for 250 hours+ and I LOVE it so far. It's my first tube amp (to own) and I have yet to try Canamp though.


Quote:

Originally Posted by rean1mator /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've been trying to decide between teh k701 and the senn hd650's. so the senn's are warmer sounding?

I thought so, quite a bit warmer with "lush" bass, whereas K701s were colder, doing a fantastic job separating each instruments apart. I would really like to try K501s with my amp to see how it sounds

 

[-=Germania=-]

The HD580/600/650 are just way too slow for me. It's almost unlistenable and I used to throw the bass wayyyy down because it just slowed everything so badly.

Its great with very treble heavy music - but one hit of the bass drum or timpani and it is just lost.

 

[Rednamalas1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Germania=- /img/forum/go_quote.gif The HD580/600/650 are just way too slow for me. It's almost unlistenable and I used to throw the bass wayyyy down because it just slowed everything so badly. Its great with very treble heavy music - but one hit of the bass drum or timpani and it is just lost.

Really? I rarely listen to fast or bass heavy music so I didn't notice...
prolonged exposure with different type of music would have helped..
Hmmm that's too bad because I was eyeing HD600 for my next 'phones -but I heard that they do wonders for large orchestra.
Oh well... I guess I'll track down K501

 

[-=Germania=-]

The HD580/600 are fantastic when you have a great amp ( I mean really nice) and when balanced. I ran these out of a speaker amp with the stock cable, they are just a different beast.

They sounded good when you listened to some sweet french or italian classical, but the minute that you throw german in there - OUCH! I found myself prefering my IEM's much more just for the speed.

 

[pdennis]

For the classical listeners, re: speed:

Friends don't let friends use dynamic headphones.

 

[Bigjppop]

Lots of talk about the Senns, but no one has said much about the Grado's; any opinions? The RS-1 and RS-2 seem to be a pretty hot items around here. Again, I'm looking for something different from the 701's.

 

[Rednamalas1]

Grados are good compliment to AKGs - However, I have yet to try high-end grados (highest I have tested was 325i) so it's hard to recommend those for me. I currently have MS2 for rock music but it's the least frequent headphone I listen to, and I have had 225s for a while but I can't stand grado's supra-aural design. I have big ears and big-ish head so it' difficult for me to wear grados without mods. :S