[size=12pt]Intro[/size]
[size=12pt]Well, after almost two years on Head-fi, I feel it is time to put my words out there and write my first review. In doing so, I feel it is only right that it be about the newly released AKG K7XX Massdrop First Edition. There are only a few days left on the final drop of 1000 units, and with no definite word on whether production will continue, I feel the need to make people aware of just how wonderful these babies are, and for only $200! This has been the best value per performance ratio that I have heard out of any headphone to date in my short audiophile-ish life. I chose to purchase this headphone because I am an avid lover of the AKG house sound; some of my most favorite headphones, to date, are the K712 and K702 65th Anniversary Edition.[/size]
[size=12pt]Now, I have to re-iterate on my short audiophile-ish life (key in on ish) before continuing. This is my first review and I want readers to familiarize themselves with my preferences and experience. I have yet to expand my listening on the higher end stuff. My limited experience consists of mostly mid-fi headphones under $500 on similarly priced sources and gear. If you want to see my current and prior line-up, just check out my profile. I prefer warm, bassy headphones, with slightly recessed mids and smooth but not recessed treble (SRH1540, anyone?). I do, however, appreciate other sound signatures for their strengths, but am not the flat response neutral-head audiophile. I mostly listen to Rap/Hip Hop and R&B/Soul, with some Jazz, Reggae, Classic Rock, and Pop on occasions.[/size]
[size=12pt]Okay, enough about me. On to the star of the show…[/size]
[size=12pt]AKG K7XX Massdrop First Edition Review[/size]
[size=12pt]Physical build and accessories:[/size]
[size=12pt]The K7XX is built pretty nicely and is sturdy for such a light headphone. It has an adjustable flat leather headband, (ridding the bumps of prior models such as the K701, K702, and Q701) and the ear pads are made of soft memory foam.[/size]
[size=12pt]It doesn't come with many accessories, which I believe to be its biggest con. All you receive is the headphones, a 10ft mini XLR to 1/8 inch cable, a 1/4 inch adapter, and manufacturer paperwork. Still, for the asking price, there is not much to complain about, here. The K702 65th Anniversary Edition is almost twice its price and comes with the same accessories. Only the K712 has a decent amount of accessories included (two cables and a carrying bag), and even that is almost twice the price of the K7XX. [/size]
[size=12pt]Comfort:[/size]
[size=12pt]When I say comfortable, man, these are COMFORTABLE!!! I mostly use these for gaming on my PS4, which often end up being sessions of hours upon hours on end (no, I don't have much of a life outside of school and work *sad face*). This is the only headphone I have been able to wear for so long without any fatigue from comfort or sound. If you need a headphone for long listening sessions, and the sound fits your preference, look no where else. You have found your perfect match (I did!).[/size]
[size=12pt]Sound:[/size]
[size=12pt]Massdrop claims that their signature AKG K7XX has a matched response to that of the AKG K702 65th Anniversary Edition by using the same driver technology. Well, based off memory, I can confirm that this is correct. I owned the Anniversary a while back and, as I mentioned before, this is familiar territory for me as I am extremely fond of that headphone.[/size]
[size=12pt]The bass is tight, articulate, and just north of neutral to my ears. It does a great job of being present while not bleeding into the mids. It kicks when it needs to, and relaxes when asked. It does a beautiful job of mixing in with the rest of the spectrum, while still being slightly warm and liking for the consumer audience. The extension is very nice, but not as deep as the likes of its open counterpart, the K612. Still, AKG does a great job of improving the bass presence of the drier K702/Q701 with this wonderful headphone. Bassheads, however, may need to look elsewhere. Though it is one of the K7XX's strengths, it is by far NOT a bassy headphone.[/size]
[size=12pt]The mids are also a strong point, here. Though not as forward as the likes of most mid-centric cans, I just love how its voice presentation blends in. Vocals absolutely shine when it is the star of the show, and the fact that there is no bass bleed makes for a wonderfully smooth experience. Male vocals are more present than female, but there is a slight grain in the upper mid range on certain tracks. This is a similar experience that I had with the K702 Anniversary Edition, which was the major difference between it and the K712 I purchased right after, which slightly improves on that minor flaw. The K7XX has that same flaw, so I can assume that difference is the same when compared to the smoother K712.[/size]
[size=12pt]Highs are the most sensitive frequency range for my ears. I do not like overly bright headphones, though I do appreciate their detail and clarity on certain genres. The K7XX's treble does a great job of falling right where I want it to be, detailed without being bright or recessed. If I were to make an analogy, I would have to say the highs are that one person in the crowd who is unique and appealing, but doesn't necessarily stand out. The treble is very well behaved while still having a good level of clarity and presence. It is by far some of the best treble I have heard on an open headphone. It can be a bit brittle, at times, but I think that is more to blame on the poorly recorded track rather than the headphones.[/size]
[size=12pt]My favorite thing about this headphone is its wonderful soundstage and instrument seperation. Because of the large soundstage, it allows the K7XX to have no weaknesses in its sound presentation. The slightly north of neutral bass has room to breathe, resulting in that sensual transition from lows to mids without any muddiness or bass bleed. Also, when gaming, the large soundtstage allows for pin point accuracy when trying to define where sounds are coming from. A definite strength, arguably its best.[/size]
[size=12pt]Sound leakage and isolation is poor, but that is to be expected from an open headphone. This is strictly for home use in quiet environments.[/size]
[size=12pt]Conclusion:[/size]
[size=12pt]Massdrop's variation of AKGs K700 line is one that is surprisingly low priced based on its sound performance. The AKG K7XX Massdrop First Edition is a great all-rounder, one that does most, if not all, genres very well. I know this can be a bit cliché, but it is indeed a jack of all trades kind of headphone. If you are looking for a good headphone for all purposes at home, this is one you should look at very closely. There is no definite timetable for when/if AKG will manufacture more, so I strongly suggest to get your hands on one if the situation calls for it.[/size]
[size=12pt]It has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you all about this marvelous headphone. I hope I touched on most of what readers search for when reading a headphone review. Please feel free to give me some feedback and pointers for future reviews, should I have missed or messed up on anything. Thank you for reading![/size]