[wots]

In anticipation of an announcement by AKG of a new model to supersede its fabled 700 series, I have delayed purchase of new headphones. I suspect one is in the works to compete against the Sennheiser HD800 and Beyerdynamic T1. Thanks for any information on a new flagship series from AKG.

 

[Rainbow Randy]

I concur! I'm twiddling my thumbs at the moment, but I twiddle them with utmost anticipation!

 

[rhythmdevils]

I just hope it's not another in their long line of painted and renamed K401's...

 

[krmathis]

Some similar threads, with information from AKG.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/nex...agship-431729/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/que...dphone-445718/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/let...-k1000-435161/

More specific:
Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif From this thread... http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/let...-k1000-435161/ Email: Quote: Hi, I am a huge fan of your K1000 headphone. Which sadly went out of production some 3 1/2 years ago, without getting a successor. Sad to say, but the K701/K702 is not up to its sound quality level. Now that your competitors Sennheiser, Grado and Ultrasone have announced/released new top-of-the-line models I sure hope you have something up the sleeve as well. If not, I ask you kindly to consider it. Either by reviving the K1000, which in my opinion are up there sound wise, or come up with a worthy successor. Thanks for taking the time reading this email. Best regards xxx Answer: Quote: Dear Mr. xxx, Thank you for contacting AKG and for your friendly words about our K 1000. We plan to launch a successor of the K 701 in foreseeable time, possibly CES 2010. Kind regards Horst Werner AKG hotline hotline@akg.com So there are hopes for a new 'phone at CES 2010, in January. Sadly does not seem like we will see a K1000 successor or revival.

Welcome to Head-Fi!

 

[Acix]

Yep, I just hope that it's going to be so expensive...like the HD-800.
I do hope it sound better.

 

[Cankin]

Many were expecting some $300 ~ $500 phones from Senn or Beyer but disappointed because HD800 and T1 are out of their reach.
If AKG introduce something at $300 ~ $500 in addition to a $1000+ flagship, it's going to sell like hot cakes

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wots /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...its fabled 700 series....

Alright, you're new, so I'll go easy.

If you haven't read the threads, the K-701/2 is actively disliked by a lot of us. I think AKG made a New Coke/Edsel sized misstep by dumping the truly excellent K-1000 and "replacing" it with the K-701. For me, the K-701 was unlistenable and compares poorly to every high-end headphone AKG has made.

If anything, a new model should be an apology for the K-701/2 and a humble attempt to match the quality of the K-1000.

And, yes, I am still a fan of AKG. One bad product will not turn me away from a company. I would be pleased to buy a new AKG flagship if it sounds good.

 

[Cankin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wots /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...its fabled 700 series...

Yeah, I love K701/702. If the new AKGs sound like K701/702 I'll be in heaven.

 

[estreeter]

The AKG that offered the affordable K501 alongside the aspirational K1000 is the AKG I'd like to see take market share from Sennheiser, a company that has shown what it thinks of less affluent end of its customer base by offering them mediocrity at inflated prices. When you look at what Beyerdynamic/AT/Grado and others can do for the price of a pair of HD595s, the mind boggles. Sennheiser clearly know how to make headphones - no question - but its either caviar or turnips in their kitchen.

 

[krmathis]

My wish for a future AKG flagship headphone would be something quite close to the K1000.
Surprise, surprise...

Pretty much keep all the pros from the K1000:
* Midrange
* Treble
* Sound stage
* Air
* Fully open design
* Speaker amplifier requirement
* 4-pin XLR termination

...but improve the:
* Bass extension

 

[estreeter]

krm, I think you've described pretty much everyone's ideal headphone, but what would that cost - are we talking another Orpheus here ?

 

[donthuang]

I always think K701 is more often underrate because it's price.

Unlike most headphone, It's do very well in "pure piston-motion"

And that's very help in Solid sound image & pinpoint location.

Sometimes i find K701's mid lack some "character"

TO me this kind of "character" is more like a benchmark than enjoyment , so i finally goes to DT990.

If AKG have new flagship, i guess it's may still going the same "accurate & neutral" side.

 

[Ninkul]

Hmm, so far with my time with the K701, they're okay. I haven't had much time with many other cans but... From as far as I can gather, you really -have- to pair an ultra-warm & quite bassy amp with these... which in saying that changes the sound signiature of the AKGs. You'll be listening to your amp and not the cans.
I find sometimes i'm not really in the mood for them so eh. Might see if i can trade them with my mates' HD650s sometime.

However, will be interesting to see what they release

 

[rds]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alright, you're new, so I'll go easy. If you haven't read the threads, the K-701/2 is actively disliked by a lot of us. I think AKG made a New Coke/Edsel sized misstep by dumping the truly excellent K-1000 and "replacing" it with the K-701. For me, the K-701 was unlistenable and compares poorly to every high-end headphone AKG has made. If anything, a new model should be an apology for the K-701/2 and a humble attempt to match the quality of the K-1000. And, yes, I am still a fan of AKG. One bad product will not turn me away from a company. I would be pleased to buy a new AKG flagship if it sounds good.

...and ironically you seem to love sennheiser's k701 wannabe headphone.

 

[b0dhi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif My wish for a future AKG flagship headphone would be something quite close to the K1000. Surprise, surprise... Pretty much keep all the pros from the K1000: * Midrange * Treble * Sound stage * Air * Fully open design * Speaker amplifier requirement * 4-pin XLR termination ...but improve the: * Bass extension

If only it were possible. My headphone journey would end right there.