[Poetic]

Im looking for a nice upgrade from the AKG q701. I really like the sound of clarity and sound stage of the q701's. Bass seems just fine to me in these headphones. But i want something that sounds Neutral, not so hard to amp. and has a nice smooth sound to it. I listen to alot of Jazz Like Paul HardCastle, Acoustic Alchemy. i want something simliar to the sound of the q701, but i guess better ?

 

[Poetic]

Quote:

Im looking for a nice upgrade from the AKG q701. I really like the sound of clarity and sound stage of the q701's. Bass seems just fine to me in these headphones. But i want something that sounds Neutral, not so hard to amp. and has a nice smooth sound to it. I listen to alot of Jazz Like Paul HardCastle, Acoustic Alchemy. i want something simliar to the sound of the q701, but i guess better ?

 Ive been looking at the hifiman he400, the Sennheiser HD 600.

 

[Eargasmo]

what will you be drivikg them with?
 
also, what about the q701 do u like?  what about the q701 do wish was better?

 

[Poetic]

Quote:

what will you be drivikg them with?
 
also, what about the q701 do u like?  what about the q701 do wish was better?

 I like the clarity and Soundstage of the akg Q701. Sometimes I wish the q701 was a little bit smoother. I currently am recieving the Hisound 3rd Anniversary. It has 80mw of amp power. I currently use the Zune HD with the fiio e9 as my source. But am upgrading to hisound

 

[Eargasmo]

Im a huge fan of soundstage and clarity, as well.  i really enjoy analytical cans, but some times I just want to be a passive listener.  I find the HD 650 fills that void for me.  The DT990s I have are very nice and have a good bit of warmth, but they always remain analytical.
 
Your search may not end with a replacement pair, but a complimentary pair.

 

[obobskivich]

Upgrade/replace: Koss ESP/950, Sony MDR-F1, Sony MDR-SA5000
Compliment/satisfy your request: Kenwood KH-K1000, Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9, Sennheiser HD 580/600

 

[elwappo99]

Your requirements are kind of tough. You basically want to fix any complaints people have about the Q701, while keeping the benefits. Honestly, I don't think you're going to find a headphone that will do all that, until you go to higher range. 
 
My immediate thought was also for the SA5000 from sony. It's got an incredibly large soundstage, but it's a little bit dryer and not as smooth as the Q701. The HD600/HD650 will be smoother, but not nearly as open, unless you have a balance amplifier for them. The HE400 will be a little smoother, and very fast. I would recommend that headphone. Even though I own a HE-6, I was totally impressed by the HE-400 and its capabilities. Plus, you get a first pair of orthodynamic headphones. Incredible technology there. 
 
Another option to consider is getting a proper headphone amplifier instead of getting a new pair of headphones. A dedicated amp will open the Q701 further and smooth it up a bit!