Which AKG: K701, K702, or Q701?
Mar 18, 2012 at 4:48 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 40
gtortorella

gtortorella

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I currently use Sennheiser HD650s with a custom Enigma Audio cable.  I like these headphones very much, but for the last couple of years I have been wanting to try something of the 701 variety.  My amp is a Marantz PM8004 integrated.  The headphone section in this unit is among the best I have heard, even when compared to certain dedicated headphone amps.  In any case, which of these AKG 'phones offers the most natural sound?  I welcome your comments and observations.
 
Thanks...
 
Mar 18, 2012 at 5:04 PM Post #3 of 40
Their frequency response charts do differ a bit.  I am looking for opinions on their sonics, especially in comparison to what I have (HD650).
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 8:03 AM Post #4 of 40
Any other opinions?
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 8:23 AM Post #5 of 40
I have tried all 3 and imo you will be disappointed. The closest one to the HD650 is the Q701 but even then it's still not as good as the HD650. Q701 sounded muffled compared to the HD650 so best to stick with the HD650. You're better off with DT880 if you want a more neutral sound but to my ears the DT880 are a little on the bright side.
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 8:49 AM Post #7 of 40
The k701 is literally the opposite of your hd650, i.e bright vs dark headphone.
You'd be shocked by the change.
There's no significant difference in sound with k701/ q701/ k702.
 
Differences:
k701 - white color - fixed cable - useless stand
k702 - dark blue - detachable cable
q701- comes in dark, white , and green color - detachable cable - they are blessed by quincy jones .
 
You could consider the srh940 which are said to sound similar to k701 (if you don't consider soundstage),
but easier to amp. Also, I  often suggest to mod the srh940 by increasing the depth of ear cup (using a rope for instance)
, this leads to a more balanced sound.
 
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 9:18 AM Post #9 of 40
I appreciate the responses.  A sound similar to the 650 would be nice; however, I am trying to find out if there is anything more natural or "vivid" sounding out there.  The 650s are pretty natural, but I have compared them only to the 580, 600, and 595, and so I thought I would inquire about the AKG's signature.
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 9:22 AM Post #10 of 40


Quote:
gtortorella said:
I appreciate the responses.  A sound similar to the 650 would be nice; however, I am trying to find out if there is anything more natural or "vivid" sounding out there.  The 650s are pretty natural, but I have compared them only to the 580, 600, and 595, and so I thought I would inquire about the AKG's signature.
Click to expand...


 
The Q will be more vivid in the treble energy, and of course in the sounds stage and resolution.
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 9:26 AM Post #11 of 40
My srh940 are more than "vivid"
biggrin.gif
,  and even a bit fatiguing without any mod.
They literally kill my hd595, in term of detail , speed, and being engaging.

What kind of music do you listen ?
 
 
 
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 9:49 AM Post #12 of 40
I listen to sacred music, chamber music, and early music.  I do not listen to rock or pop.
 
Where is the SRH940 made?  I ask because I avoid supporting Chinese-made products.
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 9:50 AM Post #13 of 40


Quote:
phandrew said:
I have tried all 3 and imo you will be disappointed. The closest one to the HD650 is the Q701 but even then it's still not as good as the HD650. Q701 sounded muffled compared to the HD650 so best to stick with the HD650. You're better off with DT880 if you want a more neutral sound but to my ears the DT880 are a little on the bright side.
Click to expand...


Q701 muffled compared to the HD-650? Is that a joke? Must have had some bad synergy or your ears stuffed with wax.
Q701 is slightly warm and not as close to cold and analytical as the K702, but not even remotely muffled. One of the clearest sounding headphones there is.
 
If this is what you heard, then ok, I believe you..something could have been wrong with the pair you tried..
 
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 9:55 AM Post #14 of 40
Not true, based on my experience. Have you tried the Q701? Sure, some pairs (for some) sound like the K702, but this seems to be rare.
If you check the Q701 thread, there's lots of us who are happy with the Q701, but not the K702.
The Q701s we have have better bass, are a little warmer and much fuller sounding. The pair I have has smoother treble than the K702.
 
This Q701 I have is actually more bassy than my HD-600 with stock cable. Even has better sub-bass. Crazy, I know..
 
With the Q701 out and if you're in a studio, there is no reason to get the K701 or K702. Q701 is also just as cheap, if not cheaper.
 

 
Quote:
extrabigmehdi said:
The k701 is literally the opposite of your hd650, i.e bright vs dark headphone.
You'd be shocked by the change.
There's no significant difference in sound with k701/ q701/ k702.
 
Differences:
k701 - white color - fixed cable - useless stand
k702 - dark blue - detachable cable
q701- comes in dark, white , and green color - detachable cable - they are blessed by quincy jones .
 
You could consider the srh940 which are said to sound similar to k701 (if you don't consider soundstage),
but easier to amp. Also, I  often suggest to mod the srh940 by increasing the depth of ear cup (using a rope for instance)
, this leads to a more balanced sound.
 
Click to expand...



 
 
Mar 19, 2012 at 10:26 AM Post #15 of 40
Thus, is it fair to say that the Q701 is more vivid--and perhaps more natural?--than the HD650?  I like my 650s very much, but I sometimes think they could be more vivid or natural.  I sometimes sense a slight veiling, but perhaps I am just listening too carefully...or perhaps I am just wrong.
 
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