Which pads for K500, K601s or K701s? Help!

[tohni]

G'day,
my K500 pads are worn down and I want to replace them either with K601 or K701 pads. Both would cost about the same (the K701 dealer ships for free, the K601 dealer adds enough to put them on par.). - Did anyone ever compare these two? My K530 pads (new name for 301 xtra) made them sound a bit muffled. Though, what I liked a lot, they improved the bass response. People around here reported something similar about the K701 pads on the K501.

I'd be glad to hear your opinion; especially those that tried both pads. Thx

 

[pataburd]

I personally did not like the effect of the K701 pads on my K501: closed in and chuffy/honky.

Reportedly, the K601 pads work well with the K501.

Why not the K501 pads for the K500?--I'm dumb as a fencepost when it comes to the K500, though.

 

[tohni]

The K500 and the K501 are said to be very similar. - I don't want to take the K501 pads cause they wouldn't make a big difference. I'd rather try the K601 or K701 pads. They are supposed to boost the bass while at the same time cut off a little bit of the treble, which I think is a bit too harsh sometimes (but just a little bit). But, as you stated yourself, the K701 pads seem to cut off too much.

Anyone tried the K601 pads/both?

 

[senns&nonsense]

I have not heard the 500s but I love the 501s and think they are best with the 601 pads. (I also like the 601 pads on the 701s.) They do add some weight and authority to the airy/delicate sound of the stock 501s. I think of it as having 2 slightly different cans and I enjoy both.

 

[tohni]

Thx Senns&Nonsense, have you also tried the K701 pads? They seem (or are) more comfy than K601 pads. As I said, I could get both for the same price.

 

[pataburd]

A quote from Head-Fier, mypasswordis:

"The 601 pads give a slightly weightier and less airy sound, with a smaller but more focused soundstage. Both can be good things, especially on the K501."

To reiterate, I definitely did not like what the K701 pads did to the sound of the K501, making them sound too closed in, tubby. Some folks on these forums DO, however, like the effect of the K701 pads.

 

[senns&nonsense]

As for comfort, I like the 601s better than either other pair. The 501s are a little too slick, though not warm at all. The 701s are the same material as the 601s and are designed to take into account the shape of your head and form a more even and uniform enclosure around your ears. This seems to make good sense but I still found the even surrounds of the 601 a little more comfy and "free" feeling.

 

[senns&nonsense]

I would definitely suggest trying both as many people do like the 701s on the 501, as Pata said, and despite what both he and I think.

 

[tohni]

That is just my problem. I do not want to try both, cause that means I'd have to buy two pairs (and spend 46 Euros=~70 USD). As I said, the K530 pads sound muffled. Muffled, but still ok. Now, if the only difference between the 601 and 701 pads is their shape, the choice wouldn't be too hard.
Basically, as it seems that you have tried both, is there an audible difference between the K501 with K601 pads and the K501 with K701 pads? It seems you guys own (or have once owned) all three, K5/6/7/01. If there is indeed a difference, please describe it. Thx.

 

[pataburd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tohni /img/forum/go_quote.gif The K500 and the K501 are said to be very similar.

Does the analogy hold for the K500's ear pads and the K501's ear pads, though?

 

[pataburd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tohni /img/forum/go_quote.gif That is just my problem. I do not want to try both, cause that means I'd have to buy two pairs (and spend 46 Euros=~70 USD). As I said, the K530 pads sound muffled. Muffled, but still ok. Now, if the only difference between the 601 and 701 pads is their shape, the choice wouldn't be too hard. Basically, as it seems that you have tried both, is there an audible difference between the K501 with K601 pads and the K501 with K701 pads? It seems you guys own (or have once owned) all three, K5/6/7/01. If there is indeed a difference, please describe it. Thx.

tohni,
PM or put out an APB for mypasswordis. I am quite sure he has tried both the K601 and the K701 ear pads on his K501 and will be qualified to answer your question. His preference, if I recall correctly, was for the K601 pads.
PAB

 

[mypasswordis]

Did someone mention my name?

Now I know I'm on Head-Fi way too much for my own good.

Actually, I have only heard the K501 with stock and K601 pads. What I can say about the K601 pads is they offer a noticeable but not overbearing alteration in sound, that being what I described earlier in pataburd's quote. Don't quote me on this, but I think the K701 pads would affect the sound even more in this direction, possibly to the extent of adding muddiness and interfering with the airiness and clarity that is the strong suit of the K501, but then again, possibly not, depending on your preferences. So if you want to play it safe in terms of change of sound, I'd say go with the K601 pads.

 

[senns&nonsense]

I have heard all three pads on the 501s. I agree with what has been said, even password's speculation about the effect of the 701 pads on the 501.

The 601 pads slightly warm up the 501s. The 701 pads muffle them. The treble is attenuated and they even get sort of boomy (if you can imagine that).

 

[tohni]

Quote:

they even get sort of boomy

That sounds interesting; though I guess I like their mids/highs enough to go for the K601 pads. Meaning: I just ordered my pair. Thx a million.

 

[tohni]

To whom it may concern: Ihave bought the K601 pads and foam rings. Wheteher or not these rings are part of the stock K500s, I don't know. What I do know is that I like the sound; though a little bit of clarity is lacking now. Anyway, this is definitely a worthwhile upgrade.