Yuin PK1 still valid?

[one1speed]

I’ve been avoiding this question a bit, as I wonder if it seems obvious with all the newer options around. Are the PK1s a tired design, or do they still hold up today? I asked a version of this question in the high-end buds thread, but it was quickly lost in the shuffle, a lot going on there. I’ve also searched and searched, not really finding any real answer beyond the obvious that they’ve been around for a good number of years, and helped kick off the high-end buds market.
 
Quick background and usage…I currently use my Grado PS500e headphones for most any music listening at the office. I very much enjoy the sound of these headphones (fantastic, in my opinion), but honestly, don’t love wearing headphones. Going sealed with IEMs at the office isn’t a good option, so I’ve been eyeing better buds for some time. Hoping I can find something that will satisfy me in place of the Grados. I am doubting I’ll get there 100%, but suspect I can find some things I’ll enjoy. I use the small Resonessence Labs Concero HP as my desktop doc / amp, which is really nice little piece of gear.
 
I have ordered a pair of the Rose Masya, which are a ways out yet. Just thought I’d try them out as they seem pretty well regarded. I also have a pair of the PK1s still sealed in the box, which I’m debating about keeping. I am really wondering if they are worth the money, noting all the new options available, such as K’s 500 ohm, VE Zen 2.0, Shozy BK, etc. Curious how the PK1s compare to the newer buds sonically.
 
Thank you in advance for any thoughts!

 

[one1speed]

Bump...any thoughts? Figured I'd try one more time.
 
Thank you!

 

[LH86]

To me PK1 seem doesn't really worth their price.
 
Sonically they are not bad but still can't compare to modern high-end earbuds IMO. Like they are out of league compare to all those modern one.
 
Build quality wise I'm also doesn't really like PK1/2/3.
 
Also PK1 may seem not very hard to drive but they are really need good amping and good match-up which is most of the time can't get them perform at fully potential like if you connect them to set of DACs/AMP you got very good highs but not so good mids and bass and once you pairing them to another set of DACs/AMP you got good bass but not so good mids and highs.
 
PK1 IMO is such a picky earbuds and even when you make them able to perform at they best they are still only decent-good not great or wonderful at all.
 
I'm also found ClieOS list very helpful and fairly accurate.
 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wGTZnKX1aP29c1bzs5JWgqSUlPzZqV9p_cw79VfRBpQ/pub
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/441400/earbuds-round-up

 

[one1speed]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply and links. I finally decided earlier to just give them a shot. I will say that while I can see their shortcomings at this early stage (understanding they get better with burn-in), I was pretty blown away. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but out of my dac / amp, they were very full sounding, notably warm. I didn't expect the strong low end and was pleasantly surprised. We will see how they continue to improve, and how they compare to others once they show up. Im hoping they open up on top a bit.

Part of my decision was based on the fact that so many reviews compare to the PK1. I thought it might be a good place to start as a reference point. So far they do seem picket and aren't very kind to poor recordings.

Thank you again. Cheers.

 

[LH86]

Glad you like them.

This may mean your DAC/AMP matchups well with PK1 also Yuin earbuds is known for scaling very well with burn-in so if basically you liked them out of box you'll even like it more and more.

 

[one1speed]

At this point, I'm think more impressed with what these are capable of, than feeling they are a perfect fit. Like many others, I didn't realize what an earbud was capable of. If the upper mids and treble open up a bit, I'll like them a bit more.
 
Appreciate the thoughts. 
 
Edit to add additional thoughts...after another full day with these, I am enjoying the PK1s a bit more. Played with the EQ in iTunes, which has helped. Listening to some other sources for music online (no EQ), they are sounding a bit more balanced with my same set-up. Not quite up to the Grados, but certainly enjoyable on their own. Hoping to see continued improvement as I get more hours into them.

 

[Hoang Anh]

pk1 is absolutely wonderful earbud.u said it sucks cuz u listening EDM, DJ or something like that, no doubt. try with Adele i guess.

 

[one1speed]

These are nice, I agree. I have a good bit of hours into them, though still a ways to go before they are broken in. They do sound better with time, bass is coming in (though not a bassy sound), and they are opening up a bit. I've got three active earbuds right now, so like to mix it up. Also have gone to a flat EQ in iTunes for better comparison, and to get an understanding of each earbuds short comings, or benefits.