I've owned these headphones for about a year now. So basically reception for these headphones is divided, and I can see why. His criticism regarding its "quickness" is very real, in that the headphones can be exhausting to listen to after even a few minutes. I found the inside of my ears kind of twitching in response to how penetrating the sound is. I would attribute this to the headphone's treble extension. Also, his comment about the bass having good extension while being recessed is very accurate. You'll be able to hear your bass, and even frequencies that you hadn't heard before, but you won't be satisfied. It's like having a tiny sample of an amazing desert. I'd also say that the soundstage is like a surgeon in that all the sounds are sort of dissected from one another, contributing to why this headphone is so cold and analytical-sounding. I've described it as being a headphone where the music sound exactly like the sum of its parts, never greater. As a reference headphone I can see how these cans are absolutely stellar. But now after a year, it's clear to me that if you want to really ENJOY your music, then you're better off skipping this purchase. Then again, there seem to be people who absolutely adore this headphone, so there's a gamble if you're seeking one!
Quick question, I know you've done a review on the V Moda m100's and this model of AKG. I was wondering which you preferred. There are no large stores around me I can test either of these out. I was just looking for something mainly for mainstream songs, a little bit of rock, then I'm also going to buy a third party mic and doing some gaming on them. Thanks for taking the time!
Excellent review!! I have one question - will i get good/quality sound if i plug this into my laptop? I do not own any amplitifer and the only other device i have is an Ipod classic. I want to know the answer badly. Thanks a lot.
The Q701 came in second place in the May 2011 Hi-Fi News group test. They placed behind the $1599 Sennheiser HD800 but ahead of the $899+ Denon D7000, $1000+ Grado GS1000i and $900+ Audio Technica W1000x.
grate review. thanks (: what amp did you use with theme? its really hard to find amp that can take the Q701 to the highest level i heard amp that makes the Q701 sounded like HD800! It may sound exaggerated but it's true they are an amazing headphones if you have the right amp for them
Very nice review!! May I ask if the height of my ear is nearly 7cm, will my ears fit comfortably inside the ear cups of Q701? I remember the HD598s fit my ears well, but the ATH MSR7 cups are too small for me. Thank you!
@james3579 I think the bar has been raised significantly over the last few years with the likes of the HD800, LCD-2, and HE-500. Also the IEMs are very good: SE535 and JH13. So appetites are wetted. And I agree with you that the less assertive sound of the K601 is preferable in some ways, but are a bit slow.
After burn in, how does the Q701 compare to the DT880 600ohm? You have a preference between the two, and do you still simply go for the HD650 over them? The measurements seem to give the edge to the Q701 of the three, except for the HD650 being tamer in the highs.
Hello, nice review, seems to correspond quite well with what other reviewers say about this headphone. I'm looking for a balanced bass-neutral headphone in this price-range and I'm in doubt between the Beyer DT880 and these. What would you recommend for listening to 80s heavy metal music and acoustic music mostly? (And a bit of emulated binaural headphone surround gaming :) )
@ManicMindTrick Sorry you didn't like it, mate. Try the Sennheiser HD600 if you can find one; they're warmer. For monster bass --- at a monster price --- try the LCD-2 from Audez'e. Killer bass.
@InnerFidelity: DT 1350 isolates little bit more and is more comfortable to wear. But iit's sound is a little bit "dark" in comparision to HD 25-1, which I like more regarding sound. - ** TIAD **
@DoNultima A "complete" lack of bass? Measurements don't show that. But I admit they are bass shy. I think what you are finding is that there are damned few headphones that really sound good.
@BboyJuNg Yes. It's a tough call, I like the K601 as well. The 701 has faults of being a bit too bright, but the 601's failing is that it's a bit too dull ... kind of boring sounding.
Sir, if you would be so kind to do a comparison and let me know your thoughts; People have own both q701 and k701 has been reporting noticeable difference between the two headphones, due to foam used and as well as other tuning were done to q701. Thus is why I doubt this is a simple rebrand-recolor.
@InnerFidelity Would you say that the soundstage and instrument separation is better on the K701? Also how "lean" do you mean? Is it comparable to HD 598's bass? I'm trying to see if I like the bass because I like the tight bass of HD 598. Additionally I noticed differences in the freq. response between Q701, K701 and K702, with the K701 with more emphasized mids. Care to explain this?
I just found out these are now made in China and not Austria. Some people are still getting the Austrian version from Amazon, but those are probably left over inventory.
Eleo235 Its the QC that worries alot of people. China is still very notorious for assembling or producing (straight from the manufacturer's blueprint/s and instruction/s) products.
It's more about pride and workmanship. If there were two similar BMWs, one built in Germany and one built in China AND they cost the same, which would you pick?
Thank you for the great review. Recently purchased the K7xx thru Massdrop. I already own the Sennheiser HD600, Alpha Dogs and Grado 225's, plus some others. I been looking for this sound for over 10 years and have finally found it. These are, by far, the best I've heard.
I've kind of wondered how the quality of the drivers in the Mass Drop version compare to the "Made in Austria" units. Seems like they would NOT be putting the same drivers in them. I know from other reviews that the frame materials and construction are cheaper in the Mass Drop units. But, what really counts are the drivers.
Hi, was it raining outside when you made this video? I just bought the k702s, and have them plugged directly unamped into my laptop. It sounds like rain in the background.
a decent vintage tube amp ads a lot of warmth and fullness to these headphones. I was able to get a pretty good sansui tube amp from a thrift store for 40 bucks. Another source would be like the bottle head amps. It all depends on how much you want to spend, and what kind of audio source you have.
@DoNultima Not really a suggestion, but more an observation. I've got the B7W P5 and it's a colored can, with great lows. I love them with movies, oddly enough. The have them at Apple stores, maybe you shouls go have a listen?
Hey, would the KNS 8400 or Shure 940 be a big step down from these in your opinion? They both look interesting but are pretty new and untested, and something closed and somewhat portable would be a big plus for me.
...you wouldn't. I am pretty sure that the guys who designed them at AKG didn't intend them to be used with your iPod on the bus. There are pleanty of other models by them that are though.
I wanted to move to an open headphone after using the absolute hell out of Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro's for 10 years through multiple driver repairs (thousands of hours as a reference can, producing, and general listening) and from my preference in sound signature it was either the Q701 or the DT-990 Pro. I finally decided on the DT-990 and I'm glad I did, as I'm admittedly biased towards Beyers colored sound, but I still would like to hear these.
Yes, they have a wide sound-stage (great for directional accuracy), for a better cinematic experience maybe consider the Beyerdynamic DT880 or the Sennheiser HD600 or HD650 as they all have stronger bass. Do note that all these headphones, the AKG Q701 included, will require amplification for optimal sound quality.
Probably not the user you're asking but, I've been reading up around places and the Koss KSC75's are rather respected and only $20 on Amazon, not sure if they will fit small ears though. they're designed for portable players and on-the-move stuff, these AKGs are rather designed for Hi-fi home listening.
@Reticuli Most people on head-fi forums tend to prefer Q701 to HD650, because they sound more opened and brighter, even though HD650 sound more realistic imho. They sound more like speakers, without overly bright treble and too weak bass, although most people people would call them dark sounding.
For production you don't want accentuated bass, if your headphone has a lot of bass, you'll misjudge how much is in the mix and you'll end up with a track that has very little bass. Same with the mids and treble. You want something neutral, something that shows exactly what's on the track. I haven't tried them yet, but from what I understand, the K701/K702/Q701, and the Sennheiser HD600 would all be fine choices. I can personally recommend the HD600 though, as I currently own it.
I'm not sure why I haven't seen these before, but I'm really loving the green and it's really making me want a headphone that I already knew was great. Going to have to sell a pair if I want to add these to my collection... The Q701 is closer to the K702 rather than the K701, isn't it? I thought the key differences between the K701 and 702 were the permanent/detachable cable and colors.
I think you're glossing over certain deficiencies of this headphone when you say "non accentuated bass" or "slightly lean". I have the k702 and i find that it lacks quite quite a bit of mid/low bass and noticeably thin/lean sounding. I find it to be a bit too analytical as well. I think you're being a too kind to it. But i due agree with great soundstage and it being great for acoustic/jazz.
thx a lot for this. but, which one would u recommend to buy? i want a balanced/flat headphone. which one should i choose? q 701 / k 701 / k702? thx a lot :)
@InnerFidelity i just bought bose quitecomfort 15 and i am very please with it but im looking for something with more bass. ive tried dre beats studio but in my opinon the headphones wasnt balanced. so im wondering what you recommend? im looking to spend up to $400
what are the best headphones in the $250.00 range for producing bass heavy electronic music? Accuracy in sound , and comfort is my biggest concern. thanks in advance cheers!
@InnerFidelity Okay, can i ask you another question? What are the best headphones under $450 with a portable amp? I know the 650's suck without a decent amp.
My point was, a quality pair of headphones should sell themselves and not need the endorsement of any given pop / hip-hop / rap artist. The K701's were a fantastic pair of headphones before AKG's marketing department started wondering what the hell they could do in terms of advertising and marketing to sell more units.
@PrintHelloWord Source, and amping will make the largest difference in quality. Unless you have a well tuned ear, you won't be noticing any difference in cable quality.
@InnerFidelity They have them at my local hi-fi store so I can go have a listen there. They also have Denon AH-D5000 and D2000 amongst others, those are supposed to be bass monsters while still keeping their audiophile appeal and natural sounds etc... Those could be a better choice?
Are these good for an all around headphone? So, playing music (all types), video games (of various types), movies (again; of various types), but also, for mixing mastering recording and engineering.
They are. I use these for EVERYTHING. The Q701's were made with the highest accuracy in mind. People do mention that the bass is lacking, but I do not feel that way (music these days overly accentuate the bass). There are "mods" you can do to help open up the bass (check out Head-fi). People highly recommend these for games (as they are very accurate). I am inclined to say that the Q701's will easily handle whatever you throw at them (unless it's the bass you're looking for). As for mixing/mastering/recording/engineering, I personally know a few sound engineers who use and praise the Q701's. One thing though - make sure you get a good amp. I used a crappy Pyle amp for the first year or two and I thought they were pretty good. I got a better one (Topping VX1), and even though it's the not the best amp, they sound a LOT better. Invest in a good amp/dac.
Sukjune Hong go for HD598 for portable sound cards/laptop sound cards unamped, go for Q701 with a decent DAC/AMP, otherwise go for a he-400 if you don't mind the treble style(very electronic like).
@enabled2k thanks, I was considering the e11 as well. Does the e11 have a port for 6.3 mm jacks? I'm considering the e11 and e10 combo vs the e7 and e9, any thoughts?
@Seabass078 Creative Aurvana Live! Not colapsable, though. For on-ear have a look at the Sennheiser PX 200-II. Fods up like a pair of sunglasses and about the same size; sound is great.
I hate to do this.. but Beats Studio's are the only over-ear ones i have ever had. I recently broke them and need a new pair. I have checked the V-Moda Crossfade LP2's and tried them, they are pretty good but not exactly what i'm looking for, and before i settle i want to know what i'm doing. I listen to Rock, Reggae, Techno, Acoustic, Jazz, Classical, Rap, R&B, Alternative.. you name it i listen to it.. I need headphones to match what i need, sub $350 is what i'm looking to spend.. Any advice?
Is there a difference between the AKG Q701, K701, and K702? PLEASE ANSWER itd be of great help. As I understand, it's just detachable cable? Which one would you get?
HD600 is rather dark sounding compared to the Q 701. If you want to hear the details in the upper mids and highs, I would pick the Q 701 any day over the HD600 or HD650, which to me had the "Sennheiser veil".
If you listen to a lot of jazz, classical and instrumental music then Q701 or HD598, you wont go wrong with either, but Q701's is ultimately a slightly better headphone, and needs a better amplifier. (598 NEEDS it too!). If you listen to lots of vocal music, acoustic, soft rock, choirs, and similar, then HD598's all the way. They have by far the best vocals of any headphone you mentioned. Even better than HD650's in my opinion. DT880 if you listen to everything, from classical to hip hop.
Well i think it does depend on the amp you are using, after all these cans are notoriously difficult to drive! Having owned these cans among others including sens and grads, I would deffo agree there is more bass out their but properly driven these cans produce a wonderfully balanced sound. Of course with all thing audio everything is up to personal taste, but the sound stage, wonderful mid range, and crisp highs of the K701's offer a more complete package than any of it's rivals
Well the DT990 was made for more bass and more treble than the DT880 and K701. The Q701 to me had more mass than the K701/K702 but the DT990 has more bass but the soundstage was smaller. I would recommend the Q701 over DT990 because the DT990 is complicated for newbies since they have 32, 250 and 600ohm. Keep in mind both of these headphones (Q701 and DT990) will require a good amp like OTL Little Dot or if you like SS for Q701 try the Matrix M Stage. Remember to get a good DAC and great amp!
Q701's are open back so it has more sound stage. The k550 has more bass from the close back design. I have them both, just go with the q701's in my opinion they have a beautiful soundstage.
I'm planning on making a mini entry level audiophile rig for my laptop, I plan on getting the audioengine d1 dac/amp, and for headphones, sound, price, and what is better driven by that amp I am between these and the HIFIMAN HE-4, which do you think is the best investment? thanks
Do you know if AKG K271MKII is good for Vocal Trance music. Music with heavy vocal and piano like style with bass synthesizer type beats. Thanks! BTW your videos are awesome and very informative.
Bought these recently for 160 GBP brand new inc postage. Having tried them through a dennon amp and through the Asus Xonar Essence STX, personally the difference is ever so slight, so if money is tight don't worry. If you're gaming i suggest you google search: 'Modmic' - a HQ detachable boon mic that allows audiophile grade headphones to double as headsets. It's Clear, crisp, and has a fantastic soundstage, but definately not for people who want over pronounced bass.
They are probably good for gaming, but you can find other better alternatives. This is a reference headphone compared to a fun sounding one. Things like explosions wont sound loud and shocking and since these are open eared headphones, everyone will be able to head what is going on in the game. I would recommend some Sennheizers if you want clear sounding, fun gaming audio.
Got a pair of the K701's myself. First pair of headphones that I got excited about in the past 25 years.
I've owned these headphones for about a year now. So basically reception for these headphones is divided, and I can see why. His criticism regarding its "quickness" is very real, in that the headphones can be exhausting to listen to after even a few minutes. I found the inside of my ears kind of twitching in response to how penetrating the sound is. I would attribute this to the headphone's treble extension. Also, his comment about the bass having good extension while being recessed is very accurate. You'll be able to hear your bass, and even frequencies that you hadn't heard before, but you won't be satisfied. It's like having a tiny sample of an amazing desert. I'd also say that the soundstage is like a surgeon in that all the sounds are sort of dissected from one another, contributing to why this headphone is so cold and analytical-sounding. I've described it as being a headphone where the music sound exactly like the sum of its parts, never greater. As a reference headphone I can see how these cans are absolutely stellar. But now after a year, it's clear to me that if you want to really ENJOY your music, then you're better off skipping this purchase. Then again, there seem to be people who absolutely adore this headphone, so there's a gamble if you're seeking one!
Yeah! The AKG K701's are pretty stellar for
Always a pleasure to read or watch your work, Tyll.
If only AKG knew that people would still be willing to buy the regular K701 because of an Anime.
What anime
Jerico Reyes K-ON!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say. What others might find ugly we others find beautiful
@tabeikou I like the warmer, smoother sound of the 600 and 650. The Q701 can be a bit lean in the bass.
Quick question, I know you've done a review on the V Moda m100's and this model of AKG. I was wondering which you preferred. There are no large stores around me I can test either of these out. I was just looking for something mainly for mainstream songs, a little bit of rock, then I'm also going to buy a third party mic and doing some gaming on them. Thanks for taking the time!
Excellent review!! I have one question - will i get good/quality sound if i plug this into my laptop? I do not own any amplitifer and the only other device i have is an Ipod classic. I want to know the answer badly. Thanks a lot.
Hey great review. I am thinking of buying the AKG 702 or Audio-Technica ATH M50 which one would you recommend? :)
This is by far the most mature, balanced and not biased review of any product I have ever watched. Thank you.
Good old times ...:)
The Q701 came in second place in the May 2011 Hi-Fi News group test.
They placed behind the $1599 Sennheiser HD800 but ahead of the $899+ Denon D7000, $1000+ Grado GS1000i and $900+ Audio Technica W1000x.
grate review. thanks (:
what amp did you use with theme?
its really hard to find amp that can take the Q701 to the highest level
i heard amp that makes the Q701 sounded like HD800!
It may sound exaggerated but it's true
they are an amazing headphones if you have the right amp for them
Very nice review!! May I ask if the height of my ear is nearly 7cm, will my ears fit comfortably inside the ear cups of Q701? I remember the HD598s fit my ears well, but the ATH MSR7 cups are too small for me. Thank you!
you're the only headphone reviewer I trust
Great review! Thanks! Thinking whether I should get these or the Hifiman Sundara
@james3579 I think the bar has been raised significantly over the last few years with the likes of the HD800, LCD-2, and HE-500. Also the IEMs are very good: SE535 and JH13. So appetites are wetted.
And I agree with you that the less assertive sound of the K601 is preferable in some ways, but are a bit slow.
After burn in, how does the Q701 compare to the DT880 600ohm? You have a preference between the two, and do you still simply go for the HD650 over them? The measurements seem to give the edge to the Q701 of the three, except for the HD650 being tamer in the highs.
I love how he doesn't talk about how difficult they are to drive, run kitties run and buy these can to use in amped with your I pods
Hello, nice review, seems to correspond quite well with what other reviewers say about this headphone. I'm looking for a balanced bass-neutral headphone in this price-range and I'm in doubt between the Beyer DT880 and these.
What would you recommend for listening to 80s heavy metal music and acoustic music mostly? (And a bit of emulated binaural headphone surround gaming :) )
@ManicMindTrick Sorry you didn't like it, mate. Try the Sennheiser HD600 if you can find one; they're warmer. For monster bass --- at a monster price --- try the LCD-2 from Audez'e. Killer bass.
@InnerFidelity: DT 1350 isolates little bit more and is more comfortable to wear. But iit's sound is a little bit "dark" in comparision to HD 25-1, which I like more regarding sound. - ** TIAD **
@DoNultima A "complete" lack of bass? Measurements don't show that. But I admit they are bass shy. I think what you are finding is that there are damned few headphones that really sound good.
@BboyJuNg Yes. It's a tough call, I like the K601 as well. The 701 has faults of being a bit too bright, but the 601's failing is that it's a bit too dull ... kind of boring sounding.
Sir, if you would be so kind to do a comparison and let me know your thoughts; People have own both q701 and k701 has been reporting noticeable difference between the two headphones, due to foam used and as well as other tuning were done to q701. Thus is why I doubt this is a simple rebrand-recolor.
I love Quincy Jone's headphones, his wife and his daughter.
@InnerFidelity Would you say that the soundstage and instrument separation is better on the K701? Also how "lean" do you mean? Is it comparable to HD 598's bass? I'm trying to see if I like the bass because I like the tight bass of HD 598. Additionally I noticed differences in the freq. response between Q701, K701 and K702, with the K701 with more emphasized mids. Care to explain this?
Will you do a review of the K7XX or base 702's? The one with no bumps on top. :)
I just found out these are now made in China and not Austria. Some people are still getting the Austrian version from Amazon, but those are probably left over inventory.
If you want 100% austrian, then the K712 are branded as such.
Eleo235
lol
It really depends on which manufacturer, not country...
Eleo235 Its the QC that worries alot of people. China is still very notorious for assembling or producing (straight from the manufacturer's blueprint/s and instruction/s) products.
It's more about pride and workmanship. If there were two similar BMWs, one built in Germany and one built in China AND they cost the same, which would you pick?
How do these compare to the sennheiser HD598 in terms of comfort and sound quality?
what, in your opinion, are the best headphones for an individual who spends all of his free time listening to music?
Thank you for the great review. Recently purchased the K7xx thru Massdrop. I already own the Sennheiser HD600, Alpha Dogs and Grado 225's, plus some others. I been looking for this sound for over 10 years and have finally found it. These are, by far, the best I've heard.
How do the K7XX, X2 and HD600 compare to each other?
I've kind of wondered how the quality of the drivers in the Mass Drop version compare to the "Made in Austria" units. Seems like they would NOT be putting the same drivers in them. I know from other reviews that the frame materials and construction are cheaper in the Mass Drop units. But, what really counts are the drivers.
I really liked your review. Just subscribed after watching this.
Hi, was it raining outside when you made this video? I just bought the k702s, and have them plugged directly unamped into my laptop. It sounds like rain in the background.
@InnerFidelity I was thinking of purchasing the AKG Q01 but could you recommend any headphone better than the AKGs that are about the same price?
a decent vintage tube amp ads a lot of warmth and fullness to these headphones. I was able to get a pretty good sansui tube amp from a thrift store for 40 bucks. Another source would be like the bottle head amps. It all depends on how much you want to spend, and what kind of audio source you have.
@DoNultima Not really a suggestion, but more an observation. I've got the B7W P5 and it's a colored can, with great lows. I love them with movies, oddly enough. The have them at Apple stores, maybe you shouls go have a listen?
Hey, would the KNS 8400 or Shure 940 be a big step down from these in your opinion? They both look interesting but are pretty new and untested, and something closed and somewhat portable would be a big plus for me.
I went with the Q701's in the end, unfortunately I can't give you any feedback since they haven't arrived yet.
...you wouldn't.
I am pretty sure that the guys who designed them at AKG didn't intend them to be used with your iPod on the bus. There are pleanty of other models by them that are though.
The most beautiful headphone I've ever seen.
I wanted to move to an open headphone after using the absolute hell out of Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro's for 10 years through multiple driver repairs (thousands of hours as a reference can, producing, and general listening) and from my preference in sound signature it was either the Q701 or the DT-990 Pro. I finally decided on the DT-990 and I'm glad I did, as I'm admittedly biased towards Beyers colored sound, but I still would like to hear these.
Yes, they have a wide sound-stage (great for directional accuracy), for a better cinematic experience maybe consider the Beyerdynamic DT880 or the Sennheiser HD600 or HD650 as they all have stronger bass. Do note that all these headphones, the AKG Q701 included, will require amplification for optimal sound quality.
@VictorAlxYork Love the Todd the Vynil Junky TTVJ Slim and HeadAmp Pico. Both are portable and have USB input options.
can I wear these with glasses without much irritation and pressure to them?
@InnerFidelity what is the best headphone for bass with a bass heavy,punchy,clean. i dont care about price
Probably not the user you're asking but, I've been reading up around places and the Koss KSC75's are rather respected and only $20 on Amazon, not sure if they will fit small ears though. they're designed for portable players and on-the-move stuff, these AKGs are rather designed for Hi-fi home listening.
@Reticuli Most people on head-fi forums tend to prefer Q701 to HD650, because they sound more opened and brighter, even though HD650 sound more realistic imho. They sound more like speakers, without overly bright treble and too weak bass, although most people people would call them dark sounding.
would these be ok for portable use? also what is the isolation like?
ive had my eyes on these for a WHILE and id like your opinion
For production you don't want accentuated bass, if your headphone has a lot of bass, you'll misjudge how much is in the mix and you'll end up with a track that has very little bass. Same with the mids and treble. You want something neutral, something that shows exactly what's on the track. I haven't tried them yet, but from what I understand, the K701/K702/Q701, and the Sennheiser HD600 would all be fine choices. I can personally recommend the HD600 though, as I currently own it.
I'm not sure why I haven't seen these before, but I'm really loving the green and it's really making me want a headphone that I already knew was great. Going to have to sell a pair if I want to add these to my collection...
The Q701 is closer to the K702 rather than the K701, isn't it? I thought the key differences between the K701 and 702 were the permanent/detachable cable and colors.
Hi, I was wondering if you would rather recommend these, or the Beyer DT 990 premium
I think you're glossing over certain deficiencies of this headphone when you say "non accentuated bass" or "slightly lean". I have the k702 and i find that it lacks quite quite a bit of mid/low bass and noticeably thin/lean sounding. I find it to be a bit too analytical as well. I think you're being a too kind to it. But i due agree with great soundstage and it being great for acoustic/jazz.
Explains why they went for QJ's endorsement. Nice Review!
thx a lot for this. but, which one would u recommend to buy? i want a balanced/flat headphone. which one should i choose? q 701 / k 701 / k702? thx a lot :)
Would you recommend these for portable use? If not what would you recommend for the $150-$250 price range for portability?
Are these headphones good for all genres of music, including movie scores, alternative, pop and rock? Thank you.
@InnerFidelity i just bought bose quitecomfort 15 and i am very please with it but im looking for something with more bass. ive tried dre beats studio but in my opinon the headphones wasnt balanced. so im wondering what you recommend? im looking to spend up to $400
what are the best headphones in the $250.00 range for producing bass heavy electronic music? Accuracy in sound , and comfort is my biggest concern.
thanks in advance
cheers!
What do you mean by "fast sounding". Does the track go on fast forward when you put these on? :))
@InnerFidelity Okay, can i ask you another question? What are the best headphones under $450 with a portable amp? I know the 650's suck without a decent amp.
@1lastsoldier That's tough, they're both pretty good. I'd have to do a listening test side by side to say.
My point was, a quality pair of headphones should sell themselves and not need the endorsement of any given pop / hip-hop / rap artist. The K701's were a fantastic pair of headphones before AKG's marketing department started wondering what the hell they could do in terms of advertising and marketing to sell more units.
@PrintHelloWord Source, and amping will make the largest difference in quality. Unless you have a well tuned ear, you won't be noticing any difference in cable quality.
@55stevieboy2010 I'd go for the SHure SRH840, Denon AH-D2000 or Audio Technica ATH-M50
@InnerFidelity They have them at my local hi-fi store so I can go have a listen there. They also have Denon AH-D5000 and D2000 amongst others, those are supposed to be bass monsters while still keeping their audiophile appeal and natural sounds etc... Those could be a better choice?
@InnerFidelity it's cool. I really enjoy your vids and website, really informative as I am looking to upgrade from my m50's.
Are these good for an all around headphone? So, playing music (all types), video games (of various types), movies (again; of various types), but also, for mixing mastering recording and engineering.
They are. I use these for EVERYTHING.
The Q701's were made with the highest accuracy in mind. People do mention that the bass is lacking, but I do not feel that way (music these days overly accentuate the bass). There are "mods" you can do to help open up the bass (check out Head-fi). People highly recommend these for games (as they are very accurate). I am inclined to say that the Q701's will easily handle whatever you throw at them (unless it's the bass you're looking for).
As for mixing/mastering/recording/engineering, I personally know a few sound engineers who use and praise the Q701's.
One thing though - make sure you get a good amp. I used a crappy Pyle amp for the first year or two and I thought they were pretty good. I got a better one (Topping VX1), and even though it's the not the best amp, they sound a LOT better. Invest in a good amp/dac.
Sukjune Hong Thank you! I think I'm going to go for the Sennheiser HD 598 but I will continue to look into these.
Connor Bright no problem! The HD598's are an excellent choice (from what I hear from everywhere).
Sukjune Hong go for HD598 for portable sound cards/laptop sound cards unamped, go for Q701 with a decent DAC/AMP, otherwise go for a he-400 if you don't mind the treble style(very electronic like).
@TheMrlipsyncer Sennheiser HD 650. I think they're about $500.
@enabled2k thanks, I was considering the e11 as well. Does the e11 have a port for 6.3 mm jacks? I'm considering the e11 and e10 combo vs the e7 and e9, any thoughts?
@Seabass078 Creative Aurvana Live! Not colapsable, though. For on-ear have a look at the Sennheiser PX 200-II. Fods up like a pair of sunglasses and about the same size; sound is great.
what head phones would you reccomend for a better bass?
I hate to do this.. but Beats Studio's are the only over-ear ones i have ever had. I recently broke them and need a new pair. I have checked the V-Moda Crossfade LP2's and tried them, they are pretty good but not exactly what i'm looking for, and before i settle i want to know what i'm doing. I listen to Rock, Reggae, Techno, Acoustic, Jazz, Classical, Rap, R&B, Alternative.. you name it i listen to it.. I need headphones to match what i need, sub $350 is what i'm looking to spend.. Any advice?
Is there a difference between the AKG Q701, K701, and K702?
PLEASE ANSWER itd be of great help.
As I understand, it's just detachable cable?
Which one would you get?
exactly what im considering! Hd598's Q701's DT 860 880 990 OMFG this is killing me!
FYI I recommend you get a nice AMP and a DAC for those cans.
HD600 is rather dark sounding compared to the Q 701. If you want to hear the details in the upper mids and highs, I would pick the Q 701 any day over the HD600 or HD650, which to me had the "Sennheiser veil".
Do you think these headphones would be any good for studio use?
What would be the best bang for my buck in terms of an amp for these?
If you listen to a lot of jazz, classical and instrumental music then Q701 or HD598, you wont go wrong with either, but Q701's is ultimately a slightly better headphone, and needs a better amplifier. (598 NEEDS it too!). If you listen to lots of vocal music, acoustic, soft rock, choirs, and similar, then HD598's all the way. They have by far the best vocals of any headphone you mentioned. Even better than HD650's in my opinion. DT880 if you listen to everything, from classical to hip hop.
What headphones do you recommend that have a good sound quality between $100-$150
Well i think it does depend on the amp you are using, after all these cans are notoriously difficult to drive! Having owned these cans among others including sens and grads, I would deffo agree there is more bass out their but properly driven these cans produce a wonderfully balanced sound. Of course with all thing audio everything is up to personal taste, but the sound stage, wonderful mid range, and crisp highs of the K701's offer a more complete package than any of it's rivals
Well the DT990 was made for more bass and more treble than the DT880 and K701. The Q701 to me had more mass than the K701/K702 but the DT990 has more bass but the soundstage was smaller. I would recommend the Q701 over DT990 because the DT990 is complicated for newbies since they have 32, 250 and 600ohm. Keep in mind both of these headphones (Q701 and DT990) will require a good amp like OTL Little Dot or if you like SS for Q701 try the Matrix M Stage. Remember to get a good DAC and great amp!
Would you get these or the Beyerdynamic DT880? Anyone?
The Q701 and K702 are great for jazz.
@taigila i dont own any of these 3 but from what i heard, q 701 is your pick.
Q701's are open back so it has more sound stage. The k550 has more bass from the close back design. I have them both, just go with the q701's in my opinion they have a beautiful soundstage.
I'm wondering shuld I buy these, the Sony MDR-XB700, Sony MDR-XB1000 , Audio Technica ATH-M50 or the Audio Technica PRO700MK2
what would you recomend to listen to 80s music, led zepp, rolling stones and stuff like that for not too much dough? for up to 200 bucks. thanks
so is it the actual cans that move to adjust to your head or do you move that weird little headband thing
yes, but it will be better with one.
not all headphones need a amp or do they?
Hey audio-file hear thank u so much for the advice I have learned a lot!
I'm planning on making a mini entry level audiophile rig for my laptop, I plan on getting the audioengine d1 dac/amp, and for headphones, sound, price, and what is better driven by that amp I am between these and the HIFIMAN HE-4, which do you think is the best investment? thanks
Which headphones do you recommend for bass lovers?
Do you know if AKG K271MKII is good for Vocal Trance music. Music with heavy vocal and piano like style with bass synthesizer type beats. Thanks!
BTW your videos are awesome and very informative.
Bought these recently for 160 GBP brand new inc postage.
Having tried them through a dennon amp and through the Asus Xonar Essence STX, personally the difference is ever so slight, so if money is tight don't worry.
If you're gaming i suggest you google search: 'Modmic' - a HQ detachable boon mic that allows audiophile grade headphones to double as headsets.
It's Clear, crisp, and has a fantastic soundstage, but definately not for people who want over pronounced bass.
Ahmed soliman
Go with stax you can't miss there,
However they are open headphones and quit pricy
They are probably good for gaming, but you can find other better alternatives. This is a reference headphone compared to a fun sounding one. Things like explosions wont sound loud and shocking and since these are open eared headphones, everyone will be able to head what is going on in the game. I would recommend some Sennheizers if you want clear sounding, fun gaming audio.
oh! thank you so much for your help! : )
I have a question please answer me :)
does akg q701 looks cheap made? or looks good..?
thanks alot!