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MsfExploit
5
Mar 14, 2017
Hello everyone, can anyone tell me how these compare to the beyer dt990? I was able to grab those cans for $100, would this be a decent upgrade? The dt990 do hurt after a few hours...
Slurry
49
Mar 14, 2017
MsfExploitI have the same question about comparisons to the 990. I joined the drop so if no one beats me to it I'll post a comparison once my k7xx arrives.
Slurry
49
Mar 20, 2017
MsfExploit Ok, my headphones arrived Saturday, and here is my promised first impression comparison with the DT990. The difference between the two are fairly drastic. The imaging, separation, and sound stage of the K7XX are all vastly superior to the DT990. I'll post again after I've logged a few more hours, but for now, two aspects jump out. The first thing was how the vocals and instruments actually sound like they are coming from different sources. I know that sounds odd, but I'm not sure there is a better way to explain it. I let my son have a listen to my new K7XX (he also has a set of 990's) and he came away with the same impression. The separation is so extreme in comparison to the DT990's that you get a sense that the vocals, and instruments have two separate sources. Likewise, the separation of instruments is phenomenal. The second feature of these cans that immediately jumped out was the massive sound stage. With the 990's being my best source of reference, I thought they were as good as you get with instrument separation. Listening to the K7XX put that thought to rest. Part of the reason for this is the vastly larger sound stage. Instruments in live recordings are not separated by their tonal differences only, but by a sense of their location within that very large sound stage. Even with studio recordings, instruments seem to have their own layer in the fabric of music. The result is a sense of accuracy and instrument placement that is several large notches above the DT990's. Frequency response is fairly similar between them both, but the 990's seem to have a bit more extension in the higher freq range. The 990's also seem to be a bit more responsive, while the K7XX seem to sound a bit smoother and laid back. The difference is subtle, but noticeable to my novice ears. The 3db gain applied to the low freqs in the K7XX push the bass level above that of the 990's. This is possibly the only thing I'm not sure I completely like. There may be the slightest bit of overemphasis there. On some tracks I love it, on others I'm thinking it's possibly a smidgen too much. I have seen this level out in time with other cans, so we'll see what happens in the future with these.
So first impression comparisons to the 990: Sound stage of the K7XX is far larger and magnificent. Vocals in the K7XX are exceptionally well presented. Overall separation is phenomenal. High extension is a bit better in the 990's I think. Fidelity of lows in the 990's may be minutely better. If you are accustomed to the 990's, you will not be disappointed with the K7XX. You will likely be amazed by the K7XX. I am very pleased with them so far. More later.
MonteVerdi
2
May 2, 2017
SlurryIn your post you do not state which dt990 you are speaking of. I have both the AKG K7XX and the Beyerdynamic DT990 premium 600 ohm. From my experience the Beyerdynamic is a better headphone than the AKG K7XX. The Beyerdynamic has faster transients a very large soundstage and the largest bass response of any open-back headphone that I've heard under $2,000. The AKG K7XX is a good headphone and easy to drive where as the Beyerdynamic DT 990 600 Ohm needs a good powerful amp to strut and show how it's done properly with big bass and solid transient control, detail and larger deeper more coherent soundstage from my experience.
Slurry
49
May 3, 2017
MonteVerdiThanks for the feedback. I also have the DT 990 600 and the 250 ohm versions. I really wasn't trying to compare features. Just commenting on what I hear and what I like. I'd argue that big soundstage is an easy win for the AKG. The K7XX has a 3db gain in the low end and to my novice ear easily tops the bass of the 990. This has smoothed out a bit since I originally posted but not enough to change my opinion. I agree, as I stated above, that the K7XX has a more relaxed sound. But all very subjective observations. No doubt you love the 990's. I love them also. Just pointing out some differences to my ear.
MonteVerdi
2
May 4, 2017
SlurryI honestly do not know where you get your
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3 db gain measurement from but would like to see it. At any rate the Beyerdynamic DT990 600 Ohm is not polite with portable amps and wimpy wall-wart switching power supply's and from what I hear the DT990 600 Ohm has better control, goes deeper, harder and clearer in response. Not to mention engineered and built like a tank out of metal in Germany. I like AKG a lot and the K7XX is a good polite headphone but in it's price category I suggest people give a listen to the Beyerdynamic DT990 600 Ohm before pulling the trigger. In fact they sometimes show up on Massdrop at a good price. Also, Ken Rockwell does a nice review titled, Beyer DT 990 600 Ω MADE IN GERMANY.
Slurry
49
May 5, 2017
MonteVerdiCheck the side of the box your headphones came in. Thanks for the informed discussion.
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MonteVerdi
2
May 5, 2017
SlurryThat proves nothing, you need measurement spec test and as far as I know there isn't one on the net to show the bass response of the AKG is more substantial than the Beyerdynamic DT990 600 Ohm. Be careful of blanket statements. As you already know from your previous post, Super Best Audio Friends show measurements and provide a nice review. The reviewer preferred the Sennheiser HD650 in the end and that is all well and fine as they are nice sounding headphones. I'm simply trying to point out to be careful of hype when trying new headphones which there is a lot of on the net. The AKG K7XX is a good headphone for $199 and is not a giant killer at it's price point, IMO. Headphone enthusiasts need to go to local and regional events to hear lots of headphones and gear to dispel the hype and myths that are rampant on the newest, latest greatest out there. I appreciate your long thoughtful review and encourage you to share, I simply think it prudent to be careful when comparing and really take the time to not only burn in new headphones for 200+Hours but compare with different amplifiers. Thanks, Monte Verdi
Slurry
49
May 5, 2017
MonteVerdiOk thanks.
Drumr
2
May 11, 2017
SlurryFor the record, I appreciate your review and it makes me glad I'm purchasing a pair of these to try for myself
Slurry
49
May 11, 2017
DrumrI appreciate that Drumr ;-) I'm fairly confident you'll be pleased with them.
Motorrad
2898
Jul 4, 2017
SlurrySounds like something is wrong with your 990s or more likely the amp you are using. The 990s are capable of more than the 7XXs if driven adequately.
Slurry
49
Jul 4, 2017
MotorradIt's unlikely that there is anything wrong with my 990's. It's more likely that there is a difference in how I interprit what I hear. Thanks for the feedback.
Motorrad
2898
Jul 5, 2017
SlurrySoundstage and separation are not something one "interprits", no matter how novice the ear. ...that wasn't feedback.
daty
1
Dec 23, 2017
SlurryNo one bothered to answer @MsfExploit until you posted your feedback, and then suddenly these fanboys are out in full force like worms from under piles of p00p. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.
daty
1
Dec 23, 2017
MotorradI can't wait for you to spellcheck my post.
Slurry
49
Dec 23, 2017
datyThanks. I think people get into a grove where they just want to appear as though they have won a debate instead of relating anything useful. I wasn't trying to debate anyone or win anything, just giving my own opinion while trying to honor the opinions of others. Both headphones have there place and I use both. 7XX are a more fun headphone but still very accurate, while the 990's are more accurate. But I still give 7XX the win for soundstage though. I think MonteVerdi and I both agree with eachother when you look at our posts together. The conversation unfortunately started to feel more like a debate. Glad to answer any questions you might have about either of these. You spell like I do ...LoL
Motorrad
2898
Dec 23, 2017
datyDaty, congratulations, your spelling is improving. I did find some issues with your inaccurate use of 'suddenly' and 'fanboy', however. Other than that, your comment was a very worthy troll. Welcome to Massdrop!
daty
1
Dec 23, 2017
MotorradRather a troll than a worm any day, especially a p00p eating one like you. You may type “Welcome to Massdrop!” but you spew what you eat and try to belittle people who share their opinions. Despite of your "interprits" comment, Slurry did not respond. I on the other hand have no qualms about responding to your sh1t with hellfire. Engage with me f@ckt@rd! Or are you going to complain to Mommy and have my account deleted?
daty
1
Dec 23, 2017
SlurrySlurry, I apologize for my language. It wasn’t meant to go down like this. But cyber bullies are worse than actual playground bullies. They deserve much less respect than your silence. They need some Daty lovin’
Motorrad
2898
Dec 23, 2017
datyOh my! Troll HUNGRY! Hahaha. Are you now Slurry's 'Anger Translator'?
daty
1
Dec 24, 2017
Motorrad Just as I thought. You are just another spineless cyberbullying worm Motorrad.
Broody
183
Dec 24, 2017
SlurryI don't see where you mentioned amps you are using. These headphones pair quite differently with different amps. I agree that the AKG is the more fun HP (for lack of better descriptor), but have always found the 600ohm 990 to have superior detail, soundstage, imaging etc. The AKG is no slouch, but... have you had the chance to pair the DT's with an OTL amp? That's what they like...the AKGs do NOT. heh.
Broody
183
Dec 24, 2017
MotorradIt's embarrassing what the kids are trying to pass off as 'hellfire' these days. That and they've been so coddled into thinking that even the most insignificant slight is bullying. What a sad, damaged, little troll you have dug up.
Motorrad
2898
Dec 24, 2017
BroodyYup. Somebody hurt her and the world needs to know about it because Mommy doesn't care anymore. Her sadness is palpable.
daty
1
Dec 24, 2017
Motorrad Ha, you had to bring your little weasel p1mp. SPINELESS worm you are.
daty
1
Dec 24, 2017
SlurrySlurry, I fear I am turning into one of these worms. And I can’t let that happen. So I will stick to my DT 1990 and say goodbye for now.
Merry Christmas!
jaffe
272
Dec 27, 2017
BroodyTrue. These headphones are too different to not put a comparison in context by at least noting the amp.
jaffe
272
Dec 27, 2017
datyYou are a troll AND a worm. You are definitely the creep in this thread. The only bullying here is in your head.
asymcon
30
Jan 14, 2018
SlurryI dunno, first impressions are most wavering. Especially when comparing old to new (or new to old for that matter). I had K701 and K702 and both gave the ILLUSION (yes, read illusion) of wide soundstage and precise positioning, but it wasn't until K240DF and later DT-250 that I was able to appreciate truly precise instrument separation with all the spatial (and dynamic) information provided on a clean, perfectly neutral signature. Sure, DT-250 aren't open and the spatialization isn't as wide as it's long - trait shared with K601 and K240DF - spherical soundstage, but its biggest advantage comes from precision, a word that should not be associated with any K7-- headphone. Although unlike DT-880, K7-- type headphone isn't dangerous to human hearing unless pushed for volume.
Tompetz
52
Jan 21, 2018
MonteVerdiI don't want to get involved in this discussion but when you start quoting Ken Rockwell, well, you just invalidate everything. The guy is an idiot. He doesn't know sound from cameras from anything. He just writes to hear himself talk... er....type?...er...say things...
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