Massdrop x AKG K7XX Audiophile Headphones Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x AKG K7XX Audiophile Headphones

Audiophile

FULL DISCUSSION

LeToucan

Mar 29, 2016

I was not a fan of the K7xx when they first arrived. Compared to the rest of the K series range, they had a smaller sound stage, extremely over-accentuated mid bass and recessed highs. Almost like you're listening to a pair of speakers in the next room.
That is, until I took the hard velour pads off of my Q701 and put them on the K7xx. Now they sound much more in line with the rest of the series. They are now essentially Q701s with a slight low end boost. It has made a world of difference.
The memory foam pads that come with the K7xx seem to be shallower than those spec'd on the K702 Anniversary. I wonder if that's the problem. Regardless of thickness, the memory foam pads seem to dampen highs and make the K series a much darker headphone. Perhaps this is a desirable trait if you're using a portable source or weak sound card.

Mar 29, 2016

drwlf

Mar 29, 2016

LeToucanThis seems interesting. As a Q701 owner, loving the soundstage, but a wee bit annoyed by the lack of bass response (requiring EQing every now and then), and the excessive upper mids, would you suggest pulling the trigger on K7xx, or just go with different headphones altogether?

Mar 29, 2016

LeToucan

Mar 29, 2016

drwlfHard to give a definitive answer on that one. It depends on how much $200 is to you. There may be more going on with the pad transition than I've initially observed. Even with Q701 pads affixed, I'd say my (Austrian) Q701s are still more articulate in comparison. That could be a psychoacoustic effect of the lean response or attributed to driver quality. I'm not really sure as I don't own the equipment necessary to objectively measure them. It was quite eye-opening as well to put the K7xx pads on the Q701 and experience the bass boost, decreased clarity, and compressed sound stage.
If this isn't a big hit to your wallet, I'd say it's worth the experiment.
Another option would be to purchase K712/K702 Anniversary memory foam pads (part #5021871) directly from Harman International parts department (marlon.gonzalez@harman.com) for $44 per pad. Unless Harman/AKG have normalized production on their memory foam pads, the K702 Anniversary pads should be taller than the K7xx pads which may correct the compressed sound stage problem while retaining the increased low end. However, I can't tell you whether or not they would augment the sound of your Q701s in a significant or pleasurable manner as I chose to purchase the K7xx instead.

Mar 29, 2016

drwlf

Mar 30, 2016

LeToucanOK, thanks for the solid insight - this info should be for all the world to see in public forums :P I guess I have to make a decision soonish!

Mar 30, 2016

LeToucan

Mar 30, 2016

drwlfNo problem. The K7xx (with Q701 pads) have been fun for all-around music and web audio usage. I should mention though that I'm using them with an external D/AC and headphone amp. So my experiences may not match yours if you're just using a sound card or portable player.

Mar 30, 2016