Very interesting. Thanks. Is that softer felt or stiffer felt? The craft stores here tend to stock two sorts.

Tor4,

I have the AKG Q701 which I like a lot but wish it had more bass. But I am not capable of trying the well-known bass-port mod without destroying my cans.  My understanding is that stock, the K712 has more bass, possibly at the expense of soundstage.  Do you have an opinion on whether the K712 is enough of an upgrade to be worth it. The Q 701s are plentiful and cheap and I don't think I could sell mine for too much used, so I would be looking at probably a $150-$200 cost to get the K712 even if I also sold my Q 701.

K712 Pro are basically a perfected Q701... Finally enough bass while still very very good soundstage. I find it worthy.

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I may run over to B&H Photo at lunch as they might have these on display for demo. The "flagship" Harman Kardon store near me doesn't have either the K712 or K812, what a joke. You have said you think these are best all-rounders under $500.  Would you say something like the LCD-2 or HE-560 (granted twice the price) is clearly better or just different.  I would expect the K712 to have a wider soundstage, but the orthos  to probably be better in most other respects.  Maybe not fair to compare an Ortho to a dynamic though. I am basically trying to decide on whether I add another mid-priced can to my stable (like the HD 600 or HD 650 or K712 (in the latter case I probably sell off the Q701, but not in the former case)), or step it up to a more expensive can like the LCD-2, HE 560 or PM-2. I have the budget for the higher-priced cans but trying to decide if it is wroth it.

Interesting thread, if I had read this before I would have bought a K7xx-series before the K500.

Quote from: Deep Funk on September 12, 2014, 08:34:07 PM

Interesting thread, if I had read this before I would have bought a K7xx-series before the K500.

Well, considering all the hate for x7xx headphones line, I rather expected one big hate than real interest in this modification, K712 Pro headphones or associated discussion. It's really nice to see I was wrong :-)

I once auditioned the K701 and my brains said no. AKG screwed that headphone up for me. AKG has many fans and I am one of them.

I would recommend the KSC75 over the stock K701. AKG screwed up the K701 for many people. It is good they are fixing their early mistake. The K500s are keepers.