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Lobby => Headphone Measurements => Topic started by: Marvey on March 04, 2012, 08:29:41 AM

Title: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Marvey on March 04, 2012, 08:29:41 AM
AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots

Not too shabby. The upward tilt of the FR explains it all. These are NOT the newer Q701 which have more bass. The CSDs and FR indicate a little bit of shoutyness in the vocals - not too different from that of the HP1000.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: ocswing on March 04, 2012, 08:42:22 AM
Wow, these did a lot better than I was expecting. And I'm even a fan of them.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on March 04, 2012, 07:37:28 PM
i'm just baffled how these could measure so well compared to the sextetts and DF's. i found the k701 weird sounding when i heard a pair off a random denon 6-channel mixer(i forgot the model number) in the past. i even liked the k601 more than the k701.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Marvey on March 04, 2012, 08:08:35 PM
i'm just baffled how these could measure so well compared to the sextetts and DF's. i found the k701 weird sounding when i heard a pair off a random denon 6-channel mixer(i forgot the model number) in the past. i even liked the k601 more than the k701.


Compare the FR graphs. The K601 is less treble tilted (it's the ringing that kills it for me). The AKGs are warm with a mid-high bass emphasis. The warmness hides many of its flaws.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: ocswing on March 04, 2012, 08:18:36 PM
i'm just baffled how these could measure so well compared to the sextetts and DF's. i found the k701 weird sounding when i heard a pair off a random denon 6-channel mixer(i forgot the model number) in the past. i even liked the k601 more than the k701.

To be fair the FR isn't great compared to the 601. Bigger bump in the mids and shelved treble. On the 40db floor you can also see a hint of the same 15k peak. I felt the 601 had a better FR and was smoother, but lacked in clarity and separation. The 701 does have a plastic sound though, so I was expecting ringing on the graphs. I do like the 701, but it would be nice to get the 601 FR with the 701 clarity.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on March 04, 2012, 08:46:46 PM
i'm just baffled how these could measure so well compared to the sextetts and DF's. i found the k701 weird sounding when i heard a pair off a random denon 6-channel mixer(i forgot the model number) in the past. i even liked the k601 more than the k701.


Compare the FR graphs. The K601 is less treble tilted (it's the ringing that kills it for me). The AKGs are warm with a mid-high bass emphasis. The warmness hides many of its flaws.

i guess that can be it. maybe it's just that my hearing is flawed. who knows.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on March 04, 2012, 08:50:56 PM
i'm just baffled how these could measure so well compared to the sextetts and DF's. i found the k701 weird sounding when i heard a pair off a random denon 6-channel mixer(i forgot the model number) in the past. i even liked the k601 more than the k701.

To be fair the FR isn't great compared to the 601. Bigger bump in the mids and shelved treble. On the 40db floor you can also see a hint of the same 15k peak. I felt the 601 had a better FR and was smoother, but lacked in clarity and separation. The 701 does have a plastic sound though, so I was expecting ringing on the graphs. I do like the 701, but it would be nice to get the 601 FR with the 701 clarity.

i found removing the thick foam disc before i gave away my pair will make it sound similar to the k701 and will lean it more tilted to the top-end more giving it more clarity. problem i had though with lot of things it will sound very sharp sounding with the foam disc removed. maybe that's the ringing  purrin is talking about but i have no idea. i'm not really good at detecting and explaining things. i just let people know if something sounds odd or not to me.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: shipsupt on March 05, 2012, 03:37:34 AM
Sort of supports the fact that I found the K702 to be far better than I ever expected them to be.  I find myself using them at work a lot driven from the ALO continental, the two do well together.

 
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Anaxilus. on March 05, 2012, 04:08:34 AM
Sort of supports the fact that I found the K702 to be far better than I ever expected them to be.  I find myself using them at work a lot driven from the ALO continental, the two do well together.


I agree.  First time I heard them I wondered what all the hate was about.   :o
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on March 05, 2012, 06:27:01 AM
Sort of supports the fact that I found the K702 to be far better than I ever expected them to be.  I find myself using them at work a lot driven from the ALO continental, the two do well together.


I agree.  First time I heard them I wondered what all the hate was about.   :o

most of the hate i'm guessing comes from older akg owners that had experience with k400,500/501 and even the older 240 models. that's just select few though. i guess other part of it came from cause people found it cool to hate on something cause they could or something like that. i don't know exactly. people are just weird. i just personally myself find the k701 weird sounding to me but i don't hate it. it's a nice headphone. i believe the k702 and q701 had some simple modifications like thicker foam disc and different padding material to increase the bass response but most don't know that. they just assume it's a driver improvement(it can be possible though that akg made changes recently on how the driver is tuned but i have no evidence though to support that theory. i just assume not, knowing akg's history).

maybe i will like the q701 instead but i won't know till i hear a pair of course.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Anaxilus. on March 05, 2012, 06:33:36 AM

maybe i will like the q701 instead


Well Duh!  They're green.  What else do you need to know?
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on March 05, 2012, 06:48:29 AM

maybe i will like the q701 instead


Well Duh!  They're green.  What else do you need to know?

of course! how did i forget about their fabulous neon green color. i can't wait to try a pair cause they'll look so hood in ma low-rider and it's 24'' spinners. with Quincy by ma side i'll be the most sophisticated G in ma town know wadda i'm saying . the green is so fly it'll make dr.dre seem like a cheap multi-color hood rat.

EDIT: i know. what i wrote was lame  and i scared everyone off(or was just really annoying) but for some reason i found it amusing. sorry, i guess i'm weirder than weird. it happens to the best of us i guess....or not. i meant to say though the green will look nice with my new shirt i just got.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: rhythmdevils on March 05, 2012, 09:24:26 PM
Wow.  The idea of saying "Harman FTW" makes me feel sick.  We'll have to see how the older models compare, I think I've coerced someone into sending K400 and K500 :-) 

I'm willing to bet that love bump at 3k is what gives them the famous "plasticky" vocals and what people describe as an incoherent midrange compared to the K501. 

Pretty bad channel imbalance right?
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on March 06, 2012, 09:56:22 AM
Wow.  The idea of saying "Harman FTW" makes me feel sick.  We'll have to see how the older models compare, I think I've coerced someone into sending K400 and K500 :-) 

I'm willing to bet that love bump at 3k is what gives them the famous "plasticky" vocals and what people describe as an incoherent midrange compared to the K501. 

Pretty bad channel imbalance right?

everyone knows after Harman took over, akg became a superstar and so much better. you jelly?
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: CEE TEE on March 29, 2012, 07:05:57 AM
Sort of supports the fact that I found the K702 to be far better than I ever expected them to be.  I find myself using them at work a lot driven from the ALO continental, the two do well together.


That's really interesting, I just tried mkubota1's new Q701 out of my TTVJ Portable Millett Hybrid and really liked the combo.  They do seem to have a bump in the bass without the real extension but I didn't mind because they did a lot well.  Maybe after a while we can get a measurement of this pair.  I listened to some AKG (white/grey) out of an Aune amp fed by a PC that sounded like my head was in a bucket.  This was not that...
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: ocswing on March 29, 2012, 07:15:46 AM
That's really interesting, I just tried mkubota1's new Q701 out of my TTVJ Portable Millett Hybrid and really liked the combo.  They do seem to have a bump in the bass without the real extension but I didn't mind because they did a lot well.  Maybe after a while we can get a measurement of this pair.  I listened to some AKG (white/grey) out of an Aune amp fed by a PC that sounded like my head was in a bucket.  This was not that...

Time to start sending in more 70Xs and see about variation among the line?
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: mkubota1 on March 29, 2012, 08:44:17 PM
That's really interesting, I just tried mkubota1's new Q701 out of my TTVJ Portable Millett Hybrid and really liked the combo.  They do seem to have a bump in the bass without the real extension but I didn't mind because they did a lot well.  Maybe after a while we can get a measurement of this pair.  I listened to some AKG (white/grey) out of an Aune amp fed by a PC that sounded like my head was in a bucket.  This was not that...

Time to start sending in more 70Xs and see about variation among the line?

The mentioned Q701s only have about 3-4 hours on them.  Maybe once they 'burn/break-in', they'll sound worse.  But that would refute 99.9% of noted break-in results.  ???
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: fishski13 on July 03, 2012, 03:04:42 AM
after living with the AD2000 now for a few months, i'm going to try to EQ my K702 (with K601 pads) to my satisfaction within the DSP functions in JRMedia. 
Title: AKG K701 #2 Frequency Response, CSD Waterfall, and Distortion Plots
Post by: Marvey on August 26, 2012, 05:19:44 AM
AKG K701 #2 Frequency Response, CSD Waterfall, and Distortion Plots

Very similar to #1 results. Kudos AKG for consistency!
Bass distortion is a little high, but expected. Third harmonic D3 is high too, at least until 800Hz, compared to many other headphones. K701 does not respond well to higher SPL.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: donunus on August 26, 2012, 05:22:55 AM
I have noticed the k701s sounding really bad at higher volumes too. Definitely one of the things that their competition (dt880, hd650) have over them.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Marvey on August 26, 2012, 05:25:44 AM
Here's K701 left channel, but at 95db instead of 90db. Broad D2 increase in bass, including upper bass. D3 is just too high over 0.1% to 800Hz.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Hands on May 13, 2013, 09:42:43 PM
I just got a used pair of the K702 65th Anniversary Edition. I've never heard anything from AKG before. I think these sound pretty nice overall. Apparently the pads are different (confirmed) and the drivers are cherry-picked and closely matched (AKG's claim). I have heard that this edition is bassier, warmer, smoother, etc. from folks on Head-Fi.

The bass does not sound as rolled off to me as the K701 graphs suggest, so the bass claims might be true. They sound more in line with how I remember the HD598 sounding in that regard. I think they could still use a touch more lower bass. The treble also sounds pretty smooth and not exaggerated, which I like. I was afraid they might be too bright or lacking in bass for my tastes, but so far I've been pleased.

I fairly certain that ~2KHz bump is there, just like in the K701 graphs. My ears find it to be pretty nasty, though I primarily listen to heavier music that can be easily harsh on the ears (ex: Opeth at loud volumes). EQ helps a bit, and I've also tried experimenting with different damping materials in front of the drivers to see if I can tame it. I've made it a bit better to my ears already, though it's hard to target that exact area without affecting other stuff.

Still not sure I'm going to keep them in the long run, but I am liking them so far aside from that 2KHz bump. I got them for close to $300, and they might be appropriately priced around there at most. Can't say I'd recommend them at their $500 MSRP.

Apologies for bumping an older thread, but I wasn't sure this warranted a new thread.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 20, 2013, 04:46:54 PM
I recently got a chance to play with pair of k702 friend traded me. Still felt the same that I did when I remembered the k701. Didn't sound bad but had had a bite to them which bothered my ears with certain tracks and the vocals sounded bit odd. Since they're completey open air there is no point to mess with the back of the driver for modding. What I did was messed with front to get them sounding to my liking.

The pads have a protective screen and well distanted from my ears so what I did was cut some r-19 fiberglass which is not very desne into an octagon like shape. Then I placed it over the already disc foam and put the pads back on. Yea I know people logically will say "well that will muffle the sound. Fiberglass or any acoustic damping should only be implied to back of driver"

Well not exactly. Depends on density and other things as well. If yused a bit of imagination you can "see" the frequencies only slowing down and help absorb backwave resonance of the ear. Well what did my idea do out of pure curiosity?

put the pads back on and...yay! Became bit more evened out where I got the midrange and higher frequencies to my liking. Without limiting bass output as well. I notice these have pretty good bass and sub-bass extension. Also now I can listen to songs without the bite as well. They still extend upwards fairly well but more tame and enjoyable defiantly. I actually like them now. Thing I do like about the k702 as well is their insensetivity. Sound dead quiet running off of speaker outputs. Just the pads hurt back of my ears after wearing them for very long which is odd cause they are extremely light and the pads are super comfty. Probably how the back end of the pads couple my ears maybe
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: shipsupt on June 20, 2013, 09:21:01 PM
K702 Alien Mod 1.0  :-0
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Hands on June 21, 2013, 12:02:35 AM
I swapped out the foam disc in front of the drivers for a different material. I think it was a type of felt. I can't remember. I got the idea from a mod on HF, in which a quarter of the ring is cut out separately, covered with a layer of electrical tape on one side, and put back in place with the rest of the ring. I've also been experimenting with using a larger foam disc that goes over the felt ring (covers hole in middle as well).

I also more or less sealed the small middle part on the back of the headphone (the part that protrudes). I believe this took the bump around 2.2KHz and lowered it to around 2KHz or so and made it less pronounced. Overall, it gave the K702 AE more of a V-shaped signature than before without messing up the original sound or balance much. It's easier to listen to for me than stock. I haven't listened to them in a while, though, so it would be good for me to go back and see how they sound now. Plus, I don't have other headphones on hand to compare with at the moment.

Keep in mind this is with the K702 65th AE, so the pads are different than some of the other K70x revisions.

Seems like it's a pretty decent headphone with some minor issues that AKG could have fixed with a bit more time and research. The 65th AE pads seem to be a good step in that direction, I guess...
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 21, 2013, 05:20:29 PM
I think the foam disc is a good thing in the headphone. Some reason akg knows what they're doing with the acoustic material and found it do well to keep the the bass output evened out. I think the dome section of the driver needed bit extra damping. My friend did that mod I believe but with type wool felt or something but all I heard was it covering up the midrange issue by warming it up a bit.

The k702 not bad headphone at all and like them. Just found some slight issues with the midrange to take care of. I fixed them though and got it way I like them.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 21, 2013, 05:25:56 PM
K702 Alien Mod 1.0  :-0

REX 702, brought to you by Ancient Alien Corporations.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Hands on June 21, 2013, 05:51:37 PM
I agree that the K702 is a good headphone based on my experience with the anniversary edition. I think the new pads primarily help boost the bass a bit. That ~2KHz spike is still there, though, and I couldn't believe how grating that ended up being on my ears after a while. Honestly, that's my only complaint with them stock.

I might have to try out your fiberglass idea. Do you think that helps fix that problem area?

It's interesting modding these headphones, because it's more about damping in front of the drivers. Much easier than digging around inside cups. :)
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: donunus on June 21, 2013, 05:56:24 PM
Now I wonder how the k712 will sound. Its supposedly bassier due to the memory foam. Looks beautiful  :)p5

(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/945222_10151756440001802_1066266092_n.jpg)
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 22, 2013, 12:32:11 AM
I agree that the K702 is a good headphone based on my experience with the anniversary edition. I think the new pads primarily help boost the bass a bit. That ~2KHz spike is still there, though, and I couldn't believe how grating that ended up being on my ears after a while. Honestly, that's my only complaint with them stock.

I might have to try out your fiberglass idea. Do you think that helps fix that problem area?

It's interesting modding these headphones, because it's more about damping in front of the drivers. Much easier than digging around inside cups. :)

it worked for me. i would experiment though using different level of layering see what you like. too much can make them sound really dark and too little it'll have to no effect. i got it where it sounded balance to my ears. the fiberglass i used is very light density(r-19). i always use very light density. it should be very cheap as well to experiment with. i say give it a shot if you want or just keep playing with what you think ''feels'' right. i use nothing but my imagination all the time and test headphones via listening to music. only time i ever use sinegens is with low-bass(50hz) cause using that is good way to detect driver imbalanced within the modding. if everything sounds ''center'' with 30-50hz then everything else will as well.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Hands on June 22, 2013, 04:11:48 PM
Now I wonder how the k712 will sound. Its supposedly bassier due to the memory foam. Looks beautiful  :)p5

There's a good chance it will just be a rebadged K702 65th AE, but I don't think anyone knows for sure yet! As far as I can tell, the 65th AE seems to sound pretty similar to the K701 graphs on here, but with the advertised additional bass. I've read it's bassier than the Q701. Sounded pretty good to me, but that midrange bump is surprisingly nasty sounding depending on the music.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: donunus on June 22, 2013, 04:26:57 PM
You have the AE? It has a nasty upper mids bump still ala k701?
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: fishski13 on June 22, 2013, 05:12:07 PM
i've played around will modding the front of the K701/2 in numerous various ways.  including trying tape to diffract and rolling different foam from the Beyer and the K271mkii.   lots of potential here.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 22, 2013, 07:01:29 PM
i've played around will modding the front of the K701/2 in numerous various ways.  including trying tape to diffract and rolling different foam from the Beyer and the K271mkii.   lots of potential here.

Yup. I think so as well. I tend to like them when I get them sounding close to what I want it to be. Still playing around with them to wait on my final verdict/say on them.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Hands on June 22, 2013, 08:40:57 PM
You have the AE? It has a nasty upper mids bump still ala k701?

Yes and yes! That bump around 2KHz is very prevalent on the AE, though it seems like it can be modded to fix that. The trick is finding what works best...I'm still experimenting a bit, though I haven't had much time due to my recent move.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: donunus on June 23, 2013, 12:02:55 AM
I was getting interested in the new ones thinking akg fixed the tonality with a pad change. Oh well, I expected too much. What can I say, the K712 is too sexy. I can't think straight anymore when looking at them I immediately want to fork the dough and get them.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 30, 2013, 03:09:02 AM
Recently experimented with the 702 since the pads soften bit more after use. Notice I made them kinda tad too dark up top which affected some female voices and limited the air response good amount so I experiment with bit thinner layering of fiberglass with combination of flat polyfill pieces I cut with scissors. Got them defiantly better sounding where the sound tends to "float" around the ears with wider expansion and defiantly even out the midrange to my liking. Gonna leave them alone now. Also seems not only they sound more open now but seem to allow tad bit more lower level of information then they previously had. Still they sound not so well at extremely high listening levels and not a pair of headphones you can rock out with but since I listen to headphones most of the time in moderate levels and quiet environments it's not big issue to me.

After nodding them though these seem bit more impressive headphones than my first impressions of them. My DF's are getting recabled so when I get them back I test these out against my trusty and favorite headphone, my 240DF's. For now these will do.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: fishski13 on June 30, 2013, 05:00:03 AM
Recently experimented with the 702 since the pads soften bit more after use. Notice I made them kinda tad too dark up top which affected some female voices and limited the air response good amount so I experiment with bit thinner layering of fiberglass with combination of flat polyfill pieces I cut with scissors. Got them defiantly better sounding where the sound tends to "float" around the ears with wider expansion and defiantly even out the midrange to my liking. Gonna leave them alone now. Also seems not only they sound more open now but seem to allow tad bit more lower level of information then they previously had. Still they sound not so well at extremely high listening levels and not a pair of headphones you can rock out with but since I listen to headphones most of the time in moderate levels and quiet environments it's not big issue to me.

After nodding them though these seem bit more impressive headphones than my first impressions of them. My DF's are getting recabled so when I get them back I test these out against my trusty and favorite headphone, my 240DF's. For now these will do.

i think the K701/2 need an amp with increased output impedance or an impedance dongle.  i like 75-100R.  120R is just a tad bit too diffuse and soft in the bass.

the pads on my K702 are squished to hell.  the K701 pads are pretty fresh.  i prefer the K701.

i have my K240DF recabled with HD650 wire and newer K271mkii pleather pads.  it would be a toss up depending on preferences.  the DF does sound a bit more dynamic and groovy a la AD2000. 
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Deep Funk on June 30, 2013, 08:05:55 AM
I was getting interested in the new ones thinking akg fixed the tonality with a pad change. Oh well, I expected too much. What can I say, the K712 is too sexy. I can't think straight anymore when looking at them I immediately want to fork the dough and get them.

It looks very nice indeed. AKG knows how to design and style headphones to look attractive. Given it is aimed at the pro-audio segment I hope the price stays reasonable.

Harman is saturating the market with its K701/2 versions...

Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Armaegis on June 30, 2013, 04:44:18 PM

the pads on my K702 are squished to hell.  the K701 pads are pretty fresh.  i prefer the K701.


If you flip that pads, does your preference follow the pads?
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: RexAeterna on June 30, 2013, 07:41:35 PM
Recently experimented with the 702 since the pads soften bit more after use. Notice I made them kinda tad too dark up top which affected some female voices and limited the air response good amount so I experiment with bit thinner layering of fiberglass with combination of flat polyfill pieces I cut with scissors. Got them defiantly better sounding where the sound tends to "float" around the ears with wider expansion and defiantly even out the midrange to my liking. Gonna leave them alone now. Also seems not only they sound more open now but seem to allow tad bit more lower level of information then they previously had. Still they sound not so well at extremely high listening levels and not a pair of headphones you can rock out with but since I listen to headphones most of the time in moderate levels and quiet environments it's not big issue to me.

After nodding them though these seem bit more impressive headphones than my first impressions of them. My DF's are getting recabled so when I get them back I test these out against my trusty and favorite headphone, my 240DF's. For now these will do.

i think the K701/2 need an amp with increased output impedance or an impedance dongle.  i like 75-100R.  120R is just a tad bit too diffuse and soft in the bass.

the pads on my K702 are squished to hell.  the K701 pads are pretty fresh.  i prefer the K701.

i have my K240DF recabled with HD650 wire and newer K271mkii pleather pads.  it would be a toss up depending on preferences.  the DF does sound a bit more dynamic and groovy a la AD2000.

I find these to have nice amount of sub-sonic information. Just when you crank volume up too much you can hear it in th  bass to start distorting what I mean.

I love using the k702 off most of speaker outputs but when I am on m  uncle's for the weekend I use them on my brother's tablet which I find them not bad sounding on either with more enough volume. I just like they can be used off speaker outs as well while being dead quiet. It's like DF's off speaker outs.

I think it's more preference for bass response I personally think than output impedance response but I guess it's how you look at it cause either way can be right.

Overall I got them way I like them especially got the midrange more natural sounding. But I might still try to put a thin layer of polyfill inside  the large section of the earcups to see if it'll add bit more expansion to the soundstage or not and cause I want to see what it will do out of curiosity.

I think though overall even rhythmdevil would be proud of me how I got these sounding now haha.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Hands on June 30, 2013, 08:48:59 PM
Sealing off the small back section of the cups (right in the middle where the K702 logo is, not the large circumference open area around that small back protrusion) helped reduce the sharpness of the mids, at least with the combination of materials I was using in front of the drivers. I think it also reduced other areas of the mids that didn't really need it. It also seems to have brought out the treble a bit more, which wasn't a big problem due to how I have the front dampened. I was really just seeing what I could do to get rid of that hump more than anything else.

I wouldn't be surprised if the K702 would respond decently to internal damping behind the drivers and in the cups.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: fishski13 on June 30, 2013, 09:26:15 PM

the pads on my K702 are squished to hell.  the K701 pads are pretty fresh.  i prefer the K701.


If you flip that pads, does your preference follow the pads?

yes.  the K701 and K702 sound identical to my ears as long as the pads are the same.  i preferred the K601 pads on the K702 but haven't bothered rolling them yet on the K701.

sealing the back like hans030390 describes can be effective as well.

i haven't settled on any particular mod since i'm busy with other projects atm.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: funkmeister on July 31, 2013, 03:04:25 PM
OK... so I'm thinking back to the original post here. I reviewed the measurements and I'm beginning to see a trend here.

Manufacturers are all into some sort of interpretation of the diffuse field FR curves. I'm not a fan. I do wish AKG would just spend two months trying everything so that they could get this flattened out and pull back the high-mids hump and the gradual treble rise. These cans would be worth twice their street price if they put that work into them.

I know of no other can that has such potential to be a healthy #2 to the HD800 (for us poorer folks). C'mon AKG, you can do it.
Title: Re: AKG K701 Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
Post by: Deep Funk on August 01, 2013, 10:05:49 AM
What do you think of getting a K500/501? They sometimes turn up...