AKGK 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1

I've been listening to my Grado Prestige Series SR325is Headphones for most of the year and have no complaints, other than the initial comfort factor. But I really wanted another mid-to-high end set to keep from moving the Grados from one room to another (I know, lazy, huh?). I almost went with the Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones, but I've already got a smaller pair of Sennheiser HD 238 Open Aire Stereo Headphones Optimized for iPod/iPhone/MP3/and Music Players and wanted to try the K701s because of the excellent reviews.On first listen, I wasn't impressed. The music didn't seem to have any depth to it, like it was all coming to you on a flat plane, if that makes any sense at all. I knew these headphones need some break-in time, so I kept listening. Mainly I plugged them into my home theater and played some Dead Space 2 on the PS3. Slowly but surely, they turned around, and now they're my go-to headphones (I still love you Grado, but you're going into a drawer for a little while).The detail and clarity is spectacular; the bass is just right (I don't find it at all lacking as some others have noted); comfort level is fantastic. My only complaint: I really liked the thick cord on the Grados and wish the cord on the AKGs felt as sturdy. That's more of a comparison than a complaint, though.As far as amplification goes, I don't know how these sound without it. I've only used them on a newer Pioneer 1120-K (late 2010) receiver and, in my bedroom, a Peachtree Audio Decco2, which is both a headphone amplifier and DAC in one (and a wonderful piece of equipment, I might add). I stream audio from MOG (supposedly 320 kpps, the highest rate available to my knowledge) to either an Apple TV MC572LL/A (NEWEST VERSION) or Apple Airport Express MB321LL/A [NEWEST VERSION] and then into, respectively, the Pioneer receiver or the Decco2. Both have DACs, so I feel like I'm getting a good source going into a good output, and that truly makes these headphones shine.A quick word on DACs: I purchased a small portable DAC earlier this year and returned it. I could tell no difference in the sound. But the DAC in the Decco2 really fills the music out and makes it sound so rich and detailed. If you're going to invest good money into headphones, please consider the source going into them. I suspect if you simply plugged these headphones into your iPod with no amplification or conversion to analog, you might wonder why you spent so much money. But with the right equipment, you'll fall in love with your music all over again.And one last thing! If you're playing video games using a home theater system, i.e. you have a console hooked up to a receiver and surround sound speakers, these headphones are truly fantastic for gaming. I've mainly been playing Dead Space 2, and the detail and directional effects are amazing. I can't imagine any of the Ear Force or Astro headphones besting these AKGs.UPDATE JULY 2012: I've been back and forth between these cans and my Grados for the past few months, with most of my listening through Grado. But I m sitting here now listening to Scissor Sister's new album on my AKGs, and I often forget how great these sound, so detailed and full and lush. They're more impressive now than when I first purchased them. Highly recommended. If I had to chose between the AKG and the Grado 325, I'd probably still go with Grado, just because the build is so sturdy and they're Made in America. But there is nothing wrong with the AKG at all. Excellent stuff all around!

The sound is so airy and spacious. They are very comfortable and light weight as well and very well built. Yes, I did purchase them, and this is after 2 weeks of owning them. I have always enjoyed AKG headphones and these have only impressed me more.

These headphones are my 3rd pair after purchasing the now discontinued HD 598's & the MassDrop HD 6XX.After watching many video reviews on line touting the benefits & value of many different brands at different price points, you will find little if any reviews on these cans. They were recommended by a music professional (studio editing) and am very grateful & pleased with the trust of his recommendation.In comparison with the other two, these provide a much wider soundstage, (598's are closed back in fairness to them) and to my ear, provide more detail in clarity with the midrange and highs as well as better separation. I use these 90% of the time.Am more of a traditional classic rock, pop, jazz, new age guy versus more of the current genres. Have been a life long fan of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler (when band disbanded) and have an even greater appreciation for his brilliance listening thru these. Much music sounds spectacular hearing instruments and notes I never heard before from other headphones and my B&W Matrix 3 Series 2 loudspeakers.I also listen while inputting music into a SONIX Whole Body Vibration device which allow me to not only listen to the music, but also feel the vibrations from each song via my feet & hands. Aural Ecstasy! I also use a Schiit Asgard 3 Amp and Modius DAC to enhance the experience.These are lightweight, comfortable and come with a 3 meter cord which allows you to not be so restricted movement wise while listening.If you are looking for everday music enjoyment across most platforms of music, you can't go wrong with these. There have been some less than stellar comments from others here about the pads, discoloring, made in China, etc. Please do not be swayed. Have had no issues and have owned for almost 8 months now.