AKG K501 + Stan's TC-7520 = ?????

[Krisbee]

If anybody is using, or has used, a pair of AKG K501 headphones I'd be interested in your opinions.

I bought a pair of Senn HD595 new for half-price about 18 months ago. I didn't have a dedicated headphone amp and they are easy to drive and were thought to be decent all rounders. I've enjoyed using them with Stan's TC-7520 (fitted with LM4562NA) but they are little dark for me, and perhaps not especially suited to classical music.

The K501 would only be availabe s/hand, but you do see the ocassional pair on sale. My main questions are:

1. Do they deserve their “concert hall headphones” label?

2. At 120ohm will the Stan DAC/headphone amp be able to drive them adequately?

3. They are supposedly bass shy, does this really matter in the case of listening to classical music?

4. Should I just keep saving, assuming I live long enough, for a pair of K701?

Over to you ...

[John]

Chris
Ahh really interesting I had a 701 and now have a HD595 and I am a lot more happier with it
A lot more fun and eaiser to drive but the 701 is more refined

[Nigel]

I love the K501, they are the second best headphones I've ever used.

[Krisbee]

Nigel,

How do/did you drive them, and what kind of music do you listen to?

[Nigel]

Hi,

I used them powered by a Graham Slee Solo. Musical tastes include, prog rock, smooth jazz, fusion, new wave, soul, jazz funk, classic rock.

[StanleyB]

I drive a set of K701 on my modded Caiman without any bass shyness. I read many times that the K701/TC-7520 sounds very similar to the Graham Slee. So I reckon that the Caiman and modded Caiman are an improvement over the Graham Slee. Anyone compared the Caiman to the Graham Slee?

[Krisbee]

Thanks Stan, but it's the K501 headphone a need feedback on. I think the K701 is a different beast with lower nominal impedance etc. I'm sure your kit will cope fine, but some user experience would be re-assuring.

[quadsugdenman]

Hi Chris,
I've just stumbled over this thread. I use the K501's and I have just bought a Caiman Stanbox. The Caiman set about 1 to 2 o clock numbs my ears using the K501's!!! Unless you want to 'ding' your ear drums the Stanbox/K501's achieves more than adequate sound levels. However, if it is deep bass you want forget it. It is Grado or Seinheiser's if you want that level of very deep base. I think the K501's give a very balanced sound with a very open and airy mid range. The K501's are better suited to classical music, acoustic / smooth jazz and give a very open presentation through the Stanbox. I heard a concert recording this morning on Radio 3 that really was frighteningly real!!My Bill Evans CD 'Live at the Village Vanguard' was outstanding. However on BBC 6Music the combination sounded 'confused' on loud rock/new music. I personally can recommend the Stanbox/K501's if it is classical / light jazz music you wish to listen to.
The K701's are also good with that airey mid range but did not give me that same experience when tried some time ago via a Creek headphone amp.
Hope this helps
Garry

[Krisbee]

Thanks for your feedback, which seems to confirm the K501 reputation as “concert hall headphones” suited to classical music. I'm not sure I'm ever going to find a pair now though.

[Maximum]

I've been quite happy with my Grados, and just pulled the trigger on some SR-325is