My yummy new K401

[jpgerard]

Hi Horst,

I've just received my K401 and this is one excellent product.
I like it so much, I'd like a semi-closed version! The balance is exactly what I expect from reference heaphones, without any EQ I get the sound of my control room, so I'll use them when I travel to other studios!
 
Are there any models currently available that use the same driver but with semi-closed cups, that get close to the rather flat (I think) response of the K401?
Does the K240S use the same varimotion driver, or a smaller one (the K401 driver is huge!)? I'd really like the low end of the 401, but I don't want more top end than the K240M, and the freq. reponse graphs of the K240s I've seen show an elevated treble compared to the K240M; also, users seem to agree that the K240S is "brighter" than the K240M, and I already find the K240M plenty bright!
 
And why did you choose to discontinue such a fine unit (K401)?
 
Trying AKG headphones is not an option around where I live.
another competitors, no problem, but no one has AKGs on demo.
Horrible situation for an AKG fan like me!
 
Thanks;
 
JP

[Michael Yoder]

jp,  Given that the K401 is difficult to drive with a portable or anything other than a stereo component (or mixer) with strong headphone output, for general (non-studio) listening, I decided to try a Headroom Little headphone amp, and it sounds stunning!!  The Headroom circuit that combines bits of each of the L and R sides with the other really does make the image appear that it's coming somewhat from ahead of the headphones, rather than just from the sides.  The sound is superbly clean, musical, and detailed.   I use an acoustic research directional cable (1/8 TRS to L&R 1/4 RCA) with the portables.  The K401-Little combination also sounds great with an NAD integrated amplifier and Audioquest Coral cables.

Michael

[jpgerard]

Hi Michael!

I have no problems driving my 401s, actually, my Marantz CD player is usually set to only "2" or "3" out of "20" max output level.

The imaging circuit sounds cool though!

JP

[roberacer1]

Hey JP:
 I just noticed this mention of the K401. What is your take them compared to K501. I have K501's and except for the few times I am in extremely loud environments I find them close to my monitors which I am told by an independent lab actually measure "scarily flat". It was the reason that I bought them. Some find them to be lacking in low end though. I havn't heard the K1000's to comment but given my happiness with the K501's I guess I would probably love them.

Rob