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REVIEW: AKG Acoustics AKG K-501 Headphones

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Model: AKG K-501
Category: Headphones
Suggested Retail Price: $200
Description: Hi-Fi Headphones
Manufacturer URL: AKG Acoustics
Model Picture: View

Review by mutant ( A ) on December 10, 2002 at 23:50:28
IP Address: 209.193.71.98
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for the AKG K-501


While the AKG K-501's do not give you deep bass, what is offered here has to be the most neutral and accurate window into what is really on any recording's upper bass, midrange, and treble regions. Actually, the bass extends down just enough to let you follow the music - no more. I would say this bass rolls off steeply after about 80 hz., or so. But these cans should not be discounted for some very good reasons: Crystal-clear mids and highs, the likes of which are rivalled by no other headphone around - yes, better in it's range than Senn.-600, Grado, or Beyerdynamic. For example, if the Grado "house-sound" might be described as golden, the AKG K-501's sound is like silver -it is like a pure, clean, refreshing breath of airy silver! If you were to buy these cans just to listen to vocals, and certain other types of music where the frequency extremes do not stretch below a certain point, then you will not have wasted your money. These headphones do have a heavy fetish for female vocals - they are so jealous of them that they simply will not allow too much bass to intrude and sully the sound chambers with unwanted and uncontrolled bass resonances. Purest Silver! The detail, micro-dynamics and overall tonal quality are absolutely to die for. The comfort-factor of these cans are unsurpassed - the large round sound chambers will encircle the largest ears with the perfect amount of pressure. Build-quality is amazingly fine, they look classy, and a ten foot cable is standard (the cable is strongly anchored, unlike the Senn.-600). While these cans do benefit from a good headphone amp, they are not so difficult to drive that a dedicated headphone amp is required for musical enjoyment (although the load they present may be a bit too much for most portable CD players). I bought mine from Headroom for only $150, a real jewel for the price of paste.


Product Weakness: Deep bass deficient. Do not even ask the AKG K-501 to do an big organ recital - it likes and wants mostly vocals, ESPECIALLY female vocals.
Product Strengths: Very clean, clear, and accurate voicing above 80 hz.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Creek OBH 11 SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony DVP 9000ES
Speakers: n/a
Cables/Interconnects: Mapleshade Ultrathin Double-Helix
Music Used (Genre/Selections): All types.
Room Size (LxWxH): n/a x n/a x n/a
Room Comments/Treatments: n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 years.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): n/a
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): n/a




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Topic - REVIEW: AKG Acoustics AKG K-501 Headphones - mutant 23:50:28 12/10/02 ( 2)