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Quincy Jones is a musical legend! If he puts his name on a product, one can expect this product to be of the highest quality.
In my search for the best headphones for the bucks,I was looking into buying a headphone from AKG to see what that famous brand has to offer. What decided me for this model was the endorsement by Quincy, alongside with the nicely discounted price.
I have had the phone since just about a week. I have already started to take it through a burn-in phase but right out of the box, the set impressed me and also my colleagues. They have had a few occasions to try the headphones I buy (I own more than a dozen) and they told me this set impressed them the most.
So what's to like?
Let's start by the first impression when putting them on. They feel extra light. The cups are huge, so is the set; yet the weight is not really felt. The pressure is not on the ears but around it and it is highly bearable. I almost feel that my medium head and ears are too small for this headphone.
It is still a bit early to judge the quality of the sound but yet, the first impression was of detail, clarity and more specifically of a large soundstage.
I have read on some other models that the bass is lacking; not here... Fans of exagerated bass should keep on searching, actually, I could advise them the Ultrasone HFI-780S which has a powerful and still clean bass. In any case, the Q701 do provide a nice bass which I believe will get better with time.
I rejected previously the Sennheiser HD-595 because of the lack of bass and the open design and yet, the Q701 are very reminiscent of this model. Same amazing comfort, same leaking sound but better bass, much better bass...
Right now, I put them in competition with the ATH-A900 for first place in my collection.
The pros:
Excellent sound overall. I will leave it to the audiophiles to expand on that.
Very nice soundstage.
Very natural sound.
Very comfortable.
Two detachable cables.
The cons:
Not meant for portable systems, unless you have a headphone amp.
Leak sound quite a lot in both directions. Better use alone and indoor.
Almost impossible to wear large frame glasses in the same time.
May need up to 400 hours for burn-in.
Bulky (but still light)
Compared to:
Audio Technica ATH-A900 (both as comfortable, similar sound qualities and performance, open design). Not portable outside.
Ultrasone HFI-780S(much less comfortable, more bass, more sibilant,more portable, less soundstage, closed design)is more oriented for DJ.
Sennheiser HD-595 (As comfortable, worse bass, open)
Sony MDR-V6 (comfortable, sound quality excellent but still one notch below, very easy to drive with Iphone but coil cable make it better indoor, closed design).
Conclusion:
A very good buy for indoor use and with a good amplifier. I have to push my amp significantly higher to get the same sound level as the other headphones I own. As others users said, beware of the 68 Ohms, this set feels like a 250 Ohms maybe.
While listening to music with some other models, I can have the feeling that the singer is singing inside my head. With the AKG-Q701, it feels like the singer is in the room with me. There is a feeling of lack of agressivity coming from these headphones, making them maybe less tiring. In any case, it provides for an excellent listening experience.
Yet, for the moment (prior to a serious burn-in) the ATH-A900, for 2/3rd of the price is delivering better and is a closed design. I am expecting the AKG to start shining soon and surpass the ATH-A900. I will definitely post some updates after the burn-in.
As a final note, it is always important to remember that the perceived quality will be of the weakest link. People who listen to MP3 on a phone or small music player should not expect high end headphones to perform as good as they are advertised.
It is actually a waste of money to go for high end headphones for use with highly compressed mp3 and no amp. The results may even be worse than with cheap headphones because all the defects and artifacts in the recording will appear with good phones.
Update 11/27/2011
That's it, I think I have burned them in well enough. I must be around 120 hours of use with them. These headphones have become the best of my collection.
I would still describe them as demanding and rewarding in the same time. Demanding because of the amplification needed to power these cans but rewarding because they sound simply marvelous. I was listening to the Pink Floyd Pulse concert, then some Vivaldi yesterday and the precision was simply overwhelming. Perfect rendition of the recordings, excellent soundstage.
Some may find them too analytical or lacking emotions but not me.
I am using them all the time. To listen to music, to play video games (excellent localization) and watch movies...
One huge drawback for someone who owns many headphones... After using the AKG Q701 for a while (and after burn-in); even the ATH-A900 sounds muddy in comparison... My Ultrasone HFI-780S seem harsh and without any finesse...
Update 01/16/2012
These headphones must have now more than 300 hours of use and they are shining better than ever. When I want to carry them around to give a demo to someone, I have to use a headphone amplifier. I am currently using a FiiO E-11 which works well enough with it.
When I give a demo, using a binaural recording coming from the Ultrasone Demo CD, the listeners never fail to turn their head in the direction of the sound. Almost every one is bluffed by the quality of this headphone and its head stage.
At this stage, the only headphone I found capable of rivaling this one in this price range is the Beyer Dynamic DT880 Premium. It is slightly more expensive though.
Update 10/30/2012
I wanted to add something after reading some reviews on the subject. I am what you could call a careless user. I mean that I leave the kids use these headphones when playing on their computer. Age 8 and 12. So far, the headphones are as good as new. I carry them often in my backpack when travelling and I have no issue with their build quality whatsoever.
Also, I would not recommend their use in a plane because they leak sound, specifically when amped up. So by consideration to my neighbors, I would rather use an in-ear set.
To this day, the Q701 are still my best headset.
Update 04/01/2013
I am still using the AKG Q701 on a daily basis. These headphones still sound fantastic. I can be playing video games, watching movies or listening to music, nothing seems to phase them out. I also happen to have noticed an increase in the price as compared to when I did buy them. So the value is really not going down at all.
Update 06/29/2013
These headphones are still going strong. However, I have to report that I found their better in the AKG K702 65th anniversary edition. The latter are almost identical to the Q701 but have more bass. I am amazed to admit it but the overall result is even better. I actually cried while listening to Vivaldi the 4 seasons and Frank Sinatra (How insensitive) when I first tested them without any burn-in. I have not reviewed the K702 yet but I plan to do it soon and the point of comparison will be the Q701.
If you do not have almost $400 to spend, the Q701 are still my best recommendation...
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So everyone around me is getting Beats by Dre. I tried a pair and thought "Well, this sounds nice." Thus I began my hunt for my first set of stylish 'cans' that sound great. After tirelessly picking through reviews on every corner of the internet, my search led me to the Q701's. (And led me to stay far away from the Beats.) And I am very glad it did! They're less expensive, and sound better for my preference! I purposely waited a few months to write a review so make sure I could thoroughly experience them. I'm no audiophile (yet?) but I've learned some things. So take this as a detailed, "not quite yet an audiophile" review. :) If anything is inaccurate, please let me know!
Get these if:
You listen to all genre's of music. Not just bass.
Are willing to buy/carry around an external amplifier.
Have room on your hard drive/mp3 player for high quality music (300mb to 700mb per album.)
Want stylish headphones.
DON'T get these if:
You intend on using them with 128k bitrate mp3's or youtube.
If you want 'hella bass' in your headphones.
If you want high portability.
AMPLIFIER: Now I ordered a HeadRoom Total Bithead Amp with mine, but I DO NOT recommend you do the same unless you intend on using the DAC a lot (Digital Analog Converter, USB connectivity to a computer, saves batteries, improves sound quality.) I highly recommend getting/making a cmoy amplifier if these are entry headphones for you, as they were for me. A cmoy amp is around $40 on a certain auction site that starts with an 'e' and ends with 'bay.' Unlike the HeadRoom which is $100 more than a cmoy. Personally, I stay away from FiiO products. These headphones will work without an amplifier, but will not be loud enough to be enjoyable. Be sure to be aware of the dangers on Tinnitus with loud music!
SOUND: I put on a playlist of different genre's cranked the amp up, and put them in my t-shirt drawer at night. During the day I listened to them. After the 'burn in' process (look this up if you're considering buying these) there is a significant difference. I noticed a difference after a couple weeks of nightly burning in. Before burn in, I can only describe it as sounding flat. Wearing in the drivers gives them more depth. There isn't a more pleasurable experience than these headphones immersing you in music. The term "Music, how it's meant to be heard." would be more appropriate in regards to these headphones. In my case it's Pink Floyd, Ultimate Chillout, Deathcab for Cutie, Arve Henriksen, Beethoven, The Shins, and Nick Drake to name a few. You will hear many imperfections of mp3's files and youtube videos (even 720p and "HD".) The frequency response is 10Hz to 40KHz, which means may hear many small and insignificant sounds you have never heard before in music that you've probably listened to for years. I'll admit, they do not offer great bass. These are "reference class" headphones meant to replicate sounds as they were recorded, not over-saturate any bass in a track. The only format of mp3 that is somewhat bearable with these phones is 320kbps. But you wouldn't want to settle with anything other than lossless, in my biased opinion.
PORTABILITY: These headphones aren't exactly portable. They don't fold up or have a fancy carrying case. They're designed more with a studio setting in mind. You can travel with them. But they are HUGE. And as with all good headphones, they're NOT noise canceling. With this said, don't let that be intimidating. You can "clamp" them on your temples comfortably and they're relatively out of the way while on-the-go. As for noise canceling, given a good amplifier, they are definitely loud enough to reduce outside noise. (Once again, research Tinnitus!) [UPDATE!] I got a chance to wear them on a flight from Eastern Asia to Europe to the west coast of the US. It was a very long flight. I wasn't near a turbine, but they did a decent job drowning out the ambient noise of the plane. I can say that though they're not noise canceling, that shouldn't be an issue on flights.
On a side note, the cables are pretty long! It comes with two cables, a long (6 meters) and short (3 meters) cable. Even the shorter cable can get in the way if you're walking around with them. Also the cable is a "mini-XLR" cable, which I believe is somewhat proprietary. Therefore if you were to break a cable, it wouldn't be easy or inexpensive to replace.
COMFORTABLENESS: The ear pads are extremely comfy, and sometimes I swear they even keep my ears warm :) At extended periods, however, I get a small pain on the top of my head. I can reposition them and it goes away. But this is about the only discomfort I get with extended usage.
BUILD: I'll admit that these seem a bit fragile. They're lightweight, and seem like they'd break after being sat on even once. I definitely treat them delicately. Don't want to push my luck. The innovative pulley system makes them effortlessly adjustable to different head sizes. It also seems like it could break easily if neglected. Lastly, I like the green stylish color. It's part of the reason I got them. You'll definitely get noticed if you're walking through the mall with thesemore so than with Beats. :^P
Tip: If you're new to all this and will be using these with an iPod, then open itunes, and look around in preferences and set it to import with "Apple Lossless." AAC or Mp3 generally won't cut it with these cans. I prefer FLAC, but Apple Lossless (ALAC) works with iPods and Apple devices if that's your fancy. Don't convert mp3 to ALAC, you have to rip all of your CDs again.
**Not trying to completely bash on Beats by Dre, they're great headphones if you want heavy bass and emphasized low's. These headphones aren't rich in bass, but the all around sound is replicated as it's meant to be heard. Primarily the mid's and high's.**
This is all I have for now, I'll edit it if I have more to add.
Buy AKG Q 701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class Premium Headphones, Lime Now
You will definitely never misplace these as they practically glow (think almost highlighter green)! As other reviewers have stated, this is not a headphone to use with low rate MP3 files. If there are artifacts in your recording, or you just have a poorly mixed recording, these headphones will make that pretty apparent. The fit and finish is quite good, and wearer comfort is good with the combination of overall light weight and cushy velour ear pads. The reviewer who claimed this was like strapping two soft bagels to your head, nailed the size reference. You will not be bringing these on your commute. The self-adjusting head band does everything it is supposed to and holds nicely.
I only have a few hours on these running (mostly) lossless through my Icon HD, but they already sound quite good. The highs, mids and lows all come through very realistically and balanced. I find these really excel for jazz, vocals, live, and acoustic music. I would disagree with those that say these lack bass. I found the tones to be very well reproduced and true. Even listening to very bass heavy music was better than I thought it would be, but I would still use my other closed headphones for that.
Overall, a wonderful sounding piece of equipment and quite a value factoring in the price compared to some of the competition (Under $250 vs. $500 plus for many). Well done AKG!
Read Best Reviews of AKG Q 701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class Premium Headphones, Lime Here
I purchased these here on Amazon several months ago. I have listened to them extensively since and I have found that the new Q 701 is indeed the new Reference Headphone in the AKG 700 series line. I listen to these phones using a dedicated headphone amplifier, (the Schiit Lyr Hybrid tube amp), and I source them with my NAD C 565BEE CD player. This combo really brings out the best in my music collection.The Q701 delivers in spades. Bass is deep and full without being hyped up. The treble is smooth yet extremely detailed. Vocals just soar and sing. The soundstage is wide and deep, with good height also. The sound is laid out in front of you with each instrument clearly defined. I have played all kinds of music on these and they sound fantastic with any well recorded CD. Classical music is especially good, as is acoustic jazz. Rock, blues and country all sound good. Overall I would describe these headphones as smooth and natural sounding. They are open backed phones so sound does leak into the room. These phones require a good headphone amp to bring out their best qualities, but when amped well they punch far beyond their price point for excellent sound quality. Highly recommended.
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I did not truly appreciate music until I bought these headphones. These are the best headphones I have ever owned, without question. I have listened to headphones ranging from $10-$1800 and these blew them away. For $250, they truly are an extraordinary value, and are superior in terms of audio quality than Bose, Skull Candy, Dr. Dre, Rocketfish etc in the same price range. For audio purists, they are comparable to the highest end Sennheiser, and sound much better than Grado's that cost $1000 more. You need an amp to use these properly, and once they burn in they sound even better.
These are not well suited or designed for use with iPhones, Androids, etc. They do not have any form of sound isolation, and leak a tremendous amount of noise as they are for producers, audiophiles, reference listening etc. These are not for your daily commute or workout, but as reference headphones, for immersing into music, making music, listening to movies, etc.
They are very well constructed and durable as well. Another nice bonus is that they aren't made in China, but Austria!
If you want mobile headphones, these are the wrong choice. If you want high-end reference headphones without spending $1500 then step right up. These headphones sound as good as sets that costs 7 or 8 times as much. AKG significantly undersells these in my opinion, and has steeply discounted them presumably due to the recession. They are comparable to extremely expensive headphones, and blow away anything you'll get at Best Buy or the Apple store.
Get them while their hot. They have my total respect and completely revolutionized my relationship with music.
