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Dankk
91
Jul 15, 2014
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So yeah, I got my black Q701 in the mail yesterday. I took a picture. Sorry for the potato quality (my main camera is at work).
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I'm quite pleased. I'm not an audio professional, nor do I have a lot of experience with different headphones, amps, or DACs, but I can safely say that the Q701 paired up with the Aune X1 Pro Amp/DAC (also from Massdrop) is a very excellent combo. Currently I'm using a USB connection from the computer to the X1. I was using a coaxial connection previously, but after doing a bit of side-by-side comparison, I think USB seems to be a bit cleaner (I will likely experiment more with this in the future).
These things are huge. They are ridiculously comfortable too. I haven't worn them long enough to say anything about pain/fatigue, but I can't imagine having any such issues. The large, soft pads rest lightly on my head and completely encompass my ears with little pressure. I also don't have any issues with the supposed "bumps" on the inside of the headband, in fact that part of the headband doesn't even touch my head. I suppose it might be an issue for those with larger heads though.
I know everyone has been talking about how these don't have a lot of bass, they are purely "reference" headphones, they won't rattle your skull or anything, etc, etc. Yeah, I mean, it's true. This actually worried me a lot (I like my low-end), but after listening to them, I realize I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Truth is, these things definitely have low-end, and it sounds great. It's very tight and balanced. Very accurate. If the track you're listening to is bassy, then it will sound bassy. It's simple really.
I am a big fan of electronic music. Trance and house are pretty much 90% of what I listen to. An interesting observation that I've made, however, is that with electronic music, it seems like you reach a point of diminishing returns... faster than you would with other genres of music. Regardless of how good your equipment is, you can only get synthesizers to sound so good. Don't get me wrong, electronic sounds great on these headphones, but... it's still just electronic, you know?
But now, I am beginning to take notice of other, more traditional types of music; stuff that's more acoustic and organic in nature. I stepped outside of my boundaries for a little bit and threw on a 1990 digital remaster of Nat King Cole's "Love", and I think that was the very first track I listened to on these headphones that actually made me go 'woah'. It sounds so real. So I'm trying to expand my horizons a bit and find some other good music that's a little more dynamic and interesting.
Sorry for my rambling. (I wonder if any of that makes sense).
Jul 15, 2014
Glenn
20
Jul 15, 2014
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DankkYou should check out Jeff Buckley, Grace album. Definitely something i'm planning to listen to as soon as I get these.
Jul 15, 2014
rodgaroon
231
Jul 15, 2014
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DankkThanks for the review,
Listen, a lot of "True" audiophiles will not be rocking Q701, they are into stuff 10x-20x more expensive. But for people who just want to listen to their music at a high quality these are the headphone's you want. Pair them with a dac/amp combo in the same price range and you have years of enjoyment ahead of you.
Jul 15, 2014
Mahesh
3
Jul 15, 2014
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rodgaroonI disagree with you on that point actually, a lot of audiophiles actually love the Q/K 70X series of headphones because it is highly transparent and detailed with amazing soundstage. I do agree that they also purchase much more expensive ones but most of them do collect different headphones. They are great for beginners in the reference class of headphones! especially considering the price point right now. If you take the current high end in the AKG line which are the K712, they are the same headphones with different pads, you can actually buy those pads and get the same bass-ier sound to expense of a slightly narrower soundstage.
Jul 15, 2014
Mahesh
3
Jul 15, 2014
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DankkGreat Review,
Do try Harry Connick Jr's We are in love album. in particular: A Nightingale sang in Berkley Square. Get it in Flac. Sounds just amazing, especially the trumpets
Jul 15, 2014
cdma2k
7
Jul 15, 2014
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Mahesh+1 I guess most audiophiles will be more interested in x01 series than x12 series, at least I am
Jul 15, 2014
Dankk
91
Jul 15, 2014
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MaheshThat one sounds great. I do not have a FLAC version of the song, but I do have a 320kbps MP3 downloaded from a legitimate source (Google Play). It's very, very nice.
It's especially neat how I can notice the different instruments emanate from different locations, to a point where I can almost visualize the whole band spread out across the stage.
Jul 15, 2014
Mahesh
3
Jul 15, 2014
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DankkYup, Soundstage is the Q701's strength for sure. Waiting for mine to get here later in the week. I'm going to be using it with an Aune T1 which i rolled the tubes on for a vintage tube. Should sound sweet!
Enjoy that monster of a headphone man!
cheers.
Jul 15, 2014
david.zamora
102
Jul 16, 2014
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MaheshThanks for the suggestions for the music. Checking it out now!
Jul 16, 2014
Mahesh
3
Jul 16, 2014
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david.zamoraNo problem David. I'd even suggest one of my favorite artist right now. Check out any album from Fink. Awesome music! The John Butler Trio is a fantastic listen as well!
Enjoy
Jul 16, 2014
SeanHow
44
Jul 19, 2014
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rodgaroonI wouldn't call myself a true audiophile. I don't listen to random music to critique on the mastering quality, I listen to enjoy but I do so only if it is reproduced well.
I have many headphones that cost much more than the Q701 (even if the Qs were at RRP) and I have had the K702 in the past. I'd have to say that the AKG Q701/K701-2 (Austrian manufactured batches) are by far the best headphones to be had in the ~$300 range, but I have my doubts since they moved production to China and I haven't had the opportunity to peruse.
DAC/amp combo for this - Asus Essence One (set on high gain). Complete system without breaking into the 4th digit.
Jul 19, 2014
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