Hello All

My baby AKG K701 is broken so I have an excuse to get a new headphone and I like to try something other than AKG although I love them so much.

I listen to classical, symphonies, quartets etc, so sound stage and quality are very important. I like a neutral sound, that produces sound as they should with no bias to bass or treble etc.

I have my eye on the ATH-W1000X but appreciate that expensive headphone does not mean it will suit my taste. Just wondered if anyone has any ideas?

Many thanks!

This post has been edited by Geminist: Apr 19 2011, 03:21 AM

Thanks for the ideas.

I know it's a bit hard to describe, but what do you mean by different between the two? I know it's a closed can design but that's about it.

I have read quite a few comparison and some even said it is a 701 killer.

I like to try it but trouble is I am in London and I don't know where I can try.

What do you mean by grand piano wide sound stage?

Many thanks.

Took the plunge and went for W1000X.





The sound signature is really different from AKG K701, I must say for what you pay for K701, it is an excellent headphone. However the W1000X is more exciting to listen to than the K701 although bearing in mind I can buy two K701 with the price of on W1000X.

The soundstage on W1000X is good and the sound is warmer than K701. It sounds wonderful with classical music, in particular the lush sound on the cello/violin.

My only complain is the headphone feels a bit lose on the head and doesn't give a secure feeling like the K701.

All in all, I'm now an AT fan (and also AKG )!

I returned the Valhalla as the money meant for a new amp got diverted to this AT cans thanks to a broken AKG.

I would guess that a tube amp would go well with the W1000X? For something priced similar to the cans, has anyone got any idea what would be a good tube amp? I'm currently running it from Headfive.

I've read quite a few good reviews on the Yamamoto but yeap, the price is outside my budget

By the way, I noticed that burn in makes a difference to W1000X as the sound seems to have 'tighten' up after about 30 hours burn in.

Hmmm, I doubt I'll spend £750 on a headphone amp when all my components are around the £350 mark. I think it will only help if I have a very good source to drive the amp. I am currently using my 5 years old EMU, which I think is on its way out as well.

I am contemplating of replacing that with a DAC Magic should it go. Has anyone got any ideas?

I'm still frankly amazed by the W1000X. It's so addictive to listen to it and it's hard to actually take it off. It makes a world of difference compared to the K701 when listening to instrumental music, classical, symphonies etc.

I think for K701 and considering the price, it would be the headphone I recommend for £200 as it is a bit unfair to compared it to a £500 headphone. I like the K701 because it is to me an analytical headphone. It's just not as warm/lush for instruments as compared to the W1000X.

I am in London and if you're around I'm happy to meet up. I like to try the HD800 if I get the opportunity too, as I've only heard HD555 before.

You can try looking at eBay or pricejapan. I got mine on eBay so I paid about £150 less than I would if I were to buy the W1000X here in London.

This post has been edited by Geminist: Apr 29 2011, 08:33 AM

The K701 is still one I would go to, I was just a bit crossed with Harman's customer service and I also wanted to try something else (glad I did!). Hmmm, the HD800 costs a fortune though.