Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to HeadphoneHaven - Where Music Enthusiasts Gather.. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. You will also have access to better reviews/promotions and offers.

Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.
Click Here To Join!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 3
AKG k501; the k501 appreciation thread.
Topic Started: 15 Oct 2006, 10:03 PM (4,707 Views)
cmk
No Avatar
The Audio Geek
When I was hunting for cans, I found that each individual can offered its own signature sound. Each was different, even with the same brand and lineup, eg the DT770 is different from the DT880 which is also different from the DT990.

The only exception is the Grado lineup, where almost all their standard lineup are "cut from the same cloth".

I never buy on reputation alone. I listen to other recommendations, then listen for myself before committing. With headphones, each one can differ quite drastically.
Posted Image
[size=3]New king of the hill = Diva + ATHW100/Beyer DT990![/size]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
That dude
Member Avatar
50000+ Member
All those who owns 501s. How do u drive it?
Wait, What?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
Go-vibes v5 will be the best cheap budget combo that goes well with the k501
well-known combo in head-fi.

the normal budget lvl will be..
- G&W Amp (new home headamp that jaben brought in)
- Firestone iCute Beyond
- Dynalo(a diy amp which is similar to gilmore lite, dryer sound)

Great stuff will be..
- Gilmore lite (very wellknown solidstate amp which goes very well with k501)
- Diva Headamp (by TS lim of diva audio, specially made to synergise well with the k501)


additional info: AKG headphones are better driven by solidstate amps rather than tube amps. Tested myself personally(by the diva amp is diff, drives the k501 pretty well) but do note that Products that TS Lim made are very focused and shines well on certain situations(Jazz,vocals,classicals;no way to rock,pop and etc) and will not sound well in all ranges.

P.S: all these are my personal opinions. YMMV!
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cmk
No Avatar
The Audio Geek
AhDui
You need to try out the Diva with Pop & Rock. Implicit tried it that day listening to Coldplay's "Rush of blood to the head", and I think he experienced just that first hand, it IS that GOOD.

Right now I'm listening to Dido's "Life for rent" on LP. Never heard her that intimate before.
Posted Image
[size=3]New king of the hill = Diva + ATHW100/Beyer DT990![/size]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
coldplay doesnt sound that pop or rock to me so its decent. dido was superb, so nth is wrong for it.
try pop rock bands like greenday and the songs will likely screw the headphone and amp.

its just like the CDPs TS Lim modded, im very sure they are not as hybrid as before but they shines very very well on certain situations.
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cmk
No Avatar
The Audio Geek
ahdui
Nov 11 2006, 01:11 PM
coldplay doesnt sound that pop or rock to me so its decent. dido was superb, so nth is wrong for it.
try pop rock bands like greenday and the songs will likely screw the headphone and amp.

its just like the CDPs TS Lim modded, im very sure they are not as hybrid as before but they shines very very well on certain situations.

I don't listen to junk :P
Posted Image
[size=3]New king of the hill = Diva + ATHW100/Beyer DT990![/size]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
lol thats why!
using the wrong music on the wrong equipment = HORRIBLE.

but there are still people who use it on such kinda junk, so i have to say its kinda wasted.
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cmk
No Avatar
The Audio Geek
I think some of you don't get the idea or concept very well.

When a component is so transparent, no matter what you pass through it, it will sound good or bad, not according to the component, but according to how good/bad the music was recorded.

How else do some components last for such a long time and yet remain timeless. It is ruthlessly reveiling, the thing is, can you handle the truth?

Now even if you pass junk music, it will sound like good junk, because you will be able to hear things you would otherwise would not be able to when using a lesser amp.
Posted Image
[size=3]New king of the hill = Diva + ATHW100/Beyer DT990![/size]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ryner
Member Avatar
Music Lover
AKG k501 owners:
1. ahdui
2. ayeosq
3. implicit
4. Gradesm
5. cmk
6. LaoMao
7. That dude (My first pair of cans!)
8. Ryner ( I just had to get one after I heard it synergies with the mystery amp)
People call me things like nuts, crazy and insane, I just tell them I am very serious when it comes to my hobbies.

What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

The most important thing in this hobby, sit down with a nice drink and enjoy the music. =]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
BirdRobin
Member Avatar

mine isnt really burned in yet to enjoy its full sonic qualities... but already feeling my violin tracks with the cans... :rolleyes:
Sources: PC, Denon DCD 860 cd player, Zen Nano plus.
Cans: HD201 with Grado cables, Beyers DT231, MS1, AKG 501
Earbuds: AKG K14P, K12P
IEMs: UE Super-fi 3 Studio
Amps: Kenwood KR-V8030, Go-Vibe V5 + Cardas HP1 interconnect, Diva headphone amp.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
jdimitri
No Avatar

Mine should be here sometime next week :lol:

Unfortunately it's going to be temporary before a DB.. but who knows, maybe i'll keep it if i like it a LOT

US$100 including shipping is just way too tempting (used,but mint)
Those pads don't look too comfortable though :sweat: (coming from DT990)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
supersheep
Member Avatar

LOL my gf's dad own a pair of AKG 501 does tt count as mine?
ex-Sony NW-A3000, ex-Ipod(Agent18),ex-Sony NW-A808, Sony Nw-A1000, Shure E2c, AKG 501, Superfi5 EB, Shure e500

TEAM HEADBANGERS
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
somehow.. NO! lol
go get 1 of your own and be a proud owner :)
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
supersheep
Member Avatar

LOL but im always at her house so always use it :) but ah i canot power it that well cos no amp haha
ex-Sony NW-A3000, ex-Ipod(Agent18),ex-Sony NW-A808, Sony Nw-A1000, Shure E2c, AKG 501, Superfi5 EB, Shure e500

TEAM HEADBANGERS
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
are you having hanky panky with your GF or really playing the k501? LOL

just a joke, dont take it serious lol
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
supersheep
Member Avatar

LOL both :singsong:
ex-Sony NW-A3000, ex-Ipod(Agent18),ex-Sony NW-A808, Sony Nw-A1000, Shure E2c, AKG 501, Superfi5 EB, Shure e500

TEAM HEADBANGERS
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
naughty boy! we are OT-ing way too much

:b2t: !!!

P.S: OT = Off Topic
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
jdimitri
No Avatar

Wooh got mine today! Shipped on friday from malaysia, got to australia on monday!

Impressions are coming, but i'd have to say it might be the best value headphone i've ever bought for $US100, even though i got the DT990 for US$200ish
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Gerald
No Avatar

Hi guys,

I have heard so much about the k501...

How much are they in Singapore?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
zonalblitz
Member Avatar
Site Photographer
Hi Gerald,

"We do not have a policy of directly quoting prices in our posts." qouted from Scanfiend.

Please contact Dealers for prices. :)
If impressing/being impressed is how it gets you around, forget it. It is not gonna happen.
The world of audiophile and fine living is not an Olympics.

Team "> Two Thousand Dollars Only" per Portable Audio Rig

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
LaoMao
No Avatar

AKG k501 owners:
1. ahdui
2. ayeosq
3. implicit
4. Gradesm
5. cmk
6. That dude (My first pair of cans!)
7. Ryner ( I just had to get one after I heard it synergies with the mystery amp)
8. LaoMao
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
aloy
Member Avatar
Poor Student
is the AKG K501 hard to drive? how about playing it unamped?

thinking of getting one maybe? but not so soon. do they have it in jaben?

haha. and i'm a fan of AKG! ;)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
Its pretty hard to drive for a 120ohm Headphone.
its fine if you like it unamped but better still with an amp.

Yes, but left very little stocks.
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
aloy
Member Avatar
Poor Student
woah... cool. 120ohms? that's quite high!

haha. ok, i'll get down to check it out some day. thanks for the help. ^_^
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
jenhwa
Member Avatar

AKG k501 owners:
1. ahdui
2. ayeosq
3. implicit
4. Gradesm
5. cmk
6. That dude (My first pair of cans!)
7. Ryner ( I just had to get one after I heard it synergies with the mystery amp)
8. LaoMao
9. jenhwa
************************
Listening Room
- C.E.C. TL51X transport
- C.E.C. DX71MK2 Limited Edition dac
- Promitheus Audio Signature TVC
- CI Audio D200 Monoblocks
- Balanced 4N Silver interconnects
- Audioplus PCOCC speaker cable
- Klipsch KG 3.5 floorstanding speakers
- DIY APT50 supertweeters

Desktop Setup
- Silverstone EB01
- Hisago PCOCC interconnect
- Meier Audio Headfive #282
- AKG K501 w/ Enyo Siver custom cable

Portable Setup
- Ipod Classic 160gb
- ALO Audio Bling Bling Dock
- AMB Mini3
- LiveWires w/ Enyo Siver custom cable
************************
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
vancomycin
No Avatar

AKG k501 owners:
1. ahdui
2. ayeosq
3. implicit
4. Gradesm
5. cmk
6. That dude (My first pair of cans!)
7. Ryner ( I just had to get one after I heard it synergies with the mystery amp)
8. LaoMao
9. jenhwa
10. vancomycin (My 1st pair)

all thanks to the great patience of Wilson at Jaben, where i tested at least 10 other headphones before deciding on this :P
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Zonic
No Avatar

Another amp would be the X-1 amp which I tried with the AKG 501 and apparently it is able to drive it quite well too.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
union
Member Avatar

Union sign in with K501, also with K401, K601, K701, K271 Studio, K240 Studio & K171 Studio in my collection.

I still think K501 is the best in 01 series.

K501, K601 & K701
Posted Image

K401
Posted Image

K271 Studio & K171 Studio
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
zonalblitz
Member Avatar
Site Photographer
Very nice collection there! :D
If impressing/being impressed is how it gets you around, forget it. It is not gonna happen.
The world of audiophile and fine living is not an Olympics.

Team "> Two Thousand Dollars Only" per Portable Audio Rig

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ahdui
Member Avatar
aux!
cant believe u have that rare k401 too.
almost wanted to grab it from ttvj last time.
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Headphones · Next Topic »
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 3