max_the_lab

These phones need no introduction. Given as gift in 2007, taken out to test for functionality, then put back in box. I'm a 2-channel speaker guy, so headphones are not really my thing. Just rediscovered this essentially new set of legendary cans in storage. Working perfectly. There is some curling of the K501 labels on the cans, something that happens to AKG phones of that era, but otherwise cosmetically and functionally perfect. Complete with box. Unobtanium in this condition. $500 firm. SMS/Whatsapp to 97847400 if interested. Pics available on request. Thanks for looking.

Thanks for the pic idkfa... Looks like there are tons of headphones to test... I will be kept pretty busy when I go over next month.

Hi idkfa, Thanks for your advice. I will check out Akihabara. I hope to be in Tokyo around end-March... when exactly do the cherry blossoms appear?

I'm not sure whether phones are going to be cheaper in Japan, but I figured there must be a huge market for them there, given how considerate the Japanese are and the size of the average apartment in Tokyo... if not cheaper then at least a good selection? Looking at trying out something domestic- Stax or Audio-Technica perhaps? And also looking at some Accuphase stuff. Is there a centralized place for hi fi like Adelphi or are they scattered all over the place?

Hi all, Just wanted to get some advice on headphone and headphone amp shopping in Tokyo. Where to go to and what's good value over there? Cheers.

Went down to Hung Brothers today... Managed to have a listen to the HD600, 650 and the HD595 through a NAD CD-R and mixer in the shop... Have to say the surprise of the lot was the 595, dynamic, well-balanced with extended, unfatiguing treble and toneful, defined bass... in comparison the 600 and 650 sounded somewhat dark, with a tonal balance tilted towards the lower frequencies. I have a question though... I was intending to listen to the Beyerdynamic DT880 as well, but the nice lady at Hung Bros said they were out of stock indefinitely. Has anyone compared the tonal balance of the 880 with the Senns especially the HD595? DO you think it would be worth my while to hold off purchasing my cans until I get to hear the 880s?

Hi Mackie, Thanks for your reply. I have no intention of building up a headphone-based system at the present moment. The intention, as mentioned, is to get a pair of phones to enjoy music late at night without disturbing the neighbours and the wife... but who knows what I may get sucked into!! If I might just also ask, how does one tell from specs whether a pair of phones is easy to drive?

Hi Charismatic and Absolute 0, Thanks for your input. I'll make it my first priority to check out the Sennheisers then. It looks like the 650s cost bit more than what I budgetted for- are they worth the extra couple hundred dollars? Also, from what I can see, the prices do vary quite a bit depending on where you shop. Where besides Hung Brothers would be a good place to look at the 600/650?

Hi all, I am a newbie at headphones... but for late night listening in consideration of the neighbours, I am looking at taking the plunge with a set of cans. I have a budget of around S$500, and listen to a very varied mix of jazz, pop and orchestral and small ensemble classical pieces. The only thing I don't listen to is heavy metal and rap... so I suppose I would want something that is pretty much an all-rounder. I would be running the phones via an Accuphase C-2400 pre amp from a DP-67 CDP. Taking all that into consideration, I have shortlisted the usual suspects for audition. 1. Grado SR 325- seems no one has anything bad to say about these at all, except maybe the comfort level... but I don't think I will be wearing them for more than 1-2 hours at a time. 2. Sennheiser HD600- although I would consider the HD580/590 as well, as I have heard good things about these from friends. 3. Beyerdynamic DT880- seems to be a good vibe about these phones on the forum. 4. AKG K501- again, a friends recommendation. Appreciate your comments and input. Thanks.