ATH-M50x or AKG Q701

[Ps_domingo]

I have narrowed down my choices of headphones to these two.

Which one is better for you guys?

[Lays]

akg q701 would most likely be better, although may be lacking in bass comparatively

 

It all comes down to personal preference though

[AnnoyedShelf]

I have narrowed down my choices of headphones to these two.

Which one is better for you guys?

Both are awesome. I have the M50s (Same thing basically) and a friend has the Q701's.  Basically the same in audio quality, but go with the M50X if you want slightly better bass response.

[Ech0location]

Go for the ATH-M50's if you aren't amping, go for the Q701's if you are.

[Ps_domingo]

Go for the ATH-M50's if you aren't amping, go for the Q701's if you are.

I do have a Fiio E18.

[Lyons]

Completely different.

 

The 701 is open, neutral and more detailed. The M50 is closed, bass heavy and not as detailed.

 

The 701 will require an amp more powerful than the e18 to get the most out of them, especially the low end.

[SSL]

akg q701 would most likely be better, although may be lacking in bass comparatively

 

It all comes down to personal preference though

 

This. They have different sound signatures, even though the AKG is technically better, the best headphone is the on that is LIKED by YOU.

[NannerBeans]

Personally I would pick neither but if I had to pick one of the 2 it would be Q701 since you can get them fairly cheap at times used. The M50x is so overrated. 

[SSL]

Completely different.

 

The 701 is open, neutral and more detailed. The M50 is closed, bass heavy and not as detailed.

 

The 701 will require an amp more powerful than the e18 to get the most out of them, especially the low end.

 

Especially the low end? :rolleyes:

 

I'm going to say that the Fiio E18 is adequate to drive the Q701 to reasonable listening levels. Dynamic music might be a stretch but probably doable.

[Lyons]

I'm going to say that the Fiio E18 is adequate to drive the Q701

 

You haven't owned them

 

Edit - I should add, the X70X drivers seem to only benefit from more powerful amps in producing low end. Mids and highs are taken care of quite promptly without much effot.

[NannerBeans]

You haven't owned them

 

Edit - I should add, the X70X drivers seem to only benefit from more powerful amps in producing low end. Mids and highs are taken care of quite promptly without much effot.

Please stop it with the Head-Fi talk. E18 is fine. 

[Lyons]

Please stop it with the Head-Fi talk. E18 is fine. 

 

Man, I must be a terrible person for responding to someone questioning what I said. 701's are pretty damn inefficient.

[SSL]

Man, I must be a terrible person for responding to someone questioning what I said. 701's are pretty damn inefficient.

 

Have you owned the E18? I'm perfectly aware that the 701's are inefficient. 92.92 dB/mW to be precise.

[NannerBeans]

Man, I must be a terrible person for responding to someone questioning what I said. 701's are pretty damn inefficient.

Nah you just fell for the Head-Fi marketing of buying expensive amps for no reason at all. 

[Lauen]

Nah you just fell for the Head-Fi marketing of buying expensive amps for no reason at all. 

I wouldn't say the Audioengine D1 is an expensive amp. sure it's no o2 but it's pretty good. 

[SSL]

I wouldn't say the Audioengine D1 is an expensive amp. sure it's no o2 but it's pretty good. 

 

The op already has an amp.

[Lauen]

The op already has an amp.

I know. I was saying that Lyons has an Audioengine D1 dac (with "high performance amplifier"), which is pretty good, but not as good (specwise) as an o2.

[Andy Rooney]

Not sure how this compares, but I have the K701 AKG and Earsuit 700 A/T models.  I like the open backed AKG for sound quality at home in a quiet environment with adequate power.  I like the Audio Technica for excellent compromise of sound quality given its solid isolation in a noisy environment, easy driveability out of a phone, and portability for its compact size (you can fold the M50x up even tho the cups are bigger than mine.) Would pick the AKG at my desk every time. Would pick the Audio Technica away from desk every time.

[Andy Rooney]

forgot to add: AKG earcups super comfy for my head during long listening stretches.