AKG K240DF - the best reference headphones I know.
Written: Aug 22 '04 (Updated Aug 22 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The best professional reference sound.
Cons: High impedance, vintage construction.
The Bottom Line: Almost every professional studio I've seen have these. Ever wonder why?
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| meatex z's Full Review: AKG K 240M Professional Headphones |
This review is dedicated to the one and only AKG K240DF headphones - for some reason Epinions have no distinction between several types of 240 series' models.
AKG brand name is usually associated with hi-end studio microphones and headphones. While they still produce variety of lower-cost headphones, K 240DF is a high-end model capable of handling every possible task. I've got my K240DF for about five years and I hope it will last another 20.
Flat frequency response
This is what's it all about. These headphones have the flattest frequency response among all of AKGs, which means they don't boost or mute any given frequency range. What you hear is what it really is. Most of the headphones do not represent certain frequency ranges equally - for example, small sized headphones usually have no bass, and bigger sized headphones boost basses and highs to produce a more juicy and fat sound, which is good when you're listening to trance, but not as good when you work on mixes.
Primary application
I think it should be a studio use. It is the best reference headphones I know. If you've heard Yamaha NM10 monitors (the ones with white speakers), you should know what we're talking about. Very defined, clear sound, without any "boom" and "hiss" typical to regular hi-fi equipment. If the mix sounds good on these headphones, it will sound better on any other system.
Don't have a record studio? That's okay!
Of course, if you're just an audiophile and not a studio engineer, you should love it as well. It is very sharp and you'll hear things you haven't heard before on the records you've had for years - just give it a try with your Pink Floyd collection, and you'll be amazed how many subtle things you've been missing. The major complaint I've heard from "ordinary people" is that it's not that much a*s-kicking and grooving as the other hi-end devices. As I already mentioned, you wouldn't get a "diskoteque" sound through with K240DF - try something cheaper.
Negative features
First, the headphones have a very high impedance- about 600kOhm or something like that. It results in a relatively quiet output. If you just stick it into a "headphones" out of your computer, for example, the volume will be too low. It requires a preamp. Also, at one studio I had to record guitar while listening to playback through these headphones - they had only 240DF's in a room, and the volume was too low - they couldn't get it louder with their distribution system. For studio monitoring I would recommend K240M (Monitor) or 270M - they have lower impedance and are much louder (and they are designed for monitoring - according to the name). But, again, if you have a preamp, the problem does not exist.
Next, I'm not mad about the construction. Although it is comfortable and so on, I've seen better designs - Senheiser, for example, is lighter and fits the ear better. AKG is a bit heavy. I can handle three or four hours with the headphones on, but not more than that. I'm afraid AKG decided to keep the "original" design - people like vintage reissues, but I would at least put out another model with upgraded construction for those who want the same sound in a lighter package. It's also so big I cannot imagine someone sober plugging it to the walkman and going to the street.
Another construction bug (I've seen it on other AKG models too) is a big plastic ring on the outer side of each ear. It won't stay in place, jumping out and hanging on the metal frame connecting the ears. I've seen people using glue and masking tape to keep it where it supposed to be.
To make things clear - I don't want to say it's a really bad construction and so on, it is rather comfortable, but judging headphones of the highest class I would expect no flaws at all.
Positive features
Yes, it is comfortable - compared to many other headphones of the same price range on the market. The cord is long - about two meters (how many feet does it make? - no idea), which is a HUGE bonus - I hate short cords and I don't understand why other brands continue making them so short! The on-ear part is covered with leather, making the contact with the skin quite pleasant. Additionally, the speaker is not placed inside your ear, there's a small gap between the ear and the sound source, which makes the whole hearing experience more natural and easy.
Everything is very durable - sans the plastic rings I already mentioned. AKG headphones last years - just read other reviews!
Who should consider investing in a pair of K240DF's?
1. Studio engineers, home studio owners and all the musicians.
2. Audiophiles who listen to different sorts of music - not pop only.
3. Anyone who's looking for quality headphones for home use.
Who should consider different product?
1. People carrying mp3 players, walkmans, diskmans and such - AKG K240DF is for home use only.
2. People who want to bang their heads with loud and punchy grooves.
3. Anyone without a headphones' preamp.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
meatex z
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Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
musician, architect, webmaster
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