AKG 240S versus AKG 240 MK II? Choices?

[sanlanman]

Are there any significant differences between these two updated versions of the venerable 240 series headphones? Specs and features of the headsets themselves appear to be identical. The Mk II version deletes the goldtone finish on the S version earcups and adds a second coiled cable and velour earpads, for a $60 to $100 dollar price premium.

My 20 plus year old K240 Sextets are losing their crispness, (or my hearing is) and I am looking to get new phones. I have been happy with the 240s sound over the years and they fit my large head so darn comfortably that I hesitate to try others, since I don't have many try out options here. Plus I could use a second pair anyway, for my 2nd system. I have two relatively upper end A/V systems in the house, but money is very tight right now. Otherwise, I would be looking to choose/test listen between AKG K702 or Denon D-7000 or upper end Beyer phones. I don't have a headphone amp yet. Mostly use phones for private listening and reel to reel tape monitoring.

PS: Can velour earpads be bought and added to the 240S version?

 

[lini]

slm: In my headphone collection the K240S is my favourite groovy sounding headphone, though I prefer it in combination with low to very low impedance outputs - and although I find it crisp enough for my taste, on an objective scale I'd rather deem it pretty extended, but a little rolled off towards the high end. I like that, because that way the treble is present, but still mellow enough to not get on my nerves - however, I'm not sure, whether that "golden colouration" would be the right thing for your purpose. Hence I'd suggest to compare a couple of other candidates as well, if you can manage that somehow. For example, I could imagine that the AKG K601 and the Beyerdynamic DT440 could be worth a try for you as well. And while I haven't heard the current Philips top models myself yet, it might be worth to check these, too - 'cause their (SBC-)HP890 from a couple of years ago also was a nice sounding model with a bit of extra brilliance...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

P.S.: Oh, and yup, the plush pads are available separately, too. For example, Thomann.de over here offers these for 17 Euro.

 

[Fred Sanford]

Are there any significant differences between these two updated versions of the venerable 240 series headphones? Specs and features of the headsets themselves appear to be identical. The Mk II version deletes the goldtone finish on the S version earcups and adds a second coiled cable and velour earpads, for a $60 to $100 dollar price premium.

My 20 plus year old K240 Sextets are losing their crispness, (or my hearing is) and I am looking to get new phones. I have been happy with the 240s sound over the years and they fit my large head so darn comfortably that I hesitate to try others, since I don't have many try out options here. Plus I could use a second pair anyway, for my 2nd system. I have two relatively upper end A/V systems in the house, but money is very tight right now. Otherwise, I would be looking to choose/test listen between AKG K702 or Denon D-7000 or upper end Beyer phones. I don't have a headphone amp yet. Mostly use phones for private listening and reel to reel tape monitoring.

PS: Can velour earpads be bought and added to the 240S version?

I have some 20+ yr. old 240s that needed an overhaul, so I did the same shopping you did, and ended up with the new 240S model. Aside from the impedance/sensitivity difference, the sound is pretty similar. I do find the new removable cable setup to give a bit more cable noise to my ears when I'm moving around (I often use these while recording vocals or guitar). I since fixed my older 240s, and am able to switch between the two, and I'm happy with the new 240Ss that I got for about $99.

Hope that helps.

je

 

[Rex Aeterna]

yea if you like the old monitors then you'll enjoy the 240 studios. i love mine a lot. they work fine out of phone or mp3 player as well but don't get very loud and will lose some detail capabilities compared to a better amplification source like receiver,integrated amp,mixer and so forth. there also cheap compared to other headphones out there that are more expensive but aren't as neutral as the 240s and add there own kind of flavor to the mix.

i think the mkII is just a different color scheme,extra pads,cables and come straight from Austria compared to the 240s which comes from different factories around the world which makes it less expensive.

 

[sanlanman]

you know, I am having some second thoughts here. I think this time around, I would like to go with closed back headphones. What is the AKG closed back headphone that is at least as good or better than the 240S, and how does that phone stack up against the Audio Technica ATH M50S?

With closed back phones, the wife can watch TV and I can listen to the stereo or tape deck in the same room.

 

[JimmyNeutron]

A couple of days ago I went on a hunt for some AKG 240 MKII's. I found them at my local Guitar World for $200.00. They do sound very nice - very wide and out-of your-head soundstage. I new I wanted them, but I did not have my wallet with me right then. When I got home I got on Amazon.com and searched for the 240 MKII's and found several at $150.00 new. But then I also found the AKG 601, new in the box, for $200.00! Gotta love Amazon!! If these local retailers are gonna survive they are gonna have to compete with the on-line stores. Anyway, I bought them without hearing them, only by reading all the excellent on-line reviews. I'll have them in about 1 week and will post my impressions.

Jimmy

 

[Rex Aeterna]

you know could of asked guitar center to price match it for you. they do,do that. i go there all the time and if i ever want to buy something there i ask'em to price match an item if i found it cheaper online.

 

[JimmyNeutron]

you know could of asked guitar center to price match it for you. they do,do that. i go there all the time and if i ever want to buy something there i ask'em to price match an item if i found it cheaper online.

I did, and they said no. I'm not one to bicker with salespeople. Amazon is only 5 days shipping time, and I've never been burned by their return policy. No haggeling on Amazon either - it's the best price you will find - period! Times are tough, and I don't give my money out as easily as I used to. If this salesguy, or company really wanted, no, really NEEDED my money, they would have gladly matched the price. But the second these salespeople say "no" while looking at me like I'm some poor soul begging for a scrape off their table, I walk away and gladly give my money to Amazon.

Jimmy

 

[eclein]

I saw a pair of K430's in a store for $98.00 and got home and found them on Amazon for $19.00 I was shocked and bought them just because it was such a deal. I didn't even need them....lol

 

[sanlanman]

Right Now, I am focusing on the AKG K271 MKII headphones. There is a pretty darn good on line deal going on right now. My birthday is coming up and I dropped this hint to the wife. We shall see.