AKG K550 Headphone Review: Clean, Lean & A Little Mean

[@fdmazlum]

The difference is the Apple-ish microphone/controls on the cable, the cable length K550 = 3m / 10feet (monitoring size cable), K551=1.2m / 2.1 feet (so nomade size cable if I get wrong with meter/feet conversion :P). And the K551 is white. There is also the K551SLV which is the same as K551 but in black with white metal (instead of all black K550)

[@tuanworms]

how is your seal with your glasses?. It seems that mine doesnt seel perfectly while i am wearing my glasses

[@cerevor]

No; i meant the order of a Beyerdynamic. I ordered a used one offered on Amazon, but the seller simply canceled my order. Wanted to keep it or gave it to someone else, I have no idea. The AKG K701 I cancelled myself after a few hours, the AKG K550 I only tested in a shop. So I have neither of those. Still trying to go with a Beyerdynamic 880. Especially the 250 Ohm version seems to be very neutral and strong in all areas (graph on headphone com etc). Not unlike the K550 btw, but still better

[@sawyermckay4107]

I have a pair of these that broke somehow, and it broke my heart. I have no idea how it happened considering how fantastic the build is.

[@HamishW96]

Thanks for the review, I bought them not long after I saw this. Very happy :)

[@jonathanjon6455]

just got the k550. sound amazing but the treble spikes when high volume. the treble gets painfully high. even medium. is it supposed to be this way or is mine defective should i return?

[@cerevor]

I'll look into the MA900. The K7XX-line gets too much criticism although I already had one placed in order for a short time. Do you have any experience with Beyerdynamic? They are said to be harsh or slightly imbalanced, but their frequency curve actually resembles the "perfect" Sennheiser HD 800 more than some others...

[@DONTLOOKBACK2]

Bought this after watched ur video! The design really impressed me a lot

[@321345670]

Generally any decent pair of cans will benefit from an amplifier. As an owner of the K550's i can confidently say that these headphones truly shine when plugged into an amplifier. Also, these are reference class headphones, they are made to have a flat sound signature and also benefit from around 40-50 hours of burn in (thats playing them constantly at a medium then loud volume)

[@dmtsmokingman]

What is this flat rhetoric? it implies an eq at neutral, why would you use a neutral eq, you can add db +- on any freq range.. Just wondering if there is something i am missing. Because im buying these

[@andrewyhung3763]

Hey i'm thinking of buying either the AKG Q701 or Audio Technica ATH 900X Closed back. Which one is better excluding the price difference?

[@starcaster]

Just purchased these before seeing this. An excellent review: I agree with all of the points you make.

[@brazmann9571]

do you think an amp would benefit in tweaking the bass and treble? thanks

[@chillichillie7095]

Is the AKG K618 any good? The design is nice but i'm not sure about the sound.

[@darklord2626]

Overall would you recommend these cans as an upgrade from the ATH m50? I listen to alot of rap and r&b but not concerned about the hard hitting bass but more of the quality of the mids, highs, treble.

[@cerevor]

If it's too hard to find a alternative that matches all my concerns, I've been thinking I might get used to the AKG, but there's also the risk that I can't stand it at some point any more and want to get a more open sound where I can clearly hear where thing are... That's my main reservation in going for such an unused sound.

[@hiddekooistra1171]

I listen hardstyle/edm/trap/drumstep all sorts of melodic dance music so bass isnt the most important thing because i also want to hear the melody,but i dont want it to be boring so i also want a bitchy punchy bass but not way too strong, im satisfied if the bass is kinda punchy, are these the headphones im looikng for?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

hidde kooistra These are nicely punchy, just not a great deal of bass.

[@fitnesschefen]

How are these compared to the Sony Mdr-1r? are they better? i have the sonys, but i dont think they have enough bass, im thinking of getting the denon D7100 or sennheiser HD 700, i wanna use the headphones for movies, so what do you think? some or closed and others are open. Thanks

[@lachlanlikesathing]

It sounds like you want a lot of different things! If you are using at home and you are okay with sound leakage, open headphones are more comfortable for long periods of time because they are breathable. They have a different feel when it comes to bass though. I don't know about the HD700 or the D7100, but can very heartily recommend the Sony MDR-MA900 or Sennheiser HD650 for home use.

[@cerevor]

I would say the Sennheiser swallows details and colour a bit or veils them in order to create a very laid-back sound. I've had them for years and I want a different approach, or something not as muffled. But they should still be well-balanced.

[@onerock4760]

is the sound same with sony xba 4????

[@Steampunk915]

Is there a headphone that at first you didn't liked it but for some reason the you kinda liked it after a while?

[@freddywayne]

What does he mean by 'dry-sounding'?

[@DeeDeeDanone]

Good review mate, I've got these big brutes aswell and i'm inclined to agree with your opinions on these headphones. I find using them with my Fiio E7 and cranking the bass boost to 3 makes them a lot more 'fun' and impactful.

[@cerevor]

So I wanted to ask, do have any suggestions in the same price range (potentially used)?

[@JoshCarterLee]

Yup they are. I owned quite a number of them, but when it comes to price to performance ratio, I gotta say that AT's AD900 is considered as the entry model for audiophile grade. My top can is still my trusty HD650 with custom cable made in M'sia

[@glowing_man]

Are these bigger than the K545 and do they sound different (worse/better)?

[@jackledger6866]

Has the audio technica ATHm50x better than The AKG K550 just want to know and u should do a comparison it would be great help to me

[@corazondelapena5418]

no, akg k550 is better

[@hellokitty2985]

k550 is on another level compare to m50x

[@Handler9]

I wonder the same thing..

[@mariofernandez4956]

Jack Ledger ATH50Mx is bad if you compare with AKG 550.

[@dmtsmokingman]

It has much much better soundstage

[@Cosmos324]

how do you compare those to sennheiser hd 598?

[@cerevor]

I forgot to mention that my price limit is basically the K550 or the Sennheiser HD 598. But I am also actively looking at used higher end models. Among them AKG K701, Beyerdynamic 880/990, Sennh. 600, Sony MA900... They all seem to have pros and cons, especially the first two... The Beyer are not very balanced in bass and highs with recessed mids, which is why I more or less ruled them out, but I may be mistaken. I'd like a "clear" phone with balanced mids and transparent soundstage, I guess...

[@PreVaylMusic]

Ok so im like a month or 2 away from being able to purchase this badboy, but i did already buy the Fio E11 portable amp. have been able to listen to it with these headphones, and if not do you know of a review that uses both this and Fio E11?

[@hazza7404]

If you could take off the ear pad, try putting a thin cloth in between cup and driver, it should reduce the attacks of the treble's.

[@Dhanijel1]

Hi, I'm wondering if you know any good closed phones for bass heavy music? I've been searching for good closed phones but nothing seems better then the K550s.

[@NormanZealandMalana]

Metal571's recent recent review of these suggests theyve been quietly updated and that the updated pairs sound like the new k553's. Now I may seriously consider these. I hate the congestion on closed backs but will try to avoid sound leakage if possible.

[@jayZjamesvi]

@lachlanlikesathing Glasses with thick arm can cause a lot of discomfort when using headphone. Try using glasses with titanium frames. They go well with most headphone because they are so thin. Very durable too.

[@cerevor]

Maybe, but I find ratings like "clear" or "natural" accompanying the graphs definitely useful, at least in theory or in part.

[@samplify1017]

how does this compare to the k545?

[@masswhite835]

Just got into a conversation tonight about moving into these. Personally, I prefer to wear a thin beanie for my ears if the cups are genuinely too big. I would like some feedback. I've been stuck with my M50s' for about two years now, and they are near to my heart for a lot of reasons. But I don't feel as though they've reached me as of late. Unlike yourself, I enjoy a more dry sound for some things I listen too, and a lot I listen to happens to be Low Fi. I'm not quite sure I'm set, but what are you opinions on moving into these?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

ahnvx Are you looking to use these at home or around and about? The K550 isn't so great as a portable headphone - it's a little big.

[@sunepedersen8537]

ahnvx If you only want one pair of headphones, this would be one to go for.

[@Elburion]

I have a pair of these, and I love the mids and highs but when I'm making music the bass is a bit lacking to the point where I listen to it in my car and it turns into a bit too much. Also I have to wear a headband to get these to seal properly around my glasses and ears. I have my eye on the K712 as my future upgrade, would anyone know the improvement I would get in a rough percentage for bass? Would the K712s fit a bit better? Thank you - A Starving Musician

[@Elburion]

Thank you for the extensive answer, I think I'm going to give K712 a shot, I will probably keep the K550s for vocal tracking for now, I'm worried I may have the same issues with the K545 like sizing and extreme discomfort after an hour but I'll look into them. I'd like to get a pair of M100s with XL pads later after I got to try some out. I know they aren't considered accurate sounding but they feel and sound great at least to me, esp for the kind of music I create. Only negative I can see is sound leakage with those but the bigger pads are suppose to take care of that. Thanks again for your feedback!

[@Elburion]

Haha Exactly, just might take me a while, have to see where my bills stand after tax season.

[@9304br]

There is a AKG K550 Mk2 out now, Has there been any improvment ?

[@burnout623]

Whats the best akg headphone for under 250. Or the best headphone under 250 (any brand).

[@cerevor]

To save words, I think I would recommend the site goldenears net the most for measurements and accompanying ratings. You shoud also look at the Philips Fidelio X1, it mostly gets recommended over the Sony MA900 and has really excellent ratings on that site.

[@runfentonrun]

What kind of amp/DAC setup do you use to test your headphones?

[@CephBacon]

Alright, so I WILL be getting either the K550 or the Q701, but have yet to try either one out. My main concern with comparing the two is how good the isolation is with the 550s because I will be taking a rather long flight to FL this summer. I feel like either one will outclass the current cans and IEMs I have that I won't want to be without them. Obviously the 701's would be terrible on a plane, but I've heard that the soundstage is a main selling point. Would the 550's be worth it simply for one trip, when I'll be mainly using them at home? Or would you recommend the Q701's as they have enough of a bigger soundstage it wouldn't be worth sacrificing?

[@3000timberwood]

Hi Sir, What do you think when AKG K550 compares with Sony MDR 1R? Thanks

[@Psyfrox]

Do you know is there any difference with these and the k551? thanks!

[@Cameron167]

Maybe you can help me. I'm looking for over-ear headphones that have a similar signature to JBL speakers. I'm thinking AKG may be the way to go since they are both owned by Harman. I wanna spend $200, but I can go up to $300 if i really have to. Any ideas?

[@Dhanijel1]

Thank you so much, but I just ordered the 550, well well, maybe I'll buy anyone of those in the future. I got the 550 for like 250 bucks so I'm pretty happy with that price. Do you think it's necessary to have an amp for the 550s? I'm gonna use it with a top notch sound card for my computer.

[@Ffffffuuuuuunnnnnn]

Will AKG K550 be good for PC gaming and good sound when on skype?

[@ArcanineICU]

Great review. I was set on purchasing these until I saw your review. I am not an audiophile, and comfortability is a major factor for me; my ears are relatively small and I'm currently using a pair of ath-anc7b that fits well. What would you personally recommend for something in this price range? So far I've looked at ath-m50 vs dt770 (80 ohm) vs k550. Keep up the reviews! I purchased the hifiman re-400 as a result and loving them :)

[@TheBeh16]

***** i'm looking at getting either the AKG K550 at £129 ($218), Sony MDR1R at £99 ($167), or a bit higher up the scale are the Bose AE2W for £166 ($280). Which one would you recommend?

[@cerevor]

I liked their engaging sound in contrast to the dry, detached Sennheiser HD 595/598 that I'm used to. But I found it also very stressful, mainly I think because of bad imagin/soundstage/space. I couldn't locate anything. When people say it sounds threedimensional I think they mean the detail which is completely different to the earthy Sennheiser sound, and esepcially voices sound more real and intense. But that's not what I mean (because I like it), but the placement of sounds, which is chaotic.

[@TehSneakyFox]

These pair well with a JDS Labs C5, with it's stock op amp.

[@jonathanjon6455]

Can you recommend me any other monitor headphones under 300usd?

[@Samuel-pu8qs]

Would you prefer the custom one pro by beyerdynamic or the akg k550?

[@krishtrinity]

which is the speaker in the background?

[@miceblue425]

Nice review as always! :D I found the K550 to sound very similar to the Shure SRH940 but with better bass extension.

[@dgar014]

Hi Lachlan, I own the Bowers and Wilkins P7s and wonder how they compare to the AKG 550s. I want a headphone with a open soundstage with a closed back. Although I don't like the big ear pads for portable use I would definitely use them at home. I like my P7s but was wondering if these might give them some competition. I'd love your thoughts on the comparison.

[@PsychoAssasin]

I have no experience with the other headphones you listed but a 'closed back headphone with an open soundstage' was Exactly what I was looking for before I got these. I tried about 10 other closed headphones from Audiotechnica, Focal, Vmoda, Sennheiser, etc. and these came out on top for me.

[@martinstefanekjr.5222]

Please, can you give me the link for the amazon because I am from Slovakia and here it cost 180 euro but I saw it on amazon for 110 euro so I'm not sure if I was looking on the good one. In forward thanks :)

[@jobwongzicheng3545]

Does it leaked a lot

[@cerevor]

Well, I want something different than the Sennheiser because I'm used to them and I really liked the sound of the AKG, but in terms of soundstage, imaging and separation they are actually bad compared to the Sennheiser. I've found few reports that confirmed my experiences with them though. I've found one very similar. But maybe there was somethingwrong with them or I didn't "listen" correctly. Anyway, I'd like something inbetween both. Not as dry as the Sennheiser, more lively, but good imaging

[@blakkpatron]

for me the earcups sat to close to my ear, so I stuffed the outeredge with toiletpaper to lift the cups. now they fit perfectly

[@normconel2907]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the AKG 545s if you have the chance to try them.

[@kaissernobleza6269]

Hi there! How do you compare this to Sennheiser Momentum Over-ear? I own Senn Momentum but I kinda don't like it because it sounds too warm and there's not much treble ( I think it's kinda rolled-off) in it.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Kaisser Nobleza The K550 is much much leaner and less warm than the Momentum. It sounds quite different. Keep in mind that the K550 isn't really a portable headphone like the Momentum.

[@kaissernobleza6269]

I mostly listen to Vocals, Alternative Rock and Indie Folks, so I am usually gasping for that instrument details, soundstage and treble. Do you think AKG K550 is good for these and better than Senn Momentum?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Kaisser Nobleza Yes, but again it's really not a portable headhone so be prepare for that. You might also want to consider the Audio Technica ATH-MSR7, it does vocals quite nicely as well.

[@drizzydrew98]

in your opinion what do you think is better the ath m50 or ue 6000 (based on sound)

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Off the top of my head I personally like the Sennheiser Amperior, DT 1350, Audio Technica ATH-ES10 more than those two :)

[@kevinzeng9606]

Hey Lachlan, I'm planning to pick these up but after hearing what you said about the glasses issue do you think it makes the headphones unenjoyable due to the glasses? Or rather is it a deal breaker if I wear glasses? Thanks in advance!

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I think the K550 would be very bad with thick glasses, because the earpads are shallow. I'm not even sure my earlier review was valid. I have a K553 on the way though.

[@kevinzeng9606]

***** Damn, I will hold back on these then and save a few more dollars for the T51p. I see you also own the T51s as well, how are those with your glasses? Thanks for the response btw!

[@bencherian]

lachlanlikesathing hi how did the Akg K553 sounds against K550 ?

[@tyzps82]

Hi Lachlan. Can you offer a comparison between the AKG K550 and the Audio Technica ATH-M50X? Thanks

[@vaibhavpisal]

what source/amp you used with it?

[@clintsilvana4450]

Which one you think is better AKG K550 and ATH M50 please reply.

[@DNightNinja]

if you dont have an amp dont buy the k550's because you wont get the full quality.

[@MrJakkawin]

Sup man! I have a Q.This headphones need a headphones amplifier ??

[@mrsialeipata8615]

Hey lachlan I'm a huge fan but I wanted to ask whether or not AG K550's would be a good headset for gaming at home and also commutes in to the city or would the K545's be better, any other recomendations would be welcome, I also like RnB, pop and jazz just to

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Edwardo Sipilio The K550 is just way too big and the cable far too long for commuting. The K545 should be better but I haven't heard it myself. Have a look through my portable headphone reviews :)

[@mrsialeipata8615]

OK thanks for responding :)

[@jskd2953]

Good intelligent review. Well done!

[@hyunminjun4536]

Hi, I was wondering if I should buy Sennheiser Momentum, or AKG K550. I need a headphone that has a good quality of sound that does not leak. I really love listening to music loud, but I do not want to bother people around me. I would be great if you can give me some advise.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Are you using this as a portable headphone? The K550 is too large and heavy to use ideally as a portable headphone..

[@hyunminjun4536]

Yes. I usually walk around with my music. I have beats studio and Soul SL300WB, but the sound leaks too much. Would it be better to get the Momentum?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Well there are a lot of great portable options out there but I don't think the K550 is one of them. So if it's only between those two, get the Momentum...

[@hyunminjun4536]

Cheers!

[@spartafxrs5]

This vs the Beyerdynamic DT770?

[@EGsynergy]

these. I do not recommend the dt770s at all.

[@spartafxrs5]

Thanks, man!

[@CallMeBawsVids]

Eric Why do you say that?

[@johnmichael8510]

Hi Lachlan, i am looking to buy akg headphone but i am so confused to choose in between akg K550 and akg K545. Have you tried akg K545 ?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

John Michael Only briefly, but I got the impression it was a bit bassier than the K550. Get the K545 if you want something more portable, otherwise wait for the K553 :)

[@johnmichael8510]

Thanks Lachlan

[@faahkoo]

Thanks for the good review!

[@rack25]

Hey very nice review, by the way and honestly would you'll buy bettween this AKG 550 or the SENNHEISER MOMENTUM (over air of course) I like worm bass music like nujabes, dj shadow, some of jazz etc

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Do you want a portable headphone or a headphone for home use? :0

[@rack25]

Mmm interesting question, the Akg is to big or what? Jajaja anyways I think I can overcome this aspect, my main interests is wich could give me the most sound quality, but I think it will be more for a portable use

[@rack25]

And thanks for your quickly answer Lachlan

[@lachlanlikesathing]

K550 is not ideal for portable use. It's very large and the cable is too long. I would prefer the Momentum if you want a warmer sound anyway, or the Viso HP50 is also a good option if you don't mind something bigger but still portable.

[@kapilbusawah7169]

Recent sub-subscriber here. What do you think is better for all round use : outdoors ,at home ; even work. The Sony MDR-1R(choosing to get the 1RBT) or the K550 UK

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I think the Audio Technica ATH-M50X is better than both these options. Otherwise the MDR-1R. The K550 is too heavy and the cable too long to be worn outside as a portable. You could look into the K551 but that doesn't solve the weight problem. There's also the K545.

[@kapilbusawah7169]

Eventhough the ATH-50x is relatively flat to thr MDR-1RBT, the 1RBT's seem like the best bluetooth headphones currently. Should I sacrifice the convience of BT and NFC for audio quality. If so is the difference between the 2's music signature a really large gap

[@jackledger6866]

***** what's got a better sound for the price as on amazon akgk551cost £99 cheaper than the ATHm50x headphones im wondering

[@dataloss]

those are the bigger cups you've seen? man you haven't seen a lot of cans

[@astroboy3507]

Hey are u from sydney also what did u pay for them ??? Tuff question what is yr fav all round head phone ?

[@ai.turdiev]

Hi, can you please help me? I'm looking to buy my first high quality headphones, and I'm really stuck with all the choices there are. My budget is around 250$, I'll be using them for PC - music (flac, alac) and gaming mainly (with build-in realtek audio at first), as well as ipod flac's. What should I get?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Do you want open or closed? You want to take it outside as well as use it at home? What are other things that you've heard that you like?

[@ai.turdiev]

***** Thanks a lot for the reply. I'll be using them at home mainly. It'd be nice if they were portable as well, but not nessesary. The sound is what I'm in for, so if there's anything that is portable as well as good sounding - good, if not - it's okay. I've heard the ath-m50, and I liked the sound of them, but they feel very hot after 20-30 min. which is the deal breaker. Not really sure about open\closed, as I've never had a chance to compare how much of a difference in sound quality that makes. P.S. I'm looking for over-ear type all-rounder I guess.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Open headphones are a lot more comfortable for home use since they don't get hot, but you won't get quite as punchy bass out of it. Here's what I'd go for - MA900 for an all rounder at home, or for a full size that is something more portable consider the Philips L1 or Sony MDR-1R :) You can even get away with a AKG K550 but it depends on how neutral you want it to be.

[@ai.turdiev]

Thanks for suggestions! I'll make sure to check them out at the local store! Thanks again.

[@wakaoeh]

MrCR0NeX so which headphone did you get? my needs are same as yours.

[@waterpkmn]

I'm an avid analytical listener. I've been striving for details and hidden instrument ever since I step into the budget headphone world. This K550 is like a dream to me, I haven't bought it yet as I'm a hundred dollars few and I'm still using my Takstar TS671 I didn't notice the treble as you mentioned yet. Maybe I didn't put enough attention to it. Is the treble really bothersome? just watching this video makes me want to listen to AKG K550 again

[@Aadibass]

+Yosua Petra I've had them since 2012 and the treble isn't a big problem but they do have a tendency of making some songs sound a little pitchy. But it's not a problem on songs that doesn't have a lot of treble (if that makes sense idk how to explain this). If you pay attention to it you'll notice it a little bit, but it's nt really something that bothers me too much. . I'm very content with them and I won't change them until they stop running. I just wish I had gotten mine in black, but I got them for a good price while they were still new and havethem in white ):. Also remember that you can't change the cords easily on these. Idk why - but it's into a feature.

[@Aadibass]

***** They are rather big..However I've seen people who look really cool with a pair of big headphones on - I'm jsut not one of them and tbh I prefer my ear-buds for that. Also because they block out more noise. But I do use mine on school, or if I'm sitting on the train/bus. I just woudn't walk around with them.. But that's me. I like them and will probably use them for 1-2 years more. After that I think they will be in such a bad condition I'll have to change them ):.

[@Aadibass]

***** The cable length I don't struggle much with as I'm always close to my devices, but it is rather short. I've had mine for a vey long time so I'm used to it, but it is short. Which is a good thing if you plan to use them on the go. The bass is very neutral and it doesn't take the center stage, but it's still good. these are my first more expensive headphones, so I don't really have any other headphones in the class to compare it with, but the bass is sufficient and nice. The lack of bass has never bothered me, but then again I value clarity and definition much more than bass. I remember trying a pair of Q701 when they were new (before I had the K550) and just within the very start of Man In Mirror I was so surprised by the level of details I could hear. I'velistened to that songa few thousand times and I was hearing details I had before never been able to listen to. I got a little off topic, but I'm not an audio-head. I love music and I want my music to sound, good, but I can't give you very analytical answers. I would say the tencency of making song sounds pitchy is a bigger drawback than it's bass. The bass I hink is good, although I hope I wish it will be a tiny bit firmer in my next headphones perhaps. But the bass has never ever troubled me at all.

[@Aadibass]

***** I don't really find it short, but if I recall correctly my other headphones have had a longer cable. To be hoenst I would say it's neither short or long (although I do think the cable is shorter than on headphones I've on previously). Callnig it short was a exaggerating a little bit on my behalf :p. Hehe, yeah.. I've head them for a long time.. They are starting to show the wear on the puffs that surrouds my ears. The gray layer is coming off, but they still sound great. One of my best buys ever! The biggest drawback practically is that you can't change the cable easily. So if you are unlcky you cant just plug in another cable. I don't know why they ahve chosen to do it like this. When thy were new they were qite expensive and I remember this being the biggest drawback.

[@ZulfikarAjiKusworo]

***** Hi, Lachlan. Can you give me an advice, i want to buy K551, but is it suitable for my listening? i listen to JRock, JPop, Classical, etc. more like to your friend Shane listening preference. is K551 suitable for this kind of music?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Zulfikar Aji Kusworo I'm afraid I haven't heard the K551, but it should be an all-rounder provided that you like a leaner sound and you aren't looking for a lot of bass oomph.

[@cerevor]

Ah damn. The Philips X1 is more expensive than the Sony. I meant the L1 for direct comparison, but it doesn't get covered on that site...

[@cerevor]

I thought the AKG had good bass response, at least better than the Sennheiser. I mean the mids of the Sennheiser are darkly veiled, whereas the AKG are probably more natural. Certainly the laid-back sound of the Senns is important for their soundstage, but I don't think it is necessary. There are other open bright headphones with good separation and a sense of location. The K550 simply don't do this, they have a different (closed?) sound, but people just don't mention it much, or only indirectly

[@flemish4]

I can get the ath-m50s for a similar price to these... Most genres some games, which would you recommend? (sub)

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I would go for the M50X. You can use it as a portable as well as at home!

[@flemish4]

m50x aren't on sale here, k551 have the shorter cable and m50 have the coiled... I'm new to 'high quality' audio (clearly $$$$ will be better) so maybe m50 are more fun?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

More $$$ is not always better. The M50 is more bassy, the K550 is leaner. If you listen to more classical genres etc, I'd go the K550, but if you listen to more pop / rock, I'd go the M50.

[@flemish4]

Okay thanks!

[@flemish4]

Yup me too :)

[@xXSubZeroGamesXx]

Hi Lachlan, I imagine you're probably a very busy person, so any feedback on this comment would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking at getting a pair of headphones that would work for mixing and mastering purposes. Would you say these are accurate for that kind of thing? I know you stated the ear cup can be difficult to get a good seal, but at the same time I know AKG delivers great quality. Thanks!

[@TheEjaay]

The design is neat!

[@hjkim129]

what is 'goolarrsssiss'?

[@djzyx]

These akg-550 or the sony mdr-1a? which one is overall better... I don't really like AKG anymore because my AKG-701's broke after a year one speaker stopped working and AKG didn't warranty it, they basically said fuck off.

[@Avirox1999x]

Hi ***** I wanna buy a pair of over the ear headphones. and I'm deciding between the k550s, v-moda LP2s, and the monster x diesel vektrs. I had a pair of beats but they snapped so I'm really concerned about the durability, and also the design. K550s are like really good looking and they have a professional, luxurious touch and they're like 60% off on Amazon rn so I'm leaning towards them. Recommend me a good pair! Ps great videos keep it up :)

[@JoshCarterLee]

Typically, probably AKG's sound signature is not my favorite except the K1000. My favorite 5 brands that comes with my favorite sound sig are Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Grado/Alessandro, Audio Technica and Fostex

[@evipingleihe9552]

And that's also the reason why many people(Middle classes in China) who do not even know what does "Jailbreak" and "iTunes" mean buying iPhones. Because they are expensive, all the productions that are expensive are nice (they think).

[@abundo49]

Beats pro or this one?

[@YoungWonderx360]

Hows that even a question? Get the AKGs.

[@DGriffy0400]

k551 are the same size the cord is just shorter

[@Cameron167]

I like your videos by the way

[@GTX790SLI]

***** how about this one comparing to the famous Beyerdynamic T70P which also is a low impedance closed back headphones.

[@V2760]

Lach, can u pls review AKG 712 pro ? :)

[@PreVaylMusic]

Cool I will check it out thanks.

[@cerevor]

So now, I've got a used Beyerdynamic 880 despite my initial concerns... I thought "so wha", I won't get a perfect one anyway, and this gets the most balanced criticism overall...

[@wereccs1226]

A newbie coming in late on this.. But, after reading, I am confindent that I am gettting a good deal in getting the AKG K550 factory Refurbished with full warranty, and 30 day return/refund for $129.95 free shipping..Right now, I own the Sony MDR 1RBTMK2, and the Harman Kardon BT..From reading, I think the AKG K550 is going to be between this two for performance. Will see. Also, thinking about getting portable amp.

[@hyperraiden]

I think you are wearing them too loose if you feel the top of your head is sore