Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Of all the AKG headphones you could own, this is certainly one of them.

Strengths:
Hard rocking.

Weaknesses:
Hard to find now.

Similar Products Used:
K601, K301 XTRA

Price Paid:  $180.00 from Good Guys

Summary:
These are the K400s, and I've been using them for about 17 years now. They have great sound--rich for a headphone--and obviously they are durable. AKGs do take some extra power. If you can drive them directly from a headphone amp or a receiver, do so. They don't do well with the little op amps on the front of playback decks. I like that you can really hear the bass with these, and the full-sized enclosure is wonderful for comfort--I've fallen asleep with these on many times. It's interesting to wake up to loud music at three a.m.!

Strengths:
Comfort, wide frequency response.

Weaknesses:
They need some power to run well.

Similar Products Used:
Sony and Peerless

Price Paid:  $119.00 from Headroom.com

Summary:
I'm writing this review to share my personal experience with the AKG 401's, which seems to be different than that of most others. For the months that I have been listening to my 401's, I have only gotten a taste and a glimpse of what they are capable of, but it seems I have never actually gotten to enjoy a song. Anything with a strong bass line in it causes distortion when I use these headphones, and this happens invariably no matter what source I plug my headphones into. I mostly listen on my computer, but have also tried receivers, mini systems, my iPod, and headphone outs on my computer speakers.

The simple conclusion is that I need to buy a headphone amp, but surprisingly, I have not read any reviews that state this as a necessity. I believe that it is a necessity with this pair of headphones unless you are going to listen to a capella music and instrumentals.

Strengths:
Strengths are basically price. I have compared these headphones to Sennheiser 580's and my Grado SR60's, and to me they sound better than the Grados and the same as the 580's. If the 580's sound better than the 401's then the difference must only make itself apparent with immaculate source material. I listen to MP3's and DVD's on my computer, and for that purpose I'm not going to spend more than the $120 that I spent on the 401's

Weaknesses:
You HAVE to buy a headphone amp if you want to enjoy loud bass with no distortion.

Similar Products Used:
Sennheiser 580

Price Paid:  $90.00 from Target HiFi

Summary:
I have listened to all the major players in the headphone game. some are better but cost double or more than the 401, these are the best in their price range though.

The sound is great for all types of listening. These cans are very detailed. The AKG brought out much more material when compared to others in their price range. Their studio heritage is found within their tonal balance. AKG headphones add very little to the sound. Some may think this a weakness because the sound may not be as full as expected, it is just what is being fed to them.

The fit is very comfortable.

The load is difficult. My Linn pre is just adequate for driving them.

Strengths:
Tonal balance, air, image and detail. Very comfortable.

Weaknesses:
Hard load and not sealed. Looks may not suit everyone

Similar Products Used:
Many