AKG K240 55 Ohm Review (Headphone)

[DualTriode]

That level of difference and then some shows up in differences between left and right channel. How you wear the headphone is liable to be different than how it fits on the fixture as well. I can't believe you all put so much stock in such minor differences that may or may not be real or representative of actual use.

Seems like no matter how strong I make the disclaimer at the start of these reviews, I can't unhook you guys from the attachment to graphs to this degree. I give you a yardstick graded in inches and you all keep focusing on a fraction of an inch. Never mind that each yardstick is different then others by +-1 inches if not more, and so are the items under test.

I am going to suggest that such complaints be taken to headphone complaint thread.

@amirm,

Your measurements are completed with Laboratory Standard instruments to Laboratory Measurement Standards.

Your disclaimer does not carry the same weight as you measurements.

I for one do pay attention to your comments.



Solderdude, I do not know why you persist. Your measurements are not done to any recognized standard; they are made on your own DIY measurement jig “calibrated” to your own DIY equalization curve.

 

[Robbo99999]

The best (only?) option for you is to ignore those posters. There is always someone to argue for the sake of argument.

Speaking for myself, I argue based on my viewpoints / understanding / and evidence from other sources, not for the sake of it.....cheap throw away posts like yours here are definition of waste of space, unless you count brown nosing as a worthy addition. (although I quite like the linked video!)

 

[DualTriode]

I just ordered a pair of these from Amazon. They should be here in a couple of days.
I will post the 45CA test plots.

 

[solderdude]

Your measurements are not done to any recognized standard; they are made on your own DIY measurement jig “calibrated” to your own DIY equalization curve.

Indeed they are.
You can just ignore my measurements/findings/opinions if they have no value to you.

 

[Robbo99999]

Indeed they are.
You can just ignore my measurements/findings/opinions if they have no value to you.

I like your measurements for comparative value in terms of comparing say different pads or new pads vs old pads and praps some distortion measurements (although I'm not entirely sure that remains accurate in the around 2kHz zone that would be amplified zone). I also think your bass measurements in terms of frequency are valid/representative....I know enough to know that your measurements are on a flat plate and therefore look different in the 1kHz+ area to say a GRAS measurement that Amir & Oratory uses.....so of course you can't use your measurements to EQ to the Harman Curve, but there is some value to be derived from your measurements, particularly in comparative terms between headphones/pad measurements within the confines of your rig.

 

[slamman]

for how sure amir is about how terrible certain headphone companies are and your comments reguarding high end headphone companies, including the whole pad fiasco awhile ago, it is odd to see the sudden turn into not wanting people to take these measurements too seriously and to not look at the fraction of an inch. fair enough but its either science or opinion, and i think since the name science is in the URL, and is what the selling point of this site and reviews are. maybe headphone reviews or measurements should just be stated as opinion, and not try to go so hard at companies or traditional headphone audiophiles one moment, and say not to look to close the next. ive never seen amir take constructive criticism one single time and change something. its nothing personal.

 

[amirm]

for how sure amir is about how terrible certain headphone companies are and your comments reguarding high end headphone companies, including the whole pad fiasco awhile ago, it is odd to see the sudden turn into not wanting people to take these measurements too seriously and to not look at the fraction of an inch.

Nobody said to "not take the measurements too seriously." The measurements here are like GPS navigation which we all find essential in our lives. GPS cannot tell you the location to 1 inch accuracy but sure as heck going to get you to your destination. By the same token, measurements, once confirmed with listening tests and equalization is a powerful tool to tell you with strong likelihood the story of a headphone.

Remember, a headphone is a total package and that, we can quantify. What we can't do is use the measurement system to reliably quantify small differences such as headphone pads. I didn't get into headphone measurements to provide you this level of accuracy.

I almost didn't get into headphone measurements because they lack this specificity. But then I realized that much can be gained per above if you also use equalization to confirm the differences you measure.

maybe headphone reviews or measurements should just be stated as opinion, and not try to go so hard at companies or traditional headphone audiophiles one moment, and say not to look to close the next. ive never seen amir take constructive criticism one single time and change something. its nothing personal.

Companies get a hard time when three things happen:

1. Measurements show large variations against the target which cannot be disputed as being small like pads would be.

2. Distortions that are high and could have been fixed seeing how their competitors don't have them.

3. Listening tests with EQ that confirms the issues in #1, and occasionally #2.

It is a package that drives a conclusion. It is not, "hey, look at this 1 dB difference and it means this headphone is terrible" as would be the case if I trusted pad-level measurements.

So no, it is not just a pure opinion. Your doctor will have you take an ultrasound test and tell you in that fuzzy image what he sees. Combined with his experience (and help from a Pathologist), he will tell you if something terrible is happening to you. Said sonogram is not revealing of everything that is going on under your skin. Saying that it is not a photograph doesn't take away its incredible diagnostic value despite lack of resolution and fidelity.

 

[Robbo99999]

(holding my mouth, said I wouldn't post on the topic of pad influence again in this thread, Jesus!)

 

[slamman]

Nobody said to "not take the measurements too seriously." The measurements here are like GPS navigation which we all find essential in our lives. GPS cannot tell you the location to 1 inch accuracy but sure as heck going to get you to your destination. By the same token, measurements, once confirmed with listening tests and equalization is a powerful tool to tell you with strong likelihood the story of a headphone.

Remember, a headphone is a total package and that, we can quantify. What we can't do is use the measurement system to reliably quantify small differences such as headphone pads. I didn't get into headphone measurements to provide you this level of accuracy.

I almost didn't get into headphone measurements because they lack this specificity. But then I realized that much can be gained per above if you also use equalization to confirm the differences you measure.


Companies get a hard time when three things happen:

1. Measurements show large variations against the target which cannot be disputed as being small like pads would be.

2. Distortions that are high and could have been fixed seeing how their competitors don't have them.

3. Listening tests with EQ that confirms the issues in #1, and occasionally #2.

It is a package that drives a conclusion. It is not, "hey, look at this 1 dB difference and it means this headphone is terrible" as would be the case if I trusted pad-level measurements.

So no, it is not just a pure opinion. Your doctor will have you take an ultrasound test and tell you in that fuzzy image what he sees. Combined with his experience (and help from a Pathologist), he will tell you if something terrible is happening to you. Said sonogram is not revealing of everything that is going on under your skin. Saying that it is not a photograph doesn't take away its incredible diagnostic value despite lack of resolution and fidelity.

of course your measurements are very useful just like the scan you mentioned. no one would ever argue against that, i guess any other complaints can go to another thread. people have pointed out enough, no need for me to get involved lol. always appreciate the measurements either way.

 

[B4ICU]

AKG.
I own the the K-701 : http://archimago.blogspot.com/2021/05/measurements-akg-q701-quincy-jones.html
I know AKG for 40 years. They were dbx, Urban (FM diversity combiners) and more. They are in headphone business since I remember.
I do not expect to have the same quality from the k240 ($69) as from the K-701 ($469).
I play the K-701 with a Pro Ject-BOX - S HP amplifier. Sound is good.

But I do not see why would some common anomalies escort most tests (of this site and others). Especially concerned of Fr. above 10kHz.
I also have a doubt regarding some very steep deep and peak fluctuations over that range. This is mostly unique to this site reports.
The Fr. plot is disasters. AKG (https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Professional Headphones/K240-Studio.html?dwvar_K240-Studio_color=Black-GLOBAL-Current&cgid=Professional Headphones#start=1) states at Spec: Audio frequency bandwidth: 15 - 25000 Hz. (for the K-701 is:
10 - 39800 Hz.

None should be -30dB @ 12kHz!
It would be nice, if the testing dummy mic's would have been tested by a ref producer (https://www.bksv.com/en). or the HP tested with a B&K dummy as a ref.
Getting one source, and run with it over so many HPs without questioning the results, is not my way. TQM would suggest some self FB over acts
and test results, especially if the plots go pretty much the same way... Yes, I said it before: It's alarming. When alarm goes active, we stop and question acts and results. At least this is what most do.
I would like to believe that AKG do better than this, with its products. First when design and release a new model, and than over the production line. Maybe not a 100% testing over a $69 model (Ex-factory price is about $20!) but at least a sampler (every 10 or 100). No one is manufacturing and
sends its products to market, without some QA control and testing.
A product (if so) that test's like this, should not reach markets, with AKG name on it, (or Audio Technica)...
I believe that Amir's picks over brands and models is randumal. By result's it seems he has a unique talent to fish the lemons.
Very unlikely.

 

[solderdude]

The near 10kHz (NOT 12kHz) dip is NOT reality they are measurement error (acoustic nulling that's why it is sharp).

As has been mentioned many times before >8kHz on this particular HATS cannot be used reliably some claim 10kHz but this is clearly not the case.
Some folks using these fixtures grey out the area above 8kHz or 10kHz and below 30Hz.
Some folks smooth the plot for higher frequencies. Amir does not he just publishes the measurement results.

Just look at all measurements made by Amir and others using similar rigs. They ALL have this dip. You, like everyone else should ignore the dip and understand the limitations of the fixture. Yes.. when there is a peak at 10kHz (that should be EQ'ed) it will be 'masked' but peaks/dips above 8kHz are inaccurate anyway.

Use the measurements as a data point while understanding the limits.

Again... post your objections in the appropriate thread !!!!!!!

 

[B4ICU]

The near 10kHz (NOT 12kHz) dip is NOT reality they are measurement error (acoustic nulling that's why it is sharp).

As has been mentioned many times before >8kHz on this particular HATS cannot be used reliably some claim 10kHz but this is clearly not the case.
Some folks using these fixtures grey out the area above 8kHz or 10kHz and below 30Hz.
Some folks smooth the plot for higher frequencies. Amir does not he just publishes the measurement results.

Just look at all measurements made by Amir and others using similar rigs. They ALL have this dip. You, like everyone else should ignore the dip and understand the limitations of the fixture. Yes.. when there is a peak at 10kHz (that should be EQ'ed) it will be 'masked' but peaks/dips above 8kHz are inaccurate anyway.

Use the measurements as a data point while understanding the limits.

Again... post your objections in the appropriate thread !!!!!!!

Disagree.
It is a common practice, that a measurement tool should be better by a factor of x10, than the measuring item. It is by resolution and accuracy.
No measurements lab or a QA personnel would approve anything less. At this point you disqualify this site results! Do you?
What you are saying, is that the measuring is limited above 8 kHz - 10 kHz. If so, why display and provide data above that limit, and expect the reader to ignore that data? Even though it is "only 1 octave (10kHz vs. 20kHz) but it's 1q2 of the Fr. range...
You say: "when there is a peak at 10kHz (that should be EQ'ed)". By whom? I dropped my EQ at age of 17. Till I though it is the solution for everything. After, I realized it is the problem of everything. Not to say, that offering EQ to a $4,000 HP is absurd. For that kind of money, I would expect it to sound good as is. Not to say, that if your say about the measuring (above 8 kHz) is not reliable, why use EQ according to that plot?
Your comment, if Amir approves it, would put all tests results on halt and be deleted.
On the other side there are innocent readers that think that the test results are the ultimate truth, and the brands that their items are tested are
blamed for nothing about some of the test data published. This is not fair for them. It is irresponsible. I assume that I should not read such a sit's test reports. As all it is (no much data of listening or comfort) what left?

 

[markanini]

The 10kHz dip is seen because the measurement device is successfully simulating a real ear. Raising an objection to that is akin to asking for a less accurate measurement.

Why do you never use EQ to remove that drop at around 9-10 kHz on over-ear headphones?

That drop is caused by the shape of the pinna, it depends strongly on how your exact ear is shaped. It’s also very important for localization.
On well designed headphones this drop is always present - and it definitely is present when listening to regular loudspeakers (because it’s created by your ears).
This means that when a headphone exhibits a peak in that area (it’s often enough just to not exhibit a drop) is very often perceived as „hissy“, „sharp“ or „zingy“. Remember the Sony Z1R controversy?

https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory199..._at_around_9-10_khz_on_over-ear_headphones.3F

 

[solderdude]

Disagree.
bla bla bla

You can disagree all day long. ... take this up in the appropriate thread please (you were pointed at this before).
Amir chose to use an industry standard test fixture and correction/target that made sense to him to get comparable/verifiable results.
They are known to be inaccurate >8kHz. Please accept that.
Take up the 'display issue' with Amir. Be nice and civil with good arguments and am sure Amir may well contemplate your 'objections' and maybe mark 'uncertainty' parts in the plots.

You see the 'output' of the test fixture with that specific headphone in 1 specific position measured acc. to a standard and get his subobjective opinion as well.

 

[B4ICU]

You can disagree all day long. ... take this up in the appropriate thread please (you were pointed at this before).
Amir chose to use an industry standard test fixture and correction/target that made sense to him to get comparable/verifiable results.
They are known to be inaccurate >8kHz. Please accept that.
Take up the 'display issue' with Amir. Be nice and civil with good arguments and am sure Amir may well contemplate your 'objections' and maybe mark 'uncertainty' parts in the plots.

You see the 'output' of the test fixture with that specific headphone in 1 specific position measured acc. to a standard and get his subobjective opinion as well.

bla bla bla...is your new standard of communicating?
I wish to report post this of yours, as an improper treat, insulting and provoking.

 

[solderdude]

I wish to report post this of yours

Feel free to do so. You have been asked multiple times to take your objections to an appropriate thread that was created specifically for the issues you raised so that threads like this aren't polluted by this kind of questions.

You can report my post by pressing the 'report' button bottom left of my post.

The 'bla bla bla' part will be 'properly answered' in the appropriate thread once you post there !

 

[Helicopter]

I don't have any complaints about this review, but if I did, I would address them here.

 

[Joe Smith]

Boy, on these ones, you barely need measurements. The difference when auditioning these compared to the newer AKG K361s and K371s was very apparent. A lot of stuff is getting made more cheaply these days. The K361 at least reminds us that not all cheap is bad, you just have to sort out good from not good.

 

[Svperstar]

Back in like 2005 or so I got a pair of the 240 based off of their reputation. They were OK, there was a pad mod people swore by where you removed the pad over the driver.

I actually don't remember what I did with mine. I don't think I sold them. Disappeared.

 

[Deleted member 12642]

Something that may be important to take into consideration for studio monitoring (not mixing) headphones in general.
Having flat or Harman FR is not paramount, they may well be colored in a certain way, roll-off in the extremes and have an emphasis or dip in certain parts of the FR.

The K240 are not meant to be used as a headphone to enjoy music but rather in a studio to monitor recordings.
In such case it is not about accuracy at all but hearing instruments and voices usually at higher SPL than average and comfort, easy to change pads and occasionally sitting on one or have it drop or janked of your head. You don't want high amounts of lows muddying up the sound nor excessive 2-4kHz range (shout).
Tonal accuracy in the final mix is done afterwards with EQ/effects to get the desired sound. It is not determined by the musician based on what he hears.

It is a studio monitor and sold as such. Some folks assume because they are used in studios (just like many Beyers) they can thus be used for enjoying music as well. A very common 'mistake'. It's akin to folks claiming the DT48 is such a great headphone because it was used for testing hearing.

The elastic bands regulating the headband height loose tension pretty quickly. A horrible construction that AKG should have changed by now.
There are many different K240 iterations by the way. As well as DT770/DT880/DT990's. These are cheap 'throw away' consumables to studios.

Thanks for measuring them. I haven't had the pleasure yet and won't buy them because I am sure I won't be using them to enjoy music.

I totally disagree that accurate response isn't desired in tracking and monitoring situations. Those dips in the critical range of 2-4k actually result in the musician usually needing to turn things up even more to cut through all the noise. The actual monitor mix itself will do more than enough to provide the musician with what they need, and having poor sounding monitoring makes this harder to achieve not easier.