Please compare the following headphones

Craig-I have the 600's with Moon Audio Blue Dragon cable and a ASL MG DT OTL Mk3 amp set up. I have used Grado 325, 325i, AKG 501 and HD650's all with this set up. I actually prefer the 600's to all of them. The 600 and 650's are not that much different. Although I have not heard the AKG 240/271 Studio's or Senn 280 pro you are asking about...I think they are probably not in the same league as the 600 series as you mention.

The AKG 501 is a nice sounding phone...it falls way short of the Senn's bass though, but is nicely transparent in the mids. It lacks the impact of the 600/650 or the Grado 325 series.

Its hard to beat the Senn 600 especially for the price and it mates well with the ASL. Run in OTL it gives a nice bloom to the sound.

The AKGs are very nice but I must say, if you can swing it, purchase the Sennheiser HD600s. I use mine with my iPod through the Headphone Section of my Cary SLI-80 and love them.

I have owned AKG's, Grados, and BeyerDynamics but the HD600s are really special. Not to mention, very comfortable.

Good Luck!

Chris

I know the AKG K240 and I can tell you they sound quite 'flat'... I believe they are good for someone who is DJ'ing perhaps. Although this one is rugged, there are far more dynamic and transparent headphones out there.

I don't have extensive listening experience with the Senn HD600, but I CAN say that it's a MUCH better headphone than the AKG K240.

Craig, the best place to go for information on all things headphone related is www.head-fi.org.

Craig, Let's factor in prices, OK? 240s run well under $100 new. I've owned and loved mine for 10 years without a hiccup, and they are well-used. The cable is fully intact, no noise or other untoward behavior in 10+ years of ownership. One caveat: the AKGs have a 600 ohm impedance and thus may not play well depending on the amp or HP connection. Most CD players are not up the task. FWIW, my CDR unit swings a healthy volume and sounds pretty good. I did procure a tube amp with a HP jack for experimentation, but haven't even tried it yet since I have had such good results with the player as is. I do have a decent xport and use a Monarchy DIP upstream which undoubtedly helps.
That said, you pay for what you get, and the Senns are going to play at the next level--or higher. Many choices, and many factors in making those choices.

I see AKG makes a lower impedance version now that should mate better with more gear. Less of a 'Pro' product I'd say. And they are well made [see above]. I've wanted to tout the AKG brand for awhile, so thanks for the thread. AKG was founded in 1947, holds 1500+ patents, and employs 60+ engineers. How many audio companines have that kind of history? Good luck in your search