Home Headphone Comparisons AKG K240 vs. K240 MKII [DEFINITIVE Guide]

AKG K240 vs. K240 MKII [DEFINITIVE Guide]

by Stuart Charles Black

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Hi friend and Welcome!

Let’s start with a quick chart. I’ve highlighted the main difference for you!


Comparison Chart


Preview
For Reference
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open, Professional Studio Headphones
For Reference
AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones
Title
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open, Professional Studio Headphones
AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones
Color
Gold/Black
Blue/Black
Weight
240g
240g
Fit
Circumaural
Circumaural
Type
Semi-Open
Semi-Open
Materials
Plastic, Faux Leather
Plastic, Faux Leather
Connector
3.5mm Jack with 1/4" Adapter
3.5mm Jack with 1/4" Adapter
Impedance
55 Ohms
55 Ohms
Sensitivity
91dB/mW
91dB/mW
Amplification Required?
Cable Detachable?
Cables Included
1: Straight (9.8 ft.)
2: 1 Coiled (16.4 ft.), 1 Straight (9.8 ft.)
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
Price not available
$98.00
For Reference
Preview
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open, Professional Studio Headphones
Title
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open, Professional Studio Headphones
Color
Gold/Black
Weight
240g
Fit
Circumaural
Type
Semi-Open
Materials
Plastic, Faux Leather
Connector
3.5mm Jack with 1/4" Adapter
Impedance
55 Ohms
Sensitivity
91dB/mW
Amplification Required?
Cable Detachable?
Cables Included
1: Straight (9.8 ft.)
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
Price not available
Details
For Reference
Preview
AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones
Title
AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones
Color
Blue/Black
Weight
240g
Fit
Circumaural
Type
Semi-Open
Materials
Plastic, Faux Leather
Connector
3.5mm Jack with 1/4" Adapter
Impedance
55 Ohms
Sensitivity
91dB/mW
Amplification Required?
Cable Detachable?
Cables Included
2: 1 Coiled (16.4 ft.), 1 Straight (9.8 ft.)
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$98.00
Details

Before we get into the AKG K240 vs. K240 MKII Comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

Normally I would review both headphones separately, but being that these two models are identical sound-wise (with a few technical differences), I will outline the K240 and then compare it to the K240 MK II towards the end.

  1. Specifications
  2. Introduction
  3. Sound & Imaging
  4. Build & Comfort
  5. Amplification
  6. Pros & Cons
  7. Video Review
  8. Genre Pairing
  9. Similarities and Differences
  10. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!

AKG K240 Studio

Specifications

Introduction

I’ve heard a lot of headphones at this point, and only a few of them have really stood out.

The AKG K240 is one such example of a product that has stood the test of time for many years.

It’s important to understand that there are a lot of gimmicks in the audiophile world, and when it comes to headphones it’s no different.

This is why honing in on products that have been around for a long time is key.

The 240 fits that bill beautifully. Let’s get into why!

Sound & Imaging

Having one of these as your main reference headphone is like being friends with that quiet old soul who’s intelligent yet humble.

He/she doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to himself but is always there to help with sound advice (no pun intended).

The K240 mirrors this effect. The entire sound signature is calm, peaceful, and laid back while still remaining effective in what it sets out to do.

The treble is detailed and crisp, but it doesn’t get out of line or ever sound sibilant; an issue with most entry-level headphones I’ve tried (even ones I really enjoy)!

Rather, the K240 works as a headphone you can listen with casually, or as a serious reference headphone that will easily reveal flaws in your mix that can be remedied quickly.

These are also great for just kicking back and relaxing with some of your favorite tunes.

Imagine putting on a pair of headphones and hearing music for the first time again; even with old favorites long since forgotten about.

There are really only a handful of cans that do this extremely well. The K240 is definitely one of them.

In listening to old Soul/Motown and Rock music, I got a sense that I was picking up on subtle details previously unaccounted for in other headphones of the past.

It reinvigorated my love for music and made me appreciate all over again a sound that stays true to the recording.

Everything is brought out so wonderfully that it’s hard not to actually smile as you’re sitting there jamming out.

This was especially true with older music like Smokey Robinson & The Miracles as well as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

Stuff like that. It’s like the 240 was made specifically for these genres.

The Soundstage? Even better.

The width and depth here are almost unrivaled by any headphone; much less something below $100.

You’ll start to hear things to your left and right that seem like they’re in the room with you.

It’s subtle but definitely noticeable. There’s a sense that you’re in a live environment rather than a studio space, bedroom, etc.

This is in part why the K240 sounds so detailed and engaging. The sound is given ample room to breathe and express itself.

With Gaming and movies, this is especially true as well.

The K240 are the type of headphones that will make you stop and analyze the ambient music on your Playstation 4 Main Menu.

They’re just that good.

Do make sure that you have adequate amplification for Gaming though.

These aren’t the type of headphones you’re gonna want to plug into the controller. There’s simply not enough juice to drive it properly plus they terminate in a 1/4″ jack anyway.

More on that in a bit!

But are they comfortable? How’s the build?

Build & Comfort

Comfort has always been so so with the K240, let’s be honest.

It’s not that it’s bad, but the ear cups are pretty shallow and they feel kind of cheap.

The headphone itself is mostly made of plastic and feels very light.

However, there are people who have had these for years and years without an issue. I myself have owned 3 iterations of the K240; The original 600 Ohm 240M (pictured below), another K240M as well as the newer K240 Studio version back in 2016.

You may be wondering what happened to the original K240M I bought off eBay.

In short, the guy failed to mention it had a slight buzzing/static issue in the right ear and I had to re-sell it (making the next person fully aware).

Months later I got my hands on another one when my mom’s husband gave me one he had (in perfect condition I might add) that was lying around in an attic collecting dust.

What are the odds?!

What goes around comes around, I suppose.

Both the K240 Studio, M version, and K240 MK II all have the same great sound and look almost identical with a few very minor differences.

AKG K240 vs. K240 MK II

AKG K240 vs. K240 MK II

Note how shallow those cups are. I hate to insult one of my favorite headphones of all time, but it has to be said.

Your ears will touch the driver, and it will get uncomfortable after a while. There’s no getting around it. What is a Headphone Driver?

Build for me was deceptively good. I felt like I could drop them without having to worry about it too much, but they are going to feel like a toy you’d find in your local Wal-Mart.

I suppose the lightweight nature of them lends itself very well to long-term comfort, so I can’t complain too much. I feel like your mileage may vary here.

The Sextett

The original model of these was called the AKG 240 Sextett and came out in 1975.

The longevity factor in each of these models overall is quite good when it comes down to it. For instance, I bought the K240M (pictured below) a few months ago for $35 shipped on eBay.

Think about that for a second: We’re talking about a headphone that came out over 40 years ago. That’s longevity if I ever heard it.

If you want to know more about the original K240 Sextett model, click here!

Just be aware that neither the K240 Studio nor K240 MK II are actually made in Austria anymore.

They are designed in Austria but made in China. This may affect the aforementioned longevity a bit, but it’s hard to say one way or the other.

The 240M was made in Austria and is indicated as such:

AKG K240 vs. K240 MK II

Fortunately, the headband padding is what really allows these to receive a pass from me with regard to comfort and build.

It’s a hammock design and needs no adjustments whatsoever. Just plop it on your head and feel it self-adjust to your big melon. 😛

Aside from that, the 240 Studio comes with a detachable mini XLR to 3.5mm jack as well as a 1/4″ adapter for beefier amplification.

Speaking of, let’s talk a bit about that!

Amplification

To be honest, these are pretty inefficient and will sound super quiet out of your phone, laptop, or mobile device. An amp is mandatory. How to choose a headphone amp!

With 91dB of Sensitivity, they will really need a lot of power from said amp to reach peak loudness too. Plugged into a source with no amp will leave you frowning and wondering where your money went.

An overall great choice for many different entry-level to mid-level open-back models is the FiiO E10K.  

Check out my official FiiO E10K Review too!

It provides a total of 200mW of power and does power my HD600s pretty well. Keep in mind though that those have a 97dB Sensitivity. They need less power to reach optimal levels; around 20mW.

The K240s are going to need around 79-80mW. Huge difference!

Because of this, I would invest in something beefier for these. An amp like the ATOM is a perfect solution that will serve you well for a long time.

It provides a ton of power to all Impedance levels, and its sound is completely neutral and clean.

This is plenty of power for the K240 and will make a great pairing!

With that, let’s look at some Pros & Cons of the K240…

Pros

  • Detachable cable. The mini XLR connector feeds from out of the headphone cup, into your standard 3.5 mm, and comes with a 1/4″ adapter. A lot of people like the XLR aspect of it. What is XLR?
  • Replaceable components. Pretty much any piece on the AKG K240 can be replaced or modded.
  • An overall flat and neutral sound signature. Great for mixing, and excel at lower volumes.
  • Incredible treble detail, some say even better than the Q701.
  • Good for a lot of different applications and musical genres. More on that in a bit.
  • Has a nice warmth to it, with a certain “body” and fullness on acoustic guitars and vocals. A certain groove if you will.
  • A unique sound that many have come to adore. It really starts to open up after the 200-hour burn-in mark.
  • Self-adjustable headband.

Neutral

This section is for conflicting viewpoints.

  • Some say they are comfortable, others can’t stand them. This has to do mainly with the size of the earcups. If you have small ears, you’re in business. For larger Ross Perot-sized ears, they don’t fare as well.

Cons

  • Manufacturing quality has suffered over time, being that these are now made in China.
  • All plastic and extremely light. Some have had problems with various pieces breaking off. Overall the set feels cheaply constructed. I did not have any issues in my time with either the M version or the Studio version. The one that my mom’s husband gave me has survived without a scratch for over 40 years, so that’s definitely a good sign. I can’t speak for the Chinese models though.
  • The faux leather can make your ears sweaty after prolonged listening sessions.
  • There have been complaints of one ear crapping out over time.
  • Lacking sub-bass.

How about a video?

Video Review

Credit to my boy @Metal571. Check him out on Twitter!

Genre Pairing

 

The K20s do well in a variety of different instances. I’ve seen them endorsed for:

  • Orchestral sound
  • Piano
  • Rock
  • Metal
  • Gaming
  • Mixing
  • Jazz/Classical
  • Guitar tracking and Mixing

Not as good for:

  • Rap/Hip-hop
  • EDM
  • Leisure listening

When I had them, I mostly listened to Prog Metal/Jazz Infusion (like Chon/Plini), some Rock, Indie Pop, Oldies, etc. They will do well with most genres and seem to excel with older Rock, Jazz, Classical, Motown, and Soul music in particular.

I did enjoy them with Rap & some Hip-Hop, but I wouldn’t buy them solely for that purpose.

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • Sound-wise, these two headphones are pretty much identical.

Differences

There are 2 main differences to speak of here:

  • Choice of cable. The MK II comes with 2 cables, a coiled version, and a straight version.
  • 2 included sets of pads. You have the choice of an extra set of regular pads and a nice comfy set of velour pads. ‘MERICA!

Final Word

I really do love the K240s, and would recommend them wholeheartedly without question. The build is flimsy, but they are studio legends.

Extremely flat and accurate sound, no sibilance, a fantastic mid-range, and a ridiculously low price.

Bass heads look elsewhere. These are more than anemic in the bass. It’s LIGHT.

This is probably the leanest bass response I’ve ever heard out of a headphone. Still, if you can get past that and appreciate more subtlety and nuance in your low end, you’ll find they’re an incredible value and will serve you well for a long time.

Interested in learning more?

 

 

 


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve gained some further insight on the AKG K240 vs. K240 MKII.

What do you think of these? Do they live up to the “Studio Legend” moniker? Let me know!

Do you need another recommendation separate from the ones above? Comment down below or contact me, I would love to hear from you.

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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34 comments

Ken April 7, 2016 - 4:25 pm

My observation is based on limited personal experience, but I have owned 2 pair of AKG K240S headphones and one pair Sennheiser HD280s. Both pair of the AKG far outlasted the HD280s. In fact neither pair have failed in over 10 years. The Sennheiser just stopped working after 5 years of use, and I am the only user and very gentle with all my equipment.

Reply
Stu April 8, 2016 - 11:47 pm

Ah, thanks much for the insight! I only had my 280’s for less than a year, but in my time with them they held up quite well. I have actually heard people owning them for upwards of 10 years! It’s unfortunate your pair crapped out after 5, but it goes to show that they do have a good longevity factor. As for the AKG’s, that’s pretty amazing! How did you like them sound wise?

-Stu

Reply
Tim January 11, 2017 - 10:26 pm

I have hardly ever seen such a helpful review.
Pros and cons, important differences, and as you even recommended alternatives you got me hooked.
Keep it up!

-Tim

Reply
Stu January 15, 2017 - 3:07 am

No problem man that’s what I’m here for. If you ever need anything just contact me!!
Blessings,
-Stu

Reply
Jay Aich January 21, 2017 - 10:27 pm

I’ve owned dozens of headphones, and none have ever come near the durability of the K240s. I’m on my third year now with them. That’s three years of near daily intensive use, throwing them in backpacks, dropping them, getting the wire caught on doorknobs, wearing them in LIGHT rain – you name it, they’ve had that abuse.

And they have never ever come anywhere close to breaking.

All I am saying is that looks deceive. These are solid and dependable, and the build quality is in no way a drawback.

As for the sound – well, they’re fantastic. But other people, including you, have described that better than I ever could, so I’ll leave the sound to the experts.

BTW, I pair them with the Fiios E07K Andes Amp/DAC. That’s a wonderful combination.

Reply
Stu January 21, 2017 - 10:52 pm

Hey Jay!

Glad to hear you had such a good experience build wise with them. I owned them for awhile and now I actually want them back! Lol. I didn’t have them as long as you, but they did hold up fine for me. What I was worried about was how light they were. It wasn’t the kind of light that made you feel comfortable about them. They almost felt like a toy. The sound however? Amazing like you say. I currently have the Schiit Magni/Modi stack, but I would love to try other things. The E07K has been on my radar for awhile. May have to try it out. 🙂

I’m also curious as to which model you snagged. I had heard that some of the original models (not made in China), were extremely durable. Perhaps you got one of those? I have read a lot about the Chinese model, and the build seems to suffer over time.

Regardless, the K240’s are still worth it in my opinion because of that open sound and phenomenal mid-range.

-Stu

Reply
Leon January 28, 2017 - 8:30 am

Hi Stu,

I am an owner of AKG K240 made in AUSTRIA, since 1977 and reading your article I noticed a basic mistake.
Your review is for K240 STUDIO and not for K240 (zoom the photo). The K240 was never gold, and never had detachable cable. It’s unique and state of the art. The K240 is a code name (as I believe) of 2*4+0 that means 4 passive radiators in front and 4 in the back of the driver and was advertised in the 70s as “9 membranes revolution” and it was. It was very expensive also, something like 3-4K USD today equalizing the living level. The Austrians got famous from the amazing natural sound of their headphones, they kept the name, adding some symbols like “s” “mkII” “studio” etc, the outside design and gradually removed the passive radiators (and the cost) from the the next models. Imagine a Ferrari with a VW motor inside !! I hope that you can some day test the real K240. You will be in another level of music experience.

Leon

Reply
Stu January 28, 2017 - 2:34 pm

Hey Leon!

Wow thanks for that information. I was aware of the AKG K240 Sextett 600 Ohm. Is this the model you are referring to that came out in 1975? As you’ve said, it didn’t have gold on it and I see from the image I’m looking at that it has holes in the headband. Please let me know as I would love to demo them. I also read that it was 6 passive radiators total, as oppose to the 8 you mention (hence Sextett).

There are also some other models such as the K240-DF (1984), K240 Jubilee (1997 anniversary), and K240-M (which did have the Gold accents similar to the newer S model, but were made in Austria rather than China), the K280, the K340, K241, K242, and of course the K240S (Studio), which I owned for awhile and are the headphones reviewed in this article. Lol, you really got me curious about the old AKG line.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to hear from you soon.
-Stu

Reply
Rostyslav Maryniak March 26, 2017 - 8:13 am

Hi there,
Thanks for your side by side headphones comparison. As far as I understand they both look the same so which ever gives a better price deal that one is the best to go with. I personally wouldn’t take into consideration what country the headphones are made in because I’ve got a pair of AKG Q701 made in Austria and their build quality left me very disappointed. My headphones have never been brought outdoors but I got nearly everything broken in them within the first two years of use. All the plastic guides which hold the overhead supporting pad as well as their rubber tensioners fell apart just due to the material aging prematurely. Along with that, many times I had to re-solder the wires connected to the audio drivers because they broke due to excessive stiffness. The above has nothing to do with either driver operation or sound playback quality though.

Reply
Stu March 28, 2017 - 11:51 pm

That’s such a shame Rostyslav!

I was under the impression that the Austrian models were really good. Perhaps you just got a lemon (bad one). I myself had a pair of K240 studio’s (Chinese model), and they held up pretty well for me. I really like the sound though. That mid-range is fantastic! How did you like the sound of the Q701’s?

-Stu

Reply
Bongos April 21, 2017 - 9:01 pm

I too have a pair of K240 Sextettes – got new in the 70’s – over 40 years old. After years of abuse, they are still wicked awesome. Thing I learned, is at 600 ohms they require power and they also lack a bit of low end. However, I tried a Mackie 404 LZ mixer as a headphone amp hooked to my Marantz 2225 tape out and the sound was jaw-dropping good listening to vinyl. Audiophiles may scoff at using that mixer but the pre’s are state-of-the-art it’s got huevos-grande power and you get the added EQ to add lows or roll off highs when you need to. It makes those old K240’s breathtaking. Same principle as the Bose 901’s…they sound awful without the included EQ unit, but listen to them with a refurbed EQ unit and they too are pretty amazing. And you can juice up the sound just enough to your own tastes. The old K240’s are a bit uncomfortable too. So I replaced the ear pads with some pricy leather Dekoni’s and… DONE. I look no further – they are IT.

Reply
Stu April 23, 2017 - 1:27 am

That’s awesome man! Would you be willing to lend them to me for demo/review? That’s pretty amazing that you’ve had them for 40 years. Wow. I heard the sound is pretty incredible. I had the K240 studios (made in China), and I loved the sound. They were kind of cheap feeling though. How’s the durability on the Sextetts?

Reply
Bongos May 14, 2017 - 7:32 am

Thanks for the reply. Couldn’t lend those out as they are like a family member 😉 Listening to the first Black Sabbath vinyl on them now. But I picked up a second pair that need work and may lend them for review once I’m done with them. The Sextetts are as solid as the day I got them. Cheers.

Reply
Stu May 15, 2017 - 12:04 am

Anything you could do would be much appreciated. Thanks for stopping back by! If you do decide to lend them, please comment here or contact me. 🙂

-Stu

Reply
Tome T. December 11, 2017 - 4:51 pm

I have a pair of K240 from the early 1990’s, and a pair of K260 from the same era.
Neither pair have a detachable cord.

Overall, I prefer the K240 over the K260, and that is mostly due to the K240’s greater sensitivity rating that allows them to play louder when fed the same power level. The K260 are also great sounding and have a very nice neutral response like the K240’s.

These headphones are legendary for their excellent neutral response, which means they are designed to not color the frequency output so that the listener hears the source material in a very natural “as is” manner. This is why these headphones are loved and preferred by professional musicians, audio engineers, and mixer mastering. During recording the musicians hear the tracks cleanly and clearly and that is a highly desirable trait.

These headphones for a very high headroom and allow a loud volume level without distorting, and that too is highly desired in the studio. For playback and general listening the sound and tone is very natural and reproduction is clear and accurate making for an excellent listening experience that is not altered and colored by the headphones. Other brands add their own idea of EQ that ends up altering all of a person’s music so that they are not hearing the music as the engineers and musicians created it, but how the headphone maker likes it. That’s not good at all.

Some very expensive brands of headphones design their headphones to push the loud end and the high end, which does create a aural reaction in most people. The average listener responds to volume over quality in that they will think the louder headphone or speaker is the better headphone due just to louder volume and not the actual ability to reproduce all the frequencies cleanly and evenly. Also, the average listener responds positively to headphones that push the low end/bass as that is also perceived as “better”. Some headphones will push the high end as well, and that too creates a perception of “better” quality as many people have a decreased perception of higher frequencies.

Personally, I do not like headphones nor speakers that color/eq their overall output so that all the audio that is played through them is automatically altered whether it needs to be or not. I prefer to do the eq myself so that I can decide if, when, and how much eq any particular audio may or may not need. A lot of people pay way too much for certain big name brands that are heavy handed in their pre-colored/eq tone.

AKG is a “big” brand, but it’s known more to musicians and recording engineers, and by listener who understand what makes a good quality audio driver.

Regarding quality of construction and longevity, I can easily attest to the very high quality and excellent longevity of AKG headphones, in particular the K240 and K260 models. Yes, they are very nicely lightweight and that is an excellent quality they possess. When recording in a studio musicians will be wearing headphones for very extended time periods, so having excellent quality and light weight headphones is a huge PLUS not a negative. AKG achieved excellent sound reproduction along with very lightweight and that combination created their legendary status. And, the materials used are of excellent quality allowing these headphones to remain in excellent conditions for years and decades. My K240 and K260 are about 26 years old, and they both look nearly brand new still after all these years.

Now, I am giving my experience with the K240 and K260 from before the manufacturing move to China in 2009, iirc. That may very well be the difference as to how modern China made AKG headphones are viewed. I have read that listeners do not like the Chinese made versions, and there is a lot of talk of declining quality since the manufacturing move. Perhaps very soon pre-China AKG headphones may be sought after, and raise used value and prices.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 11, 2017 - 10:36 pm

That’s a good point. I had the K240 Studio’s for awhile (Chinese model), and thought they were phenomenal as far as sound goes. To me they felt flimsy, but like you said, they’re meant for the studio and can be worn for a really long period of time due to their amazing comfort.

I didn’t have a problem with mine breaking down, but I didn’t have them for any number of years. Now that I’m actually collecting, I wish I had kept them. Oh well. Maybe I can get my hands on a pair of the originals.

That said, how does the K260 differ? It’s cool that you mention that one because I’ve never heard of it.

-Stu

Reply
david albino August 19, 2018 - 11:01 pm

hola,stu
¿que opinas de samson sr850 para rap?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black August 22, 2018 - 3:48 pm

Depende de lo que estés dispuesto a sacrificar. Los 850 son fantásticos para el rap en mi opinión porque revelan más cosas que pasan debajo de la superficie. Comenzarás a escuchar pequeños detalles en canciones y ritmos que no conocías antes. A cambio de eso, estás renunciando a un golpe bajo. Si estás de acuerdo con eso, el 850 es fenomenal. También pueden ser un poco picos a veces pero no me molesta demasiado. ¡Los auriculares son un robo!

Translation for others:

It depends what you’re willing to sacrifice. The 850’s are fantastic for rap in my opinion because they reveal more going on underneath the surface. You’ll start to hear very small details in songs and beats that you weren’t aware of before. In exchange for that, you’re giving up some bass slam. If you’re okay with that, the 850 is phenomenal. Also they can be a bit peaky at times but it doesn’t bother me all that much. The headphone is a steal!

Reply
Oscar Parra November 28, 2018 - 5:44 pm

He tenido el estudio AKG K141 y ayer tuve que tirarlo a la basura porque no cabían más reparaciones de cables. ¡Estos audífonos han estado conmigo desde 2002 y estamos en 2018! He sido DJ y me acompañaron de cabina en cabina durante 9 años, con música en casa escuchando también en horas extrañas. No hay otro auricular que se compare con respecto a la durabilidad y la calidad del sonido. Hoy recibí el estudio AKG K240 y puedo decirles que aún se trata del puro sonido AKG que me gusta, una respuesta plana sin colores. Dicho esto, no creo que duren tanto como mi antiguo metal AKG. Estos llevan demasiado plástico para mi gusto.
Translation:
I have had the AKG K141 studio and yesterday had to throw it in the trash because no more cable repairs could fit. These headphones have been with me since 2002 and we are in 2018!! I have been a DJ and they accompanied me from cabin to cabin for 9 years, with home music listening as well at odd hours. There is no other headphone that compares with regard to durability and sound quality. Today I received the AKG K240 studio and I can tell you that it is still pure AKG sound like I like it, flat answer without colours. That said, I don’t think these will last as long as my old metal AKG. These carry too much plastic for my taste.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black November 28, 2018 - 6:01 pm

¡Wow hombre! En primer lugar, es impresionante que hayan durado tanto tiempo. Estoy de acuerdo con la construcción. El modelo más nuevo de AKG se siente como un juguete que encontraría en su Wal-Mart local. Oh bien. ¿Lo vas a devolver o lo guardas? ¡¡Házmelo saber!!
Translation:
Wow man! First of all that’s awesome that they lasted for such a long time. I agree about build. The newer model AKG’s feel like a toy you’d find in your local Wal-Mart. Oh well. Are you going to send it back or keep it? Let me know!!

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Polysix February 18, 2020 - 10:23 pm

You say the K240s and K240s Mk II sound almost identical, to me that couldn’t be further from the truth. The MKII sound downright awful by comparision, they remind me of any generic brand £20 ‘can’ sound, very distant and phasey. The K240S (gold and MADE IN AUSTRIA) I’ve owned for over 10 years and they just got better and better sound wise. When I A/B them to the around 5 year old set of MKII (Siliver made in China) they truly show up the MKII as sounding bad. I couldn’t mix on the MKII but have been mixing(along with monitors) on the K240s AUSTRIAS for many years happily.

I don’t know how or why they sound so different given the identical spec but those drivers surely can’t be the same?

I saw the gold K240s sold in 2020 has no “MADE IN AUSTRIA” on (just like the silver MKII) so can only assume the gold now sound as bad as the MKII. Trust me, if you’ve not heard the AUSTRIA originals you’re hearing nothing much better than some SONY MDR consumer level stuff.

Dunno what I’ll do if these ever stop working cos I can’t find Austria model K240s for sale anymore :(… I also recall they cost a LOT more back in 2008? (over £100) and the newer models are like £50 and even £35 for the chinese models… guess that says it all.

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Stuart Charles Black March 15, 2020 - 8:05 pm

Hey man!

Yeah I have owned the K240S (non Austrian) and also the K240M and as far as I can remember, the sound of them was very similar although I have not heard a Chinese K240 since about 2016. I just recently got my hands on a 240M Austrian but the seller didn’t mention the low hum/buzz in the right ear and it was super annoying so I sent it back. Would love to get my hands on all of the original Austrians and do a shootout and put this thing to bed.

The 240M reminded me why I love music so much actually. I’m itching to get another one here.. That’s weird about the MK II though; I too haven’t been able to find an actual 240 STUDIO that’s an Austrian original. I’ve seen DF’s here and there though. That may be my next purchase actually a long with the Sextett. Have you heard those?

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Miloš July 5, 2020 - 3:58 pm

Hi Stu, sensitivity 91dB/mW or 104dB/mW? Information on your website is confusing.
Also information on official AKG website is confusing. There is written 104 dB SPL/V, but on the box, there is written 91 dB SPL/V (I suppose, this is correct)
Thank you.
Miloš

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Stuart Charles Black July 6, 2020 - 6:05 pm

Hey man! It is very confusing. It’s actually 91 dB/mW which is not efficient at all, but not as hard to drive as some people may think due to it’s also somewhat low Impedance at 55 Ohm. Thank you for pointing out that error in the review! When I wrote out 104 it was supposed to be by the volt. In mW, it’s easier to understand that a low number means the headphone in question (in this case K240) will need some more power from the Amp to reach an acceptable listening level. Are you looking for an Amp for this bad boy? Let me know!!

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Miloš August 28, 2020 - 7:34 pm

Hi man! I’m just using Project Head Box S2 and it’s working well! And thanks for your reply.
Can you tell me your opinion regarding stock pads? I found velvet pads unfavourable, headphones simply sounds for me better with leatherette stock eaerpads. Do you have the same feeling? Miloš

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Stuart Charles Black August 31, 2020 - 9:26 pm

Hey man my pleasure! The stock pads are alright, but kind of shallow and tend to dig into your ears. That said, I prefer them because of the sound, but haven’t really used anything else with a K240. I’ve owned both the 240S and 240M 600 Ohm. 🙂 I grin and bear it because I don’t want to change that sound signature too much. It’s so perfect!

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Peter van der Veen January 12, 2021 - 1:15 pm

Hi Stu,

The sub-bass is very extended, but subtle. My – made in Austria – K 701 had to go; the K 240 is my winner.

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Stuart Charles Black January 12, 2021 - 7:49 pm

Wow! That’s interesting man. There is something about the K240 that’s just so special. I actually just got my hands on another K240M that my mom’s friend gave me! The funny part is that I had bought one on ebay a while back, but the guy failed to mention the buzz/static in the right ear. So I resold it CLARIFYING that lol. What luck that I got another one! He also included a K260 in there as well. Have you heard that one?

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donunus September 19, 2022 - 4:04 am

How do you like the velour pads vs the pleather on these cans?

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Stuart Charles Black September 19, 2022 - 2:42 pm

Hey there!

Haven’t actually gotten a chance to try velour on the K240, but if I had to guess, you’ll be sacrificing sound for better comfort. Different pads will alter the sound, so do keep that in mind. I may try and snag a pair of velours for my K240M, and I will let you know if I end up doing it.

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donunus September 19, 2022 - 6:20 pm

Thanks for the reply. I am talking about the AKG velours specifically made for them. The one that comes in the k240mk2 package. I was just contemplating whether to get the k240s or the mk2 primarily just for those extra velours. The extra cables are a bonus as well.

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Stuart Charles Black September 19, 2022 - 7:09 pm

Ah, yes. Completely forgot about that! Yeah, the K240 MK II is definitely a better value overall because of the extra set of pads imo, so I would go for it. Keep me posted!

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donunus September 19, 2022 - 10:11 pm

I will post here if I ever end up with the mk2 package.

Stuart Charles Black September 21, 2022 - 1:21 pm

Nice! Looking forward.

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