AKG K550 MK II

[Keepington]

Hi,

Wanting to buy some AKG K550 headphones after the WHF award. In Sydney no one has them in stock, but an outfit called Android Enjoyed have the AKG K550 MK II for $169 Aus, which over $230 cheaper than the recommended retail. Problem is I cannot see the MK II on the AKG website. Any light shed would be appreciated.

 

[keeper of the quays]

Hi,

Wanting to buy some AKG K550 headphones after the WHF award.  In Sydney no one has them in stock, but an outfit called Android Enjoyed have the AKG K550 MK II for $169 Aus, which over $230 cheaper than the recommended retail.  Problem is I cannot see the MK II on the AKG website.  Any light shed would be appreciated.

didn't know there was a mk2? I have AKG 550 mk1? Very good in my opinion...

 

[ID.]

Looked at a local retailer's website and there is a MKII. Sells for more like $300 AUD here in Japan, so I don't know whether the price should be a red flag.

Edit: found them here for a bit over $200, which is still considerably more expensive than the price you mention.

checked out the shops online reviews. Sounds a bit dodgy. Best case scenario, you get authentic headphones but purchased in China so won't be covered for warranty in Australia. Worst case scenario, you get a counterfeit product and have troubles getting a refund or even a response from the company.

 

[dalethorn]

I got the very excellent K553 from Massdrop. Don't know if they ship those everywhere though.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100000759563588]

I got the very excellent K553 from Massdrop. Don't know if they ship those everywhere though.

Most of the time Massdrop ship to the UK, but we get customs charges sometimes. Need to create an account to test out other areas of the world though.

How do they sound Dale?

 

[dalethorn]

I got the very excellent K553 from Massdrop. Don't know if they ship those everywhere though.

Most of the time Massdrop ship to the UK, but we get customs charges sometimes. Need to create an account to test out other areas of the world though. How do they sound Dale?

The K553 is a very evenly-balanced sound. The bass is satisfyingly warm, the treble is just right (not bright), and the mids have just the smallest emphasis around Middle C, so to me it's pretty darn amazing for the price. I paid $120 USD at Massdrop. I'm trying to think of something that sounds as good with no tweaking or tone controls/EQ -- the closest would probably be MrSpeakers Mad Dog. The Senn HD25-1-II gets close depending on the earpads you use, but the HD25 isn't as neutral.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100000759563588]

The K553 is a very evenly-balanced sound. The bass is satisfyingly warm, the treble is just right (not bright), and the mids have just the smallest emphasis around Middle C, so to me it's pretty darn amazing for the price. I paid $120 USD at Massdrop. I'm trying to think of something that sounds as good with no tweaking or tone controls/EQ -- the closest would probably be MrSpeakers Mad Dog. The Senn HD25-1-II gets close depending on the earpads you use, but the HD25 isn't as neutral.

Thanks Dale, that price was a bargain at £85GBP. I've registered interest on the next drop.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100000759563588]

Thanks Dale, that price was a bargain at £85GBP. I've registered interest on the next drop.

....and the AKG553 is now available in the UK at Massdrop via a freight forwarding process at $25. Total price delivered is $144.99 or £102.67 at today's exchange rate.