Simply put: AKG K 240 DF = The clearest, best headphones ever created for studio reference.

I have been using these headphones professionally since the mid-80s. These headphones have been discontinued. And that is sad, because to my ears, these are the most accurate, clearest studio reference headphones ever produced. In 30+ years of mixing music, I honestly have not found any other headphones that even come close to the accurate, flat, and clear sound of the AKG K 240 DFs. Not even more expensive headphones. And I've done quite a few comparisons. Especially after learning these were discontinued. From other AKGs like the 271 Mk IIs or the plain K 240s to a handful of Sonys and Sennheisers to newer models like the Audio-Technica ATH-MX50x that a lot of my colleagues are hot on. The AKG K 240 DFs stand head and shoulders above all of these. There is a trend for "modern" headphones to be either "loud" (check the ohm rating) or to enhance "bass" (the lower frequency ranges). The AKG 240 DFs are neither loud nor bass heavy. And I love that. At 2x600 Ohms these headphones are relatively quiet. And for mix sessions, this is a blessing. Especially when considering ear fatigue. And the lack of emphasis on bass is also a blessing. When I mix, I do not want a pair of subwoofers strapped to my head. In my experience, the low frequencies (especially around 100Hz and below) should really be checked by using a true mono subwoofer monitor anyway. The pros: *Best, clearest sound ever from a set of headphones. Very simple. No other headphones can compete. *Comfortable enough to be worn during long mix sessions *The later versions come with and 1/8" stereo plug + 1/8" to 1/4" stereo adaptor, which was a great move heading into modern listening environments (iPods, iPhones, laptops, etc.) The cons: *Semi-open construction, so when tracking sensitive instruments (e.g., lead vocals), these headphones will allow a little more bleed than closed construction headphones. Depending on listening volumes, of course. *Sleeping with these headphones on can be uncomfortable. I wish that were not the case, but it is. ;-) These were clearly designed for the clearest of home "hi-fi" listening or mixing in a professional recording studio.Read full review

Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned