Description up, testing almost complete: AKG K540

[Drubbing]

20 AKGs is a lot. Especially if they've got Quincy Jones name on them in funkadelic colours.

[G-rig]

If i didn't already have the MS-1 I'd be tempted to get a pair of these. Was also wondering if the upgrade was worth it, seems maybe not. May wait till mine break or something.

Is it the usual story of more detail/refinement but not as fun as the MS-1? They seem to tick all the boxes though.

[Marcus]

I wouldn't say the MS1 are more fun sounding, both are quite engaging. Having both would be doubling up somewhat, though

[G-rig]

Yeah it's not like there is anything i don't like about the MS-1, but always looking for something slightly better to use in the office without spending heaps. I assume the AKG may be better for electronic music, as in are they fairly energetic? Rock is great on the MS-1.

[Marcus]

The electronic that I've been testing with them is excellent, that little more bass response from the AKGs does make a difference

[.:Cyb3rGlitch:.]

I know I ask this a lot, but would these be any good for portable use in terms of isolation?

[Marcus]

Isolation levels are pretty low, so you'll need to crank them up in noisy environments.
Transportable, definitely. Portable sure as long as you don't need isolation.

[.:Cyb3rGlitch:.]

I managed to score a pair of these recently. I'm liking them more than my MS-1 so far!

The only downsides I see compared to the MS-1s are:
- They're less comfortable than MS-1's with comfy pads. That's not to say the K540 is uncomfortable, just not as comfortable IMO.
- The high end is a tad harsh. I had to adjust the equaliser provided by my STX to lower the gain on the 8k and 16k bands by ~2dB.

That being said, I agree completely that these are refined MS-1s, the bass is fuller (without losing the punchy bass I love on the MS-1s), and the added crispness of the treble is very welcome.

[G-rig]

Sounds like a decent set of cans.

The MS-1 can sound a bit muffled, not sure if it's just me.. if i open my ear canals they are clearer but that isn't always practical.

[matt_d_19]

My friend just got one of these. He said he likes it more than my Pros. Big talk...
But he did only have ~10min with the Pro.

[G-rig]

that's not long enough, same as the MS-1. Over time you realise how good they are. I would actually get the Beyer T70 over the AKG, but more money etc..

[Marcus]

Yeah definitely not enough time with them

I've had a few people report back mentioning the treble can be a bit bright on the 540 but I wouldn't call it overly harsh. They're as energetic as the MS1 but tend to have a little better treble separation. Both models can be quite forward.

[G-rig]

It would be a bit tempting to replace my MS-1 and HD-25 with a pair of these...
but buying and selling stuff doesn't work out the best..

[matt_d_19]

It would be a bit tempting to replace my MS-1 and HD-25 with a pair of these...
but buying and selling stuff doesn't work out the best..

I don't know if that would be a great idea. I don't believe that the K540 isolate enough in noisy environments (which is where the HD25 excels. The K540 that I tried barely isolated at all) and, personally, I prefer the sound of the HD25 (haven't tried the MS1), don't know about you, though. You did say that you found the MS1 muffled, and the one thing I noticed when trying these was how muffled they sounded in comparison to the Pros.
Plus you'd have to stuff around trying to sell your stuff.

Still, I like the K540. Nice soundstage, separation, detail, but a bit bassy overall to me.

[G-rig]

Hi Matt good advice.. don't think it would be worth it then. Just at times the HD-25 sound a bit average but other times great. After all i got them for commuting/noisy environments so they do excel at that.

The MS-1 do sound a bit muffled at times depending on the music/recording which is highly variable, but overall not too bad. Still yet to get a pair of PRO's .