The AKG K 240 MK II differs from the K 240 studio ( used in many recording studios) in two important ways:

Two cables are now included. One is the standard light weight cable, the other is a coiled cable. Headphone cables can break, now you already have a spare.

Second, the ear cushions have been made softer for a better fit. This improves the bass response. An alternate pair of ear cushions have been included as well. Use what works best for you.

All other parts appear to be the same (in design but not always in appearance) including the drivers.

The sound is the same, but it is easier to get good head contact with these new phones, thus fuller bass is assured.

A B listening tests of the two models went as expected, no difference in sound, other than loss of bass in the old pair when they were not put on exactly right.

The sound is the best I have heard for the money. To get better sound, in my opinion, you will need to spend much more money for a pair of Stax electrostatic phones. Listening tests were done on classical music for the most part.

Opera, choral music, piano, and orchestra CDs and DVDs were used. What is remarkable is the transparency, the ability to hear so many inner parts in a complex choral work, such as the Brahms Requiem. There is no smearing of fast coloratura singing, such as found in early operas, a serious problem with even high end speakers.

Rock music testing was done using Roger Waters DVD “In The Flesh live”.
These phones handle lots of bass very cleanly. If the bass seems less than it should be, bear in mind that your body is not being shaken by the music, only your ears.

The semi open air design gives a very open stereo image that is very similar to sitting in a balcony seat overhanging the stage at Boston Symphony Hall. Bass- treble balance of the phones also matched the sound heard live from the front balcony. For people who sit farther from the orchestra these phones may sound a little short on bass. To me having the tonal balance and spacial aspects match a real location in a real hall is nice.

I sing in choirs more than I attend concerts. The phones also simulate the sound I hear when I am positioned center stage. Of course, there is a difference, nearby voices don’t stand out listening on phones. I get the feeling of listening from above center stage or below.

These phones do not produce a ” inside the head” effect which is also nice.

Highly Recommended, with a warning, you may not like your speakers after you get addicted to these phones.

Originally in use by me were a pair of K240M’s with a hardwired cord, which eventually frayed internally and cut to only one cup working. After 3 pairs of Koss’s I finally found these, a new and improved legend.

For a cheap Amazon price of 0ish you get the K240 MKII’s, Leatherette and Velvet ear cups, a 15′ Coiled Cord, a 9′ Strait Cord, a screw on 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter, and a gigantic AKG sticker. The cords are interchangeable and replaceable via the mini XLR connector, eliminating my previous problem of having cord issues internally.

Nothing has changed in the great sound of these baby’s, but they seem to adjust better and easier to your head, and be a tad lighter. They have an impedance of 55ohms and a 200mw max that power the 50mm Varimotion patented drivers, exactly the same as their 240m predecessor. Now, they are semi-open phones so if someone put their ear against the outside of one of the cups, they’d hear exactly what you were listening to. This isn’t bad because then you don’t hear cord rub and there really isn’t too much sound leakage.

Incredibly comfortable, and full of patents on the diaphragms, drivers, and headband, these phones are a perfect choice for anyone in a studio, doing some djing, or, just listening to great clarity at home.

I’ve been using the Sony MDR-7506 headphones for about a decade, and finally decided to try out the competition. I was worried that the AKGs would be less comfortable and produce insufficient bass. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I’ve never thought of the 7506 as a bass-heavy set of headphones – though the V700DJs and Logitech G35s certainly are. Forum comments suggested that the AKGs have lighter bass, but are better for mixing. Since I spend a fair amount of recreational time making music, I decided to give the AKGs a try.

What I’ve found is that the AKGs don’t seem to be bass light, they seem to have a much more even balance between bass and midrange. When I switch back, the Sonys do indeed seem to have heavier bass and a lighter midrange. When I play my own music back, my better mixes are very clear and my weak mixes are very obvious.

Update: nearly two years later, I’m still very happy with these headphones.