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Description

The AKG K240 Sextett headphones are a classic choice for both professional audio engineers and dedicated music enthusiasts. Designed with AKG's pioneering innovation, these headphones feature a unique passive radiator system, which sets them apart in the audio landscape. This system enhances the bass response without compromising the mid and high frequencies, ensuring a balanced sound that's been trusted in studios for decades. The semi-open design provides a spacious sound stage, making them ideal for mixing and critical listening.

The K240 Sextett is renowned for its comfort during long sessions, thanks to its self-adjusting headband and soft ear pads. The durable construction ensures these headphones withstand the rigors of daily use, while their detachable cable offers convenience and flexibility. Whether you're in the studio or enjoying your favorite tracks at home, the AKG K240 Sextett delivers a reliable and enjoyable listening experience.

Key Features:

  • Unique passive radiator system for enhanced bass response
  • Semi-open design for expansive sound stage
  • Self-adjusting headband for optimal comfort
  • Detachable cable for convenience and easy replacement
  • Trusted choice for professional and personal audio applications
VitaminZeth “VitaminZeth”

VitaminZeth “VitaminZeth”

Revisiting AKG K240 - A Legendary Headphone: Cleaning and Teardown

Video thumbnail for Revisiting AKG K240 - A Legendary Headphone: Cleaning and Teardown by VitaminZeth “VitaminZeth”

Revisiting AKG K240 - A Legendary Headphone: Cleaning and Teardown

VitaminZeth “VitaminZeth”

VitaminZeth “VitaminZeth”

Video thumbnail for AKG K240 Sextetts:The Metal Headphone by Monsterzero by HeadKarma (Monsterzero)

AKG K240 Sextetts:The Metal Headphone by Monsterzero

HeadKarma (Monsterzero)

HeadKarma (Monsterzero)

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG K240 Sextett.

Use cases and applications

  • The K240 Sextett excels in rock, metal, and prog rock genres, delivering detailed mids and highs, though sub-bass can be lacking compared to planar magnetic headphones.

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  • These headphones excel in acoustic music, particularly with artists like Nick Drake or Elliott Smith, where their intimate sound signature shines.

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  • The headphones excel in rock and mainstream pop due to their frequency response, with strong mid- and upper-bass presence.

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Value and pricing

  • The Sextett can be found at thrift stores for as low as $3, making them an exceptional find for budget-conscious audiophiles.

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User experience

  • They can be picky about recordings; high-quality material results in rewarding sound, while poor recordings can sound plasticky, especially in drums and bass.

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  • Some users find these headphones easier to drive than expected despite their 600-ohm rating, achieving sufficient volume with a motherboard's built-in amp.

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  • The K240 Sextett is not portable due to its 600-ohm impedance, requiring a powerful amp to drive efficiently.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have attempted to replace original pleather pads with real leather pads for improved comfort, though finding suitable replacements can be challenging.

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  • Implementing an EQ profile with specific bass adjustments (e.g., +5.5 dB at 105 Hz) can significantly enhance bass response while preserving the headphone's character.

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  • Brainwavz XL hybrid pads are recommended to enhance comfort without sacrificing sound quality, as standard K240 pads are often considered subpar.

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  • Suede ZMF pads can balance the tonality but may sharpen treble; Beyerdynamic pads can be fitted with effort for a different sound profile.

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Comparisons

  • The Sextett's soundstage is narrow and "in your face," reminiscent of Grado headphones, offering a fun and engaging listening experience.

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  • The Schiit Asgard 2 amp, providing 190mW at 600 ohms, is sufficient for driving these headphones, though some users opt for vintage receivers for improved sound.

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  • Newer AKG models are described as lacking the build quality and sound fidelity of the original K240 Sextett, often feeling flimsy by comparison.

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Features and functionality

  • The K240 Sextett utilizes a unique design with six passive radiators around the driver to manage low-frequency spikes, unlike modern dynamic headphones.

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Build quality

  • The headband tends to become brittle over time due to age, a common issue with these vintage headphones.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners need to replace the inner foam ring (AKG 2073Z15020) and rubber loop (AKG 2040M03030) as they deteriorate, affecting sound and structural integrity.

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  • Replacing the inner foam is advised as it often deteriorates, affecting sound and causing debris; this is common in older models.

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Critic Reviews

Two Vintage AKG Headphones: K240 Sextett and K340 Electrostatic Dynamic | Stereophile.com

stereophile.com

The AKG K240 Sextett headphones, with their unique six passive radiators, offer a nostalgic yet impressive listening experience. Praised for their natural and realistic midrange, they excel in delivering pure instrument tones. However, they fall short with a slightly grainy treble and bass that lacks tightness unless powered adequately. These vintage cans require a proper amp to truly shine, making them unsuitable for casual use with modern portable devices. Despite some limitations, their neutral response and dynamic punch make them a worthwhile choice for audiophiles seeking a piece of headphone history.

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Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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D

Amazing sound quality

Flat curve, good bass response, but with the time L-R channels can be slightly unbalanced.

depilkington

Original Version of the K240

Mid 70's version with 6 passive radiators, replaced in the later versions with filter paper due to the expense! these are without doubt the best sounding K240's ever made, great midrange, better bass, but as with all K240's not great high end, I use these as tracking headphones due to the semi closed design.

kert_mottus

Flat and pure, crisp and raw.

Only the pads I would change as these start to wear on my (big) head. Other than that, perfect combination for the Yamaha HS7's as they are similarly flat and true(within the range of a headphone). As opposed to Logitech gaming G430 ones that are bassy-boomy.

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Artist usage

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See how George Harrison uses AKG K240 Sextett

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Wikipedia

George Harrison is associated with the AKG K240 Sextett headphones, as noted in the Wikipedia entry on John Lennon's musical instruments.

See how Freddie Mercury uses AKG K240 Sextett

Freddie Mercury

Singer, Keyboardist

Queen

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Verified via YouTube

In the dokumentary for One Vision you can clearly see on minute 15.3 that Freddie is using the AKG K240 Sextett as his headphones.

See how Solid Snake uses AKG K240 Sextett

Solid Snake

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Solidsnakemusic

They list all their studio gear on their website, you can see this item too.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG K240 Sextett, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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kert_mottus

kert_mottus

Gear IQ 157

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