Oh how hard life must be when you’re designed to be a contender, but not to come in first. The K601 is an absolutely marvelous headphone, well controlled and dynamic, evenly balanced and spacious sounding. But it falls slightly short of being first class by lacking in refined resolving power. Though the highs are clear and simple sounding without being strident, they are also slightly withdrawn sounding, lacking the articulation of the finest details that would be found in reference class cans. This is only half bad because when most cans fail in this region it is replace harsh or over-bright highs. The K601 seems simply to be missing this particular category of sound. Frankly, we can’t think of a better way to fall short and still stay in the race. These cans are particularly recommended for those who love a dynamic sounding phone but hate any scratchiness. Minimize